Gemini spacecraft

The Gemini spacecraft was a two-man spacecraft developed by NASA in the early 1960s. It was the successor to the Mercury spacecraft and was designed to test the technologies and procedures that would be needed for a manned lunar landing. The Gemini spacecraft consisted of two main modules: a conical command module and a cylindrical service module. The command module was the living quarters for the astronauts and contained all of the controls and displays necessary for piloting the spacecraft. The service module provided power, propulsion, and life support for the command module. The Gemini spacecraft was launched into orbit by a Titan II rocket. Once in orbit, the spacecraft could maneuver using its thrusters. The Gemini spacecraft was also equipped with a rendezvous radar, which allowed it to dock with other spacecraft. The Gemini spacecraft made a total of 10 manned flights between 1965 and 1966. These flights tested the spacecraft's systems and procedures and helped to pave the way for the Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the Moon.

Technical specifications

* **Length:** 18.6 feet * **Diameter:** 10 feet * **Weight:** 7,000 pounds * **Propulsion:** Four thrusters, each providing 5,500 pounds of thrust * **Electrical power:** Fuel cells and batteries * **Life support:** Oxygen, water, and food for two astronauts

Gemini missions

The 10 manned Gemini missions were: * **Gemini 3:** The first manned Gemini flight, which launched on March 23, 1965. * **Gemini 4:** The first manned Gemini flight to rendezvous with another spacecraft, which launched on June 3, 1965. * **Gemini 5:** The first manned Gemini flight to spend more than a week in orbit, which launched on August 21, 1965. * **Gemini 6A:** The first manned Gemini flight to rendezvous with another spacecraft in orbit, which launched on December 15, 1965. * **Gemini 7:** The first manned Gemini flight to spend more than two weeks in orbit, which launched on December 4, 1965. * **Gemini 8:** The first manned Gemini flight to dock with another spacecraft, which launched on March 16, 1966. * **Gemini 9A:** The first manned Gemini flight to spend more than three weeks in orbit, which launched on June 3, 1966. * **Gemini 10:** The first manned Gemini flight to rendezvous with two other spacecraft, which launched on July 18, 1966. * **Gemini 11:** The first manned Gemini flight to spend more than four weeks in orbit, which launched on September 12, 1966. * **Gemini 12:** The last manned Gemini flight, which launched on November 11, 1966. The Gemini program was a success and helped to pave the way for the Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the Moon.