Titan II GLV | Gemini VIII

Status

Success

Gemini VIII

Launch Time
Wed Mar 16, 1966 16:41 UTC

While docked, a Gemini spacecraft thruster malfunction caused near-fatal tumbling of the craft, which, after undocking, Armstrong was able to overcome; the crew executed the first emergency landing of a manned U.S. space mission.

Watch

Rocket

Titan II GLV

NASA

Status: Retired

Liftoff Thrust: 1,913 kN

Payload to LEO: 3,580 kg

Stages: 2

Strap-ons: 0

Rocket Height: 33.2 m

Details

Mission Details

Gemini VIII

NASA decided to launch an alternate Gemini 6A mission, eight days after the launch of Gemini 7, which was scheduled as a 14-day long-duration mission in December. Gemini 6A would perform the first rendezvous of two spacecraft in orbit, using Gemini 7 as the target, though they would not dock. The crews also discussed the possibility of Stafford performing an EVA from 6A to 7, swapping places with Gemini 7 pilot Jim Lovell, but the commander of Gemini 7, Frank Borman, objected, pointing out that it would require Lovell to wear an uncomfortable EVA suit on a long-duration mission.

Payloads: 1

Total Mass: 3,546.0 kg

Low Earth Orbit

Wiki

Location

LC-19, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Wiki

Stats

1966

22nd orbital launch attempt

Titan II

8th mission

1st mission of 1966

8th successful mission