Space capsules are often manned spacecraft with a simple shape and without any wings or other features to create lift during atmospheric re-entry. They have been used in most manned space programs to date, including Gemini 4, Apollo 16 and Mercury 7.

Gemini 4 Capsule

Gemini 4 was a manned space flight in NASA’s Gemini program in June 1965, crewed by James McDivitt and Edward White. It was the second manned Gemini flight, the tenth manned American flight and the eighteenth spaceflight of all time. It was the first multi-day space flight by the United States, intended to show that it was possible for humans to remain in space for the length of time required to fly the moon and back. The four-day, 62-orbit mission also aimed to rendezvous and fly in formation with the spent second stage of its Titan II booster rocket. It also saw the first ever American extra-vehicular activity or space walk. Gemini 4 set a record for flight duration and eased fears about the medical consequences of longer missions. The Gemini 4 capsule is currently on display at the National Air and Space Museum, located at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

Apollo 16 Capsule

Apollo 16 was the tenth manned mission in the Apollo program and the fifth mission to land on the moon. It was launched on April 16, 1972. The crew members were commander John W. Young, command module pilot Ken Mattingly, and lunar module pilot Charles Duke. On their way to the moon, the astronauts took several photos of Earth. Apollo 16 was only one of the six Apollo landings to target the lunar highlands. The astronauts discovered that what was thought to have been a region of volcanism was actually full of impact-formed rocks, or breccias. A total of 94.7 kg of lunar samples was brought back to Earth, including an 11.7 kg chunk that was the largest single rock. The Apollo 16 astronauts also conducted performance tests with a lunar rover, and even set a lunar speed record of 11 miles per hour. Charles Duke left a plastic-encased photo portrait of his family on the moon.

Mercury 7 Capsule

Mercury 7 was a manned space mission launched on May 24, 1962. The capsule was named Aurora 7 and made three earth orbits with Scott Carpenter as pilot. The focus of the five-hour mission was on science. Equipment included in the spacecraft provided valuable scientific information, notably that regarding liquid behavior in a weightless state, identification of the airglow layer observed during an earlier flight, and photography of terrestrial features and meteorological phenomena. The flight further qualified the Mercury spacecraft systems for manned orbital operations and provided evidence for progressing into missions of extended duration and consequently more demanding systems requirements.

Space fanatics can now avail of high quality replicas of the Gemini 4, Apollo 16 and Mercury 7 capsules. And from mid to late October 2007 only, we are also offering signed versions, personally autographed by an astronaut from each mission. The Gemini 4 capsule will be signed by James McDivitt, the Apollo 16 capsule by Charles Duke, and the Mercury 7 capsule by Scott Carpenter. The signed replicas will include specialized packaging, a museum quality case, a signature plate, a certificate of authenticity and a portfolio about the item. Save $219.90 by getting all three limited edition signed capsules for $1,199.95 instead of $1,419.85!