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

Exploring the Unknown 375
into, and appreciation of, the vital role played by the astronauts, the value of
flexibility in mission planning and execution, and the excellent capability of the
manned space-flight control system. As originally conceived, the Gemini Program
called for completion of the long-duration flights with Gemini VII, which was
accomplished on schedule.
One of the more dramatic achievements has been the successful development
of a variety of techniques for the in-orbit rendezvous of two manned spacecraft. The
preparation for this most complex facet of Gemini missions was more time consuming
than any other. That it was performed with such perfection is a distinct tribute to the
Gemini team that made it possible: the spacecraft and launch-vehicle developers and
builders, the checkout and launch teams, the flight crews and their training support,
and the mission-planning and mission-control people.
[2]
The ability to accomplish a rendezvous in space is fundamental to the
success of Apollo, and rendezvous was a primary mission objective on each
mission after Gemini VII. Ten rendezvous were completed and seven different
rendezvous modes or techniques were employed. Nine different dockings of a
spacecraft with a target vehicle were achieved. Eleven different astronauts gained
rendezvous experience in this most important objective. Several of the rendezvous
were designed to simulate some facet of an Apollo rendezvous requirement.
The principal focus of the rendezvous activities was, however, designed to verify
theoretical determinations over a wide spectrum. Gemini developed a broad
base of knowledge and experience in orbital rendezvous and this base will pay
generous dividends in years to come.
A related accomplishment of singular importance to future manned
space-flight programs was the experience gained in performing docked
maneuvers using the target vehicle propulsion system. This is a striking example
of Gemini pioneering activities – the assembly and maneuvering of two orbiting
space vehicles.
The first attempt at extravehicular activity during Gemini IV was believed
successful, and although difficulties were encountered with extravehicular activity
during Gemini IX-A, X, and XI, the objective was achieved with resounding
success on Gemini XII. This in itself is indicative of the Gemini Program in that
lessons learned during the flight program were vigorously applied to subsequent
missions. The extravehicular activity on Gemini XII was, indeed, the result of all
that had been learned on the earlier missions.
The first rendezvous and docking mission, although temporarily thwarted
by the Gemini VI target-vehicle failure, was accomplished with great success during
the Gemini VII/VI-A mission. This mission also demonstrated the operational
proficiency achieved by the program. The term “operational proficiency” as applied to
Gemini achievements means far more than just the acceleration of production rates
and compressing of launch schedules. In addition and perhaps more importantly,
operational proficiency means the ability to respond to the unexpected, to prepare
and execute alternate and contingency plans, and to maintain flexibility while not