Gemini 8
Also known as: Gemini VIII
- 1Gemini 8 was the sixth crewed mission of NASA's Gemini program, launched on March 16, 1966.
- 2It achieved the first successful docking of two spacecraft while in orbit.
- 3The mission experienced the first critical in-space system failure for a United States spacecraft.
- 4Astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott lost attitude control during the docking procedure.
- 5The mission was immediately aborted due to the life-threatening technical malfunction.
- 6The crew successfully returned to Earth following the emergency abort.
Gemini 8 was the sixth crewed spaceflight in NASA's Gemini program.
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conducted the first successful docking of two spacecraft
Armstrong commanded this 1966 mission, which performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space, though it faced a critical thruster malfunction.
Gemini 8 was the sixth crewed spaceflight in NASA's Gemini program. It was launched on March 16, 1966, and was the 14th crewed American flight and the 22nd crewed spaceflight overall. The mission conducted the first U.S. docking of two spacecraft in orbit, but also suffered the first critical in-space system failure of a U.S. spacecraft. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott temporarily lost attitude control of their craft during the docking procedure, which threatened their lives and resulted in an immediate abort of the mission. The crew returned to Earth safely.
The Agena Target Docking Vehicle seen from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Gemini adapter of the Agena is approximately two feet from the nose of the spacecraft (lower left). Crewmen for the Gemini-8 mission were astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, command pilot, and David R. Scott, pilot.Wikimedia Commons; NASA; Low Res High Res; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P18 (image)Logo image attached to Gemini 8 on Wikidata.Wikimedia Commons; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P154 (logo image)Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong (right) and David R. Scott (left) sit with their spacecraft hatches open while awaiting the arrival of the recovery ship, the USS Leonard F. Mason after the successful completion of their Gemini VIII mission. They are assisted by U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen, who jumped to their spacecraft...Wikimedia Commons; NASA; https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/9508222017/in/set-72157635036072913 Great Images in NASA Description; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P18 (image) 94 words