Gemini VIII

Occurred 59 years ago

Gemini VIII was the sixth crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott. The primary mission objectives were to perform rendezvous and four docking tests with the Agena target vehicle and to execute an ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) experiment. Other objectives included parking the Agena in a 410 km circular orbit, performing a rerendezvous with the Agena, conduct systems evaluation, evaluating the auxiliary tape memory unit, and demonstration of controlled reentry. Ten technological, medical, and scientific experiments were carried on board.

Mission Type

Human Spaceflight

mission duration

10 hours, 41 minutes, 26 seconds

Launch

March 16, 1966

Landing

March 16, 1966

David R. Scott and Neil A. Armstrong pose for their official Gemini VIII crew photo in blue jumpsuits with model shuttle in front of flags.

Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong (right), command pilot; and David R. Scott, pilot, were the prime crew of the Gemini-8 space mission.

NASA

The Gemini VIII Prime Crew

Neil A. Armstrong

Command pilot (first spaceflight)

David R. Scott

Pilot (first spaceflight)

NASA space science data coordinated archive

Gemini VIII

The NSSDC provides an in-depth overview of the Gemini VIII mission objectives, spacecraft, and program.

Learn More About the Mission

View of the Agena Target Docking vehicle in orbit above Earth as seen from the Gemini-8 spacecraft

S66-25781 (16-17 March 1966) — Closer view of the Agena Target Docking vehicle seen from the Gemini-8 spacecraft during rendezvous in space. Photo credit: NASA

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