Scale Model of the Gemini Spacecraft
Artifact IDMO 63.1922a-c
Object Type
Model
Date
1962
Date Presented12/9/1962
Maker
McDonnell Aircraft Corportation
(Founded 1939)
Medium
Painted metal, painted wood, plastic, Plexiglas
DimensionsOverall H 31 in x W 18 in (78.7 cm x 45.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionModel of the Gemini Spacecraft which includes three major modules, mounted on a wooden base. The lowest part (white part) of the model capsule is divided into two sections and was designed to house retrograde rockets, thrusters, propellant tanks, drinking water, electrical power system and instrumentation equipment. The middle section (black) of the spacecraft, or landing module, contains the cabin which holds two seated astronaut dolls in ejection seats facing the control panel. The exterior of the model has several access and equipment doors and two observation windows. The top section, or nose, of the model holds the parachute landing system and radar. There is a metal plaque on the base inscribed: "Christmas 1962/ Gemini Spacecraft (Scale 1/8)/ Made and Presented by/ The Personnel of McDonnell Aircraft/ To President John F. Kennedy/ In Appreciation of His Visit to the St. Louis Plant/ On 12 September 1962".
Historical NoteNASA’s space program had three phases developed to achieve Kennedy’s ultimate goal of getting an American on the Moon before the Soviet Union: the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. While the main goal of the Mercury program was to get a man into orbit and recover him and the spacecraft successfully, the Gemini program developed the technology needed to support longer flights, space walks, and space rendezvous and docking in orbit. Gemini was the first American manned spacecraft to include an onboard computer (the Gemini Guidance Computer) to facilitate management and control of mission maneuvers. It was also unlike other NASA craft in that it used ejection seats, in-flight radar and an artificial horizon - devices borrowed from the aviation industry.
This scale model of the Gemini spacecraft was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Air Force Aide Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh on behalf of McDonnell Aircraft on December 9, 1962, in appreciation of the President's visit to the St. Louis plant earlier that year on September 12. It was displayed in the "Fish Room" of the White House and John Jr. was known to have played with the astronauts in the model.
Additional DetailsThis scale model of the Gemini spacecraft was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Air Force Aide Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh on behalf of McDonnell Aircraft on December 9, 1962, in appreciation of the President's visit to the St. Louis plant earlier that year on September 12. It was displayed in the "Fish Room" of the White House and John Jr. was known to have played with the astronauts in the model.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view
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