First Docking of Two Spacecraft in Orbit, 1966
On March 16, 1966, astronauts Armstrong and Scott successfully docked their Gemini VIII spacecraft with the Agena target vehicle, the first-ever linking of two spacecraft together in Earth orbit. This crucial spaceflight technology milestone would prove vital to the success of future moon landing missions. The astronauts took this photograph of the Agena target vehicle at a distance of 45 feet during an inspection prior to docking. Because of problems with the Gemini spacecraft control system, the crew was forced to undock after 30 minutes, as the spacecraft-target vehicle combination had begun to encounter increasing yaw and roll rates. The crew regained control of their spacecraft by using the reentry control system (RCS). The Gemini VIII landed early in a secondary landing area in the Pacific, splashing down within two miles of the predicted impact point 10 hours, 41 minutes after liftoff.
Size: 3750px × 3750px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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