Gemini-XI (11)

Pad LC-19 ()

Titan-II (11)

 

Crew:

Charles Conrad Jr.

Richard F. Gordon Jr.

 

Backup Crew:

Neil A. Armstrong

William A. Anders

 

CapCom:

Clifton C. Williams Jr. (Cape)

John W. Young (Houston)

Alan L. Bean (Houston)

 

Milestones:

Payload:

Gemini-XI capsule

 

Mission Objective:

Primary objective was to rendezvous and dock with Gemini Agena target vehicle (GATV-5006) which was launched 9/12/66 from Launch Complex 14 as TLV-5306 in 1st revolution. Secondary objectives included: Practice docking, Perform EVA. Conduct 11 experiments, Maneuver while docked (high apogee excursion), Conduct tethered vehicle test, Demonstrate automatic reentry and Park GATV-10 in 352.4km orbit. Spacecraft weight: 3798kg. GATV weight: 8097kg

 

Launch:

September 12, 1966 9:42:26.546 am EST. The launch was postponed twice; On September 9 due to a small leak in the first stage oxidizer tank of the GLV; and on the 10th due to a suspected malfunction of the autopilot on the GLV. On the day of the launch there was a 16 min hold due to a suspected leak around the command pilot's hatch.

 

 

Orbit:

Altitude: 1368.9 km (739.2nm)

Inclination: 28.83 degrees

Orbits: 44

Duration: 2 Days 23 hours 17 min 8 seconds

Distance: km

 

Landing:

September 15, 1966. Landing was at 24deg 15.4min North and 70deg 0.0min West. Miss distance was 4.9km (2.65nm). Recovery ship USS Guam (crew onboard in 24 min).

 

Mission Highlights:

All Primary objectives and most secondary objectives were achieved. Experiment D-16, Power Tool Evaluation was canceled when the EVA was terminated early. During EVA, astronaut Gordon tethered the two spacecraft together with a 30-meter line. Automatic reentry was successful.

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