Gemini program

By Kikimo

  • Gemini 1

    It was an un-crewed orbital test of the Titan 2 launch vehicle, the structural stability of the Gemini spacecraft, and the launch vehicle-spacecraft compatibility. Other objectives were to check launch vehicle-spacecraft launch heating conditions, launch vehicle performance, launch vehicle flight control system switch-over circuits, launch vehicle orbit insertion accuracy, and the malfunction detection system. This was the first production Gemini spacecraft and launch vehicle.
  • Period: to

    GEMINI PROGRAM

  • Gemini 2

    This was the second un-crewed Gemini test mission. primary objectives being to demonstrate the adequacy of the spacecraft reentry module's heat protection during a maximum heating rate return, the structural stability of the spacecraft, and the performance of spacecraft systems.

  • Gemini 3

    Gemini 3 was the first crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. Its primary objectives were to demonstrate the crewed qualifications of the Gemini spacecraft including evaluation of the two-man Gemini design, the worldwide tracking network, orbit attitude and maneuver system (OAMS), control of reentry flight path and landing point, spacecraft systems, and spacecraft recovery.

  • Gemini 4

    Gemini 4 was the second crewed mission of the Gemini series and carried its crew on a 4-day, 62-orbit, 98-hr flight. The mission included the first American spacewalk. The objective of the mission was to test the performance of the astronauts and capsule and to evaluate work procedures, schedules, and flight planning for an extended length of time in space.

  • Gemini 5

    Gemini 5 was the third crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. The flight was designed to last eight days and test rendezvous procedures. The major objectives of this mission were to demonstrate a long-duration crewed flight, evaluate the effects of long periods of weightlessness on the crew, and test rendezvous capabilities and maneuvers using a rendezvous evaluation pod.

  • Gemini 7

    Gemini 7 was the fourth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series, having been launched before Gemini 6A. It carried its astronauts on a 14-day mission. Its mission priorities were to demonstrate a 2-week flight, perform stationkeeping with the Gemini launch vehicle stage 2, evaluate the 'shirt sleeve' environment and the lightweight pressure suit, act as a rendezvous target for Gemini 6, and demonstrate controlled reentry close to the target landing point.

  • Gemini 6A

    Gemini 6A was the fifth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series, having been launched after Gemini 7, with the intent of making rendezvous with Gemini 7 in Earth orbit. The mission priorities were to demonstrate on-time launch procedures, closed-loop rendezvous capabilities, and stationkeeping techniques with Gemini 7. Other objectives were to evaluate the spacecraft reentry guidance capabilities, and conduct spacecraft systems tests and four experiments.

  • Gemini 8

    Gemini 8 was the sixth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. The primary mission objectives were to perform rendezvous and four docking tests with the Agena target vehicle and to execute an ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) experiment. Other objectives included parking the Agena in a 410 km circular orbit, and performing a re-rendezvous with the Agena. Ten technological, medical, and scientific experiments were carried on board.

  • Gemini 9

    Gemini 9A was the seventh crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. It carried astronauts Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan. Primary mission objectives were to demonstrate (1) rendezvous techniques and docking with a target vehicle to simulate maneuvers to be carried out on future Apollo missions, (2) an ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) spacewalk to test the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU), and (3) precision landing capability.

  • Gemini 10

    Gemini 10 was the eighth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. Its primary purpose was to conduct rendezvous and docking tests with the Agena target vehicle.
    The scientific experiments were related to zodiacal light, synoptic terrain, and synoptic weather photography, micrometeorite collections, UV astronomical camera, ion wake measurements, and meteoroid erosion.

  • Gemini 11

    Gemini 11 was the ninth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series. The 3-day mission was designed to achieve a first orbit rendezvous and docking with the Agena target vehicle, accomplish two ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) tests, perform docking practice, docked configuration maneuvers, tethered operations, parking of the Agena target vehicle, and demonstrate an automatic reentry. There were also eight scientific and four technological experiments on board.

  • Gemini 12

    Gemini 12 was the tenth and final flight of the Gemini series. This mission was scheduled to perform rendezvous and docking with the Agena target vehicle, conduct three ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) operations, conduct a tethered stationkeeping exercise, perform docked maneuvers using the Agena propulsion system to change orbit, and demonstrate an automatic reentry. There were also 14 scientific, medical, and technological experiments on board.