Gemini IX-A

Gemini IX-A

Mission Number: GT-09

3-6 June 1966

Crew:
Thomas Stafford [2], Commander
Eugene Cernan [1], Pilot

Backup Crew:
James Lovell, Commander
Edwin Aldrin, Pilot

Launch:
    Location: Cape Kennedy Air Force Station
    Pad: LC-19
    Date: 3 June 1966
    Time: 13:39:33 UTC

Flight:
    Mission Duration: 3 days, 0 hours, 20 minutes, 50 seconds
    Orbits: 44
    EVA#1: 2 hours, 8 minutes

Landing:
Date: 6 June 1966
Time: 14:00:23 UTC

Recovery:
Location: Atlantic Ocean (27° 52' N, 5° 0.4' W)
Vessel: USS Wasp (CVS-18)

The mission was originally scheduled for May 17 as Gemini IX, but was delayed and redesignated Gemini IX-A after the intended Agena Target Vehicle was destroyed in a launch failure.

There was a rendezvous, but no docking, with an orbiting Augmented Target Docking Adaptor (ATDA). A shroud failed to separate from the ATDA, making it look like an "angry alligator."

Cernan performed a spacewalk lasting about 2 hours. The EVA was scheduled to last longer and include a test of the USAF Astronaut Maneuvering Unit, but Cernan was exhausted. His heart rate was up to 180, he was breathing heavily and producing more CO2 than his suit could absorb, and was sweating so heavily the faceplate of the suit fogged over so he could not see. The exertions tore some of the layers of insulation in the suit and Cernan received a severe sunburn on his lower back. The suit was so stiff he had a very difficult time reentering the capsule.

The original crew for Gemini IX was Elliot See and Charles Bassett. They were both killed in a crash of their T-38 trainer on 28 February 1966.

Gemini IX-A is on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex near Titusville, FL.

Stafford, Cernan

Archived NASA page for Gemini IX-A

Page last modified: 16 May 2026 20:15:08.