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NASA - Rogallo wing to recover Gemini spacecraft
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NASA - Rogallo wing to recover Gemini spacecraft
NASA considered using a Rogallo wing to recover the Gemini spacecraft
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Media ID 18387376
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
Considered Gemini Nasa Recover Spacecraft Wing Aeronautics
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In this intriguing photograph from NASA's archives, we see a close-up view of a Rogallo wing, a type of flexible wing design, being prepared for potential use in the recovery of a Gemini spacecraft. The image captures the essence of the innovative spirit and technological advancements that defined the space race during the mid-20th century. The Gemini program, which ran from 1961 to 1966, was a crucial step in the development of human spaceflight capabilities. It built upon the successes of the Mercury program and paved the way for the Apollo missions that would eventually land astronauts on the moon. However, recovering the Gemini spacecraft after re-entry presented a unique challenge. NASA considered various methods for recovering the Gemini spacecraft, including the use of a parachute system and a helicopter. However, they also explored the possibility of using a Rogallo wing, a flexible wing design invented by Francis Rogallo in 1948. This type of wing, also known as a parafoil or ram-air paraglider wing, was well-suited for landing large, heavy objects on water or land. In the photograph, we see a Rogallo wing being prepared for testing. The wing's distinctive shape, with its curved leading edge and flat trailing edge, is clearly visible. The intricate details of the wing's structure, including the numerous lines and cables that control its shape during flight, are also evident. The potential use of a Rogallo wing for Gemini recovery represented an exciting and ambitious approach to spaceflight technology. Although ultimately, NASA decided against using this method, the photograph serves as a reminder of the groundbreaking research and development that took place during the space race era. It also highlights the importance of exploring new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of aeronautical engineering.
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