Gemini 10, launched shortly after, was able to rendezvous with and dock with the Agena. GATV-9 (GATV-5004) failed to reach orbit when its booster malfunctioned on. GATV-8 was later used as a passive rendezvous target for Gemini 10. Gemini 8, launched shortly after, was able to rendezvous with and perform the first ever docking between two orbiting spacecraft. The first GATV, known as GATV-5002, was destroyed in a launch vehicle explosion on 25 October 1965. The Gemini-Agena combination could use the Agena engine to make significant orbital maneuvers. While docked, equipment in the Gemini capsule allowed astronauts to control the Agena spacecraft. Equipment within the docking cone allowed the spacecraft to be securely attached. An indexing bar, protruding from the side of the Gemini spacecrafts nose, slid into a matching v-notch on the docking cone, assuring proper radial alignment between the docked spacecraft. The docking cone was designed to receive the nose of a Gemini capsule. Additions to the standard Agena included extra communications equipment, a radar transponder, acquisition lights, and a docking cone. The Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV), based on a highly modified Agena upper stage, was developed as the primary docking target for Gemini spacecraft. Two spacecraft were developed to provide docking targets for Gemini missions. Several developmental spacecraft, including Gemini TTV-1, TTV-2, and El Kabong, were constructed to test techniques for landing spacecraft on existing runways.Įxperience gained during project Gemini proved critical to the success of the Apollo lunar missions later in the decade.ĭeveloping techniques for orbital rendezvous and docking were among the goals for project Gemini. However, time constraints required switching to a more traditional parachute and ocean landing. Land recovery, using landing skids and an inflatable wing, were investigated early in the program. The Gemini 2 spacecraft was re-flown on an Air Force Titan-IIIC in 1966. Sometimes referred to as Gemini-B or Blue Gemini, these proposed missions would conduct military operations as part of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) project. Gemini spacecraft were investigated for use by the United States Air Force. The docking targets were launched separately on Atlas rockets. Several docking targets, including the GATV (Gemini Agena Target Vehicle) and the ATDA (Augmented Target Docking Adapter), were developed. Gemini program objectives included long-duration missions, lasting as long as two weeks, as well as orbital maneuvering, rendezvous and docking. Lacking an escape tower similar to Mercury or the later Apollo spacecraft, the ejection seats provided a way for the astronauts to escape from the vehicle, at least at low altitudes. The commander, known as the command pilot, sat in the left seat, while the pilot sat in the right seat. The astronauts sat side by side in the capsule. Gemini-Titan missions were launched from Pad-19 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Titan II, originally developed as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), was modified as a launcher for Gemini spacecraft. The base of the equipment section interfaced with the Titan II rocket. The Gemini spacecraft was composed of five major components, including a rendezvous and recovery section, re-entry control system, cabin section, retrograde section, and an equipment section. The highly successful Gemini program helped bridge the gap between the Mercury and Apollo programs. Other Stuff Store Archives Graphics Wallpapers AboutĬontact Information Email Richard Historic SpacecraftĪmerica's Gemini program consisted of two unmanned and ten manned missions flown during 19. Reference Spaceflight Links Shuttle Flights Master Index Timeline Acronyms Quotes Apollo Capsules Commercial Gemini Lunar Module Mercury Military Spacecraft Shenzhou Soyuz Space Shuttle Vostok & VoskhodĪtlas Delta / Thor Jupiter Orbital Redstone Saturn I & IB Saturn 5 SpaceX Titan Upper Stages Other RocketsĬhinese European Indian Japanese Russian V-2 (A-4) Other NationsĪsteroid / Comet Discovery Lunar Missions Outer Planets Mariner Mars Pioneer Telescopes Venus Probes
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