This capsule was the first long duration flight of the Gemini program. Astronauts Cooper and Conrad used an unofficial nickname of Conestoga, a wagon used to pioneer the west, which also appeared on the mission patch. Their motto was "8 days or Bust". NASA did not approve of the motto as a shortened mission would then be considered a 'bust' by the media. Conrad had suggested the name Lady Bird but was quickly shut down. "I didn't think there was anything offensive to Lady Bird", said Conrad.
Notice the docking adapter in the front - not normally found on displayed spacecraft as it is jettisoned during parachute deployment. Is it authentic?
Although displayed in an EVA configuration, no spacewalk took place during the flight - both astronauts remained inside the spacecraft.
This capsule is displayed in a darkened hall with fiber optic stars. Only the interior is lit, including the instrument panel display. Very cool!
