Gemini Docking Mechanism
The Gemini spacecraft was equipped with a non-androgynous mechanism for docking with the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle or Augmented Target Docking Adapter. It was the first American craft that could dock to another in space.
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The Gemini side of the mechanism consisted of 3 latch receptacles around the forward end (the rendezvous and recovery section) of the spacecraft.[1] The Agena side of the mechanism consisted of a truncated cone to guide the nose of the Gemini spacecraft into 3 corresponding latches. A notch in the cone aligned with the "indexing bar" on the Gemini spacecraft to orient the two spacecraft in roll.[2]
Unlike the later Apollo Docking Mechanism, the Gemini docking mechanism did not provide internal access between the docked spacecraft; it only locked them together and provided an electronic umbilical to control the Agena from the Gemini capsule.
References
- McDonnell Technical Data Dept (1 July 1966). "Docking System". NASA Project Gemini Familiarization Manual (PDF). McDonnell.
- McDonnell Technical Data Dept (1 July 1966). "Target Docking Adapter". NASA Project Gemini Familiarization Manual (PDF). McDonnell.