The Gemini Program

The Gemini program was NASA's way of practicing for going to the Moon. It flew between 1965 and 1966. Gemini spacecraft carried two astronauts at a time. During these missions, astronauts learned how to do spacewalks, connect two spacecraft together, and spend long days in space.

What Gemini Accomplished

The Gemini program had 10 crewed missions. Astronauts practiced docking, which means connecting two spacecraft in orbit. Ed White became the first American to walk in space during Gemini 4. Gemini 7 set a record by keeping two astronauts in space for nearly 14 days. These skills were all needed for the Moon missions.

Why Gemini Mattered

Without the Gemini program, NASA could not have landed on the Moon. Astronauts learned to work outside their spacecraft and control their movements in orbit. They practiced bringing two spacecraft together, which was essential for the Apollo Moon missions. Gemini was the bridge between the simple Mercury flights and the complex Apollo missions.

Fun Facts

• Gemini is the Latin word for twins because the spacecraft held two astronauts.
• Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 flew within one foot of each other in space.
• The Gemini capsule was so small that tall astronauts had trouble fitting inside.

Did You Know?

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who later walked on the Moon during Apollo 11, first went to space on Gemini 12.