Gemini 9A Flown Heat Shield Lucite
Unusually large, vintage Gemini 9A flown heatshield section sealed in an acrylic capsule from the estate of Apollo Astronaut Donn Eisele.
Out of stock
DESCRIPTION
Vintage Gemini 9A flown heatshield section measuring approximately 1" x 2", embedded within a 3" diameter x 2.5" tall lucite cylinder. The text "GEMINI IX / JUNE 3-6, 1966 / STAFFORD / CERNAN" is engraved on the bottom. This vintage piece comes from the estate of Apollo Astronaut Donn Eisele.
Gemini 9A proved to be one of the more eventful Gemini missions. Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan were able to rendezvous with the Agena Target Vehicle during Gemini 9A, but they were unable to dock with it because a launch preparation fault prevented the nose fairing from ejecting from the docking target. During his two-hour extravehicular activity, Cernan was supposed to demonstrate free flight in the USAF Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, a self-contained rocket pack. However, stress, exhaustion, and overheating prevented him from completing his arduous task.
Authentication Information:
Vintage lucite presentation is a widely recognized configuration from Rockwell and comes from the collection of Apollo Astronaut Donn Eisele. Heatshield within the lucite exhibits expected charring from the heat of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Condition Report:
Some minor surface scratching, as expected due to age, but otherwise in fine condition.
Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity:
All of our artifacts are thoroughly and extensively researched before being listed for sale, so much so that we're proud to offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity for this and other artifacts listed on our website. We also hold a record of every piece we sell, which can be identified and searched in our online database using the serial number listed on your certificate of authenticity.
Description
Vintage Gemini 9A flown heatshield section measuring approximately 1" x 2", embedded within a 3" diameter x 2.5" tall lucite cylinder. The text "GEMINI IX / JUNE 3-6, 1966 / STAFFORD / CERNAN" is engraved on the bottom. This vintage piece comes from the estate of Apollo Astronaut Donn Eisele.
Gemini 9A proved to be one of the more eventful Gemini missions. Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan were able to rendezvous with the Agena Target Vehicle during Gemini 9A, but they were unable to dock with it because a launch preparation fault prevented the nose fairing from ejecting from the docking target. During his two-hour extravehicular activity, Cernan was supposed to demonstrate free flight in the USAF Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, a self-contained rocket pack. However, stress, exhaustion, and overheating prevented him from completing his arduous task.
Authentication Information:
Vintage lucite presentation is a widely recognized configuration from Rockwell and comes from the collection of Apollo Astronaut Donn Eisele. Heatshield within the lucite exhibits expected charring from the heat of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Condition Report:
Some minor surface scratching, as expected due to age, but otherwise in fine condition.
Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity:
All of our artifacts are thoroughly and extensively researched before being listed for sale, so much so that we're proud to offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity for this and other artifacts listed on our website. We also hold a record of every piece we sell, which can be identified and searched in our online database using the serial number listed on your certificate of authenticity.
