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

274
First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini
Document I-54
MT-1:JRS:saj
April 30, 1964
MG/Director, Gemini Program
MT/Director, Advanced Manned Missions Program
Gemini Lunar Mission Studies
As you are aware, we have been asked by Dr. Mueller to study the feasibility of
using Gemini in a lunar mission and to develop suitable contingency plans to be
available by mid-1966, should such a mission be feasible and should it be required.
Mr. Taylor’s office (MT-1), with the assistance of John Hammersmith from your
office, has completed a preliminary review of the feasibility of using Gemini in a
lunar mission, based on the work that has been done by your office, MSFC, MSC,
and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. This review has concluded that, although
all of the studies are relatively shallow, there are several combinations of hardware
which could be used to provide a Gemini lunar mission capability. Enclosure 1
[not included] contains the review results.
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. These modes are
summarized in Columns 1 and 3 of the Enclosure.
In addition, I think we should study the Gemini Lunar Orbit mode, as represented
in Column 7 of the Enclosure. 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.
As indicated during our telephone conversation on April 22, I believe these
studies should be conducted by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation through existing
contracts. These studies should be monitored by MSC, either under your or my
jurisdiction. If required, I can make funds available for this study, which I believe
will require approximately five (5) man-years of effort. We will be available to
work with you in this study to whatever extent you desire.
Edward Z. Gray
Director, Advanced Manned
Missions Program,
Office of Manned Space Flight