What was the Gemini 8 mission, and what were its primary objectives?

Gemini 8 was the sixth crewed spaceflight in NASA's Gemini program, launched on March 16, 1966. Its main objectives included performing the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit and conducting an extravehicular activity (EVA). The mission also aimed to test rendezvous and docking procedures, which were crucial steps for future lunar missions.

Who were the astronauts aboard the Gemini 8 mission, and what were their roles?

The prime crew for Gemini 8 consisted of Neil Armstrong as the Command Pilot and David Scott as the Pilot. This was the first spaceflight for both astronauts. They were responsible for piloting the Gemini spacecraft, executing mission objectives, and managing any in-flight emergencies.

What significant historical firsts did the Gemini 8 mission achieve?

Gemini 8 achieved two major firsts in spaceflight history: it successfully performed the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit, connecting the Gemini capsule with an Agena Target Vehicle. It also conducted the first critical in-space system failure experienced by a U.S. spacecraft, which led to an immediate mission abort.

What was the significance of Neil Armstrong's participation in the Gemini 8 mission?

Neil Armstrong, a civilian and former U.S. Naval Reserve pilot, was selected for the Gemini 8 crew in September 1965. His flight marked the second time a U.S. civilian had flown into space and the first time a U.S. civilian had traveled into orbit. This distinction highlighted the growing role of civilians in the American space program.

Who comprised the backup crew for Gemini 8, and what was their subsequent assignment?

The backup crew for Gemini 8 included Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. as Command Pilot and Richard F. Gordon Jr. as Pilot. This crew later became the prime crew for the Gemini 11 mission, demonstrating the continuity and progression within NASA's astronaut corps.

What were the key mission parameters for the Gemini 8 spacecraft?

The Gemini 8 spacecraft had a launch mass of 3,789 kilograms (8,353 pounds). It operated in a low Earth orbit with a perigee altitude of approximately 261 kilometers (141 nautical miles) and an apogee altitude of 270 kilometers (150 nautical miles). The orbital inclination was 28.9 degrees, and the orbital period was about 89.81 minutes.

What was the Agena Target Vehicle used for in the Gemini 8 mission?

The Agena Target Vehicle (GATV-5003) served as the target for the Gemini 8 spacecraft's rendezvous and docking maneuvers. It was launched into orbit prior to the Gemini capsule and was designed to remain in orbit, allowing the Gemini crew to practice docking procedures, which were essential for future lunar missions like Apollo.

Describe the launch of the Gemini 8 mission.

The Gemini 8 spacecraft was launched on March 16, 1966, at 16:41:02 UTC, atop a Titan II GLV rocket from Launch Complex 19 at Cape Kennedy. The launch was nominal, meaning it proceeded without any significant anomalies, and the Gemini spacecraft was successfully placed into its intended orbit. The launch date coincidentally marked the 40th anniversary of Dr. Robert H. Goddard's launch of the world's first liquid-fueled rocket.

What were the planned objectives for the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) during Gemini 8?

During the Gemini 8 mission, Pilot David Scott was scheduled to perform a lengthy EVA lasting two hours and 10 minutes. The planned activities included retrieving a nuclear emulsion radiation experiment from the Agena, activating a micrometeoroid experiment on the Agena, and testing a minimum-reaction power tool. Scott was also intended to test an Extravehicular Support Pack (ESP), a backpack containing oxygen and propellant for maneuvering.

How did the rendezvous and docking procedure unfold between Gemini 8 and the Agena?

Following several orbital adjustments, the Gemini 8 spacecraft successfully rendezvoused with the Agena Target Vehicle. After visually inspecting the Agena for damage, Armstrong initiated the docking maneuver at a slow speed of approximately 8 centimeters per second. The docking was confirmed successful when the Agena's latches engaged, and Scott reported, "Flight, we are docked! Yes, it's really a smoothie."

What critical emergency occurred shortly after the Gemini 8 docking?

Shortly after docking, the combined Gemini and Agena spacecraft began an uncontrolled roll. Initially, Armstrong attempted to correct the roll using the Gemini's Orbit Attitude and Maneuvering System (OAMS) thrusters, but the rotation persisted and intensified. This rapid spinning threatened the safety of the crew and the spacecraft.

How did the crew of Gemini 8 attempt to regain control during the emergency?

When the uncontrolled roll began, Neil Armstrong first tried to stabilize the spacecraft using the Gemini's OAMS thrusters. However, the roll continued. Realizing the OAMS might be the source of the problem, Armstrong shut down the OAMS and switched to using the Reentry Control System (RCS) thrusters located on the nose of the Gemini capsule to stop the dangerous tumble. This maneuver consumed a significant amount of fuel.

What was discovered to be the cause of the thruster malfunction during the Gemini 8 emergency?

The investigation into the thruster malfunction revealed that an electrical short circuit, likely caused by a static electricity discharge, was the most probable cause. This short caused one of the OAMS thrusters to fire continuously, even when it was supposed to be off. This malfunction led to the rapid, uncontrolled rotation of the spacecraft.

What immediate action was taken by NASA mission control due to the emergency?

Due to the critical nature of the thruster malfunction and the subsequent use of the Reentry Control System (RCS), mission rules dictated an immediate abort of the mission. The crew prepared for an emergency landing, significantly altering the mission's planned duration and objectives.

How did the Gemini 8 crew manage the emergency after undocking from the Agena?

After undocking from the Agena, the Gemini spacecraft began to rotate even more rapidly. Armstrong skillfully used the Reentry Control System (RCS) thrusters to counteract the tumble, bringing the spinning under control. This action, while saving the crew, used up nearly 75% of the fuel designated for reentry maneuvers.

What was the outcome of the emergency landing for the Gemini 8 crew?

The emergency forced an early landing, occurring just over 10 hours after launch, far short of the planned three days. The crew, Neil Armstrong and David Scott, landed safely in the Pacific Ocean, though they experienced seasickness. They were recovered by the USS Leonard F. Mason.

Where did the Gemini 8 spacecraft land, and how was the recovery conducted?

The Gemini 8 spacecraft landed in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 kilometers east of Okinawa. Reentry occurred over China, outside the range of NASA tracking stations. U.S. Air Force planes were dispatched, and pararescuers successfully attached a flotation collar to the capsule before it was recovered by the USS Leonard F. Mason.

What changes were implemented in spacecraft design following the Gemini 8 thruster incident?

To prevent similar thruster malfunctions, spacecraft designs were modified. Specifically, each thruster was given an isolated electrical circuit. This change ensured that a short circuit would result in a dead thruster rather than one that continued firing uncontrollably, enhancing spacecraft safety.

How did the Gemini 8 incident influence NASA's procedures for investigating mission failures?

The critical failure during Gemini 8 prompted NASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Robert Seamans Jr. to review and formalize mission failure investigation procedures. This led to the establishment of Management Instruction 8621.1, which gave the Deputy Administrator the option to conduct independent investigations of major failures, ensuring thorough analysis and corrective actions.

What was the duration of the Gemini 8 mission?

The Gemini 8 mission lasted for 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 26 seconds. This was significantly shorter than the originally planned three-day duration due to the emergency situation that necessitated an early return to Earth.

What was the total distance traveled by Gemini 8 during its mission?

During its brief mission, the Gemini 8 spacecraft traveled a total distance of 293,206 kilometers (158,319 nautical miles). This distance covered the six orbits completed before the emergency landing.

What was the role of the Houston Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) during the Gemini 8 mission?

The Houston CAPCOM, in this case, Jim Lovell, served as the primary communication link between the Gemini 8 crew and Mission Control in Houston. He relayed instructions, updates, and warnings, such as the caution to abort the docking if abnormalities occurred with the Agena.

What is the COSPAR ID and SATCAT number assigned to Gemini 8?

The COSPAR ID for Gemini 8 is 1966-020A. Its SATCAT (Satellite Catalog) number is 2105, which is used for tracking and cataloging artificial objects in orbit.

Who manufactured the Gemini 8 spacecraft?

The Gemini 8 spacecraft was manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. This company was the prime contractor for the Gemini program, responsible for building the spacecraft that carried the astronauts.

What were the orbital parameters of the Agena Target Vehicle GATV-5003 before Gemini 8 launched?

The Agena Target Vehicle GATV-5003 was launched into a circular orbit approximately 298 kilometers (161 nautical miles) above Earth. It was oriented correctly for the planned docking with the Gemini spacecraft. This stable orbit was crucial for the success of the rendezvous and docking objectives.

What happened to the Agena Target Vehicle after the Gemini 8 mission concluded?

After the Gemini 8 mission, the Agena Target Vehicle remained in orbit. Ground controllers continued to test its systems for several days by commanding it through various maneuvers until its propellant and power were depleted. Later, the crew of Gemini 10 rendezvoused with the inert Agena and retrieved a micrometeorite collector.

What was the significance of the Gemini 8 launch date?

The Gemini 8 mission launched on March 16, 1966, which happened to be the 40th anniversary of Dr. Robert H. Goddard's successful launch of the world's first liquid-fueled rocket. This date held symbolic importance, connecting the pioneering work of Goddard to NASA's ongoing advancements in spaceflight.

Describe the landing site coordinates for Gemini 8.

The Gemini 8 spacecraft landed at coordinates 25°14′N 136°00′E. This location placed the capsule in the Pacific Ocean, east of Okinawa and south of Yokosuka, Japan, which was a designated recovery zone for the mission.

What was the purpose of the Gemini 8 mission patch?

The Gemini 8 mission patch was designed to visually represent the mission's objectives and symbolism. It featured the zodiacal symbol for Gemini and the Roman numeral VIII. Additionally, it included two stars, Castor and Pollux from the Gemini constellation, refracted through a prism to symbolize the spectrum of objectives the mission aimed to achieve.

How was the Gemini 8 spacecraft displayed after its return to Earth?

After its recovery, the Gemini 8 spacecraft was covered with a tarp. It was later put on display at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, allowing the public to see a significant piece of space exploration history.

In what media has the Gemini 8 mission been dramatized?

The Gemini 8 mission has been featured in several dramatizations. It was depicted in the 1998 HBO miniseries 'From the Earth to the Moon' in the episode 'Can We Do This?'. It was also portrayed in the 2018 Armstrong biopic 'First Man' and featured in the TV series 'For All Mankind' (Season 2, Episode 8) from the perspective of a fictional mission controller.

What was the specific thruster that malfunctioned during the Gemini 8 emergency?

The specific thruster that malfunctioned during the Gemini 8 emergency was Number 8 in the Orbit Attitude and Maneuvering System (OAMS). This thruster became stuck in the 'on' position due to an electrical short circuit, causing the uncontrolled rotation.

What lesson was learned from the Gemini 8 thruster incident regarding electrical systems?

A key lesson learned from the Gemini 8 incident, as noted by Chris Kraft, was to 'never put electrical power to any system unless it’s supposed to be on.' This principle led to rewiring spacecraft systems so that a short circuit would result in a deactivated thruster rather than one that remained active.

What was the role of the Agena Target Vehicle's engine during the Gemini 8 mission?

The Agena Target Vehicle's engine was not directly involved in the Gemini 8 mission's critical phase. However, a previous Agena launch for Gemini 6 had failed when its engine exploded during orbital injection, highlighting the critical nature of these engines for mission success.

How many orbits did Gemini 8 complete before its emergency landing?

Gemini 8 completed six orbits around the Earth before the emergency situation necessitated an early return. The mission was planned for three days, which would have involved significantly more orbits.

What was the approximate time docked between Gemini 8 and the Agena?

The Gemini 8 spacecraft was docked with the Agena Target Vehicle for approximately 30 minutes. This duration was much shorter than initially planned due to the emergency that arose shortly after docking.

Gemini 8 Wiki: Gemini VIII: Pioneering Docking and Perilous Descent

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Mission Context

A Crucial Step in Space Exploration

Gemini VIII, officially designated Gemini VIII, represented the sixth crewed spaceflight within NASA's ambitious Gemini program. Launched on March 16, 1966, it marked the 14th crewed American flight and the 22nd globally. This mission was pivotal, aiming to achieve the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit and conduct an extravehicular activity (EVA). However, it also encountered the first critical in-space system failure experienced by a U.S. spacecraft, posing a significant threat to the crew.

Armstrong's Civilian Orbit

Command Pilot Neil Armstrong, having resigned his commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1960, was selected for the Gemini VIII crew in September 1965. His participation marked a significant milestone: he became the second U.S. civilian to fly into space (following Joe Walker on an X-15 flight) and the first U.S. civilian to achieve orbit. This underscored the evolving nature of astronaut corps and the increasing role of civilian expertise in space exploration.

Mission Crew

Prime Crew

The primary crew for Gemini VIII consisted of two highly experienced astronauts:

Position	Astronaut
Command Pilot	Neil A. Armstrong First spaceflight
Pilot	David R. Scott First spaceflight

Backup and Support

The mission also had a dedicated backup crew and essential support personnel:

Backup Crew:

Position	Astronaut
Command Pilot	Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr.
Pilot	Richard F. Gordon Jr.

This backup crew later served as the prime crew for Gemini XI.

Support Crew:

Walter Cunningham (Cape CAPCOM)
James A. Lovell (Houston CAPCOM)

Mission Parameters

Key Mission Data

Gemini VIII's spacecraft and orbital characteristics were meticulously defined:

Mass: 3,789 kilograms (8,353 lb)
Perigee (min): 159.8 kilometers (86.3 nautical miles)
Apogee (max): 298.7 kilometers (161.3 nautical miles)
Inclination: 28.91°
Period: 88.83 minutes
Distance Travelled: 293,206 kilometers (158,319 nautical miles)
Orbits Completed: 6

Mission Duration

The mission's planned duration was three days. However, due to the critical in-flight emergency, the mission was significantly shortened. The total flight time was approximately 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 26 seconds.

Mission Objectives

Rendezvous and Docking

A primary objective was to perform the first-ever docking of two spacecraft in orbit. Gemini VIII was scheduled to rendezvous with an Agena Target Vehicle (GATV-5003), which had been successfully launched into a stable orbit. This maneuver was critical for developing the techniques required for future lunar missions, particularly the Apollo program.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA)

Pilot David Scott was tasked with performing an extended two-hour, ten-minute EVA. This spacewalk was designed to test new equipment, including a self-contained backpack (Extravehicular Support Pack - ESP) and a maneuvering unit. Scott was intended to retrieve experiments from the Agena vehicle and test a specialized tool.

Scientific Experiments

Beyond the primary objectives, Gemini VIII carried additional scientific payloads, including three scientific experiments, four technological demonstrations, and one medical experiment, contributing to the broader understanding of spaceflight effects and capabilities.

Mission Execution

Launch and Orbital Insertion

The Agena Target Vehicle (GATV-5003) was launched successfully on March 16, 1966, achieving a stable orbit. Later that day, the Gemini spacecraft, carried by a Titan II rocket, lifted off from Cape Kennedy at 16:41:02 UTC. The launch was nominal, with no significant anomalies reported for either the rocket or the spacecraft. This marked the 40th anniversary of Dr. Robert H. Goddard's first liquid-fueled rocket launch.

Caption: A Gemini-Titan launch vehicle lifts Gemini 8 into orbit, March 16, 1966.

Rendezvous and Docking Achievement

Following precise orbital adjustments, Gemini VIII successfully rendezvoused with the Agena Target Vehicle. After a period of visual inspection and confirmation of the Agena's readiness, Armstrong initiated the docking maneuver. At 23:14 UTC on March 16, the two spacecraft successfully docked, marking a historic first in spaceflight. Scott reported, "Flight, we are docked! Yes, it's really a smoothie." The vehicles remained docked for approximately 30 minutes.

Caption: Gemini 8 docking with Agena vehicle.

In-Flight Emergency

Uncontrolled Roll

Shortly after the docking, while the Agena was executing a programmed maneuver, the combined spacecraft began an uncontrolled roll. Armstrong initially used the Gemini's Orbit Attitude and Maneuvering System (OAMS) thrusters to counteract the roll. However, the rotation resumed, and the OAMS fuel levels dropped rapidly, indicating a potential issue within the Gemini spacecraft itself.

Critical Decision and Undocking

With the spacecraft spinning at an alarming rate (up to 296 degrees per second) and fuel critically low, the crew realized the problem lay with their own craft. Armstrong made the critical decision to undock from the Agena to isolate the issue. After undocking, the spin intensified. Armstrong then utilized the Reentry Control System (RCS) thrusters, located at the nose of the Gemini, to stabilize the tumbling craft. This maneuver consumed a significant portion of the reentry fuel.

Caption: Gemini 8 spinning and undocking.

Emergency Landing and Recovery

Abort and Reentry

Mission rules dictated an immediate abort once the RCS thrusters were fired for stabilization. The flight plan was altered to allow reentry one orbit later, targeting a recovery zone accessible by secondary forces. The reentry occurred over China, outside of NASA's primary tracking coverage.

Safe Return

U.S. Air Force pilot Les Schneider successfully spotted the descending capsule. Pararescuers attached a flotation collar, and the crew, along with the spacecraft, were recovered by the USS Leonard F. Mason. Despite exhaustion and seasickness, Armstrong and Scott were in good condition. The successful recovery, under such extreme circumstances, was a testament to the crew's skill and the ground support's efforts.

Caption: Scott (L) and Armstrong (R) await USS Leonard F. Mason.

Incident Analysis and Outcome

Cause of Malfunction

Post-mission investigations identified a likely cause for the OAMS thruster malfunction: an electrical short circuit, possibly triggered by a static electricity discharge. This caused one thruster to remain engaged even when switched off. Engineers discovered that power was continuously supplied to the affected thruster.

Procedural and Design Changes

The incident led to significant procedural and design improvements within NASA and its contractors. McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the spacecraft manufacturer, revised its procedures to ensure key engineering personnel remained at Mission Control throughout missions. NASA formalized its failure investigation policies, establishing a clearer framework for analyzing and rectifying critical incidents. Crucially, spacecraft designs were updated to isolate thruster circuits, ensuring that a short circuit would result in a dead thruster rather than continuous firing.

Quote from Chris Kraft's "Flight: My Life in Mission Control": "Engineers tore into the OAMS system when the spacecraft got home and found a short circuit that made one thruster fire continuously. We learned an important lesson - never put electrical power to any system unless it’s supposed to be on. The OAMS was rewired so that a short circuit would always give us a dead thruster, not one that kept firing until a circuit breaker was opened by an astronaut."

Mission Symbols

Mission Patch Design

The Gemini VIII mission patch was designed by the crew themselves, Neil Armstrong and David Scott. It features the Gemini symbol, the Roman numeral VIII, and two stars, Castor and Pollux, from the Gemini constellation. These stars are depicted as refracted through a prism, symbolizing the mission's objectives and the spectrum of challenges faced.

Commemorative Items

The mission is also represented by artifacts such as the Gemini 8 Fliteline Sterling Silver Medallion, a traditional item commemorating spaceflights. The Gemini VIII spacecraft itself is preserved and displayed, serving as a tangible link to this significant chapter in space history.

Historical Dramatizations

Television and Film

The dramatic events of the Gemini VIII mission have been depicted in various media:

The HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon (1998) featured the mission in its episode "Can We Do This?".
The 2018 biographical film First Man, focusing on Neil Armstrong's life, also dramatized the mission's events.
The television series For All Mankind (2021, Season 2, Episode 8) presented the mission's narrative from the perspective of a fictional mission controller.

Notes

Clarifications

This count includes two X-15 flights that exceeded the Kármán Line (100 km altitude).

The Soviet Union launched the first civilian, Valentina Tereshkova (also the first woman), into space aboard Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963.

References

Source Materials

McDowell, Jonathan. "SATCAT". Jonathan's Space Pages. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
Hacker, Barton C.; Grimwood, James M. (September 1974). "Chapter 11 Pillars of Confidence". On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini. NASA History Series. Vol. SP-4203. NASA. p. 239.
"Civilians in Space".
"Space.com Joseph A Walker". Space.com. 27 November 2006.
"Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova". Archived from the original on 2011-04-23. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
NASA (1966). "Gemini 8 press kit" (PDF).
Gatland, Kenneth (1976). Manned Spacecraft (Second ed.). New York: Macmillan.
Hacker, Barton C.; Grimwood, James M. (1977). On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini. NASA SP-4203. Washington, D.C.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
"Gemini 8 crew stands on deck of recovery ship". Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
"Astronauts arrive on Okinawa". Stars and Stripes. Associated Press. March 19, 1966.
Seamans Jr., Robert C. (2005). "Project Apollo: The Tough Decisions". Monographs in Aerospace History. 37. NASA. SP-2005-4537.
Seamans Jr., Robert C. (April 5, 1967). "NASA Management Instruction 8621.1 April 14, 1966". Apollo 204 Review Board Final Report. NASA.
"On The Shoulders of Titans - Ch13-6".

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Gemini 8" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about gemini_8 while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

voiceless palatal affricate

the history of rome mommsen

ethiopian empire

market capitalization

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Gemini 8 Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or technical consultation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official NASA documentation or seeking advice from aerospace historians or engineers. Always refer to primary sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Gemini VIII: Pioneering Docking and Perilous Descent

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Mission Context ℹ️

🛰️ A Crucial Step in Space Exploration

👨‍🚀 Armstrong's Civilian Orbit

Mission Crew 👨‍🚀

🧑‍🚀 Prime Crew

👥 Backup and Support

Mission Parameters 📊

📏 Key Mission Data

⏱️ Mission Duration

Mission Objectives 🎯

🔗 Rendezvous and Docking

🚶 Extravehicular Activity (EVA)

🧪 Scientific Experiments

Mission Execution ✈️

⬆️ Launch and Orbital Insertion

🤝 Rendezvous and Docking Achievement

In-Flight Emergency 🚨

🌀 Uncontrolled Roll

💡 Critical Decision and Undocking

Emergency Landing and Recovery 🌊

⬇️ Abort and Reentry

🚢 Safe Return

Incident Analysis and Outcome 🔍

❓ Cause of Malfunction

✅ Procedural and Design Changes

Mission Symbols ⭐

🎨 Mission Patch Design

🏅 Commemorative Items

Historical Dramatizations 🎬

📺 Television and Film

Notes 📝

📌 Clarifications

References 📚

📖 Source Materials

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Mission Context

A Crucial Step in Space Exploration

Armstrong's Civilian Orbit

Mission Crew

Prime Crew

Backup and Support

Mission Parameters

Key Mission Data

Mission Duration

Mission Objectives

Rendezvous and Docking

Extravehicular Activity (EVA)

Scientific Experiments

Mission Execution

Launch and Orbital Insertion

Rendezvous and Docking Achievement

In-Flight Emergency

Uncontrolled Roll

Critical Decision and Undocking

Emergency Landing and Recovery

Abort and Reentry

Safe Return

Incident Analysis and Outcome

Cause of Malfunction

Procedural and Design Changes

Mission Symbols

Mission Patch Design

Commemorative Items

Historical Dramatizations

Television and Film

Notes

Clarifications

References

Source Materials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice