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Gemini B AM

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Gemini B
Gemini B cross-section
Credit: McDonnell Douglas

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AKA: Adapter Module. Status: Cancelled 1969. Gross mass: 1,868 kg (4,118 lb). Unfuelled mass: 1,718 kg (3,787 lb). Specific impulse: 255 s. Height: 1.56 m (5.11 ft). Diameter: 2.32 m (7.61 ft).

Changes to the Gemini adapter module included:

• A transition tunnel led from the hatch in the heat shield of the Gemini B to the MOL pressurized quarters.
• In the absence of the equipment module, the adapter module was longer in order to flare out to meet the 3.05 m diameter of the MOL.
• The OAMS maneuvering thrusters of the NASA Gemini were deleted. Spacecraft orientation in orbit was handled by the forward RCS thrusters.
• The number of solid propellant retrofire motors was increased from four to six. These served double-duty: for deorbit of the Gemini B and as abort rockets for separation of the Gemini from the enormous Titan 3M in case of launch vehicle failure.

Orbital Storage: 40 days. Spacecraft delta v: 140 m/s (450 ft/sec).

Family: Manned spacecraft module, Space station orbit. People: McDonnell. Country: USA. Spacecraft: MOL. Launch Vehicles: Titan. Propellants: Solid. Agency: USAF.