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Author
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Topic: Gemini spacecraft thermal protection system
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PeterO
Member Posts: 402
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 05-13-2012 08:50 AM
   
Two Gemini thermal protection system questions: - How were the thermal blankets covering the equipment module held in place? There must have been a circular frame in the center. Were there radial supports running from the periphery of the module to the center, or did the shape of the blankets hold the shape on their own?
- What color was the Gemini heatshield? I would guess the same brown phenolic color as the orbital Mercury heatshield, but I don't ever recall seeing a preflight photo.
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mikej
Member Posts: 481
From: Germantown, WI USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 05-13-2012 07:24 PM
An unflown Gemini heat shield is actually white.I've got some photos of Gemini heat shield material on a Gemini trainer at Goddard Space Flight Center and on Gemini 9 at KSC. |
Headshot
Member Posts: 891
From: Vancouver, WA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 05-14-2012 07:18 AM
A segment in Spacefilms' Project Gemini DVD set shows a technician installing the thermal blanket at the aft end of an equipment adapter. It is in the bonus materials. |
Headshot
Member Posts: 891
From: Vancouver, WA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 05-14-2012 07:28 AM
Can anyone tell me what the thickness of Gemini's heat shield was before re-entry and after re-entry? I have searched the two Gemini Program conference volumes and the Volume 2 Familiarization Manual. Either I missed it or there's nothing there. |
PeterO
Member Posts: 402
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 05-14-2012 05:39 PM
Thanks for the information! I've done more searching, and came up with these Gemini B heat shield photos.I also have the Spacecraft Films Gemini set, so I'll be checking it out tonight. |
space1
Member Posts: 861
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 05-15-2012 07:31 PM
The adapter insulation was supported in the center by an aluminum tubular ring. Wires were run from this ring upward to the inner adapter structure, with turnbuckles to adjust wire tension. The tension was adjusted to allow the insulation blanket assembly to sag about 3/4 inch. The insulation was retained at the perimeter of the adapter using Velcro.------------------
John Fongheiser
Historic Space Systems |
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