Gemini VIII (Spacecraft)

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Gemini VIII was launched on March 16, 1966, with Neil A. Armstrong serving as commander of the mission and David R. Scott serving as pilot. The primary objectives of the Gemini VIII mission were to rendezvous and dock with Gemini Agena target vehicle 5003 (GATV-5003) and conduct extra-vehicular activity (EVA) operations. The secondary objectives of the mission included rendezvous and docking in the fourth revolution; performing docked-vehicle maneuvers; evaluating systems; and conducting ten experiments. Gemini VIII successfully docked with GATV-5003 six hours and thirty-four minutes after liftoff. Because of problems with the spacecraft control system, however, the crew was forced to undock after approximately thirty minutes. The docking and re-rendezvous secondary objectives of the mission were not achieved due to the shortened mission, and Gemini VIII landed on March 17, 1966, in a secondary landing area in the Pacific.
Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Universal Newsreel Volume 39, Release 24 National Archives at College Park
referencedIn GT-8 LAUNCH, CAPE KENNEDY, FLORIDA National Archives at College Park
referencedIn Gemini Flight Summary Report, Missions I through XII Manned Space Center - G-R 66-5 National Archives at Fort Worth
referencedIn MSC-G-R-66-5: Gemini Program-Flight Summary Report- Gemini Missions I through XII National Archives at Fort Worth
referencedIn Universal Newsreel Volume 39, Release 23 National Archives at College Park
referencedIn Working Papers N:5053 D:01-31-67 Gemini Program Corrective Action Listing Gemini I through XII National Archives at Fort Worth
referencedIn Gemini 8 Next / Telescope in Space / U.S. Space Port National Archives at College Park
Role Title Holding Repository
Place Name Admin Code Country
Subject
Space Exploration
Occupation
Activity

Corporate Body

Active 1966-03-16

Active 1966-03-17

Americans

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