Available to US citizens only/no export. Rocketdyne SE-6 Thruster designed for the Gemini Reentry Control System (RCS), measuring approximately 10″ x 5″ x 4″, with a Rocketdyne label affixed to the body: "Part Name: Thrust Chamber Assy, Part No. 208130-31, Serial No. 4056685, Mfr Name: Rocketdyne, Mfr Part No. 209130-31, Model No. SE-6, Mfd for McDonnell." The back of the housing is stenciled in red, "Not Acceptable For Flight." In fine condition.
Each Gemini capsule had 16 of these thrusters positioned in the nose for maneuvering and control of spacecraft attitude during reentry. They were famously utilized during Gemini 8 as the capsule began to spin dangerously out of control: staying calm under pressure, Neil Armstrong fired the RCS thrusters to regain stability. An uncommon and desirable piece of NASA rocket hardware.
Provenance: The Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in Prince Frederick, MD.
