Gemini 9 Debriefing, 1966

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6/6/66

Memo to Foster

From: J. R. Gill

Subject: Scientific Experiments carried out on Gemini IX.

The Gemini IX mission carried the following OSSA experiments:

- S-10 Agena Micrometeorite Collection

- S-11 Airglow Horizon Photography

- S-12 Gemini Micrometeorite Collection

In spite of a slight flurry last Friday night to throw in additional experiments as a possible backup in the event of failure of the ATDA, no new experiments were introduced. This was a consequence of the decision to introduce no additional film packs which could have accommodated some more experimental activity. (Ref. TWX to Dr. John Clark re S-28 support for Gemini IX, 6/5/27/66 and TWX to 4 experimenters and their directors re S-5, S-6, S-28 and S-29, 6/5/31/66)

Nonetheless, it is anticipated that some photographs will have been taken for S-5 and S-6 (Synoptic Photography) on the operational film carried-- even though this experiment was not scheduled for Gemini IX.

As of Sunday June 5th at 11:30 EDT telephone contact with Norman Foster's office indicated the following on experiments. (Talked with Ed Zeitler, MSC both Sat/and Sun. He is the editor on the experiments status report).

Efforts to dislodge the shroud from the ATDA, (called by Tom Stafford "an angry alligator", were in vain so docking with the ATDA was Scrubbed from the mission. At this point there was some concern over the fuel supply and thought that it might not be possible to carry out all the experiments. The status of scientific experimental activity is given below.

1. S-10, Agena Micrometeorite Collection, Dr. C. Hemenway, Dudley Observatory

The S-10 was carried on the ATDA, but it was impossible to get near it or to retrieve it. (The S-10 was also carried on the Agena and there was no activity with it either. The S-10 is still on the ATDA and conceivably could be retrieved on a later mission.

2. S-11, Airglow Horizon Photography, M. Koomen, Naval Research Laboratory

The astronauts made 3 night passes on this experiment and reported no problems so it is assumed that the experiment went off as planned. They may be able to devote 1 more night pass to it during the mission. They are still planning the 2 1/2 hour EVA. At the start of the experiments they had 50 lbs. of fuel left and at the end, so it is reported, they still had 50 lbs!! (GET 27 hrs, 29 hrs, 31 hrs.)

3. S-12, Gemini Micrometeorite Collection, Dr. C. Hemenway, Dudley Observatory

The collection box was activated and had about 10 hrs. exposure before closing.