On This Day In Space: April 8, 1964

[Makuser]

On April 8, 1964, NASA launched the first uncrewed test flight of the new Gemini spacecraft. This was the very first mission of Project Gemini, which would later send crews of two into orbit. You can read more about this and see a video of the first test flight and a vintage photograph of the Gemini-Titan II, here at:
https://www.space.com/39251-on-this-day-in-space.html
Happy Birthday Project Gemini and we have come a long way since then.

[smp]

Super remembrance, Marshall!
Thanks very much for sharing!

smp

[helicon]

I just watched a special on the Gemini missions on the Smithsonian channel last night. Very entertaining. The astronauts were basically learning how to space walk, operate thrusters, dock with other spacecraft, and the whole re-entry experience - basically all of the skills they needed for the Apollo missions. The astronauts included Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Wally Schiara, etc. just a few years before Apollo.