1960’s NASA PROJECT GEMINI FILM CAPSULE “ POST LANDING RECOVERY QUALIFICATION ” 79954 (1960)

Synopsis

This film shows tests with Gemini Static Article No. 5. This was a model of the first manned Gemini spacecraft, designed for test and qualifications of landing and recovery procedures. Project Gemini ran from 1961 to 1966. The tests shown in the film were conducted after NASA determined that returning Gemini capsules were to land in the sea (:32). This landing technique was similar to that of the Mercury space program (:44) although there were several differences that required a complete post landing and recovery re-qualification. Variations shown include the flotation angles of the two spacecraft (1:00), the seating position of the astronauts caused by the floatation angles (1:21), as well as the location of the spacecraft’s systems (1:43). Static Article V was to be used at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis for post landing and recovery requalification tests (2:05). Static Article 5 is seen being prepared by McDonnell workers (2:17). It was created to be a replica to Spacecraft III which is to be the first manned Gemini spacecraft (2:47). An Electronics Division truck ships the Static Article 5 to the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas for open sea tests (2:58). The first of these tests was held in the Gulf of Mexico (3:09). The objective for this test was to demonstrate the craft’s suitability and stability while in a sea environment for long durations (3:18). The second test was to qualify the essential post landing systems and demonstrate the craft…

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Details

Running time

14 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage