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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    Last Updated Friday August 25 13:03:58 EDT 2000 Jim Dumoulin (Redacted)