Big Gemini

Big Gemini
Big Gemini spacecraft concept, August, 1969. (NASA)
Description
Role:	Logistic spacecraft derived from Gemini that would be used to resupply an orbiting space station
Crew:	9 to 12
Dimensions
Height:		11.5 m
Diameter:		4.27 m
Volume:		18.7 m³
Weights
Total:		15,590 kg

Big Gemini (or "Big G") was proposed to NASA by McDonnell Douglas in August, 1969, as an advanced version of the Gemini spacecraft system. It was intended to provide large-capacity, all-purpose access to space, including missions that ultimately used Apollo or the Space Shuttle.

The study was performed to generate a preliminary definition of a logistic spacecraft derived from Gemini that would be used to resupply an orbiting space station. Land-landing at a preselected site and refurbishment and reuse were design requirements. Two baseline spacecraft were defined: a nine-man minimum modification version of the Gemini B called Min-Mod Big G and a 12-man advanced concept, having the same exterior geometry but with new, state-of-the-art subsystems, called Advanced Big G. Three launch vehicles-Saturn IB, Titan IIIM, and S-IC/S-IVB were investigated for use with the spacecraft. The Saturn IB was discarded late in the study.

The spacecraft consisted of a crew module designed by extending the Gemini B exterior cone to a 419-cm-diameter heat shield and a cargo propulsion module. Recovery of the crew module would be effected by means of a gliding parachute (parawing). The parametric analysis and point design of the parawing were accomplished by Northrop- Ventura Company under a subcontract, and the contents of their final report were incorporated into the document. The landing attenuation of the spacecraft would be accomplished by a skid landing gear extended from the bottom of the crew module, allowing the crew to land in an upright position. The propulsion functions of transfer, rendezvous, attitude control, and retrograde would be performed by a single liquid propellant system, and launch escape would be provided by a large Apollo-type launch escape system.

In addition to the design analysis, operational support analysis and a program development plan were prepared.

In some ways the new SpaceX Dragon private spacecraft by the SpaceX Corporation is similar to the Big Gemini in terms of capacity, the relatively low cost of Gemini craft and the rapid pace at which they could be produced and launched.^{[citation needed]}

Specifications

• Crew size: 9 to 12
• Length: 11.5 m.
• Maximum diameter: 4.27 m.
• Habitable volume: 18.7 m³
• Mass: 15,590 kg
• Payload: 2,500 kg
• Launch vehicles: Titan 3M, Saturn IB, Saturn S-IC/S-IVB.

See also

• NASA
• Project Gemini
• Blue Gemini
• Manned Orbital Laboratory
• Titan (rocket family)

External links

• Big Gemini - Encyclopedia Astronautica
• NASA History Series Publications

v • d • e Gemini program Main articles Project Gemini Missions Gemini 1 · Gemini 2 · Gemini 3 · Gemini 4 · Gemini 5 · Gemini 7 · Gemini 6A · Gemini 8 · Gemini 9A · Gemini 10 · Gemini 11 · Gemini 12 Components Gemini spacecraft · Orbit attitude and maneuvering system · Titan rocket · Agena target vehicle Launch sites Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 19 · Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Developments Advanced Gemini  · Blue Gemini & Manned Orbital Development System  · Manned Orbital Laboratory & Gemini B  · Big Gemini