https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/2dc937f1-9c74-4584-97f6-43d043ca0c41 Browse our products on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YILTSD Love our channel? Help us save and post more orphaned films! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Even a really tiny contribution can make a difference. This film shows tests with Gemini Static Article No. 5. This was a model of the first manned Gemini spacecraft, designed for test and qualifications of landing and recovery procedures. Project Gemini ran from 1961 to 1966. The tests shown in the film were conducted after NASA determined that returning Gemini capsules were to land in the sea (:32). This landing technique was similar to that of the Mercury space program (:44) although there were several differences that required a complete post landing and recovery re-qualification. Variations shown include the flotation angles of the two spacecraft (1:00), the seating position of the astronauts caused by the floatation angles (1:21), as well as the location of the spacecraft’s systems (1:43). Static Article V was to be used at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis for post landing and recovery requalification tests (2:05). Static Article 5 is seen being prepared by McDonnell workers (2:17). It was created to be a replica to Spacecraft III which is to be the first manned Gemini spacecraft (2:47). An Electronics Division truck ships the Static Article 5 to the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas for open sea tests (2:58). The first of these tests was held in the Gulf of Mexico (3:09). The objective for this test was to demonstrate the craft’s suitability and stability while in a sea environment for long durations (3:18). The second test was to qualify the essential post landing systems and demonstrate the craft structure’s seaworthiness (3:29). They also wanted to collect data on the human physiological reactions to long durations in sea environments (3:36). The motor retriever utilized for this test is pointed to (3:48) and test subject NASA Engineer Gordon Harvey is seen climbing into the craft (3:54). Astronaut James Lovell was to be the other test subject, and the hatches are seen closed following a final pre-system check (4:11). The craft is connected to the retriever and it and the crew are seen lowered into the gulf (4:14). The line connecting the craft to the retriever included instrumentation and monitory cables which allowed doctors and technicians to monitor the space craft systems and the crew (4:29). A few equipment failures were noted during the test, including the antenna which collapsed about a minute after extension (4:55). These failures led to a termination of the test (5:03). The craft is then hoisted onto the retrieving vessel’s deck and the test subjects step from it (5:14). From here, it was sent to MSC at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas (5:24) for further examination. Workers conduct a posttest inspection, document problem areas (5:29), and correct the issues (6:02). Static Article 5 was then prepared for it’s next sea test (6:13). Part of the training program conducted for the test subjects were held at Ellington Field (6:29). Egress training was conducted in the Gulf of Mexico (6:44). The mockup of the Gemini space craft used for these tests follows (6:53). Technicians received training on the proper use of equipment and on how to monitor the instrumentation consoles (7:16). The test vehicle is weighed and balanced to ensure it’s likability to the actual Gemini space craft (7:59). The test craft is then placed in a flotation tank (5:13) and then into a vacuum chamber in the Manned Spacecraft Center’s nearby Clear Lake Facility for drying (8:23). Complete systems check outs were conducted back at Ellington Field (8:42). It’s sea to air communication test was completed with the Air Force’s C-119 conducting fly overs (8:56). It was then transferred for a final sea test (9:12). Test subjects here are astronauts James Lovell (9:59) and Alan Bean (10:03). The craft is set into the Gulf (10:20). The Air Force again conducted fly overs for sea to air transmissions (11:29). A final transmission was made to the Goddard tracking network (12:00). The men and the craft were in the waters for about 16 and a half hours and they are seen hoisted back onto the retriever as the tests were complete (12:11). Data from these tests were used for further studies (13:18) and more information was retrieved about human physiological reactions while in a sea environment for long durations (13:22). An open hatch test was conducted (13:31). All test objectives were accomplished and this proved the cooperation between McDonnell Aircraft Corp, USAF, the Coast Guard and the divisions of the Manned Space Craft Center (14:11). This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdtt-MYD94s Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:13:41 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/2dc937f1-9c74-4584-97f6-43d043ca0c41 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.