This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Collection Item Summary:
These nine velcro restraints for restaining items in weightless were found inside the Gemini XII spacecraft during a restoration. Commanded by Jim Lovell and piloted by Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Gemini XII was launched on November 11, 1966 for a 4-day, 59-orbit mission. Highlights included 3 extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) by Aldrin, 5 hours 30 minutes total, in which he evaluated improved EVA techniques to manage workload and overheating during EVA. Aldrin made extensive use of handholds and footholds to prevent unwanted movement during his tasks, and his techniques were an important milestone toward effective astronaut use of EVA. During one of the spacewalks, Aldrin attached a tether to the docked Agena 12. The tether allowed the crew to create an artificial gravity by separating the Gemini from the tethered Agena and firing thrusters to induce a slow spin.
NASA transferred the Gemini XII spacecraft, including these restraints, to the Smithsonian in 1968.
Collection Item Long Description:
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- Other ((1) 52-92527-19-02): 10in. x 5 1/2in. x 1/8in. (25.4 x 13.97 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((2) 52-92527-12-21): 8 3/4in. x 3 1/2in. x 1/8in. (22.23 x 8.89 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((3) 52-92527-17-21): 8 7/8in. x 3 1/2in. x 1/8in. (22.54 x 8.89 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((4) 52-00001-12M5-1): 1ft 4 3/4in. x 5 1/4in. x 1/8in. (42.55 x 13.34 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((5) 52-92527-301-21): 11 3/8in. x 7 7/8in. x 1/8in. (28.89 x 20 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((6) 52-92527-11-21): 1ft 3in. x 3 1/2in. x 1/8in. (38.1 x 8.93 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((7) 52-92526-2-21): 2ft 3 1/2in. x 11in. x 1/8in. (69.85 x 27.94 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((8) no #): 2ft 3 1/2in. x 11in. x 1/8in. (69.85 x 27.94 x 0.32cm)
- Other ((9) 52-92549-1-01-): 2ft 7 1/2in. x 1ft 5in. x 1/8in. (80.01 x 43.18 x 0.32cm)