The next section, the adapter section, connected the reentry module to the launch vehicle during ascent and housed equipment needed to support the crew while in orbit. Unlike today’s crewed spacecraft, the Gemini crew cabin was pressurized with pure oxygen at about one-third standard atmospheric pressure to save weight. The nose of this module also contained an L-band radar system for orbital rendezvous operations. The first section was the reentry module which housed the crew, their equipment, food supplies and so on in orbit as well as the recovery systems needed to safely return them to Earth. Built by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (which merged with Douglas in 1967 to become McDonnell Douglas which subsequently merged with Boeing 30 years later), it consisted of two major sections. Gemini was a two-man spacecraft that was roughly conical in shape with a base diameter of 3.3 meters which stood 5.8 meters tall. ![]() Meeting all of these objectives was necessary if the Apollo lunar program were to be successful.ĭiagram showing the major systems of the Gemini spacecraft. – Demonstrate the technology and techniques needed to perform EVAs (Extra-Vehicular Activities) – Demonstrate rendezvous and docking techniques in orbit – Demonstrate that humans and their equipment can survive up to two weeks in space The major objectives of the program were: The purpose of NASA’s Gemini program was to develop the technologies and techniques needed to fulfill President Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the Moon by 1970. The second-to-last Gemini mission, the flight of Gemini 11, would continue the push up the learning curve as preparations for Apollo continued. While there were some problems encountered and some set backs especially during EVAs (extravehicular activities), the first three Gemini missions of 1966 managed to test a variety of rendezvous and docking techniques that were essential to Apollo. During the first half of 1966, NASA had also flown a fast-paced series of manned missions as part of the Gemini program to test the technologies and learn the skills needed for Apollo to reach the Moon. Testing of the Apollo spacecraft in preparation for the first manned flight in early 1967 was in full swing (see “ AS-202: The Last Test Flight Before Apollo 1“) and the Saturn 500F, a non-flight version of NASA’s Saturn V Moon rocket, was already being used to check out the new facilities at Launch Complex 39 during the summer of 1966 (see “ The Saturn 500F: The Moon Rocket That Couldn’t Fly“). The year 1966 was a pivotal one in the race to reach the Moon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |