GEMINI XII TRIVIA

Recently it struck me just how quickly Project Gemini came and went 60 years ago.  Here we see just how swiftly it was all running. Note that Gemini XII, seen here, has been stacked and is in testing just four days after Gemini XI splashed down. That cadence is amazing.

January 20

Martin-Denver delivered propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 12 to Martin-Baltimore by air. The GLV-12 stage II fuel tank had been reallocated to GLV-11, and GLV-12 used the stage II fuel tank originally assigned to GLV-10, which had been reworked to eliminate the damaged dome that had caused the tank reshuffling. The reworked tank arrived March 12. Aerojet-General had delivered the stage I engine on December 13, 1965, the stage II engine on January 20. Stage I tank splicing was completed April 25, stage II on May 4. Engine installations were completed May 19. Stage I horizontal testing ended June 1, and stage II, June 22.

Gemini Program Mission Report, Gemini XII, January 1967, p. 12-7; Aerospace Final Report, p. II.G-7; Gemini-Titan Air Force Launch Vehicle, pp. D-19, D-20.



September 19

Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 12 was removed from storage and erected at complex 19. Umbilicals were connected after GLV inspection September 21. Power was applied the next day and Subsystems Reverification Tests (SSRT) began September 23. SSRT ended October 2 and Prespacecraft Mate Verification Combined Systems Test was run October 4.

Mission Report for GT-XII, p. 12-8; Gemini-Titan II Air Force Launch Vehicle, p. D-20.

September 19

Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 12 was removed from storage and erected at complex 19. Umbilicals were connected after GLV inspection September 21. Power was applied the next day and Subsystems Reverification Tests (SSRT) began September 23. SSRT ended October 2 and Prespacecraft Mate Verification Combined Systems Test was run October 4.

Mission Report for GT-XII, p. 12-8; Gemini-Titan II Air Force Launch Vehicle, p. D-20.