View allAll Photos Tagged ProjectGemini,
Gemini 1 at the moment of ignition, 11:00:01 a.m. EST, April 8, 1964, Launch Complex 19, CCAFS.
8.5” x 10.875”.
Note the reddish appearance of the Titan II’s exhaust. A telltale indicator of it being produced by a hypergolic fuel mixture. Even if you have no idea what that is, doesn’t it just look toxic & corrosive? Which it indeed is.
“Gemini 1 was an uncrewed orbital test of the Titan 2 launch vehicle, the Gemini spacecraft structural integrity, and the launch vehicle-spacecraft compatibility. The test covered all phases through the orbital insertion phase. Other objectives were to check out launch vehicle-spacecraft launch heating conditions, launch vehicle performance, launch vehicle flight control system switch-over circuits, launch vehicle orbit insertion accuracy, and the malfunction detection system. This was the first production Gemini spacecraft and launch vehicle.
Mission Profile
Launch of Gemini 1 took place at 11:00:01 a.m. EST (16:00:01.69 UT) from Complex 19. Six minutes after launch, the Titan 2 booster placed the Gemini spacecraft and the attached 2nd stage in a 160.5 x 320.6 km orbit with a period of 89.3 minutes. An excess speed of 22.5 km/hr sent the spacecraft 33.6 km higher than planned. Mission plans did not include separation of spacecraft from the 3.05 meter diameter, 5.8 meter long Titan stage 2, both orbited as a unit. The planned mission included only three orbits and ended about 4 hours 50 minutes after launch with the third pass over Cape Kennedy. The spacecraft was tracked until it reentered the atmosphere and disintegrated on the 64th orbital pass over the southern Atlantic on April 12. The systems functioned well within planned tolerances and the mission was deemed a successful test.
Spacecraft and Subsystems
The Gemini spacecraft was a cone-shaped capsule consisting of two components, a reentry module and an adaptor module. The adaptor module made up the base of the spacecraft. It was a truncated cone 228.6 cm high, 304.8 cm in diameter at the base and 228.6 cm at the upper end where it attached to the base of the reentry module. The re-entry module consisted of a truncated cone which decreased in diameter from 228.6 cm at the base to 98.2 cm, topped by a short cylinder of the same diameter and then another truncated cone decreasing to a diameter of 74.6 cm at the flat top. The reentry module was 345.0 cm high, giving a total height of 573.6 cm for the Gemini spacecraft.
The adaptor module was an externally skinned, stringer framed structure, with magnesium stringers and an aluminum alloy frame. The adaptor was composed of two parts, an equipment section at the base and a retrorocket section at the top. The reentry module consisted mainly of the pressurized cabin designed to hold the two Gemini astronauts. Two instrumentation pallets were mounted in place of the couches which would normally hold the astronauts. The pallets carried some 180 kg of pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and accelerometers. Separating the reentry module from the retrorocket section of the adaptor at its base was a curved silicone elastomer ablative heat shield. The module was composed predominantly of titanium and nickle-alloy with beryllium shingles. Dummy packages and ballast was used to simulate normal spacecraft weight and configuration for systems not required for this flight.”
Above per:
nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1964...
Credit: NSSDCA website
Also:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_1
Credit: Wikipedia
“NEW FEATURE OF MANNED SPACE FLIGHT REQUIRES STARTING BIG ENGINES AT ALTITUDE
as seen in this artist’s concept of the ignition of the second stage engine for the Gemini boosting Air Force Titan II. The 100,000 pound thrust engine begins firing while travelling at a speed of 6,000 miles per hour. It takes the Gemini spacecraft from an altitude of about 45 miles on into orbit at about 100 nautical miles. In so doing, it accelerates the spacecraft from a speed of about 6,000 miles per hour to 18,000 miles per hour. It has a maximum horsepower of four million pounds. The engine is produced by Aerojet-General Corporation’s Liquid Rocket Operations near Sacramento, Calif.”
The striking work, although lacking a signature, is easily identified as being by the hand of Aerojet-General’s resident artist, George Mathis.
Interestingly, it depicts the same event as my other linked photo (below), which also highlights the staging “corona”, apparently witnessed by Tom Stafford during his Gemini 6 flight.
So, logical to assume this is the preceding depiction?
“George Mathis (1909-1977) was born in Seattle, Washington. He spent much of his early life in Hoquiam, where his father managed a clothing store. He attended Washington State University, where he majored in art, and studied under William T. McDermott (1884-1961), who became a well-known western landscape painter. After graduation from WSU in June 1932, he moved to California and worked as a commercial artist and art teacher for a number of years. He married his wife Jean, also an artist, in 1936, in Oakland, California; they had one daughter, Carol.
After living for a few years in the Bay Area, the Mathis family relocated in 1948 to Nevada City, California, the Mother Lode country. The primary motivation for this change was George's growing urge to pictorially recreate western history. Here George and Jean began doing lithography, which eventually turned into a thriving business. Around 1960 they moved to Coloma, another Mother Lode town, where they completely remodeled a Victorian-style house dating to the Gold Rush era. Gold was in fact first discovered in Coloma in 1848 by James Marshall. The Mathis home was called "Friday House," after Jean's maiden name. Here they both lived and operated an art gallery and studio where they sold many products of lithography and George's numerous historical drawings and sketches. George became generally and affectionately known as the "pictorial historian of the Mother Lode."
Between 1960 and 1970 George Mathis' artistic vision took on a new dimension. During this time, he worked in Sacramento for Aerojet Corporation, America's largest producer of rocket engines. Here his versatility, imagination, and eye for detail were once again challenged, and he became one of the better-known space artists of the time.
His illustrations include Gemini and Apollo space missions. The Smithsonian Institution acquired some of his of oil paintings of space art. Spanning western frontiers and deep space, Mathis' artistic career was truly unique, successful, and rewarding.”
The above, along with an excellent exhaustive itemized list of Mr. Mathis’ works, at/from:
ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu/masc/finders/pc90.htm
Credit: Washington State University website
twitter.com/AerojetRdyne/status/1148989764596580352
Credit: Twitter/”X”
Excellent, at the stellar Internet Archive website:
archive.org/details/aeroject2007calendargeorgemathisartis...
“This is one version of how the Air Force’s proposed Manned Orbiting Laboratory might appear. Produced by Lockheed Missiles & Space Co., the artist’s cutaway concept displays (1) Gemini capsule in which two astronauts ascend to orbit and return to earth after about 30 days in space; (2) spheres for storage of fuels such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen; (3) living compartment (note astronaut resting); (4) air lock between compartments; (5) laboratory working compartment; (6) camera.”
8” x 9.75”. The ‘top’ border was likely trimmed at some point.
Based on it being Lockheed Missiles & Space Company and the meticulous airbrush work, this has Ludwik Źiemba’s fingerprints all over it. Either with him as the source, or one of his protégés, such as William Collopy or Anthony Saporito…maybe even something collaborative by some or all of them. Gorgeous.
MOL stuff abounds online.
Gemini B:
space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gemini-b.htm
Credit: Gunter's Space Page website
Krebs, Gunter D. “Gemini-B”. Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved June 06, 2023, from space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gemini-b.htm
“At one point on Agena, near the docking cone and extended antenna, Scott will open a small, spring-loaded door to expose a micro-meteorite impact plate. On a subsequent Gemini mission—probably Gemini 9—it is tentatively planned to approach the dead Gemini 8 target craft, and another space-walking astronaut will retrieve the plate for earth study of meteorite impacts during the interim between flights."
By Russell Arasmith. Masterful. Striking:
“Docking in Space--Artist’s concept of rendezvous of the Gemini spacecraft and the Agena vehicle. They latch together as a result of visual observation by the Gemini astronauts.”
11” x 13.875”.
The above is the ‘verbatim’ caption from the official 1964 reissue (I presume) of the original 1962 (I presume) photograph. Alrighty then, clear as mud.
Yet again, I set myself up for disappointment. I was sure I’d readily find this at multiple “space” sites, miraculously, maybe even at a NASA website. Using logical keywords like ‘Gemini’, ‘Agena’, ‘concept’, in varying combinations – nothing. I even rotated the image, both clockwise & counter-clockwise – nothing.
I know for a fact that I’ve seen this multiple - many actually - times over the course of my life. I consider(ed)? It to be (yes, in MY world) an iconic Gemini/Gemini-Agena artist’s concept. Maybe it was primarily as part of/within documents, manuals, presentations, etc. Who knows.
However, John Sisson’s wonderful “Dreams of Space – Books and Ephemera” website did have the image:
dreamsofspace.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-of-space-adventur...
Specifically:
1.bp.blogspot.com/_1t6ell3AwVE/TBkf_QLUNYI/AAAAAAAABro/66...
As did, unexpectedly:
www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/index-1965-13.html
Credit: DER SPIEGEL website
And BOTH correctly oriented!
More/most importantly, through a minor miracle, the ‘framing’ of the image includes/retains the signature of the artist – Mr. Arnold Pierce. IMHO, a spectacular WIN. Which, by extrapolation, enabled attribution of at least one other work, linked below.
The Apollo program, also known as Project Apollo, was the United States human spaceflight program led by NASA, which successfully landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969.
It was conceived in 1960 as a three-person spacecraft during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. Apollo was later dedicated to President John F. Kennedy's national goal for the 1960s of "landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth" in an address to Congress on May 25, 1961. It was the third US human spaceflight program to fly, preceded by Project Gemini conceived in 1961 to extend spaceflight capability in support of Apollo.
The Apollo astronauts were chosen from the Project Mercury and Gemini veterans, plus from two later astronaut groups. All missions were commanded by Gemini or Mercury veterans. Crews on all development flights (except the Earth orbit CSM development flights) through the first two landings on Apollo 11 and Apollo 12, included at least two (sometimes three) Gemini veterans. Harrison Schmitt, a geologist, was the first NASA scientist astronaut to fly in space, and landed on the Moon on the last mission, Apollo 17
Saturn V S-IC first stage
The first stage of Apollo Saturn V
The S-IC was built by the Boeing Company at the Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, where the Space Shuttle external tanks would later be built by Lockheed Martin. Most of its mass at launch was propellant: RP-1 fuel with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer The stage was 138 feet (42 m) tall and 33 feet (10 m) in diameter. It provided 7,750,000 lbf (34,500 kN) of thrust at sea level. The S-IC stage had a dry mass of about 303,000 pounds (137,000 kilograms); when fully fueled at launch, it had a total mass of 4,881,000 pounds (2,214,000 kilograms). The S-IC was powered by five Rocketdyne F-1 engines arrayed in a quincunx. The center engine was held in a fixed position, while the four outer engines could be hydraulically turned with gimbals to steer the rocket. In flight, the center engine was turned off about 26 seconds earlier than the outboard engines to limit acceleration. During launch, the S-IC fired its engines for 168 seconds (ignition occurred about 8.9 seconds before liftoff) and at engine cutoff, the vehicle was at an altitude of about 42 miles (67 km), was downrange about 58 miles (93 km), and was moving around 7,500 feet per second (2,300 m/s).
Description Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and David R. Scott sit with their spacecraft hatches open while awaiting the arrival of the recovery ship, the USS Leonard F. Mason after the successful, but early, completion of their Gemini VIII mission. They are assisted by USAF Pararescuemen Eldrige M. Neal, Larry D. Huyett, and Glenn M. Moore. The overhead view shows the Gemini 8 spacecraft with the yellow flotation collar attached to stabilize the spacecraft in choppy seas. The green marker dye is highly visible from the air and is used as a locating aid.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S66-18602
Date: March 16, 1966
“Gemini 8 Command Pilot Neil A. Armstrong is seen through the window of the Gemini 8 spacecraft just before liftoff Wednesday morning. Armstrong and Astronaut David R. Scott are piloting the Gemini spacecraft during the three-day orbital mission scheduled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Prime objective of the mission is to achieve rendezvous and docking with an orbiting Agena spacecraft.”
Note the similarity to the photo used on the 1st edition dust jacket of “First Man” by James R. Hansen.
Which I think is this one:
www.collectspace.com/images/news-031616c-lg.jpg
Credit: collectSPACE website
“EXERCISE IN SPACE
This Martin Company, Baltimore, Md., artist’s drawing depicts the “station keeping” exercise which astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell will attempt with the burned out second stage of their Air Force Gemini-Titan II rocket early in the GT-7 mission. The second stage (above capsule) will present a target about the size of a house trailer. To aid the astronauts in locating the 27-foot-long target, four flashing lights are mounted on the second stage.”
By the hand of THE MAN-MYTH-MACHINE-LEGEND - John Gorsuch.
Per the “GEMINI PROGRAM REPORT, GEMINI 7”:
“The Gemini launch vehicle performed satisfactorily in all respects. The countdown was nominal, resulting in a launch within 3.7 seconds of the scheduled time. The first-stage flight was normal with all planned events occurring within allowable limits. Staging was nominal. The crew reported that the flame front caused by staging had some effect on the visibility through the spacecraft windows. The second-stage flight was also normal and resulted in the nearest-to-nominal orbital-insertion conditions yet achieved in the Gemini Program. Immediately after the spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle, the crew turned the spacecraft around and began maneuvering back toward the expended Gemini launch vehicle second stage. They then successfully conducted station keeping maneuvers, maintaining distances from 60 to 150 feet for about a 15-minute period. During station keeping, the crew reported profuse second-stage fuel venting which was apparently causing it to tumble at rates of approximately 2 rpm. The crew reported no difficulty in station keeping with the second stage; however, a minimum distance of 60 feet between vehicles was maintained because of the high tumble rates of the launch vehicle. At the completion of station keeping, a separation maneuver was performed and the spacecraft was powered down in preparation for the 14-day mission.”
Above at/from:
tothemoon.ser.asu.edu/files/gemini/gemini_7_mission_repor...
Credit: “March to the Moon”/Arizona State University website
Last, but NOT least, thanks to fellow Flickr user Peter Duncan's astute input, 16mm footage during the station keeping can be seen at the following, commencing at the 4:27 mark:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZB7NOWDvw0
Credit: Retro Space HD/YouTube
Easily one of the best artist’s concepts of a Gemini spacecraft in orbit…exquisite.
Although no signature is present - it likely being a Douglas Aircraft Company/McDonnell Douglas-produced work - the amazing detail, along with the time period leads me to think it’s possibly by Arnold Pierce. I believe Mr. Pierce was the company’s chief artist/illustrator then…at least of Mercury & Gemini spacecraft.
8.5” x 11”.
In black & white and associated with Gemini 3:
www.bridgemanimages.com/en-US/noartistknown/drawing-of-th...
Credit: “bridgeman images” website
Also…which tepidly supports my supposition that it’s by Arnold Pierce:
www.abebooks.com/first-edition/Blade-Sunday-Magazine-Octo...
Credit: AbeBooks website
And check this out, this arrogant SOB has gone apeshit with a bunch of photos I’ve posted and/or linked to:
www.redbubble.com/i/photographic-print/Gemini-Spacecraft-...
“This multiple exposure photograph was the result of 11 separate exposures on one sheet of film when the Gemini 10 spacecraft was rocketed into orbit from Cape Kennedy on July 18, 1966. The fan effect of the gantry being lowered and the Titan launch vehicle lifting off was achieved by making 10 exposures through a mask and slit that worked on a pivot. The mask covered the entire film area except for the slit that exposed only the gantry as it went down. This mask was then removed and a fan-shaped mask blocked out the gantry area, with a final exposure showing the lift-off. This marked the eight manned flight in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Gemini program.”
That’s quite a bit of effort & photographic wizardry. Bravo!
Needless to say, I couldn’t afford the color version of this. I saw what it went for at auction the past year…nope, no way.
Description Commander Neil Armstrong (right) and pilot David R. Scott prepare to board the Gemini-Titan VIII. Gemini VIII successfully launched at 11:41 a.m. EST, March 16, 1966. The mission conducted the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit and landed safely back on Earth after an emergency abort.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: s66-24478
Date: March 16, 1966
“Photograph of Agena Number 5005; side view; range 30 meters (98 feet); ocean and clouds taken during the Gemini X mission during orbit no. 4. GET time was 5:40 / GMT time was 4:00. Original magazine number was GEM10-5-46111. Film type was Kodak Ektachrome MS (S.O. -217). A black and white Master of this image exists. Its photo number is S66-46171.”
And per the second link provided below, taken using the Hasselblad Super-Wide 70 mm camera.
Above & image at/from:
www.wikiarchives.space/picture.php?/347904/category/474
Credit: “WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE” website
Good Gemini 10 reading:
www.facebook.com/groups/337169203042203/permalink/6384997...
Credit: Andrew LePage/Facebook
GATV 5005:
nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966...
Credit: NASSDC website
The photograph was accompanied by the previous owner’s following “meant/intent to sell for $$$$$” description:
“This is an original NASA-issued chromogenic photograph, printed on thick fibre-based paper, and watermarked “A Kodak Paper”. There is official NASA red-numbering on the front. Additionally, there are original NASA blue captions on the back. This is the most valuable and desired version of this photo. The photograph is uncirculated.”
“GT-4 EVA--Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, floats in the zero gravity of space outside the Gemini-4 spacecraft. Behind him is the brilliant blue of the earth and its white cloud cover. White wears a specially designed spacesuit, and the visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him against the unfiltered rays of the sun. He also wears an emergency oxygen chest pack. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand he carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) with which he can control his movements in space. White was outside the spacecraft for 21 minutes during the third revolution around the earth. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot, remained inside the spacecraft during the extravehicular activity.”
And then there’s the following subsequent “official” caption. Changes made for the sake of making changes. Apparently, some photo issuing dumbass(es) had too much spare time on their hands, and instead of doing something productive, made pointless (not unlike this mini-rant) “happy to glad” changes:
“Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot of the Gemini IV four-day Earth-orbital mission, floats in the zero gravity of space outside the Gemini IV spacecraft. White wears a specially designed spacesuit; and the visor of the helmet is gold plated to protect him against the unfiltered rays of the sun. He wears an emergency oxygen pack, also. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-feet umbilical line and a 23-feet tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand is a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) with which he controls his movements in space. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot of the mission, remained inside the spacecraft.”
Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong (center), command pilot, and David R. Scott (right), pilot of the Gemini-8 prime crew, are suited up for water egress training aboard the NASA Motor Vessel Retriever in the Gulf of Mexico. At left is Dr. Kenneth N. Beers, M.D., Flight Medicine Branch, Center Medical Office.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S66-17253
Date: January 15, 1966
Flown from 1967 to 1973, the Saturn V rocket was used for nine crewed flights to the Moon, and to launch Skylab, the first American space station.
As of 2024, the Saturn V remains the only launch vehicle to have carried humans beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). The Saturn V holds the record for the largest payload capacity to low Earth orbit, 311,152 lb (141,136 kg), which included unburned propellant needed to send the Apollo command and service module and Lunar Module to the Moon.
American orbital launch vehicle. America's booster for the Apollo manned lunar landing. The design was frozen before a landing mode was selected; the Saturn V could be used for either Earth-Orbit-Rendezvous or Lunar-Orbit-Rendezvous methods. The vehicle ended up with the same payload capability as the 'too large' Nova. The basic diameter was dictated by the ceiling height at the Michoud factory selected for first stage manufacture. Despite the study of innumerable variants, production was ended after only 12 were built.
On December 30 1957 Warner Von Braun produced a 'Proposal for a National Integrated Missile and Space Vehicle Development Plan'. This had the first mention of a 1,500,000 lbf booster (Juno V, later Saturn I). By July of the following year Huntsville had in hand the contract from ARPA to proceed with design of the Juno V.
Following transfer of the Peenemuende Rocket Team from the US Army to NASA, a year after the first plan was mooted, Von Braun briefed NASA on plans for booster development at Huntsville with objective of manned lunar landing. It was initially proposed that 15 Juno V (Saturn I) boosters assemble a 200,000 kg payload in earth orbit for direct landing on moon. NASA produced two months later, on February 15, 1959, its plan for development in the next decade of Vega (later cancelled after NASA discovered the USAF was secretly developing the similar Hustler (Agena) upper stage), Centaur, Saturn, and Nova launch vehicles (Juno V renamed Saturn I at this point). Throughout the initial planning, Presidential decision, and landing mode debate for the Apollo lunar landing goal, a variety of Saturn and Nova configurations were considered. Of these, only the C-1 and C-5 were taken through to further development.
The actual Saturn V would be derived from the C-5, but with an increased-diameter third stage (6.61 m vs 5.59 m in C-5) and increased propellant load in S-II second stage.
Description Project Gemini was NASA's second human spaceflight program, with ten manned flights occurring between 1965 and 1966.
Similar in design to the Mercury capsule but much larger, the new Gemini spacecraft was designed to carry two astronauts into Earth orbit to test long-duration flight, rendezvous and docking and other technologies needed for journeys to the moon.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: s65-14257
Date: 1965
R. ARASMITH ART COLLECTION
One of at least three (I think) gorgeous works by Russell Arasmith depicting Gemini VIII Astronaut, David R. Scott, during his planned EVA, the goal being translating to, and then donning & testing the Extravehicular Support Package (ESP) for the first time. A feat never to occur.
No caption/description is associated with this NASA-posted image, and I don’t have it in me to provide my usual drivel for it. However, the press slug associated with the preceding sequence for this phase of the mission follows:
“Next, Scott will move back toward Gemini (while Gemini and Agena still are docked) and proceed aft over the spacecraft, pulling up a handrail to help his movement over the retro (center) section and also using a second handrail over the equipment (aft) section that will be extended when the spacecraft leaves its booster at orbital insertion. This sequence is shown in 1, 2, 3, 4 order as Scott moves aft and takes a position (4) on a bar at rear end of the spacecraft, where he faces and checks out a special back he will wear for extended space walking.”
This gorgeous work, to me, is a tour de force by Mr. Arasmith. Pretty damned gutsy to attempted to depict an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) which had yet to occur, with only the photography from relatively static previous EVA’s as a ‘template’, with equipment that had yet to be used in flight, and from such a ’three-dimensionally’ demanding perspective. All without having it look goofy, awkward & somehow ‘wrong’.
Mr. Arasmith knocked it out of the park, into the wind, towering, into the adjacent parking lot. Yeah, hyperbole, but this is mad skills on display.
At, along with many others. Well worth browsing through:
www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/russ-arasmith-gemin...
“Capt. Charles A. Bassett poses with some of the many airplane models on display at NASA.”
IDK...based on the types of models, along with the trophy seen & referenced below, I seriously doubt this was at a NASA facility, it was more likely a USAF base...or something joint NASA/USAF.
Tragic, regardless of the circumstances:
www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/bassett_char...
www.nasa.gov/feature/remembering-nasa-astronauts-elliot-s...
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/000351.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
Photograph by Houston Chronicle Chief Photographer, Art Uhlmann, who may have been (according to one curious site), at the scene of President Kennedy’s assassination, which would seem to be plausible.
The trophy to Bassett's left is the A.B. Honts Trophy, presented to the outstanding graduate of the Aerospace Research Pilot School. A very similar version seen here, awarded to future X-15 test pilot Michael J. Adams, ca. 1962/63. Maj. Adams tragically perished 15 November, 1967 flying the X-15:
www.mach25media.com/Resources/pilote1.gif
Credit: "Mach 25 Media" website
The larger model to to his other side looks to be a Japanese F-86F “Kyokkou”.
“”Fish-eye” camera lens depicts final Gemini 9A preparations on June 1 in the White Room atop Complex 19 at Cape Kennedy. Inside the spacecraft, Astronauts Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan sat poised for the start of their three-day rendezvous and docking mission which was postponed due to technical problems. The rescheduled National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s mission, set for June 3, will feature rendezvous and docking maneuvers between the manned Gemini spacecraft and an Augmented Docking Adapter as well as extended extravehicular activity by Astronaut Cernan.”
I wonder what the linear object(s) is/are in Cernan's window...and if the circular/spherical(?) thing near the left corner is his helmet...although it might be a little small to be such.
“On Sept. 14, 1966, the Gemini XI spacecraft is tethered to an Agena target vehicle. Gemini XI separated from the Agena with their spacecraft pointed nose-down toward the Earth. Conrad and Gordon maneuvered their craft to get the tether taut between both. Then, by firing their side thrusters to slowly rotate the combined spacecraft, they were able to use centrifugal force to generate about 0.00015 g. "There is an artificial gravity field," Gordon said. "It makes the camera move back very rapidly." The tether was released following two orbits of the artificial gravity experiment, allowing Gemini and Agena to go their separate ways.
This demonstration of "passive attitude stabilization" of the two spacecraft connected by a tether was only one of many tasks in the flight plan for the demanding three-day mission. In addition, the crew demonstrated the link-up with an Agena and used its engine to boost Gemini XI to a record altitude and performed two spacewalks by Gordon.”
The above is paraphrased from a rare well-written official NASA caption, which seemed to be appropriate for this image as well. Although it may be of Gemini XII, which also conducted the artificial gravity experiment, odds are high that the initial attempt (during Gemini XI) would’ve been the one to merit depiction by the irrepressible Russell Arasmith. Per the norm for Mr. Arasmith works, the obligatory numeral is in the lower right-hand corner. This possibly being number two out of who knows how many. Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know for sure.
A full life:
www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/westminster-ca/russell...
Credit: Dignity Memorial website
I'm sure only a fraction:
www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/arasmith-gallery.html
A wonderful peak, confirming my above statement:
d3eguztg5751m.cloudfront.net/as/assets-mem-com/cmi/7/7/9/...
&cropxunits=619&cropyunits=464&maxwidth=650){kind=link}
Credit: The Arasmith Family/Dignity Memorial website
Mid- to late-1970s artist’s concept depicting United States/NASA manned space flight programs, through the Space Shuttle. So, technically, SpaceX/Crew Dragon not withstanding, it’s still “up-to-date”. How depressing.
An “A” for the graphical depiction; with the whole launch vehicle/spacecraft pairing, not bad. Although the LM looks rather contorted. And a relatively minor detail, possibly due to space limitations, but the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle has been omitted.
HOWEVER, an “F- -”, maybe even a “J”, for execution. There’s something blatantly & inexcusably wrong with one of these spacecraft.
Hopefully/likely, I don’t think this was intended to be anything educational or informative, probably just a lame promotional effort, so the visual ‘damage’ is minimal. It’s primarily just comically pathetic. The artwork is otherwise excellent. No idea on the artist. Intentional?
Seriously though, didn’t anybody with even the slightest/any clue look at this (and too many other images of the time) before they were printed?
Appropriately, it pretty much reflected NASA’s manned space flight doldrums of the late 70s. Fortunately & thankfully, the unmanned program was spectacularly successful.
“Artist’s drawing showing one of the medical experiments to be conducted by Gemini astronauts.”
Above per the press slug associated with another print of this image.
If so, it looks to be some sort of vestibular/spatial orientation test…note the graduated markings on the “faceplate” worn. Additionally, the astronaut on the left appears to be holding an artificial horizon indicator thingy.
By John Gorsuch…I love it.
“SPACE FLIGHT EVOLUTION ---- From Mercury program ‘til ???? This Rockwell International artist’s concept depicts the evolution of manned space flight from Alan B. Shepard’s MR-3 mission through the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) and extends into the near and distant future.”
A gorgeous work, good enough to be displayed in the lobby of the LCC at KSC at some point – I have no idea for how long – because it’s basically unacknowledged. And good enough to merit this photo, YET absolutely NO mention of the artist. WRONG ANSWER.
The man is Ted Brown, and although not employed directly by NASA, his prolific phenomenal works were sure as hell featured like crazy to promote a butt load of conceptual Mars exploration & space station shit, let alone the shuttle. IMHO, an egregious & likely intentional omission.
Oh yeah, it’s signed by Walter M. Schirra Jr.
A resounding confirmation of my above griping. Mind you, this is at THE "Holy Grail" of space websites:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/002211.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
“NASA’s Gemini is the first manned spacecraft with a computer on board. This artist’s concept shows how the IBM computer helps astronauts during a mission. Drawing at upper left: the 59-pound computer backs up the primary radio system that steers the Gemin/Titan-II into earth orbit. Top middle and right: on the way to link up with another object in space, the astronauts use navigation information furnished by the computer to steer their craft in its complex track. Lower left: the crew about to dock in space after the computer, using radar data, has guided the Gemini into position. In the lower right, the Gemini is returning to earth with the computers now issuing signals automatically to steer the planned return trajectory.”
An unexpected WIN! I assume an early/earlier & possibly rarely seen work by Douglas Chaffee, then employed by IBM.
I feel like a dumb-ass, I was clueless WRT Mr. Chaffee, nor his vast, varied & accomplished works…WOW:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Chaffee
Credit: Wikipedia
Although date stamped “OCT 13 1967”, the wording of the description is much more commensurate with either prior to, or during the Gemini Program, not after.
history.nasa.gov/computers/Ch1-2.html
history.nasa.gov/computers/Ch1-5.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_Guidance_Computer
Credit: Wikipedia
“SOME IMPROVEMENTS ON OTHER FRONTS IS SHOWN IN THIS PHOTO-DRAWING
Advances range from new surgical procedures for brain tumors to brassiere supports.”
I’ve never seen the benefits derived from the space program referred to as ‘fall-out’. A poor choice of words in my opinion. Nor have I ever seen a Gemini image as the vehicle/backdrop for such.
And that’s quite the spectrum of ‘fall outs’ the reporter chose for the caption. Overall, an interesting, and in a few instances, odd assemblage of benefits that are pointed out.
Artwork by Aerojet-General’s talented resident artist, George Mathis.
“(L to R) GT-3 Prime pilots, Astro. John Young; wearing new Gemini Spacesuit; Gus Grissom, wearing old Mercury Spacesuit, in background is Bad 19. Where Astros will fly from.”
Although written as if by an academically underachieving third grader, it at least references the obvious difference between the pressure suits, although Grissom’s is not from the Mercury Program, it even identifies the launchpad in the background. Being a NASA caption, the bar is necessarily extremely low, so it’s, it’s…stupendous, downright eloquent even!
Young is indeed wearing the David Clark Company (DCC)-manufactured G3C pressure suit. The G3C was an Intravehicular Activity (IVA)-only pressure suit, worn by both of the Astronauts during the Gemini 3 mission. The G3C consisted of six layers of nylon (the innermost containing a rubberized nylon "bladder") with a link net retaining layer and an outer layer of white Nomex fabric. It had removable combat-style boots, also made of Nomex fabric, along with a full-pressure helmet (containing a set of earphones & microphones) and gloves detachable by improved locking rings that allowed easy rotation of the wrists.
Although, in this photograph, Young appears to be wearing the laced G2C gloves, and I think, G2C boots.
Gemini 3 was the only flight to use the G3C suit.
Grissom is wearing the G2C aluminized pressure suit, also manufactured by the DCC. Procured by NASA in 1963, the G2C was the prototype IVA suit for Project Gemini. None were worn/flown during any manned Gemini missions. However, according to one of the sources I came across, a G2C was flown on the unmanned Gemini 2 test flight. The capsule from the flight was recovered (and reflown btw), so I suppose it’s possible.
So, if you come across a photograph of either Grissom or Young, in a Gemini capsule, both/either wearing the G2C suit, and the accompanying description says something to the effect that it’s a launch day photograph – it's wrong.
Pretty beat up, but still glossy, and a wonderful & rarely (I think) seen (at least by me) photograph of the Gemini III crew.
Although I’d expect it, I’m not sure if Grissom & Young conducted training/rehearsals the day the photograph was possibly taken, September 15, 1964. Per “Spaceshots & Snapshots of Project Mercury & Gemini”, by John Bisney & J. L. Pickering, the two conducted an interview with reporters that day, “in a double-wide trailer installed at LC-16 to suit the crew.” So, at least a portion of the day was devoted to public relations activities & possible photo ops. Additionally, per the book "The trailer (which included two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small kitchen) was used to minimize the crew transfer time since LC-19 was just four hundred yards north of LC-16, a former Titan missile pad. By some accounts, it also satisfied Grissom's desire to keep the media at bay."
Keep in mind, this was to be the first manned Gemini mission.
The above excerpts, along with an excellent photo (amongst many others) of the Astronauts talking to the reporters that day, at/from:
books.google.com/books?id=_CBADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA87&lp...
Credit: Google Books and the aforementioned gentlemen.
This would look to be taken during the same interview:
www.alamy.com/stock-image-gemini-3-prime-crew-young-and-g...
Other sources for my above blathering:
discover.hubpages.com/education/NASA-Project-Gemini-Space...
Credit: “HubPages” website
twitter.com/aisoffice/status/1139062996125343746
Credit: Astro Info Service/Twitter
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_space_suit
Credit: Wikipedia
prezi.com/fvt8tw1su90k/gemini-spacesuits/
Credit: Krish Patel/Prezi website
Finally:
A press release referencing a September 14 announcement by NASA. It might account for Grissom’s expression in my photo. Or maybe somebody just said/asked something stupid:
“NASA Delay Gemini Project
CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration made it official yesterday that there will be no manned flight in Project Gemini this year because of lightning and hurricanes.
It said astronauts Virgil L. Grissom and John W. Young will wait until the first quarter of 1965 to make their planned three-orbit flight. This means a delay of a month or two from the December schedule.
George E. Mueller, NASA associate administrator for manned space flight, gave three reasons for the delay: a lightning strike that damaged a Titan 2 rocket on Aug. 17 and hurricanes Cleo and Dora.
The rocket was being groomed for the final unmanned flight in the Gemini program, an attempt scheduled for late September to propel a fully-equipped spacecraft on a ballistic ride to evaluate re-entry and recovery techniques.”
digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754316/219
Credit: University of Michigan/”THE MICHIGAN DAILY DIGITAL ARCHIVES” website
Great read:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001642.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
“Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. inside the Gemini 5 spacecraft as it orbited the Earth. Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr. took this photograph.”
Above at/per:
science.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/GT5/100740...
The S-II was built by North American Aviation at Seal Beach, California. Using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, it had five Rocketdyne J-2 engines in a similar arrangement to the S-IC, and also used the four outer engines for control. The S-II was 81.6 feet (24.87 m) tall with a diameter of 33 feet (10 m), identical to the S-IC,[61][62] and thus was the largest cryogenic stage until the launch of the Space Shuttle in 1981. The S-II had a dry mass of about 80,000 pounds (36,000 kg); when fully fueled, it weighed 1,060,000 pounds (480,000 kg). The second stage accelerated the Saturn V through the upper atmosphere with 1,100,000 pounds-force (4,900 kN) of thrust in a vacuum.[35]
When loaded with fuel, more than 90 percent of the mass of the stage was propellant; however, the ultra-lightweight design had led to two failures in structural testing. Instead of having an intertank structure to separate the two fuel tanks as was done in the S-IC, the S-II used a common bulkhead that was constructed from both the top of the LOX tank and bottom of the LH2 tank. It consisted of two aluminum sheets separated by a honeycomb structure made of phenolic resin.[62][35] This bulkhead had to be able to insulate against the 126 °F (70 °C) temperature difference between the two tanks. The use of a common bulkhead saved 7,900 pounds (3.6 t) by both eliminating one bulkhead and reducing the stage's length.[35] Like the S-IC, the S-II was transported from its manufacturing plant to Cape Kennedy by sea
Full Description: A Titan booster launched the Gemini 8 spacecraft on March 16, 1966, from launch complex 19 Cape Kennedy, Florida. The flight crew for the planned 3 day mission, astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and David R. Scott, achieved the first rendezvous and docking to Atlas/Agena in Earth orbit. But the mission was terminated early due to a malfunctioning thruster on the Gemini spacecraft.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: SPD-MARSH-9141927
Date: March 16, 1966
“Dark close-up view of Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, as he floats in zero gravity of space. The extravehicular activity was performed during the third revolution of the Gemini 4 spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. Photo was taken on June 3,1965. G.E.T. time was 4:43 / GMT time was 19:58. Original magazine number was GEM04-16-34641, taken with a Hasselblad camera and a 70mm lens. Film type was Kodak Ektachrome MS (S.O. -217). A black & white Master of this image exists. It's photo number is S65-32916.”
The above & image at/from:
wikiarchives.space/picture.php?/346432/category/444
Credit: “WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE” website
The ovate outline at the center of White's helmet (not visor center) is the Command Pilot's window, from which Jim McDivitt took this photo. The distended reflection of the Gemini IV capsule surrounds the window.
Although hand-dated the month after the flight, what appears (to me) to be a worst case/’what if’ scenario of an incapacitated, drunk or otherwise in distress Ed White during his historic Gemini IV EVA.
He’s even lost his Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit (HHMU)!
Disclaimer: I by no means mean to insinuate that Mr. White was an alcoholic. I’ve just always associated the ‘bubbles’ IVO a character’s head to indicate inebriation.
It’s wonderful, perplexing and not surprisingly, by John Gorsuch, so ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It reminds me a little of the final character seen here, Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris):
Credit: bfelten/YouTube
Beautiful Douglas Aircraft Company artist’s concept depicting the Rogallo wing-controlled terrestrial touchdown of a Gemini space capsule. The command pilot can be seen looking up at the parawing...outstanding.
No signature unfortunately, as was infuriatingly the norm for Douglas artist’s concepts of both their Mercury & Gemini capsules during the early to mid-1960’s. As such, all I’ve got as candidates are Arnold Pierce & Earle Beaver. Who knows.
11" x 14".
Images, other concepts, articles, etc., abound online pertaining to the Rogallo wing & its potential applications.
However, I’m compelled to provide the following, due to the individual opting to get a tattoo of a phase of Gemini Rogallo descent rendered by Davis Meltzer for a 1964 issue of National Geographic magazine. I’m sure Mr. Meltzer would’ve felt honored:
twitter.com/amyshirateitel/status/1315690450141945856?lan...
Credit: Amy Shira Teitel/Twitter
Additionally:
medium.com/the-vintage-space/why-nasa-abandoned-the-gemin...
Credit: Amy Shira Teitel/”Medium” website & “The Vintage Space”
Identification of this and another Gemini spacecraft Rogallo wing descent/landing Douglas Aircraft Co. artist’s concepts, is available at the following site. I suggest checking it out, lots of other good stuff to be found:
www.spaceinminiature.com/ref/gem/gem1.html
Credit: Mike Mackowski/’space in miniature’ website
“Rockwell Aerospace, Space Division--
Making The Dream Real
Rockwell International--
Turning Visions Into Vehicles for the Great Adventure of Space Exploration
From the earliest steps of space flight to the challenge of future space exploration, Rockwell leads the way. Rockwell’s space ventures include the rocket engines that have powered virtually all of America’s launch vehicles; the X-15, man’s first visit to the edge of space; Project Apollo, first man on the moon; Apollo-Soyuz, first international space mission; the Shuttle orbiter, first recoverable spaceship; electrical power for the International Space Station; the X-34, commercial space transportation for small payloads (up to 1,200 pounds); and the X-33, a low-cost, fully reusable space launch system. Rockwell continues to lead the way into space with innovative and high-quality products, ranging from complete space vehicles to rocket engines to avionics to composite materials. Building on the world’s most extensive space background, Rockwell has never stopped creating new concepts, new technology to help man probe farther into space. Experiments with lunar materials showed that oxygen needed for life support and for rocket propellants could be efficiently produced on the moon. Designs for lunar shelters and a lunar base followed. Lunar landers and rovers were designed and analyzed. Return to the moon—this time to stay—was proven feasible.
When President Bush called for a manned mission to Mars, Rockwell was hard at work learning more about the Martian environment, studying data from Apollo and Shuttle entries into the Earth’s atmosphere to determine how the Martian atmosphere can be used to slow and control a Mars spaceship. New materials from advanced programs have led to lightweight, strong designs for new vehicle shapes.
The technologies needed for the great adventure are being developed so that when the nation decides to implement this bold and imaginative plan, Rockwell will be ready to turn dreams into reality, visions into vehicles of the final frontier.”
The vehicles depicted are labeled as:
- X-15
- Mercury/Atlas
- Mercury
- Gemini/Titan
- Gemini
- Apollo-Soyuz
- Apollo-Saturn
- Space Transportation System
- Apollo
- Reusable Launch Vehicle (aka the X-33)
- Space Shuttle Orbiter
- International Space Station
- X-34 (awarded to Orbital Sciences Corporation)
- Lunar Transfer Vehicle
- Lunar Excursion Vehicle
- Mars Transfer Vehicle:
The MTV is depicted to the middle/far right. The Mars Excursion Vehicle (MEV) component, the streamlined, brownish, wingless shuttle orbiter-like component, can also be seen on the Martian surface, with what appears to be a multi-wheeled rover exiting it's payload/cargo bay.
Fortunately, as I was grumbling “I WANT MY MTV!” to myself, I came upon the following. While there’s no cool video, it’s an excellent read nonetheless, with a useful breakout of what the funky looking craft consists of.
But wait, as is too often the case, the copied link is not clickable. Aggravating. Trust me though, it's cool:
commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2345&con...
Credit: Embry-Riddell Aeronautical University Scholarly Commons website
Indirectly at least:
commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings/proceedings-1...
Credit: Space Congress/Embry-Riddell Aeronautical University Scholarly Commons
Based on the strong similarity to previously/subsequently? rendered versions of many of the vehicles, I believe this beautiful work to be by Ted Brown.
“ASTRONAUT RICHARD GORDON SHOWN USING POWER TOOL
Artist Sketches Experiment Testing Man’s Ability to Work in Space”
Much like many/most other works, Mr. Arasmith seems to have produced numbered series for many a manned mission. This one being number 4 out of…who knows how many…for Gemini XI.
Due to Gordon’s difficulties during the first EVA, which was truncated as a result, the D-16 experiment was not conducted.
Originally, astronaut David Scott was to have conducted the experiment during the Gemini 8 mission. This also was precluded by other more pressing events.
Not surprisingly, a stunning work.
Although this one isn't among them, see also:
“CHART: Capsule Comparison. Shot for Heiser & Deberk.”
A wonderful & most gratifying find…in several ways. First, I’d never seen this particular ‘capsule comparison’ depiction; ranging from the Mercury capsule’s non-standard cutaway depiction, i.e., it pointing away, to the Apollo Command Module being of the Direct Ascent variety, with periscopes extended (although pointing in the wrong direction).
Most significantly – in my world – the Gemini capsule depiction – the only spacecraft firing its reaction control system thruster btw – in combination with the sun-earth?/moon? conjunction permitted identification of the artist. That being the (I’m sure unintentionally) enigmatic Arnold Pierce. A major WIN.
This then leads to/supports other similar & derivative early works to also be potentially attributable to Mr. Pierce. Although, I exclusively associated Mr. Pierce to be a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation artist, this however being a Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)-issued photo.
Yessiree, too many tedious & pointless observations, but to me, good stuff…preserved.
Heiser: Joseph M. Heiser Jr.?
Deberk: I think this is a botch job of Gerd De Beek, whose position & other "shot for" reference pretty much confirms. If you wish to go down the rabbit hole with me a little, see the below linked TM-1 LEM photo.
One of at least three (I think) gorgeous works by Russell Arasmith depicting Gemini VIII Astronaut, David R. Scott, during his planned EVA, the goal of it to translate to, don and test the Extravehicular Support Package (ESP) for the first time. A feat never to occur.
The press slug associated with it:
“Next, Scott will move back toward Gemini (while Gemini and Agena still are docked) and proceed aft over the spacecraft, pulling up a handrail to help his movement over the retro (center) section and also using a second handrail over the equipment (aft) section that will be extended when the spacecraft leaves its booster at orbital insertion. This sequence is shown in 1, 2, 3, 4 order as Scott moves aft and takes a position (4) on a bar at rear end of the spacecraft, where he faces and checks out a special back pack he will wear for extended space walking.”
Excellent:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001489.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
This gorgeous work, to me, is a tour de force by Russell Arasmith. Pretty damned gutsy to attempted to depict an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) which had yet to occur, with only the photography from relatively static previous EVA’s as a ‘template’, with equipment that had yet to be used in flight, and from such a ’three-dimensionally’ demanding perspective. All without having it look goofy, awkward & somehow ‘wrong’.
Mr. Arasmith knocked it out of the park, into the wind, a towering drive, eventually dropping into the adjacent parking lot…with the bases loaded…in extra innings…during an away game. Yeah, hyperbole, but this is mad skills on display.
It’s no wonder I’m confused.
A wonderful compilation by Mr. Gary H. Kitmacher/Johnson Space Center, 2002.
At:
www.spacearchitect.org/pubs/IAC-02-IAA.8.2.04.pdf
Credit: AIAA Space Architecture Technical Committee website
I hope nobody sues me for propagating this wonderful, informative, albeit still confusing, graphic presentation.
“Wonders of The Universe:
A vital link in the space field, the Manned Orbital Research Laboratory (MORL) is being revived by both the [missing] and NASA with h[missing] the immediate future [missing] …tive program will [missing]
The Air Force w[missing] undertake this project to explore the military mission in space, while NASA would like to undertake this project to perform vital experiments in space which must be completed before the manned exploration of the planets is attempted.
One fact which is not too well known is that NASA probably would have initiated plans for a space station some time ago and would have been well along in their planning except for the priority which President Kennedy assigned to the Apollo project. However, the establishment of a space station was visualized as being so rewarding that NASA already had begun to develop the comprehensive technological foundation for this venture.”
Above per Dr. I. M. Levitt, Director, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia…once again with artistic accompaniment by Mr. John Gorsuch.
I think/thought the depiction is/was of Martin Company’s Authentic Reproduction of an Independent Earth Satellite (ARIES). But then again, MOL maybe? I do associate Gemini with MOL. They all sort of blur together to me now. Who knows.
What really matters is that this is yet another John Gorsuch work.
With that said, a wonderful profile, with what little is available on this remarkably talented & prolific artist:
e05.code.blog/2021/09/28/artist-profile-john-gorsuch/
Credit: numbers station blog
See also. A wonderful site I too often overlook:
elpoderdelasgalaxias.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/empress-of-...
Credit: "THE DREAMY DODO" website
“This candid shot of astronaut Charles Bassett was taken by former Chronicle photographer Art Uhlmann as a group of space trainees were returning from a stint on the desert near Hazen, Nev., last July. Uhlmann used a 35mm Nikon with a 180mm lens, shooting at 1/250th at f16.”
The above is a compilation of the two newspaper clippings affixed to the verso.
Even better & accurate (along with a similar photo in color), courtesy of Ed Hengeveld, via the collectSPACE website:
“Group 3 astronaut Charlie Bassett during desert survival training at Stead Air Force Base and Carson Sink in Nevada, August 10-14, 1964.”
At:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/000720.html
All photographs of Charlie Bassett, seemingly always with an infectious & ready smile, often engaged in something “neat”, exude a natural charisma & confidence. I think he would’ve been one of the great ‘characters’, much like Pete Conrad. What a tragedy.
In fact, per user “hlbjr”, as part of the discussion at the above link:
“This picture really has a lot of personality. I've talked to a few of the Group 2 and Group 3 astronauts, and they all said that Bassett would have been a star had he not been killed in the T-38 crash in St. Louis. They thought a lot of him.”
Undisputed confirmation (if accurate) of the above:
“According to chief astronaut Deke Slayton's autobiography, he chose Bassett for Gemini 9 because he was "strong enough to carry" both himself and See.”
That’s saying a lot - coming from Slayton - who I believe was a no shit/no frills guy.
The above at/from:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bassett
Credit: Wikipedia
Additional interesting reading:
pvtimes.com/news/apollo-astronauts-conducted-desert-survi...
Credit: Pahrump Valley Times website
Ca. 1962-64 probable McDonnell Aircraft Company artist’s concept depicting a Gemini capsule reentry. Artist unknown.
8.5” x 11”.
In trying to find a “compare/contrast” image for this I came across only one, also a unicorn. And sure enough, I don’t recollect seeing any Gemini capsule reentry depictions over the many decades.
The one, by Neil Jacobe:
www.astrocryptotriviology.com/gemini-b-atm-entry
Credit: John B. Charles/ASTROCRYPTOTRIVIOLOGY website. Lots of good stuff here btw.
A striking, meticulous & sort of eerie McDonnell Aircraft Corporation artist’s rendering, ca. 1963, of the “GEMINI TRANSLATION AND DYNAMIC DOCKING SIMULATOR”. My ‘conclusion’ is based on the following linked diagrams, associated nomenclature & subsequent images. AND, it seems to have been constructed at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), Building 5!
Who knew? Did you? I didn’t.
Not to be confused with the more prevalently seen (and I thought only) simulator located at the Langley Research Center (LRC), with the cable-suspended Gemini capsule. I don’t know if its companion Agena Target Vehicle (ATV) was also similarly suspended:
I have no idea what kind of pressure suit that is, especially with those rigid rings, cuffs or whatever they are. An obscure prototype? An aircraft pressure suit of some sort. Artistic license? Not to mention that alien-looking helmet/helmet padding.
11” x 14”.
See March 5, 1962 entry:
history.nasa.gov/SP-4002/p1b.htm
Specifically:
history.nasa.gov/SP-4002/images/fig16b.jpg
From 1963, with slight variations:
Credit: the wonderful Internet Archive website
www.nasa.gov/feature/55-years-ago-gemini-viii-the-first-d...
Once again, specifically:
[APPROPRIATELY ENOUGH, THE FOLLOWING NAssA LINKS NO LONGER WORK...YEAH BUDDY.
YET ANOTHER CASUALTY IN THEIR INFINITE WISDOM TO "IMPROVE" THEIR PATHETIC WEBSITES - BUMBLING BUFFOONS.)
www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public...
And:
roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/pages.ashx/1791/Building%20on%2...
Yet again, specifically:
roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/Images/set2_154.png
And…and…as if all of the above wasn’t enough, there’s MORE. My superlative research 😜, along with the wonderful random efforts of a brilliant, visionary & anonymous soul enabled the identification of the otherwise obscure artist.
Thanks to the aforementioned, who uploaded at least two SEARCHABLE pdf’s of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) student newspaper, the “Current”, along with the original newspaper staff members responsible for the announcements (from 1972 & 1973), this work is conclusively confirmed to be by Mr. Earle Beaver.
From the January 27, 1972 edition:
“Figure Drawing - Earle Beaver, a commercial artist from McDonald Douglas is offering this studio course, with emphasis on model drawing.”
From the September 20, 1973 edition:
“ADVANCED FIGURE DRAWING - EARLE BEAVER
This class provides an opportunity for professional artists and advanced art students to improve their figure drawing skills. Drawing is done in charcoal or pencil. A model fee of $10.00 per student is due at the first meeting. Beaver is a commercial artist at the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, and has taught this class in every Communiversity session.”
All you have to do is look at the figure of the Astronaut and his offered class is obvious! Yes, I’m mildly giddy, yet again.
Further/finally, a pointless addendum:
“…McDonnell would provide two mission simulator trainers, a docking simulator trainer, five boilerplates, and three static articles for vibration and impact ground tests.”
Above extracted from an April 2, 1963 entry, at:
In this artist’s conception, with its crew section in cutout, is the Big or Big GEMINI spacecraft under study by McDonnell Douglas for NASA-Houston. S-IVB Orbital WORKSHOP is seen in the background. Holding a nominal crew of nine plus cargo, the Big G would be used as space shuttle to orbiting space stations in the mid-1970’s. It is a top contender in the dual Houston-Marshall space shuttle study.
8.5” x 11”.
The above is paraphrased from the December 5, 1968 issue of “SPACE Daily”, page 149, thanks to the always excellent Aerospace Projects Review website, at:
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=1140
Wow…see/read also:
www.astronautix.com/b/biggemini.html
Credit: Astronautix website
Finally, per the August 21, 1969 entry:
“McDonnell Douglas Corporation, under contract to MSC, submitted an eight-volume final report on a "Big G" study.
The study was performed to generate a preliminary definition of a logistic spacecraft derived from Gemini that would be used to resupply an orbiting space station. Land-landing at a preselected site and refurbishment and reuse were design requirements. Two baseline spacecraft were defined: a nine-man minimum modification version of the Gemini B called Min-Mod Big G and a 12-man advanced concept, having the same exterior geometry but with new, state-of-the-art subsystems, called Advanced Big G. Three launch vehicles-Saturn IB, Titan IIIM, and S-IC/S- IVB-were investigated for use with the spacecraft. The Saturn IB was discarded late in the study.
The spacecraft consisted of a crew module designed by extending the Gemini B exterior cone to a 419-cm-diameter heat shield and a cargo propulsion module. Recovery of the crew module would be effected by means of a gliding parachute (parawing). The parametric analyses and point design of the parawing were accomplished by Northrop- Ventura Company under a subcontract, and the contents of their final report were incorporated into the document. The landing attenuation of the spacecraft would be accomplished by a skid landing gear extended from the bottom of the crew module, allowing the crew to land in an upright position. The propulsion functions of transfer, rendezvous, attitude control, and retrograde would be performed by a single liquid-propellant system, and launch escape would be provided by a large Apollo-type escape tower.
In addition to the design analyses, operational support analyses and a program development plan were prepared…”
The above contained within the “McDonnell Douglas Corp. Report H321, Big G Final Report, Logistic Spacecraft System Evolving from Gemini, Volume I-Condensed Summary, 21 August 1969.”
Additionally:
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=37347.60
Credit: NASA Spaceflight Forum website
Who KNEW?!? Did YOU!?! I DIDN’T!!!
No signature unfortunately.
It's probably just me, but I'm picturing the four guys secured to the aft bulkhead spinning around - about the central hatch - all yelling "WHEEEH!!!" & "FASTER!!!", kicking their legs up & down. No? I bet Pete Conrad would've done so. And…if each seat were to rotate, voila…an orbital Tea-Cup ride! Yay! Fun, artificial-gravity-inducing & data-producing...a three-fer.
“GEMINI XII EVA -- Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot of the Gemini XII space flight, performs standup extravehicular activity during the [redacted] four-day mission in space. Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. was the command pilot. Gemini XII is docked to the Agena Target Docking Vehicle in background.”
The photograph is a frame taken by a 16mm Maurer movie camera that had been mounted by Aldrin on the outside of the spacecraft, directly behind his hatch.
onlineonly.christies.com/s/voyage-another-world-victor-ma...
Credit: Christie's website
Sold for $1125 March 2024:
historical.ha.com/itm/space-exploration/photos/gemini-12-...
Credit: Heritage Auctions website
Let’s see what he gets for it this time around:
www.bonhams.com/auction/30739/lot/14/gemini-xii-buzz-aldr...
Credit: Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr website
Despite the associated description per Bonhams:
“Historical context
A striking view of the fifth American spacewalker, Buzz Aldrin, standing on his seat with his upper body emerging into space during his first stand-up EVA. Captured by a 16mm Maurer camera he had mounted outside the spacecraft, this image shows Aldrin installing a handrail between Gemini XII and the Agena Target Vehicle—an EVA task he had meticulously rehearsed in underwater training. Gemini XII remains docked to the Agena in the background, with the breathtaking blue Earth below.
"One thing I know about Buzz—he's one of these guys that's a lot smarter than most of us. He had a nickname: Dr. Rendezvous."
—Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean (In the Shadow of the Moon, 2007)”
That doesn’t look like a handrail in his hand. Maybe the tether for the gravity gradient/tethered stationkeeping/artificial gravity inducing experiment?
Excellent:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001279.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
Finally, from the NASM website:
“On the second day in orbit, Aldrin did a “standup” EVA, floating in the hatch opening and doing scientific experiments such as astronomical photography with an ultraviolet camera. It was a technique first tried on Gemini X and XI. That was easy. Day 3 had the real test. First, he attached a movie camera to the Gemini spacecraft, pulling himself hand-over-hand to the spacecraft's nose on a handrail added for the purpose. He used a short tether attached to his waist to restrain himself as he hooked a big tether between the spacecraft and the Agena. Unlike Gordon’s experience trying to wrap his legs around the Gemini’s nose to stay in place, Aldrin had no trouble. Then he moved to the back of the Gemini spacecraft to work on his “busy box” of tasks. Two “golden slippers”—yellow, overshoe-like foot restraints—stabilized his position. He experimented with one or two waist tethers, worked with bolts and washers, and used a tool to cut metal. Then he moved back to the Agena, where he worked another “busy box” with electrical connectors and experimented with a power screwdriver. He took prescribed rest periods between tasks. Buzz was back in his seat after 2 hours and 20 minutes without incident. The next day he did another standup EVA.”
At/from:
airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/learning-how-work-sp...
“GEMINI IX EARTH-SKY VIEW -- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan took this closeup view of the Gemini IX command pilot’s window during his extravehicular activity on the Gemini IX mission. The umbilical tether extends from Cernan to the open pilot’s hatch. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico are in the background.”
One of the few photographs taken by Cernan during his “spacewalk from Hell”. Per David Azbell/Facebook (Space Hipsters group):
“In his memoir, “The Last Man on the Moon,” astronaut Gene Cernan wrote in vivid detail about the spacewalk from Hell that he experienced on the Gemini 9A mission with Tom Stafford.
The mission parameters for the extravehicular activity called for Cernan to test an Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, which was similar to the device that shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless would successfully fly in an untethered spacewalk almost 20 years later.
Because the AMU used hydrogen peroxide propellant that produced corosive gases and in order to protect him from thermal heat and micrometeorites, Cernan was required to wear special pants made of woven steel and sheets of mylar throughout the three-day mission. The thickness and bulk of the pants made the already cramped and uncomfortable two-man Gemini capsule, which was similar in size to the front seat of a Volkswagen Beetle, even more uncomfortable for Cernan. His crew mate, Stafford, wore the traditional and more comfortable Gemini pressure suit.
Cernan’s spacewalk went badly from the moment it started when his EVA pressure suit inflated to the point that he could not bend his limbs to any discernible degree. He began tumbling wildly as soon as he left the capsule, and aside from providing life-giving oxygen, his umbilical cord proved to be a hindrance and hazard. He likened it to “wrestling an octopus.”
While making his way to the back of the Gemini capsule, where the AMU was stored, and attempting to strap himself into the unit, Cernan’s heart rate rose to 180 beats per minute. His rigid limbs and lack of leverage made strapping himself into the AMU and adjusting its various valves and connections almost impossible.
Sweat caused the visor on his helmet to fog, which rendered him essentially blind in space.
Fearing for Cernan’s life, Stafford and Mission Control ordered an end to the EVA, and Cernan felt his way back to the door of the spacecraft, though the lack of handholds and footholds made his sightless trek painfully slow. Upon reaching the upraised hatch, returning to his seat proved extremely difficult because of his ballooned and over-pressurized suit.
Once safely inside, Cernan reported terrible burning pains on his back, and it was later discovered that the insulated EVA covering he’d worn throughout the mission had ripped, which allowed the intense heat from the sun to burn him.
Before returning to Earth, Stafford and Cernan jettisoned the unused AMU, which had cost $10 million to develop and build, because its explosive fuel package posed too much of a risk during reentry.
Following reentry, it was claimed that Cernan’s exertions had caused his boots to hold one pound of sweat, which was poured out like water from a pitcher.”
Additionally, amongst many:
airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/almost-blind-and-com...
Credit: Smithsonian NASM website
And:
www.americaspace.com/2016/06/05/only-tom-really-knows-50-...
Credit: AmericaSpace website
Excellent:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001323.html
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/000459.html
Both above credit: collectSPACE website
Per the Americaspace article “Cernan inadvertently kicked the Hasselblad camera that Stafford had been using to photograph the EVA and it drifted off into space.” However, per the discussion thread in the second collectSPACE link, a post-flight corrective action list listed “one roll of EVA film and a 5mm wide angle lens for 16mm camera were lost during EVA ingress.”
Regardless, for multiple reasons, there are very few photographs of Cernan’s EVA, taken by either astronaut. As such, it’s reasonable to assume that this photograph was likely taken within a few minutes of the photograph taken by Stafford, linked to below. In fact, the Maurer 70mm camera used by Stafford can be seen in the Command Pilot window of the spacecraft. As you can see, its lens is very near the window's edge, seen in Stafford's photo, thereby (I think) supporting my conclusion.
A wonderful, but poignant photo of Astronaut Charlie Bassett “loading up the kids” - it looks like - to go fishing…in the rumble seat of his (possibly 1930/31?) Ford Model A Coupe. Although unthinkable today, it was a different world back then. And check out Mr. Bassett's pipe!
I assume this was at his residence somewhere in the vicinity of the MSC…Clear Lake maybe?
Karen Bassett is already seated, as her brother Peter is being hoisted into position by dad. Outstanding.
See/read also:
m.facebook.com/groups/spacehipsters/permalink/28589302041...
Credit: Creg Bigelow (Space Hipsters)/Facebook
Absolutely delightful.
Both worth the read. Bottom line – TRAGIC:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001233.html
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/000351.html
Both above credit: collectSPACE website
Continue to Rest In Peace Sir:
www.amfcse.org/charles-a-bassett-ii-1
Credit: “The Astronauts Memorial Foundation” website
Who cares how impractical, impossible or even ridiculous it is - it’s by John Gorsuch AND looks like a giant Apollo Command Module. What more can you ask for?
From/at:
www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604512085738/
Credit: Dax Araya-Derosier/Pinterest