- For other uses, see Gemini.
Gemini 9 approaching an unmanned Agena spacecraft for docking maneuvers.
Diagram of the Gemini spacecraft capsule.
The Gemini missions were a part of Earth's First Space Age. The missions marked the second venture of the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
History and specifics[]
Its ten missions involved primarily centered around shooting two Humans at a time into space inside a small metal box, and then landing them safely. (ST novel: Excelsior: Forged in Fire)
The Gemini spacecraft capsule was 5.6 meters long, weighed 4.2 tons, and was launched by a chemically-propelled rocket. (ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology)
Missions[]
- 16 March - 17 March 1966
- The Gemini 8 mission was crewed by astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott. The mission included the first attempt to dock two spacecraft in orbit, as the Gemini capsule docked with an unmanned Agena target craft launched separately. This mission was also part of a top-secret United States Defense Department project that would lead to the attempted launch of an orbital weapon platform in 1968. (TOS novel: From History's Shadow)
- 3 June - 6 June 1966
- The Gemini 9 mission served to further the secret weapons project. (TOS novel: From History's Shadow)
- Gemini 9 was piloted by Commander Thomas Stafford and second pilot Eugene Cernan. The mission involved approaching an ATDA rocket. (Star Trek Annual 1969 article: A Space Nightmare!)
- July 1966
- During a Gemini 10 spacewalk, Michael Collins accidentally let go of his Hasselblad. The camera was left in Earth orbit. (Star Trek Annual 1969 article: Star Facts!)
- September 1966
- The Gemini 11 mission was manned by Charles "Pete" Conrad and Richard Gordon. They also docked with Agena, and for the first time used an onboard computer to plot their return trajectory through the atmosphere. (The Classic UK Comics, Volume 3)
- November 1966
- During Gemini 12's mission, the two astronauts learned how to not tire while using their spacesuits during extra vehicular activity. (The Classic UK Comics, Volume 3)
Gemini astronauts[]
- Buzz Aldrin (Gemini 12)
- Frank Borman (Gemini 7)
- Neil Armstrong (Gemini 8)
- Eugene Cernan (Gemini 9A)
- Michael Collins (Gemini 10)
- Charles "Pete" Conrad (Gemini 5, Gemini 11)
- Gordon Cooper (Gemini 5)
- Richard Gordon (Gemini 11)
- Gus Grissom (Gemini 3)
- James Lovell (Gemini 7, Gemini 12)
- James McDivitt (Gemini 4)
- Wally Schirra (Gemini 6A)
- David Scott (Gemini 8)
- Thomas Stafford (Gemini 6A, Gemini 9A)
- John Young (Gemini 3, Gemini 10)
- Ed White (Gemini 4)
Appendices[]
References[]
- ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology
- ST novel: Excelsior: Forged in Fire
- TOS novel: From History's Shadow
- The Classic UK Comics, Volume 3
External links[]
- Project Gemini article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.