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Gemini 8

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description Gemini 8 Overview

Gemini 8 was a crewed NASA spaceflight launched on March 16, 1966, as part of the Gemini program. Commanded by Neil Armstrong with pilot David Scott, the mission achieved the first successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit when it rendezvoused with an unmanned Agena target vehicle. Shortly after docking, a malfunctioning spacecraft thruster caused a critical and dangerous roll, forcing the crew to execute an emergency reentry. The flight provided essential data for future orbital rendezvous procedures used in the Apollo program.

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What did Gemini 8 dock with in orbit?

Neil Armstrong guided Gemini 8 into the Agena Target Vehicle on March 16, 1966. This was the first successful docking between two spacecraft in orbit.

Why did Gemini 8 start spinning after the docking?

The problem came from a stuck thruster on the Gemini spacecraft, not from the Agena target. After Armstrong and David Scott undocked, the lighter capsule spun even faster, reaching about one rotation per second.

How did Neil Armstrong stop the Gemini 8 tumble?

Armstrong shut down the main attitude-control system and used the reentry control thrusters to stabilize the capsule. Using that emergency system required the crew to abort the rest of the mission.

What Gemini 8 activities were cancelled by the emergency?

David Scott's planned spacewalk and further docking work were cancelled. The crew splashed down in the western Pacific roughly ten hours after launch and was recovered safely.

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