[youtube_video]http://youtu.be/mOdcUwlWBDc[/youtube_video]
Video courtesy of Spacecraft Films
On June 3, 1966, the Gemini IX-A crew thundered into orbit—and the history books—atop their Titan launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It would become one of the most complex and dangerous missions in human space flight history. The mission had already lost its prime crew in an aircraft accident at the factory constructing their Gemini spacecraft. And during a launch failure, the docking target was destroyed. NASA quickly launched the Augmented Target Docking Adaptor (ATDA), but this too ran afoul. Its docking collar had remained partially closed.
This video compilation shows not only the launch of the Titan rocket with the crew of Gemini IX-A, but also the launch of the ATDA.
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This is GREAT stuff AmericaSpace and Spacecraft Films! Thank you! (Obviously, spaceflight in a Gemini spacecraft was not for the claustrophobic).
Viewing the launch of Gemini IX-A some 47 years ago brings quite a perspective to any space enthusiast. Cernan and Stafford are genuine heroes as well as pioneers in manned spaceflight. This flight was yet another significant step culminating in manned landings on the moon. Brave men indeed!