Project Gemini Facts
Fun Facts about Project Gemini
Named after the constellation Gemini, NASA designed the Gemini spacecraft to carry two people. Gemini means “twins” in Latin.
Astronaut Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom contributed greatly to the design of the Gemini spacecraft. However, NASA discovered that 14 out of 16 other astronauts had trouble fitting into the capsule’s cockpit as it was so closely designed around Grissom’s five-foot, six-inch frame. Designers adjusted the design of the safety kit and the hatch to allow more room for taller astronauts.
The Gemini 2 spacecraft became the first spacecraft to make more than one spaceflight. It was the only space capsule to be reused until Crew Dragon Endeavour was reused in 2021.
The launch vehicle for the Gemini 2 mission was dismantled twice in 1964 – both times to protect the spacecraft from hurricanes. Hurricane Cleo threatened Cape Kennedy in August, followed by Hurricane Dora in September.
During the descent of Gemini 3, the spacecraft switched so suddenly from a vertical to horizontal position that Astronaut Virgil Grissom’s faceplate cracked on the control panel. This prompted all later faceplates to be made with polycarbonate plastic.
Gemini 5 was the first NASA mission to have an official crew insignia. It featured a Conestoga covered wagon symbolizing the pioneering nature of the spaceflight.
The Gemini 7 mission achieved the first rendezvous with another crewed spacecraft, the Gemini 6A, when they met as close together as one foot on December 15, 1965.
Gemini 8 was the first mission to complete docking maneuvers when the Gemini 8 spacecraft successfully docked to the Agena Target Vehicle on March 16, 1966.
The Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) was informally referred to as an “angry alligator” due to its appearance after its protective nose cone fairing failed to eject during the Gemini 9 mission.
On September 15, 1966, Gemini 11 became the first mission to have a totally automatic, computer-controlled reentry back to Earth.