The Gemini 9-A crew, Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan, were launched from Cape Kennedy on June 3, 1966. After the loss of the original Agena target vehicle during launch on May 17, the substitute vehicle, the Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA), was launched on June 1. Because the shroud failed to deploy properly, no docking could be performed, but the crew successfully performed three different types of rendezvous. Gene Cernan executed the second extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or "space walk" of the Gemini program, but severely overheated due to an overambitious plan and lack of experience with EVAs. After 45 orbits, Stafford and Cernan splashed down on June 6, just 0.7 km from the target.
NASA transferred the Gemini 9-A spacecraft to the Smithsonian in 1967.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed
Astronaut
Eugene A. Cernan
Thomas P. Stafford
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 130 in. tall x 89 in. wide (330.2 x 226.1cm)
Other: 130 in. (330.2cm)
Support (at base): 89 in. (226.1cm)
Materials
Structure: Titanium; cylindrical section: beryllium alloy; conical section: Rene 41 (nickel-steel alloy); heat shield: silicone elastomer
Skin: Beryllium, Nickel Alloy
Inventory Number
A19710157000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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