Earth Pre-Federation Database - Agena Target Vehicle


TARGET GEMINI MISSION
GATV-5003 Gemini 8

Launched October 25, 1965 15:00:04 UTC
Reentered October 25, 1965 15:06:20 UTC
NSSDC ID 1966-019A
Mass 7,000 pounds (3,200 kg)
Comments Achieved first docking, but mission soon aborted due to stuck Gemini thruster.
ATV later used as secondary target on Gemini 10.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

History:
The Agena target vehicle (ATV) was an unmanned spacecraft used by NASA during its Gemini program to develop and practice orbital space rendezvous and docking techniques, and to perform large orbital changes, in preparation for the Apollo program lunar missions.
Each ATV consisted of an Agena-D derivative upper rocket stage built by Lockheed and a docking adapter built by McDonnell. The Agena was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 on top of an Atlas booster built by the Convair division of General Dynamics. The Agena first burn would occur shortly after shroud jettison and separation from the Atlas over the Atlantic Ocean. Over Ascension Island, a second burn would place the Agena into a low circular orbit.
The McDonnell Gemini spacecraft would then be launched from Launch Complex 19, as soon as 90 minutes later. Both countdowns would proceed in parallel and required close synchronization. The Gemini would rendezvous and dock with the Agena, as soon as Gemini's first orbit toward the end of the program.
Text from the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Seen in Stone's office. One of them can be identified as the Agena test rocket on the Gemini 8 mission.
TOS "Court Martial"

Back to Earth Pre-Federation Database