1966 in spaceflight

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The year 1966 saw the peak and the end of the Gemini program. The program proved that docking in space and human EVA's could be done safely. It saw the first launch of the Saturn IB rocket, an important step in the Apollo program, and the launch of Luna 9, the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on a celestial object (the Moon).

Launch Date/Time Rocket Launch Site Launch Contractor Payload Operator Orbit Mission/Function Re Entry/Destruction Outcome Remarks16 March 15:00 GMTAtlas DLC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGATV 5003NASALEOGemini docking target.15 September 1967SuccessfulUsed by Gemini 8 and Gemini 1016 March 16:41 GMTTitan IILC 19, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGemini 8, 2 AstronautsNASALEOCrewed Orbital Flight17 March 1966Partial FailureFirst docking in space. (with GATV). OAMS malfunction caused loss of control. Spacecraft became low on fuel after recovering. Terminated early.17 May 15:12 GMTAtlas DLC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGATV 5004NASALEOGemini docking target.17 May 1966FailureFailed to reach orbit. Intended for use by Gemini 91 June 15:00 GMTAtlas SLV 3LC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceATDA 02186NASALEOGemini docking target.11 June 1966FailureFairing failed to separate Intended for use by Gemini 9A3 June 16:41 GMTTitan IILC 19, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGemini 9A, 2 AstronautsNASALEOCrewed Orbital Flight6 June 1966Partial FailureUnable to complete primary objective Docking with ATDA due to ATDA payload fairing malfunction5 July 14:53 GMTSaturn IB (C 1B)LC 37B, Cape CanaveralNASA(none)N/AN/ATest launch vehicleN/ASuccessful18 July 20:39 GMTAtlas DLC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGATV 5005NASALEOGemini docking target.29 December 1966SuccessfulUsed by Gemini 1018 July 22:20 GMTTitan IILC 19, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGemini 10, 2 AstronautsNASALEOCrewed Orbital Flight21 July 1966Successful25 August 17:15 GMTSaturn IB (C 1B)LC 34, Cape CanaveralNASAApollo Spacecraft (AS 202)NASASub orbitalTest Apollo Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle25 August 1966 18:48 GMTSuccessful12 September 13:05 GMTAtlas DLC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGATV 5006NASALEOGemini docking target.30 December 1966SuccessfulUsed by Gemini 1112 September 14:42 GMTTitan IILC 19, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGemini 11, 2 AstronautsNASALEOCrewed Orbital Flight15 September 1966SuccessfulAltitude record for crewed Earth Orbit flight11 November 20:46 GMTAtlas DLC 14, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGATV 5001ANASALEOGemini docking target.23 December 1966FailureFailed to ignite. Used by Gemini 1211 November 20:46 GMTTitan IILC 19, Cape CanaveralUS Air ForceGemini 12, 2 AstronautsNASALEOCrewed Orbital Flight15 November 1966SuccessfulFinal Gemini flight

Start Date/TimeDurationEnd TimeSpacecraftCrewRemarks5 June15:022 hours7 minutes17:09Gemini IX AEugene CernanA complex EVA was planned. Cernan expended four to five times the expected effort, raising his pulse as high as 180 beats per minute. Excess heat and respiration completely fogged visor, causing the EVA to be cut short. Cernan also had difficulty returning to spacecraft and closing the hatch.19 July21:4449 Minutes22:33Gemini XMichael CollinsCollins performed a stand up EVA. Instead of climbing completely out of the spacecraft, Collins extended his torso outside the spacecraft to take photos before and after capsule sunrise. Color photography after sunrise was only partly completed due to severe eye irritation of both Collins and Command Pilot Young. Handling the camera proved difficult due to stiffness of spacesuit gloves.20 July23:0139 minutes23:40Gemini XMichael CollinsUmbilical EVA; with more difficulty than expected, Collins collected the micrometeorite collection package from the outside of Gemini. Then, using the Hand Held Maneuvering Unit, he pushed to the nearby Agena 8 to collect its micrometeorite collection package. Collins then pulled on the umbilical cord to return and re enter the spacecraft.13 September14:4433 minutes15:17Gemini XIGordon attached a tether between Gemini and Agena 11 for later orbital mechanics testing. While making the attachment, his work load exceeded the spacesuit cooling system, and his vision became obscured by a fogged visor and sweat in his eyes. Planned activities were curtailed by Command Pilot Conrad and Gordon returned to the spacecraft.14 September12:492 hours8 minutes14:57Gemini XIRichard F. Gordon Jr. Gordon performed a stand up EVA. He extended through the hatch to take astronomical photos. Conrad reported the spacewalk was so relaxing they both fell asleep for a moment after sunrise.12 November16:152 hours29 minutes18:44Gemini XIIBuzz AldrinAldrin performed a stand up EVA. Aldrin stood, took UV still photos and 16 mm color movie pictures, collected external experimental samples, and conducted a light exercise routine.13 November15:342 hours6 minutes17:40Gemini XIIBuzz AldrinFirst completely successful umbilical EVA, with all objectives achieved. Aldrin was able to control his movements and restrict his work load using techniques developed using underwater zero gravity simulations. He also benefited from experiences of the previous American EVAs and was able to move around the outside of the craft, deploy and recover various experimental packages, install and remove cameras, and practice work techniques using a ratchet type wrench.14 November14:5255 minutes15:47Gemini XIIBuzz AldrinAldrin performed a second stand up EVA. He again extended outside the hatch to take photographs and repeat the light exercise experiment. Exertion levels during exercise were comparable to preflight simulations. Equipment and waste food containers not needed for reentry were jettisoned from the spacecraft.