Gemini 9 Debriefing, 1966

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GT-IX

SM/Director,
Manned Flight Experiments Office

May 19, 1966

SM/Manned Flight Experiments Office

Effect on Scientific Experiments on Gemini IX Mission as a result of failure of Agena IX.

The following OSSA experiments are assigned to Gemini IX: S-1, S-10, S-11, and S-12. Details follow:

S-1, Zodiacal Light Photography, E. Ney, University of Minnesota

No change is expected in this experiment. Provided that GT-9 is able to go through the planned EVA, this experiment ought to be accomplished as written in the mission plan.

S-10, Micrometeorite Collection on the Agena, C. Hemenway, Dudley Observatory

The collection box attached to the Agena IX is lost. The back-up unit is at the Cape ready to be attached to the ATDA (target vehicle). The contingency mission plan written for the ATDA calls for the box to be retrieved in unopened condition. This means that collection of particles would be confined to the outside portion which was planned for the S-10. (It is shielded on launch). The mission plan calls for retrieval of the box and storing inside the Gemini spacecraft before reentry.

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

In the flight plan for the ATDA, there is the possibility of an increase from 3 to 4 night runs for this experiment. So it does not appear that it will suffer.

S-12, Micrometeorite Collection on the Gemini, C. Hemenway, Dudley Observatory

This experiment should be unaffected by the failure of Agena 9. It is planned to retrieve the collection box after some 8 hours of exposure and to return it inside the Gemini spacecraft.

Finally, it is pointed out that the general effect is to place more concern on operational problems, possibly shortening the time and effort for experiments.

Jocelyn R. Gill

CONCURRENCES:

OFFICIAL FILE COPY

Jocelyn R. Gill
Manned Flight Experiments Office

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