Another Attempt To Launch Gemini XI

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31162, 12 September 1966, Page 13

Another Attempt To Launch Gemini XI

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

CAPE KENNEDY, September 11. Twice held to earth by rocket problems, the astronauts, Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon, will return to light training today for another attempt to launch their three-day Gemini XI flight tomorrow.

They were ready to climb into their tiny cabin yesterday when engineers, nearing the end of final checks on the Atlas-Agena target a mile away, reported serious trouble with the main Atlas engines. Their steering mechanism was running out of control. Up to late last night, continuous checks by engineers trying to solve the problem could not duplicate the errant behaviour that caused the two-day postponement. The steering mechanism was once again working properly. Although they could easily have replaced the autopilot, which directs the Atlas : Agena towards orbit, they wanted to be sure by duplicating the trouble that the original unit was the true and only culprit. However, if they cannot duplicate the fault, they are expected to replace the autopilot early today anyway and resume the countdown. If it is successful, Gemini XI must follow precisely 97 minutes after the target is launched for completion of one major objective of the

mission, rendezvous with the target on the first pass over Hawaii.