Back before GPS and computer maps, the first pair of American astronauts to enter space on top of Gemini-Titan rocket used this color litho map, glued around a piece of cardboard with a translucent plastic overlay showing the orbit tracks. During the three-orbit flight, it allowed the crew to find their position relative to ground targets. It was carried in the stowage pouch mounted on the spacecraft center pedestal wall during the flight. After the successful splashdown of GT-3, co-pilot John Young kept this in his personal collection, until now.
Looking at some of the details, it is interesting to see what few cities are marked, like Casablanca in Africa.
On the flip side, I found a remarkable detail when I removed the plastic sheath from the map, a detail not visible before (photo below). To the right of the tape holding the plastic loop together is a pen sketch of the Gemini capsule showing its direction of travel after launch, a helpful orientation pointer. But to the left it is a partially rubbed out-capsule going in the wrong direction! The first manned Gemini mission flew with this as their guide.
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