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

Exploring the Unknown 371
been intended for it from the outset, and then some. It demonstrated the capability of Americans
to undertake long duration space missions. It provided the opportunity to develop rendezvous
and docking techniques that served NASA’s programs well into the future. It pioneered the
ability to leave the spacecraft and perform work outside in an extra-vehicular activity (EVA).
This knowledge is captured in summary form in these two important documents explaining the
results of the Gemini program for both NASA engineers and the general public.
Document I-72
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
WASHINGTON DC 20546
MEMORANDUM FOR Associate and Assistant Administrators
Field Center Directors
FROM: AD/Deputy Administrator
Subject: Gemini Program; Record of Accomplishments, attached
January 17, 1967
The Gemini flight program, concluded on November 15, 1966, succeeded
in accomplishing all of its pre-planned objectives some of them several times over.
As can be expected in any complex developmental-flight program, some of the
individual flight missions experience difficulties. The successful demonstration
that these difficulties could be overcome in later missions is a tribute to the
program organization, personnel directly involved, and to NASA.
A summary of achievements of the program as a whole, a mission by
mission recap of flight performance in terms of the Agency’s pre-stated primary
and secondary objectives for each mission, and, a table recapping the major flight
systems and mission performance on each mission attempt, is appended on the
attachment to this memo. This document has been reviewed and concurred
in by the Office of Manned Space Flight and Public Affairs as containing valid
information to serve as an official reference on Gemini accomplishments.
[Signed]
Robert C. Seamans, Jr.
Attachment