Gemini Program

Project Gemini

Begun in 1961, Project Gemini was the direct predecessor to Project Apollo and as such was responsible for developing and testing many of the procedures and operations necessary for a successful mission to the Moon. The main objectives of Project Gemini were to test rendezvous and docking procedures, perform extravehicular activities, and perfect targeted reentry and landing of spacecraft. All Gemini missions launched from Cape Kennedy in Florida, but flight control operations moved to the newly opened Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. Between 1964 and 1966 there were two unmanned and 12 manned missions, which included the first American space walk by Ed White on the Gemini 4 mission in 1965.

Apollo Applications Program
Mercury Program