| THE GEMINI PROGRAM | ||
The Gemini 9A mission launched on June 3, 1966 and included a test flight of a USAF-designed Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) rocket pack. During the mission, astronaut Gene Cernan had difficulties with his EVA. Another EVA mishap marred the Gemini 10 mission after it docked with the Agena from Gemini 8. In spite of the problem, the mission set a world record in altitude -- 474 miles. The Gemini 11 mission on September 12, 1966 executed a rendezvous and docking with its Agena target. After undocking, a 100-foot tether was attached between the two craft and both were set into a gentle spin to create an artificial microgravity field. Again the task of EVAs proved to be much more difficult than anticipated. |
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