Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

40 First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini
By the end of 1963, most of the difficulties with Gemini had been resolved,
albeit at great expense, and the program was approaching its first test flights. As
they took place, NASA officials considered the possibility of reconfiguring the
Gemini spacecraft for a circumlunar mission in the 1966 time frame. With continued
pressures from the Soviet Union, examining the possibility of an early circumlunar
flight as a contingency for the future appeared appropriate. The initial
review in the spring of 1964 showed promise and Edward Z. Gray, Director of
NASA’s Advanced Manned Missions Program, recommended: “I believe that a
study should be initiated to more thoroughly investigate the Gemini circumlunar
mode, utilizing the Saturn IB with a Centaur as the injection stage, in either a
direct ascent or an Earth orbit rendezvous trajectory. . . . The purpose of such a
study would be to more accurately determine the capability of each configuration,
the key technical problems, relative costs, development schedules and key decisions
points to provide a basis for possible contingency-type decisions in the
1965−66 time period” (I-54). 126
Further study the next year yielded a decision not to pursue this option. Eldon
Hall, Director of Gemini Systems Engineering, commented:
I think the proposal is feasible, but not within the time and effort
indicated. The equipment and mission are too marginal to absorb
changes and additions that will be required without extensive redesign
and testing. . . . I personally would prefer to see us advance our Earth
orbital capability. With the same or fewer modifications to the spacecraft
advocated in this proposal and additional Agena payloads, we could
attain a significant lead in the design and operation of Earth-orbital
space stations (I-55). 127
In his typically convoluted “adminispeak” style, NASA Administrator James E.
Webb communicated this perspective to Representative Olin E. Teague (D-Texas)
in September 1965, adding, “I do not believe a decision not to make the substantial
investment that would be required by a modified Gemini lunar fly-by will change
the posture which our program has had for a number of years” (I-56). 128
81 (January 1968): pp. 393–418; James M. Grimwood, Barton C. Hacker, and Peter J. Vorzimmer,
Project Gemini Technology and Operations (Washington, DC: NASA SP-4002, 1969); Robert N. Lindley,
“Discussing Gemini: A ‘Flight’ Interview with Robert Lindley of McDonnell,” Flight International, 24
(March 1966): pp. 488–489.
126. Edward Z. Gray, Director, Advanced Manned Missions Program, Office of Manned
Spaceflight, NASA, to Director, Gemini Program, NASA, “Gemini Lunar Mission Studies,” 30
April 1964. Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History Division, NASA
Headquarters, Washington, DC.
127. Eldon. W Hall, Director, Gemini Systems Engineering, NASA, to Deputy Director, Gemini
Program, NASA, “Circumlunar Missions,” 29 June 1965. Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference
Collection, NASA History Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.
128. James E. Webb, NASA Administrator, to Olin E. Teague, Chairman, Subcommittee on
NASA Oversight, Committee on Science and Astronautics, House of Representatives, 10 September
1965. Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History Division, NASA
Headquarters, Washington, DC.