{"id":307819,"date":"2016-03-03T13:15:00","date_gmt":"2016-03-03T18:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-379848"},"modified":"2024-03-11T14:39:24","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T18:39:24","slug":"geminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-orbit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-viii\/geminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-orbit\/","title":{"rendered":"Gemini’s First Docking Turns to Wild Ride in 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’s First Docking Turns to Wild Ride in 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=\"1041\" height=\"1041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"Pararescuers greet the Gemini 8 spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 42% 66%; object-position: 42% 66%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/133816main_image_feature_410_ys_full.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" 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>Astronauts Neil Armstrong and David R. Scott sit with their spacecraft hatches open while awaiting the arrival of the recovery ship, the USS Leonard F. Mason, after the successful completion of their Gemini 8 mission. They're assisted by rescue personnel.<\/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 early 1966, Gemini VIII chalked up another crucial spaceflight technology milestone for the United States. But the triumph quickly became an in-flight emergency, testing NASA\u2019s quick-thinking skills to bring the astronauts safely home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crew of Gemini VIII was the first to link two spacecraft together in Earth orbit. This milestone would prove vital to the success of future moon landing missions. Catching up with already-orbiting spacecraft also has been essential during missions to the International Space Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Command pilot Neil Armstrong and pilot David Scott flew the most ambitious space mission to date. On the fourth revolution of the three-day flight, they were to rendezvous and perform the first docking with the separately launched Agena. Scott also was scheduled to perform a spacewalk of more than two hours to retrieve an experiment from the front of the Gemini\u2019s spacecraft adapter and activate a micrometeoroid experiment on the Agena. For further tests, Scott then would return to the Gemini and don an Extravehicular Support Pack stored at the back of the spacecraft adapter.<\/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\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Neil Armstrong and David Scott\" 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\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg 2756w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=300,205 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=768,526 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=1024,701 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=1536,1052 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=2048,1402 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=400,274 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=600,411 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=900,616 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=1200,822 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?resize=2000,1369 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\">Gemini VIII command pilot Neil Armstrong, left, and pilot David Scott, stand in front of a radar antenna during a photo session at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A former Naval aviator, Armstrong was a member of the second group of NASA astronauts. As a test pilot, he flew the X-15 rocket plane at Edwards Air Force Base, California. He went on to command Apollo 11 in 1969, during which he became the first person to walk on the moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A U.S. Air Force pilot, Scott was the first member of the third group of astronauts to fly in space. He later was command module pilot on the Apollo 9 flight in 1969 and commander of the Apollo 15 lunar landing mission in 1971.<\/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\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1910\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?w=1910\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Suited up and ready to go\" 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\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg 2111w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=280,300 280w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=768,823 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=955,1024 955w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=1433,1536 1433w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=1910,2048 1910w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=373,400 373w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=560,600 560w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=840,900 840w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=1119,1200 1119w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-104-ksc-66c-1869c.jpg?resize=1866,2000 1866w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1910px) 100vw, 1910px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">On March 16, 1966, Neil Armstrong, in front, and David Scott leave the suit up trailer to board the transfer van for the short trip to Launch Pad 19 at Cape Kennedy. Behind Scott is Chief Astronaut Alan Shepard, America’s first man in space.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Gemini VIII\u2019s dual launchings took place on March 16, 1966. Coincidentally, it was the 40th anniversary of Dr. Robert Goddard\u2019s demonstration of the world\u2019s first liquid-propellant rocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kennedy Space Center\u2019s then Deputy Director for Launch Operations, Merritt Preston, called the Gemini VIII mission one of the most complex countdowns ever conducted. He explained that there were multiple counts running concurrently involving both the Atlas Agena and Gemini Titan rockets and spacecraft. Additionally, operations were coordinated between Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral) Air Force Station, the Eastern Test Range, Mission Control in Houston and the ground tracking network around the world.<\/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\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1355\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Atlas Agena target vehicle and Gemini VIII lift off\" 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\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg 2833w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=768,508 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=1024,678 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=1536,1017 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=2048,1355 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=400,265 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=600,397 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=900,596 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=1200,794 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/4-presentation3.jpg?resize=2000,1324 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\">In the photograph on the left, the Atlas Agena target vehicle for the Gemini VIII mission lifts off from Launch Pad 14 at Cape Kennedy at 10 a.m. on March 16, 1966. One hour and 41 minutes later, Gemini VIII astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott are launched atop a Titan II rocket from the Cape’s Launch Pad 19.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Agena lifted off at 10 a.m. EST from Launch Pad 14 at the Cape atop an Atlas rocket. An hour and 41 minutes later, Gemini VIII was boosted by a Titan II from Pad 19 just north of the Atlas launch complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The successful countdown brought high praise from Kennedy Director Kurt Debus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat the nation could not see was the matchless coordination and competence demonstrated by two launch teams counting down simultaneously these sophisticated vehicles and spacecraft,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gemini VIII\u2019s orbital chase was on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three hours, 48 minutes into the mission, Armstrong and Scott trailed the Agena by 179 miles. Back in Mission Control Houston, spacecraft communicator Jim Lovell asked the crew for an update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDo you have solid radar lock with the Agena?\u201d said Lovell, who flew on Gemini VII three months earlier.<\/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\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1237\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"5-s66-25781e.jpg\" 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\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg 4096w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=300,181 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=768,464 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=1024,618 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=1536,927 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=2048,1237 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=400,242 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=600,362 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=900,543 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.jpg?resize=1200,725 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/5-s66-25781e.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 VIII spacecraft approaches the Agena during rendezvous maneuvers.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/David Scott<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\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\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Agena inspection\" 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\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=300,202 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=768,518 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=1024,691 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=1536,1036 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=2048,1382 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=400,270 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=600,405 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=900,607 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=1200,810 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/6-s66-25782a.jpg?resize=2000,1349 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\">During their rendezvous in space, Gemini VIII astronauts inspect the Agena target vehicle prior to docking.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/David Scott<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s affirmative, we have solid radar lock,\u201d said Armstrong, while passing over the Tananarive (now Antananarivo), Madagascar, tracking station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was good news as it confirmed the Gemini spacecraft rendezvous radar instruments were tracking the Agena as planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Armstrong and Scott closed in, they spotted the silver target rocket in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOK we\u2019ve got a visual on the Agena at 76 miles,\u201d said Armstrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since he could see the Agena, Armstrong judged his braking action by eye as Scott called out radar range and the closing rates. Soon the second rendezvous in the Gemini program had been achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHouston, this is Gemini VIII we\u2019re station-keeping with the Agena at 150 feet,\u201d Scott said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 35-minute fly-around allowed the astronauts to take a close-up look at the Agena and determine that it was safe to link up with the orbiting spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Off the coast of South America, Keith Kundel was the spacecraft communicator onboard the USNS Rose Knott Victor tracking ship passing along direction from Mission Control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOK, Gemini VIII we have TM (telemetry) solid,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re looking good on the ground. Go ahead and dock.\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\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?w=1980\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Docking 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\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg 6096w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=290,300 290w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=768,794 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=990,1024 990w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=1485,1536 1485w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=1980,2048 1980w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=387,400 387w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=580,600 580w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=870,900 870w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=1160,1200 1160w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/7-s66-25784a.jpg?resize=1933,2000 1933w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The nose of Gemini VIII approaches the docking collar of the Agena target vehicle as Neil Armstrong and David Scott complete the world’s first link-up between two spacecraft in orbit.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/David Scott<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cFlight, we are docked,\u201d Armstrong radioed back. \u201cIt was a real smoothie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Things had gone well up to that point. Shortly after docking, Lovell had a message from Mission Control Houston just before the spacecraft passed out of communications range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf you run into trouble, and the attitude control system of the Agena goes wild, just send in command 400 to turn it off and take control of the spacecraft,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Agena was designed to obey orders from both the Gemini spacecraft and ground control. The Agena soon started a command program stored in its internal system. This instructed the Agena to turn the two spacecraft, but Scott noticed they were moving the wrong direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNeil, we\u2019re in a bank,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Armstrong used the Gemini\u2019s orbital attitude and maneuvering system, or OAMS, thrusters to stop the tumbling. However, the roll immediately began again, and Gemini VIII was out of range of ground communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Armstrong worked to regain control of the spacecraft, he noticed that the OAMS propellant was below 30 percent, an indicator that a Gemini spacecraft thruster might be the problem. Scott cycled the Agena switches off and on. Nothing helped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it was not confirmed until later, a yaw OAMS thruster was firing erratically, later believed to be due to a short circuit in the wiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not knowing, the crew\u2019s first reaction was to blame the Agena. So Scott pushed the undock button, and Armstrong backed Gemini away from the Agena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without the added mass of the Agena, the Gemini\u2019s rate of spin began to quickly accelerate. Soon after, Gemini VIII came in range of the tracking ship USNS Coastal Sentry Quebec, stationed southwest of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe have serious problems here,\u201d Scott said. \u201cWe\u2019re tumbling end over end. We\u2019re disengaged from the Agena.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A surprised James Fucci, spacecraft communicator aboard the ship, asked what the problem was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re rolling up and we can\u2019t turn anything off,\u201d Armstrong said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the spin rate approached one revolution per second, the astronauts\u2019 vision became blurred. The tumbling needed to be stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Armstrong\u2019s quick thinking led him to turn off the entire OAMS system and then use the re-entry control system, or RCS, thrusters on the nose of the spacecraft to regain command of Gemini VIII and stop the spin.<\/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\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1789\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Concern in Mission Control\" 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\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg 4273w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=300,262 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=768,671 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=1024,894 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=1536,1342 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=2048,1789 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=400,349 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=600,524 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=900,786 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=1200,1048 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/8-s66-24805a.jpg?resize=2000,1747 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\">Spacecraft communicator Jim Lovell, foreground, and fellow astronaut Bill Anders, follow reports from Gemini VIII during the in-space emergency. A spacecraft maneuvering thruster malfunctioned causing Neil Armstrong and David Scott’s capsule to tumble out of control.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the meantime, John Hodge was in his first mission as chief flight director in the control center in Houston. He had to make some quick decisions too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While problems had come up on earlier U.S. spaceflights, crews and ground controllers found a way to complete the missions. In this case, Hodge knew Armstrong used almost 75 percent of the re-entry maneuvering propellant to stop the spin. The decision was made to follow the mission rules that dictated once the RCS was activated, the crew must be brought home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hodge decided to have Gemini VIII re-enter after one more orbit and land within range of the secondary recovery forces. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Leonard Mason was requested to head toward the new landing site 620 miles south of Yokosuka, Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Splashdown occurred within two miles of the predicted impact point 10 hours, 41 minutes after liftoff. To support the recovery, several aircraft raced to the landing zone from Naha Air Base, Okinawa, and Tachikawa Air Base, Japan. Once the Gemini VIII spacecraft was spotted in the water, three U.S. Air Force pararescuers jumped from an aircraft into the sea to attach a flotation collar to the capsule and assist Armstrong and Scott while waiting for pickup by the crew of the Mason.<\/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\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VIII recovery\" 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\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg 4536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=300,252 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=768,645 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=1024,860 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=1536,1290 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=2048,1720 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=400,336 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=600,504 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=900,756 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=1200,1008 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/9-s66-18602a.jpg?resize=2000,1679 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\">On March 17, 1966, Gemini VIII astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott sit in their spacecraft while waiting for the arrival of the recovery ship, the USS Leonard Mason. They are assisted by three U.S. Air Force pararescue divers.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Back in Mission Control, the flight control team performed maneuvers with the Agena to see how it reacted to commands from the ground. Since things went well, the Agena was left in orbit and served as a passive rendezvous target for the Gemini X mission later that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the post-flight investigation, no conclusive reason for thruster malfunction was found. However, for future missions, a master switch was added to the Gemini spacecraft to make it possible for astronauts to turn off individual elements of a system not working properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the flight, Debus congratulated those supporting the mission and NASA\u2019s skilled handling of the in-flight emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe successful launch of the Atlas Agena target vehicle and Gemini VIII within a period of 101 minutes was a suburb performance leading up to the first successful rendezvous and docking maneuver,\u201d he said. \u201cOur pride in this achievement was tempered, however, by the deep concern for the crew during the later hours of an historic day. That astronauts Armstrong and Scott achieved a completely successful re-entry gives the nation cause for rejoicing in their heroism and skill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:84px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: This is the fifth 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 June, read about an orbital rendezvous with an \u201cangry alligator.\u201d 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%26%238217%3Bs%20First%20Docking%20Turns%20to%20Wild%20Ride%20in%20Orbit&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fgemini-viii%2Fgeminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-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-viii%2Fgeminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-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-viii%2Fgeminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-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\">Mar 11, 2024<\/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-viii\/\">Gemini VIII<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/scott_david.pdf?emrc=54adfb\">David R. Scott<\/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\/history\/\">NASA History<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/former-astronauts\/former-astronaut-neil-a-armstrong\/\">Neil A. Armstrong<\/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\/flag-day-2024-one-small-flags-incredible-journey\/\" 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=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.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\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=600,450 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=900,675 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\">Flag Day 2024 \u2013 One Small Flag\u2019s Incredible Journey<\/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\t2 days 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\/55-years-ago-manned-orbiting-laboratory-cancellation\/\" 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=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.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\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg 424w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=400,283 400w\" 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\">10 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">55 Years Ago: Manned Orbiting Laboratory Cancellation<\/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\t4 days 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\/55-years-ago-star-trek-final-episode-airs-relationship-with-nasa-endures\/\" 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=\"217\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.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\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=300,217 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=768,555 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=400,289 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/star-trek-final-episode-13-armstrong-at-doohan-farewell-anne-cusack-la-times-2004.jpg?resize=600,434 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\">15 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">55 Years Ago: Star Trek Final Episode Airs, Relationship with NASA Endures<\/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\t2 weeks 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 early 1966, Gemini VIII chalked up another crucial spaceflight technology milestone for the United States. But the triumph quickly became an in-flight emergency, testing NASA\u2019s quick-thinking skills to bring the astronauts safely home. The crew of Gemini VIII was the first to link two spacecraft together in Earth orbit. This milestone would prove vital […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":311399,"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":[2943,3694,2716,2671,3451],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[11560],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Gemini’s First Docking Turns to Wild Ride in Orbit","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-viii\/geminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-orbit\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-viii\/geminis-first-docking-turns-to-wild-ride-in-orbit\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/2-s66-27513a.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","Neil A. 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