Gemini VII Mission, Post Launch Report No. 1.

摘要

Gemini VII was successfully launched from Complex 19 at John F. Kennedy Space Center at 2:30 p.m. EST on December 4, 1965. The countdown and launch were flawless. Early in the countdown the adverse weather appeared to be a constrain- ing factor, but near the end of the terminal count the overcast skies cleared and a satisfactory launch condition existed. The previously demonstrated integrity of the spacecraft, which permitted the crew to remove their pressure suits, allowed greater freedom of operation and enhanced the crew s personal comfort. Preliminary medical evaluation and data analysis indicates that the crew is in very good medical condition and the effects of expos- ing the crew to long periods of weightlessness has not been detrimental. The fuel cell demonstrated excellent electrical characteristics throughout the mission. The intermittent lighting of the fuel cell differential pressure light did cause some concern but did not, at any time, become a mission constraint. The tremendous success of the Gemini VI-A and VII missions has again confirmed the operational capability of the launch and space vehicles, the Manned Spaceflight Network, and the Mission Control Center. Gemini VII terminated at 9:05 a.m. EST December 18, 1965, approximately eight miles from the planned recovery zone after completing 206 revolutions in 330 hours and 35 minutes. Recovery was accomplished swiftly and effectively in the West Atlantic by the aircraft carrier U.S.S. WASP. The primary objective to demonstrate man s capability to perform complex functions throughout the 14-day period was successfully met. Preliminary evaluation indicates that the crew returned in excellent physical condition.