NASA USA Gemini Mars Lander 1963 1/48 Scale Model Kit

NASA USA Gemini Mars Lander 1963 1/48 Scale Model Kit:

General Electric's Mars Mission Concept

In 1963, General Electric's Aerospace Division presented a paper to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) proposing a "brute force" mission to Mars. Penned by GE engineers Thomas P. Widmer and Dandridge Cole, the proposal called for sending two astronauts to Mars aboard a craft powered by as-yet-undeveloped NERVA atomic engine. Once at the Red Planet, the two-man crew would transfer to the landing vehicle, a delta-winged cylinder topped by a specially adapted Gemini capsule. Once landed, the crew would descend to the Martian surface using hand- and foot-holds embedded in the landing craft's surface. When the mission was completed, they'd leave Mars using the landing craft's upper stage and rendezvous with their orbiting mother ship for the trip home.

Although ambitious, the GE proposal contained any number of issues, and was never seriously pursued.

Scale: 1:48
Number of Pieces: 25

NOTE TO PURCHASER: This is a Resin Model Kit and requires model building and painting skills. Many parts may require prep, sanding, fitting and some scratch building. Some models do not come with printed box or instructions and are intended for experienced modelers. Our amazing staff of professional model builders can build and paint this kit for you. Please use the BUILD UP SERVICES link on our home page to contact us for more information or a price quote.