Lot 67
- 67
Cooper's Hand-Drawn Gemini 5 Pod Separation Sequence
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Rare Flight Training Item Created by an Astronaut
- paper, ink
Manuscript notes and drawing by Gordon Cooper. Large single sheet, approximately 16 by 20 inches, folded.
Catalogue Note
INSCRIBED and SIGNED: "Rendezvous Pod Dynamics, GORDON COOPER" and again with: "Drawing by Gordon Cooper, GORDON COOPER." Additionally SIGNED by GT-5 Pilot CHARLES CONRAD.
During training for Gemini 5, Gordon Cooper drew this flight dynamics diagram which illustrates the orbital period and mission timeline of the REP (Rendezvous Evaluation Pod). The REP was a small equipment pod released from the Gemini 5 spacecraft and designed to test rendezvous and guidance capabilities. Cooper’s drawing includes a mission timeline (hr:min:sec) which reads in part: "EJECT REP 2:07:00, 2:29.5 (maximum distance of arch), 2:33 ALIGN PLATFORM, SQ (sequence) BURN 2:59:00" to separate from the pod.
The REP was released as planned, but problems just after that release with the Gemini 5 fuel cell caused the crew to powe🤪r down the spacecraft and abandoned work with the REP.
Related lots: 65, 66, 80, 81