9. Gemini 9A
Date: June 3-6, 1966 (3 days, 20 minutes, 50 seconds)
Crew: Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene A. “Gene” Cernan
Mission Highlights: Elliot See and Charlie Bassett were the original crew for Gemini 9, set to launch in May 1966. In February, they were both killed when their T-38 crashed into the McDonnell aircraft assembly building in which their spacecraft was being built.
The backup crew of Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan then became the prime crew for the mission. The first launch attempt took place on May 17, but in a situation similar to that of Gemini 6 (Tom’s first spaceflight), the Agena Target Vehicle launch failed and forced a cancellation of the rest of the mission. Gemini 9 was rescheduled for June and became Gemini 9A. Mission objectives included docking with the Augmented Target Docking Adapter (which replaced the ATV) and an EVA to be performed by Gene Cernan.
On June 1, the ATDA launched from the Cape, to be followed by Gemini 9A two days later. However, telemetry data showed a problem with the ATDA: while it had successfully reached orbit, the payload fairing appeared to be stuck on the vehicle. The crew confirmed this when they rendezvoused a few hours into the flight. Tom said it looked like “an angry alligator out here rotating around.” The scheduled docking was scrubbed.
The EVA was performed on the third day. Right away, Gene faced several problems, first with his spacesuit, then control outside of the spacecraft. His goal was to test the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU). Low dexterity caused by both the suit and the Gemini spacecraft made accessing the AMU difficult. Gene’s heart rate was rising, he began to feel tired, and ground control worried that he might pass out. After much deliberation, Tom decided to end the EVA and Gene slowly and painfully returned to the capsule. The AMU was not again tested on Gemini or Apollo flights.
After performing a few scientific experiments, the crew returned to Earth. Reentry and splashdown were among the most accurate of the space program, landing within sight of the recovery ship, the USS Wasp.
Significance: The outcome of the mission resulted in the formation of a Mission Review committee and procedures, in order to ensure “realistic” and beneficial objectives for every flight. Post-flight assessments revealed that both astronauts had lost weight during the mission, Geno losing over ten pounds during his EVA alone. Both the EVA spacesuits and exterior of the spacecraft underwent new designs. The astronauts worked with mission developers to create more realistic workloads in order to improve future flights.