Project Gemini

Hey everyone,

On May 25, 1961, just weeks after Shepard spent 15 minute in space, President Kennedy claimed that man (an American) would go to the moon before the end of the decade. The Mercury missions, alone, would not be enough for astronauts to go to the moon. Before a moon landing could be possible, there were five objectives that had to be met. There were:

1.To test the durability of astronauts and equipment in space for an extended period of time using long duration space flights.
2. To rendezvous and dock two separate spacecraft and then maneuver the space craft.
3. To perfect re-entry and landing techniques.
4. To gain further information about the effects of weightlessness on the body.
5. To have an astronaut go outside the spacecraft for Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA).

Once these were accomplished, the United States could journey to the moon. However, there was another new development in Project Gemini, the Titan III rocket which was a modified ICBM. The first two flights would be unmanned, but Gemini III would carry men into space.

Next: Gemini III