1963 McDonnell NASA GEMINI Manual For SPACECRAFT #1 - Signed by Rodney Rose

Description

Gemini 1 - McDonnell "NASA Project Gemini Familiarization Manual For Spacecraft #1" Book, SEDR 300, Serial Number 113.
An 8.5" x 11" x 1" prong-bound book in a Duro cover with a date of July 18, 1963, this was the personal copy of Rodney Rose and signed by him at top of the title page, "
R. G. Rose
". This massive book, with numerous illustrations and diagrams, has a stated purpose: "...to present, clearly and concisely, the description and operation of the Gemini spacecraft systems and major components as installed in spacecraft number one. The primary usages of the manual are as a familiarization-indoctrination aid, and as a ready reference for detailed information on a specific system or component.
The manual is sectionalized by spacecraft systems or major assemblies. Generally, each section contains a system index illustration and a detailed word description of the system, its operation and its major components. The information contained in this manual is applicable only to spacecraft number one and is accurate as of 10 July 1963. The manual will be revised periodically or as required by changes to the spacecraft." Perfect for the space historian. Light wear, fine.
Rodney Rose started at NASA in 1959 at Langley Field as a Project Management Engineer for Project Mercury.
He was legendary flight director Chris Kraft's right-hand man during Gemini and Apollo
, and held important positions during the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs until his retirement in 1984. One of the most interesting stories about him involves the first prayer broadcast from Space by his close friend, neighbor, and fellow St. Christopher's Episcopal Church member. Before launch, Borman found out that he was a lay reader for the Christmas Eve communion. He and Rose conceived a plan where Borman would read the prayer from lunar orbit; it was called "Experiment P1" and Borman spoke from space: "Rod and I got together and I was going to record - say a little prayer for our church service tonight." When CapCom Michael Collins gave the go-ahead, Apollo 8's commander continued, "Okay. This is to Rod Rose and people at St. Christopher's, actually to people everywhere. Give us, O God, the vision which can see Thy love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith, the trust, the goodness in spite of all of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts, and show us what each of us can do to set forth the day of universal peace. Amen."
A nice addition to any collection, we will send this via USPS Insured Priority Mail (insured for the full value amount at end of auction).  Please feel free to send along any questions you might have.  Thanks for looking.