g_v_c_o_AKP (ca. 1963, McDonnell Aircraft Corp. photo no. D4C 15149)
Astronaut Gus Grissom appears to be conducting an evaluation of a circular egress/ingress ‘orifice’ incorporated into the hatch of a model/mock-up/"training" Gemini capsule. I assume whatever is going on here was part of investigations into extravehicular activity equipment & procedures. Maybe this was considered for stand-up extravehicular activity, eliminating the requirement to open the hatch.
If so, other than the introduction of a potentially catastrophic single-point-of-failure, there is some merit to this. Especially if it was detachable/removable, therefore not hinged, which I wouldn't expect it to have been. Just my pointless SWAG/1.5¢.
Based on the similarities of the scaffolding and similar graphics pattern on the badges of the bespectacled gentleman on the left and that of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, James S. McDonnell in the below linked photo, I’m quite sure this was taken at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation plant in St. Louis, Missouri. Ca. 1963…maybe. Love the plywood!
So, IDK, I’m winging it, as I’ve found absolutely NOTHING regarding Gemini hatches with a round opening.
Regardless, it’s cool, and the photograph is in fantastic condition! 8.5" x 11".
Possible, sorta, kinda confirmation of my above blathering:
"February 5, 1963
Crew Systems Division representatives presented results of investigations into equipment and procedures for extravehicular operations. McDonnell was to begin a review of current extravehicular capabilities and to proceed with a study of requirements. Areas of study were to include (1) extent of crew maneuverability with hatch closed and cabin pressurized as currently provided, (2) requirements to allow the crew to stand in open hatches but not actually leave the cabin, and (3) requirements to allow a crew member to leave the cabin and inspect the spacecraft's exterior. McDonnell was directed to provide for extravehicular operations for spacecraft Nos. 2 and up.
NASA-MSC Consolidated Activity Report for the Office of the Director, Manned Space Flight, Jan. 27-Feb 23, 1963, p. 62 (hereafter cited as Consolidated Activity Report); Abstract of Meeting on Mechanical Systems, Feb. 8, 1963."
From/at:
g_v_c_o_AKP (ca. 1963, McDonnell Aircraft Corp. photo no. D4C 15149)
Astronaut Gus Grissom appears to be conducting an evaluation of a circular egress/ingress ‘orifice’ incorporated into the hatch of a model/mock-up/"training" Gemini capsule. I assume whatever is going on here was part of investigations into extravehicular activity equipment & procedures. Maybe this was considered for stand-up extravehicular activity, eliminating the requirement to open the hatch.
If so, other than the introduction of a potentially catastrophic single-point-of-failure, there is some merit to this. Especially if it was detachable/removable, therefore not hinged, which I wouldn't expect it to have been. Just my pointless SWAG/1.5¢.
Based on the similarities of the scaffolding and similar graphics pattern on the badges of the bespectacled gentleman on the left and that of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, James S. McDonnell in the below linked photo, I’m quite sure this was taken at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation plant in St. Louis, Missouri. Ca. 1963…maybe. Love the plywood!
So, IDK, I’m winging it, as I’ve found absolutely NOTHING regarding Gemini hatches with a round opening.
Regardless, it’s cool, and the photograph is in fantastic condition! 8.5" x 11".
Possible, sorta, kinda confirmation of my above blathering:
"February 5, 1963
Crew Systems Division representatives presented results of investigations into equipment and procedures for extravehicular operations. McDonnell was to begin a review of current extravehicular capabilities and to proceed with a study of requirements. Areas of study were to include (1) extent of crew maneuverability with hatch closed and cabin pressurized as currently provided, (2) requirements to allow the crew to stand in open hatches but not actually leave the cabin, and (3) requirements to allow a crew member to leave the cabin and inspect the spacecraft's exterior. McDonnell was directed to provide for extravehicular operations for spacecraft Nos. 2 and up.
NASA-MSC Consolidated Activity Report for the Office of the Director, Manned Space Flight, Jan. 27-Feb 23, 1963, p. 62 (hereafter cited as Consolidated Activity Report); Abstract of Meeting on Mechanical Systems, Feb. 8, 1963."
From/at: