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From: mrb1@cbnewsh.ATT.COM (maurice.r.baker)
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: space news from May 1 AW&ST
Summary: Rogallo Wing <--> "Blue" Gemini
Message-ID: <1158@cbnewsh.ATT.COM>
Date: 5 Jun 89 14:27:12 GMT
References: <1989May29.032320.2277@utzoo.uucp> <486@cybaswan.UUCP> <1989Jun4.055452.12921@utzoo.uucp>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 29

In article <1989Jun4.055452.12921@utzoo.uucp>, henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer) writes:
> In article <486@cybaswan.UUCP> iiit-sh@cybaswan.UUCP (Steve Hosgood) writes:
> >>NASA to test a parafoil system, developed by Pioneer Aerospace, for
> >>precision landings by parachute of launcher components...
> >
> >Wasn't this originally invented by Dr Francis Rogallo in about 1963? ...
> 
> ......Deleted Henry's expalanation of Rogallowing vs. parafoil             
> 
> .....
> Gemini originally was going to use a
> Rogallo wing in hopes of developing pinpoint landing techniques.  The
> .....
> being able to make a pinpoint landing on land was clearly superior to splashing
> down in the ocean and having to be picked up.  The motive to change was
> -- 

Was there also some synergy here between the concept of "pin-point" landings
on terra firma, and the strong connection between Gemini and USAF ("Blue Ge-
mini"/MOL/etc.) ?  Particularly in light of Gemini capsule containing military
crews and/or classified documents, equip. etc. --- and landing in unfriendly
waters/territory.  I keep remembering space books from the eraly 1960s which
showed a Rogallo-wing equipped Gemini skidding to a stop on the land following
a visit to the MOL.  And the Gemini capsule had a USAF insignia painted on it.

Just a thought.....any other followups?

M. Baker
homxc!mrb1