Gemini 8 mission 50th anniversary (29 images)

Today marks the 50th anniversary of NASA's Gemini 8 mission, the sixth manned spaceflight conducted during the United States' Project Gemini program. The primary objective of the mission the successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit, a first in spaceflight. It was a success, though the crew suffered a critical system failure, forcing them to abandon their mission and return to Earth after just 10 hours in space. Find more about this day in history in the UPI Almanac.

NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong (left) and David Scott (right), inserted into the Gemini 8 spacecraft prior to liftoff on March 16, 1966. NASA/UPI

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Close-up view of NASA astronaut David Scott, pilot of the Gemini 8 spaceflight, making final adjustments and checks in the spacecraft during the prelaunch countdown on March 16, 1966. In the background almost out of view is astronaut Neil Armstrong, command pilot. NASA/UPI

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An Agena Target Docking Vehicle atop an Atlas rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 14 at Kennedy Space Center at 10 a.m., on March 16, 1966, just prior to the Gemini 8 liftoff at nearby Launch Complex 19. The Agena served as a rendezvous and docking vehicle for the Gemini 8 spacecraft. NASA/UPI

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Gemini-Titan 8 (GT-8) spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong, command pilot, and David Scott, pilot, successfully launches from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 11:41 a.m. (EST), on March 16, 1966. Gemini 8 successfully rendezvoused and docked with the Agena Docking Target Vehicle during their spaceflight. NASA/UPI

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