{"id":307814,"date":"2016-06-01T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-01T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-384930"},"modified":"2023-09-08T17:01:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T21:01:07","slug":"gemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-ix\/gemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit\/","title":{"rendered":"Gemini IX Crew Found ‘Angry Alligator’ in Earth Orbit"},"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 IX Crew Found ‘Angry Alligator’ in Earth Orbit\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=\"1919\" height=\"1919\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=1919&h=1919&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"The Agena target vehicle is seen in orbit over the Earth\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 27% 70%; object-position: 27% 70%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=1919&h=1919&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1919w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-37923\/s66-37923~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" 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 Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) as seen from the Gemini-9 spacecraft during one of their three rendezvous in space. The ATDA was described by the Gemini-9 crew as an "angry alligator."<\/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>NASA\u2019s Gemini IX mission was another step in developing technology for future spaceflights from Apollo to the agency\u2019s Journey to Mars. But this mission included developing alternate plans when faced with the unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gemini IX provided NASA with crucial experience in learning how to be flexible, expanding skills in orbital rendezvous and gaining a better understanding of the challenges faced by spacewalking astronauts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The three-day mission was designed to be similar to the previous flight in March 1966. After achieving the first orbital docking, Gemini VIII was brought home early due to a failed spacecraft thruster. The Gemini IX crew hoped to gain further experience in rendezvous, docking and working outside the capsule. Plans also called for performing a complex spacewalk using a self-contained rocket backpack, called the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, or AMU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original Gemini IX command pilot was scheduled to be Elliot See, with Charles Bassett as pilot. They were both killed on Feb. 28, 1966, when their T-38 jet crashed into the McDonnell Aircraft plant in St. Louis, where assembly of their spacecraft was being completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The backup crew of Tom Stafford as command pilot and Eugene Cernan as pilot then were named for the upcoming flight. A veteran of Gemini VI the previous year, Stafford would go on to command Apollo 10 in 1969 and the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cernan was lunar module pilot with Stafford on Apollo 10 and commanded the final moon landing mission, Apollo 17, in December 1972.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gemini IX\u2019s Agena target vehicle was launched by an Atlas rocket on May 17, 1966. Stafford and Cernan were already aboard their spacecraft poised to lift off 90 minutes later as the Agena competed its first orbit. However, the Atlas malfunctioned in flight, and the Agena failed to reach orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Launch of Gemini IX would have to wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even so, Dr. George Mueller, NASA associate administrator for Manned Space Flight, had high praise for the launch team, noting that the simultaneous countdowns at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station\u2019s Launch Complexes 14, for the Atlas-Agena, and 19, for the Gemini-Titan, had been the \u201csmoothest yet in the Gemini Program.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the next Agena would not be available until summer, NASA had a backup rendezvous target available, called an Augmented Target Docking Adapter, or ATDA. Additionally, the mission was redesigned Gemini IXA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe had a flexible flight plan allowing us to shift around items and that\u2019s exactly what happened,\u201d said Stafford.<\/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-ixa-astronauts-launch-pad-19\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini IX crew prepares to board their spacecraft on June 3, 1966\" 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\/3-s66-34051a.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=300,207 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=768,530 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=1024,707 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=400,276 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=600,414 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-s66-34051a.jpg?resize=900,622 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">After two postponements, Gemini IXA astronauts Eugene Cernan, left, and Tom Stafford, center, arrive in the white room atop Launch Pad 19 at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station on June 3, 1966. Stafford is presenting a large match to McDonnell Aircraft Corporation’s pad leader Gunter Wendt, far right. Stafford “instructed” Wendt in jest to “light the fuse today.” Between Stafford and Wendt are the backup crew, Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell. The Gemini spacecraft did lift off later that morning atop a Titan II rocket.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The contingency target vehicle was developed after an Agena failed to reach orbit for the original Gemini VI mission. This spacecraft would allow Gemini flights to continue without delaying the goal of landing on the moon before the end of the decade of the 1960s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ATDA was built by the McDonnell Corp., prime contractor for the Gemini spacecraft. The ATDA used a Gemini spacecraft re-entry control section and other already proven equipment. Like the Agena, it was launched atop an Atlas rocket on June 1, 1966, and successfully reached an orbit 161 miles above the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, telemetry soon indicated more unexpected news. The conical nosecone shroud at the top of the ATDA appeared not to have separated. If that was the case, docking would be impossible as the shroud covered the target vehicle\u2019s docking collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a two-day delay, Stafford and Cernan were launched on June 3, and they would soon learn the condition of the shroud.<\/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\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1919\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Augmented Target Docking Adapter Launched from Cape Kennedy\" 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\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg 2371w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=300,281 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=768,720 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=1024,960 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=1536,1439 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=2048,1919 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=400,375 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=600,562 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=900,843 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=1200,1125 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?resize=2000,1874 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\">An Augmented Target Docking Adapter, or ATDA, launches atop an Atlas rocket from Cape Kennedy Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 14 on June 1, 1966. The ATDA served as a rendezvous target for Gemini IXA.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Stafford fired his thrusters 49 minutes after liftoff to begin closing in on the ATDA. Radar contact was achieved when the two space vehicles were 150 miles apart. Stafford and Cernan spotted the ATDA at three hours, 20 minutes into the mission, when they were 58 miles away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they closed in, Stafford began to describe what they saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got the ATDA in reflected moonlight at about 3 1<strong>\/<\/strong>2 miles,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they closed in at about 900 feet, Stafford reported his first good view of the ATDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s a weird looking machine,\u201d he said. \u201cWould you believe that there\u2019s a nose cone on that rascal. The shroud is half open. It looks like an angry alligator out there rotating around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shroud was supposed to open in two halves and drop away during launch. It split in two, but was hung up at the base. While the rendezvous was successful, the alligator-like \u201cjaws\u201d would prevent docking unless there was a way to push it aside.<\/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\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1587\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"View of the Agena Target Vehicle from the Gemini IX spacecraft\" 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\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg 2771w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=300,232 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=768,595 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=1024,793 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=1536,1190 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=2048,1587 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=400,310 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=600,465 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=900,697 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=1200,930 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/5-s66-37966-b.jpg?resize=2000,1550 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 Augmented Target Docking Adapter, or ATDA, as seen from the Gemini IXA spacecraft during one of their three rendezvous in Earth orbit. Failure of the docking adapter protective cover to fully separate on the ATDA prevented the docking of the two spacecraft. As a result, command pilot Tom Stafford described the ATDA as looking like an “angry alligator.”<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou could almost knock it off,\u201d Cernan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stafford suggested to spacecraft communicator Neil Armstrong in Mission Control Houston that they be allowed to extend a docking guide bar on the nose of the Gemini to gently bump the shroud in an attempt to knock it off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Armstrong, who commanded the previous flight, relayed word that Flight Director Eugene Kranz vetoed the idea as too risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the docking was ruled out, Stafford and Cernan gained valuable experience and data on different approaches to rendezvous, a maneuver that would be crucial as Apollo astronauts in a lunar module returned to the command module after exploring the moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gemini IXA preformed a second rendezvous moving away from the ATDA and then successfully completed an approach from below. It also was the first pure optical rendezvous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGene made all the computations and we did not use the computer,\u201d Stafford said. \u201cWe wanted to test how good man can visually judge distance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This required learning how to best interpret visual cues.<\/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\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1616\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini IX Command Pilot Tom. Stafford\" 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\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg 3463w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=300,237 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=768,606 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=1024,808 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=1536,1212 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=2048,1616 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=400,316 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=600,474 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=900,710 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=1200,947 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/6-s66-38080a-a.jpg?resize=2000,1578 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\">Shortly after reaching orbit on June 3, 1966, Gemini IXA command pilot Tom Stafford is seen at the controls during the mission to rendezvous with an Augmented Target Docking Adapter.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Eugene Cernan<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe had anticipated that silver paint (on the ATDA) actually would be almost equivalent to white in visual acquisition, but it certainly was not,\u201d Cernan said. \u201cWe could more easily see the white shroud in reflected moonlight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At one point, the Gemini IXA crew used an onboard system to verify Stafford\u2019s estimation that they were about one mile from the ATDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe radar said we were at 1.1 mile,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was obvious we could judge distance in close.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On flight day two, they approached the ATDA a third time, simulating a lunar module returning to the command module in lunar orbit. They learned that the rendezvous radar would be required for this approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stafford then backed off from the target vehicle to prepare for the next day\u2019s ambitious spacewalk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During America\u2019s first spacewalk a year earlier, Gemini IV astronaut Ed White floated around for 20 minutes. Cernan planned more than two hours of task evaluations and work testing the AMU. It was equipped with propulsion, a stabilization system, oxygen and telemetry for biomedical data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Cernan floated through the Gemini hatch, he described what it is like being outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoy, is it beautiful out there, Tom,\u201d he said, \u201cand what a beautiful spacecraft.\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\/image-article\/looking-back-gemini-ix-spacecraft\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"View of the Gemini IX spacecraft during Gene Cernan's EVA\" 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\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/8-s66-38520-a.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">“What a beautiful spacecraft,” said Eugene Cernan during his spacewalk. He took this wide-angle photograph looking back at the window where Tom Stafford was watching.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Eugene Cernan<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>After his experience on Gemini IV, White recommended handholds to assist future spacewalkers. For Gemini IXA, Cernan tested Velcro for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI started using one of those Velcro pads and I lost it,\u201d Cernan said. \u201cIt came right off my hand. The Velcro\u2019s not strong enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cernan then worked his way back to the aft section where the AMU was located. Once he reached the AMU in the spacecraft\u2019s adapter section, Cernan realized his spacesuit provided limited maneuverability. He was unable to gain any leverage for his planned tasks due to the lack of hand and foot holds. It also was difficult to turn valves and perform simple movements.<\/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-ixa-pilot-eugene-cernan-spacewalk\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1277\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Eugene Cernan's 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\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=245,300 245w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=768,942 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=835,1024 835w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=326,400 326w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=489,600 489w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=734,900 734w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/7-s66-38515d.jpg?resize=978,1200 978w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">During his two hour, eight minute spacewalk on June 5, 1966, Gemini IXA pilot Eugene Cernan is seen outside the spacecraft. His experience during that time showed there was still much to be learned about working in microgravity.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Tom Stafford<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The extra effort caused the heat to rise in Cernan\u2019s spacesuit, and his increased respiration resulted in his helmet visor beginning to fog up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s fogging real bad,\u201d said Stafford to officials in Mission Control. \u201cThe AMU controller arms presented far more difficulty to us in zero <em>g<\/em> than they did in the simulation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Cernan barely able to see, Stafford and mission control agreed to bring him back in after two hours and eight minutes outside the spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day, June 6, Stafford and Cernan fired Gemini\u2019s retro rockets on their 45th orbit of the Earth. They landed less than one mile from the prime recovery ship, the USS Wasp. It was the first time a spacecraft descending on its parachute was shown on live television.<\/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-ixa-splashes-down\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini IX Splashdown\" 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\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=230,300 230w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=768,1003 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=784,1024 784w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=306,400 306w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=459,600 459w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=689,900 689w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/9-gemini_9_-_splashdown-4.jpg?resize=919,1200 919w\" 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 IXA splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean on June 6, 1966, less than one mile from the prime recovery ship, the aircraft carrier USS Wasp . It was the first time a spacecraft descending on its parachute was shown on live television.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The flight\u2019s lessons learned resulted in NASA mission planners adding even more flexibility into future flight plans. On Gemini IXA, Stafford and Cernan were able to work with flight controllers to demonstrate sophisticated rendezvous maneuvers were workable and applicable to Apollo and future space programs. Cernan\u2019s experiences on his spacewalk showed there still was much to be learned about working in microgravity outside a spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe came back with some data and recommendations on how to handle yourself when floating in close proximity to the spacecraft,\u201d Cernan said in the postflight news conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result of Cernan\u2019s experience, important changes were made for planning future work outside a spacecraft, including adjustments to the workloads for future Gemini spacewalks. For Apollo moonwalks, the spacesuits were designed differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Gemini spacesuit was cooled by air flow. Apollo spacesuits for moonwalkers and for those astronauts who work outside today\u2019s International Space Station would be cooled by having the astronaut wear an undergarment with small tubes circulating water near the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:68px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Bob Granath<\/em><br>\n<em>NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center, Florida<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: This is the sixth 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 July, read about an orbital rendezvous with two separate spacecraft. For more, see <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sp-4203.pdf?emrc=16dfd1\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"214547\"><em>\u201cOn the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini.\u201d<\/em><\/a><\/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%20IX%20Crew%20Found%20%26%238216%3BAngry%20Alligator%26%238217%3B%20in%20Earth%20Orbit&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fgemini-ix%2Fgemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit%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-ix%2Fgemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit%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-ix%2Fgemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit%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-ix\/\">Gemini IX<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-eugene-a-cernan\/\">Eugene A. Cernan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-thomas-stafford\/\">Thomas P. Stafford<\/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\/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\/history\/50-years-ago-nasa-names-u-s-crew-for-the-apollo-soyuz-test-project\/\" 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=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.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\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg?resize=300,165 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg?resize=768,423 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg?resize=400,221 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg?resize=600,331 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/astp_crew_1_cooperation_in_space_agreement_signing_moscow_may_24_1972.jpg?resize=900,496 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\">5 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">50 Years Ago: NASA Names U.S. Crew for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project<\/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\/history\/50-years-ago-remembering-the-crew-of-soyuz-11\/\" 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=\"271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/soyuz_11_crew_1_salyut_in_assembly_baikonur_color_high_quality.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\/2021\/06\/soyuz_11_crew_1_salyut_in_assembly_baikonur_color_high_quality.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/soyuz_11_crew_1_salyut_in_assembly_baikonur_color_high_quality.jpg?resize=300,271 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/soyuz_11_crew_1_salyut_in_assembly_baikonur_color_high_quality.jpg?resize=400,361 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/soyuz_11_crew_1_salyut_in_assembly_baikonur_color_high_quality.jpg?resize=600,542 600w\" 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\">12 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">50 Years Ago: Remembering the Crew of Soyuz 11<\/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\t3 years 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>NASA\u2019s Gemini IX mission was another step in developing technology for future spaceflights from Apollo to the agency\u2019s Journey to Mars. But this mission included developing alternate plans when faced with the unexpected. Gemini IX provided NASA with crucial experience in learning how to be flexible, expanding skills in orbital rendezvous and gaining a better […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":311374,"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":[2946,3485,3711],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[11560],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Gemini IX Crew Found ‘Angry Alligator’ in Earth Orbit","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-ix\/gemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-ix\/gemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.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","Thomas P. Stafford","Gemini IX","Eugene A. Cernan"],"dateCreated":"2016-06-01T16:00:00Z","datePublished":"2016-06-01T16:00:00Z","dateModified":"2023-09-08T21:01:07Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Gemini IX Crew Found ‘Angry Alligator’ in Earth Orbit\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-ix\/gemini-ix-crew-found-angry-alligator-in-earth-orbit\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2016-06-01T16:00:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Missions\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Humans in Space,Astronauts,Former Astronauts,Thomas P. Stafford,Gemini IX,Eugene A. Cernan\" \/>\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":311374,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/2-s66-32139-a.jpg","title":"2-s66-32139-a","alt":"Augmented Target Docking Adapter Launched from Cape Kennedy","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307814"}],"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=307814"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":504961,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307814\/revisions\/504961"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/311374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307814"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=307814"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=307814"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=307814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}