Gemini VI-A (Spacecraft)

Gemini VI-A was launched on December 15, 1965, with Walter M. Schirra, Jr. serving as commander of the mission and Thomas P. Stafford serving as pilot. The primary objective of the Gemini VI-A mission was to rendezvous with Gemini-VII. The secondary objectives of the Gemini VI-A mission included performing closed-loop rendezvous in the fourth orbit; stationkeeping with Gemini VII; evaluating re-entry guidance capability; conducting visibility tests for rendezvous, using Gemini VII as a target; and performing three experiments. The primary objective of the Gemini VI-A mission was achieved, as were all but one of the secondary objectives (Experiment D-8, which involved radiation in spacecraft, was interrupted by interference from stationkeeping with Gemini VII). Gemini VI-A landed on December 16, 1965, 12.9 km from its attempted landing zone.