{"id":307817,"date":"2016-07-06T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-06T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-386687"},"modified":"2023-09-08T15:37:30","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T19:37:30","slug":"gemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-x\/gemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth\/","title":{"rendered":"Gemini X Set Records for Rendezvous, Altitude Above Earth"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-article-hero-header nasa-gb-align-full bg-carbon-90 width-full maxw-full color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-hero-header\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full maxw-full minh-tablet grid-container minh-tablet flex-column padding-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex flex-direction-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-y-9 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-3 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"z-400 grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-spacesuit-white margin-bottom-2\">8 Min Read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"heading-41 line-height-md color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGemini X Set Records for Rendezvous, Altitude Above Earth\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"The Agena docking vehicle is seen from theGemini 10 spacecraft\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 48% 82%; object-position: 48% 82%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46124\/s66-46124~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"padding-y-3 padding-x-3\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"hds-caption maxw-mobile desktop:padding-x-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0 color-carbon-30\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><figcaption>The Agena Target Docking Vehicle 5005 is photographed from the Gemini-10 spacecraft during rendezvous in space. The two spacecraft are about 41 feet apart.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-credits color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credits: <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In mid-1966, Gemini X continued advancing NASA\u2019s capabilities for operating in space with a record-setting, three-day flight. Two astronauts completed rendezvous with two separate targets, retrieved an experiment package from another orbiting object and set a new altitude record for human flight. All were designed as stepping stones in preparation for the Apollo moon landings to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the spaceflight technology developed at that time continues to play a crucial role today in missions to the International Space Station and planning for the agency\u2019s Journey to Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the two previous Gemini flights, the Gemini X plan included rendezvous and docking with a separately launched Agena spacecraft. Additionally, this mission would be the first to include two spacewalks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Training for a spacewalk\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg 3783w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=300,220 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=768,563 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=1024,751 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=1536,1126 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=2048,1502 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=400,293 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=600,440 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=900,660 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=1200,880 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-s66-40098b.jpg?resize=2000,1467 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A month prior to the launch of Gemini X, astronaut Mike Collins practices retrieving a micrometeorite experiment from the Agena spacecraft used during the Gemini VIII mission in March 1966. The training took place aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 aircraft. The jet flew parabolic curves to create a few moments of zero-gravity.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The command pilot for Gemini X was John Young, a veteran of the first mission in America\u2019s two-man spacecraft. A naval aviator, he would go on to fly to the moon twice, aboard Apollo 10 in 1969 and Young commanded the Apollo 16 lunar landing in 1972. He later was selected to command the first space shuttle mission in 1981 and the STS-9 flight in 1983.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilot for Gemini X was Mike Collins, a U.S. Air Force test pilot. He went on to serve as command module pilot on Apollo 11 in 1969, remaining in lunar orbit as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2043\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?w=2043\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini X crew\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg 3521w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=768,770 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=1022,1024 1022w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=1533,1536 1533w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=2043,2048 2043w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=898,900 898w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=1197,1200 1197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?resize=1995,2000 1995w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2043px) 100vw, 2043px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini X command pilot John Young, left, and pilot, Mikel Collins, pause on July 16, 1966, during training at Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral) Air Force Station in Florida.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Agena launched atop an Atlas rocket on the afternoon of July 18, 1966. Gemini X followed 101 minutes later, climbing into the blue sky on its Titan II launch vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>George Mueller, Ph.D., NASA\u2019s associate administrator for Manned Space Flight, had high praise for the launch teams at Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral) Air Force Station, noting the dual launches were near perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is a most auspicious beginning,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is an excellent demonstration of on-time launch capability. We\u2019re pleased with all the ground support crews.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1783\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?w=1783\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini Titan X liftoff multiple exposure\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg 2361w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=261,300 261w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=768,882 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=891,1024 891w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=1337,1536 1337w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=1783,2048 1783w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=348,400 348w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=522,600 522w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=784,900 784w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=1045,1200 1045w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/6-s66-42762b.jpg?resize=1741,2000 1741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1783px) 100vw, 1783px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">This multiple-exposure image depicts the lowering of the gantry at Cape Kennedy’s Launch Complex 19 and liftoff of the Gemini Titan X vehicle. Taking place at 5:20 p.m. EST on July 18, 1966, John Young, command pilot, and Mike Collins were launched on a three-day mission to rendezvous and dock with an Agena spacecraft lifting off 101 minutes earlier.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once in orbit, Young and Collins were 1,116 miles behind the Agena target spacecraft. Rendezvous was achieved a little over five hours after liftoff on the fourth orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGemini X, what is your status?\u201d asked fellow astronaut Gordon Cooper, the spacecraft communicator at Mission Control in Houston. \u201cAre you there yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re there,\u201d Young said as Gemini X passed over Madagascar off the east coast of Africa. \u201cOur range is about 40 feet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Minutes later, they were given a \u201cgo to dock\u201d with the Agena from controllers aboard the tracking ship Coastal Sentry Quebec as they passed between the Philippines and Japan \u2013 5 hours, 59 minutes into the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All was well, except the rendezvous required more of Gemini X\u2019s propellant than planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re reading 36 percent,\u201d Young reported just prior to docking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With fuel needed for other portions of the mission, flight director Glynn Lunney directed the crew to skip a planned practice of undocking and re-docking. The fuel aboard the Agena now would not only aid in maneuvering, it would boost Young and Collins to new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1237\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Rendezvous with Agena\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg 3480w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=300,181 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=768,464 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=1024,619 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=1536,928 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=2048,1237 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=400,242 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=600,362 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=900,544 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=1200,725 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/7-s66-46122c.jpg?resize=2000,1208 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Gemini X Agena target docking vehicle is photographed from the spacecraft during rendezvous in space. The two spacecraft are about 38 feet apart.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Michael Collins<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Agena primary propulsion system engine roared to life with 15,960 pounds of thrust. For 80 seconds, the target vehicle pushed itself and Gemini upward to a record 475 mile altitude. At the time, it was the highest any humans had traveled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen that baby lights, there\u2019s no doubt about it,\u201d Collins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young later described the Agena engine firing in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe were thrown forward (against their harnesses) in the seats,\u201d he said. \u201cFire and sparks started coming out of the back end of that rascal. The light was something fierce, and the acceleration was pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a busy day, Young and Collins were ready for the upcoming eight-hour sleep period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first task for the second flight day was another firing of their Agena\u2019s engine to lower their spacecraft to the 235-mile orbit of the Agena used on Gemini VIII four months earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After undocking from the Gemini X Agena, fellow astronaut Clifton Williams, the spacecraft communicator in Mission Control Houston, gave the crew an update on the distance to their second rendezvous target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAt the time you separated from the Agena, your VIII Agena was 138 miles away from you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crewmen then began preparing for Collins\u2019 first spacewalk. His task was to open the hatch and stand on his seat using a 70-mm camera to photograph stars in ultraviolet light. This was important because imaging the stars in the ultraviolet spectrum is only possible outside the Earth\u2019s atmosphere. For 49 minutes he took 22 images of the southern Milky Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first activity of the next day would bring an unprecedented second rendezvous and another spacewalk. As Gemini X closed in on their second target, Young reported to Mission Control.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1999\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Agena fires up\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg 3520w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=300,293 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=768,749 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=1024,999 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=1536,1499 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=2048,1999 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=400,390 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=600,586 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=900,878 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=1200,1171 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/12-s66-46249b.jpg?resize=2000,1952 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">“Fire and sparks started coming out of the back end of that rascal,” said Gemini X command pilot John Young describing the firing of the primary propulsion system engine on the back of their Agena spacecraft. After docking with the Agena, Young and pilot Mike Collins fired the 15,960-pound thrust engine of Agena’s PPS to boost the combined vehicles into an orbit with a high point of 475 miles, setting a new altitude record for manned spaceflight.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Michael Collins<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cI see it dead ahead,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have the Gemini VIII Agena in sight. We\u2019ve been watching it for about 5 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a few additional firings of their spacecraft maneuvering thrusters, the Gemini X crew were 10 feet from the Gemini VIII Agena. The rendezvous was completed just 90 minutes prior to the start of the second spacewalk. The fact that the Agena was stable and in good condition was good news. Plans called for Collins to retrieve an experiment package from the side of the now dormant spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also planned to use a nitrogen-propelled hand-held maneuvering unit (HHMU) to move himself between the Gemini and Agena. It was similar to the \u201czip gun\u201d used by Ed White on Gemini IV a year earlier. This one was designed to be plugged into the adapter section behind the spacecraft hatch, thus providing more fuel for the HHMU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Collins floated free from his Gemini hatch, he reported some of the same frustrations as Gene Cernan on Gemini IX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEverything is going well,\u201d he said, \u201cbut, it\u2019s taking a lot more time to do each item than I had anticipated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Collins plugged in the nitrogen fuel line for the HHMU and prepared to move to Agena VIII. He then moved to the Agena and attempted to grasp the docking cone, however he discovered it was impossible since it was smooth and had nothing to grasp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen I translated over to the Agena, I found that the lack of hand holds is a big impediment,\u201d Collins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young reported to controllers at the Hawaii tracking station that Collins was able to hold some wire bundles on the Agena and was successful in retrieving a micrometeorite collector experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Collins began a planned activity to further test the HHMU, he noted that while retrieving the micrometeorite experiment and moving to and from the Agena, he inadvertently lost his Hasselblad camera. To date, this is the only spacewalk not captured with photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young\u2019s challenge during the spacewalk was \u201cstation keeping\u201d the spacecraft. That is, ensuring Gemini remained properly positioned in close proximity to both the Agena and his spacewalking pilot while not bumping either. All this maneuvering was using propellant. Mission Control noticed that the already low fuel supplies were quickly diminishing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Flight controllers follow Gemini X\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg 2499w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=300,210 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=768,537 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=1024,716 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=1536,1074 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=2048,1433 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=400,280 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=600,420 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=900,630 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=1200,839 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/11-s66-43377b.jpg?resize=2000,1399 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Standing at the flight director’s console in Mission Control at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in Texas, tension shows in the faces of flight controllers following Agena engine firing taking Gemini X to a record altitude. From the left are Flight Director Glynn Lunney, Director of Flight Operations Christopher Kraft Jr. and Gemini Program manager Chuck Matthews.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t want you to use any more fuel (for station keeping),\u201d the Hawaii spacecraft communicator told Young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThen, we\u2019d better get Mike back in,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 90-minute spacewalk was terminated after only 39 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>About an hour later, Collins\u2019 hatch was opened again for about 3 minutes to toss out the 50-foot umbilical and other no longer needed equipment, freeing up space in the already cramped cockpit. The umbilical provided oxygen and communications while keeping Collins connected to the Gemini spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the last day of the mission, retrofire brought Young and Collins down 2 days, 22 minutes after liftoff, splashing down only 3.5 miles away from the targeted landing point. Once again, the Gemini spacecraft was seen descending under its parachute on live television using a satellite antenna on the deck of the recovery ship, the USS Guadalcanal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cJohn, you\u2019re on television,\u201d Mission Control radioed up to the crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guadalcanal control personnel soon reported the same, except they were watching the nearby skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGemini X, Guadalcanal Control. We have you in sight,\u201d onboard controllers said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young and Collins were picked up by a recovery helicopter and delivered to the deck of the ship to the cheers from the U.S. Navy crew on the carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overall performance of the astronauts, mission support teams, the two launch vehicles, Gemini spacecraft and Agena target vehicle all earned high praise following the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/gemini-10-crew-john-young-michael-collins-aboard-uss-guadalcanal\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1288\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"John Young and Mike Collins on the USS Guadalcanal\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=242,300 242w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=768,950 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=828,1024 828w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=323,400 323w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=485,600 485w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=727,900 727w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/13-s66-42777a.jpg?resize=970,1200 970w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini X astronauts John Young, left, and Mike Collins stand on the deck of USS Guadalcanal following splashdown and recovery on July 21, 1966. Shortly thereafter, they would begin post-flight medical and technical debriefings.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cGemini has fully matured,\u201d said Chuck Matthews, NASA\u2019s Gemini Program manager, summing up his appraisal of the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe flight contributed significantly to the knowledge of manned spaceflight,\u201d NASA\u2019s official post-mission report stated, \u201cespecially in the areas of rendezvous, docked maneuvering with large propulsion systems, extravehicular activity (spacewalking), and controlled re-entry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:68px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>By <em>Bob Granath<\/em><br><em>NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center, Florida<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: This is the seventh in a series of feature articles marking the 50th anniversary of Project Gemini. The program was designed as a steppingstone toward landing on the moon. The investment also provided technology now used in NASA\u2019s work aboard the International Space Station and planning for the Journey to Mars. In September, read about a first orbit rendezvous. For more, see \u201c<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sp-4203.pdf?emrc=16dfd1\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"214547\"><em>On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini<\/em><\/a><em>.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"social-icons social-icons-round\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-x\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?via=NASA&text=Gemini%20X%20Set%20Records%20for%20Rendezvous%2C%20Altitude%20Above%20Earth&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fgemini-x%2Fgemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on X.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"1200\" height=\"1227\" viewBox=\"0 0 1200 1227\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M714.163 519.284L1160.89 0H1055.03L667.137 450.887L357.328 0H0L468.492 681.821L0 1226.37H105.866L515.491 750.218L842.672 1226.37H1200L714.137 519.284H714.163ZM569.165 687.828L521.697 619.934L144.011 79.6944H306.615L611.412 515.685L658.88 583.579L1055.08 1150.3H892.476L569.165 687.854V687.828Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fgemini-x%2Fgemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 4.615v3.385z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fgemini-x%2Fgemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M4.98 3.5c0 1.381-1.11 2.5-2.48 2.5s-2.48-1.119-2.48-2.5c0-1.38 1.11-2.5 2.48-2.5s2.48 1.12 2.48 2.5zm.02 4.5h-5v16h5v-16zm7.982 0h-4.968v16h4.969v-8.399c0-4.67 6.029-5.052 6.029 0v8.399h4.988v-10.131c0-7.88-8.922-7.593-11.018-3.714v-2.155z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-rss\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/feed\/\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to RSS feed.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 800 800\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M493 652H392c0-134-111-244-244-244V307c189 0 345 156 345 345zm71 0c0-228-188-416-416-416V132c285 0 520 235 520 520z\"\/><circle cx=\"219\" cy=\"581\" r=\"71\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Sep 08, 2023<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\"><div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2\"><h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2><\/div><ul class=\"article-tags\"><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-x\/\">Gemini X<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/\">Gemini<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-john-w-young\/\">John W. Young<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-michael-collins\/\">Michael Collins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\t\t<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\"><h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/spacelab-1-a-model-for-international-cooperation\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"237\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=300,237 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=768,608 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=1024,810 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=600,475 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=900,712 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/spacelab-1-mission-payload-specialists.jpg?resize=1200,950 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">9 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Spacelab 1: A Model for International Cooperation<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7 months ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/apollo\/apollo-17\/remembering-gene-cernan\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">5 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Remembering Gene Cernan<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 year ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-pioneered-the-technology-driving-todays-exploration\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"242\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=300,242 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=768,620 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=1024,827 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=400,323 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=600,485 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/gemini_3.jpg?resize=900,727 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">7 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Gemini Pioneered the Technology Driving Today’s Exploration<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 year ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In mid-1966, Gemini X continued advancing NASA\u2019s capabilities for operating in space with a record-setting, three-day flight. Two astronauts completed rendezvous with two separate targets, retrieved an experiment package from another orbiting object and set a new altitude record for human flight. All were designed as stepping stones in preparation for the Apollo moon landings […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":311335,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2944,2716,3752,3500],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[11560],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Gemini X Set Records for Rendezvous, Altitude Above Earth","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-x\/gemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-x\/gemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg"},"articleSection":"Missions","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Bob Granath"}],"creator":["Bob Granath"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Humans in Space","Astronauts","Former Astronauts","Michael Collins","Gemini X","Gemini","John W. Young"],"dateCreated":"2016-07-06T16:00:00Z","datePublished":"2016-07-06T16:00:00Z","dateModified":"2023-09-08T19:37:30Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Gemini X Set Records for Rendezvous, Altitude Above Earth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-x\/gemini-x-set-records-for-rendezvous-altitude-above-earth\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2016-07-06T16:00:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Missions\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Humans in Space,Astronauts,Former Astronauts,Michael Collins,Gemini X,Gemini,John W. Young\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Bob Granath\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":8,"time_ago":"8 years","featured_image":{"id":311335,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2-s66-42725a.jpg","title":"2-s66-42725a","alt":"Gemini X crew","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307817"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=307817"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":504877,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307817\/revisions\/504877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/311335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307817"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=307817"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=307817"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=307817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}