Project Gemini

In just two-and-a-half years, beginning in 1964, two unmanned and ten manned flights took place in the Gemini program. This program was the turning point in the space race with the USSR; from then on the Americans took the lead. Flights lasting two weeks, into the Van Allen Belt, the first extravehicular activities, rendezvous manoeuvres and docking with other spacecraft-all of this was achieved by Gemini, paving the way for the more demanding moon landing program. It was not all success, however. Like almost every significant undertaking, Project Gemini also had its dramas and tragedies. All Project Gemini missions are discussed, including details on all craft and the astronauts involved. Superb colour, archival images, cutaways and plans are also included.

AUTHOR: Eugen Reichl works for the EADS aviation and aerospace company. He is a known expert on aerospace technology and has authored books and specialty articles on the topic. 132 colour images