I

DATE
15 February 1962 I

REVISED
9 June 1962 Ilk 11

CONTROL NO. (244039 REVISED 1 July 1963 '

€lpVIsn>
J. L
1 ) '.lMay,1964 LI."C&

STRUCTURAL DESIGN CRITElUA

GIMINI SPACECRAFT (U)

REPORT 8616 COPY N 0 . L

h d s
APPROVED BY APPROVEDBY
T. P. Brooks, H. C. Goran, Chief
ProJect Strength kgr. Strength Engr,

MCDOAINELL AIRCRAFT CORPORAT8ON

LAMOlffT - ST. LOUIS MUNICIPAL- AIRPORT.'lOX I I m . mT. LOUIS 66. MO.
r
MAC 2 7 3 (REV 21 FEB 6 2 )

f-:.
-~ --
INDEX OF REVISIONS I
PAGES A F F E C T E D
DATE REMARKS REVISED B Y APPROVED

T. P. Brook

I--
I .
V I S I O N "1
R e p o r t c mpletely revised

P. P. Brooks

3. C. Goran

+ . 3J . 3
-__-
3.6.1
T. P. Brook:

2.7.2
2.7.3 penetration c r i t e r i t , R. C. Goran
2.7.4
2.7.5
3.5
3.7.1 dded e j e c t i o n s e a t
3.7.2 a l l u t e and Dersonn
abort c r i t e r i a
.10
A -1 3 1
 1 July 1963 PAGE 1.2.1
DATE
IMay 1964 REPORT 8616
REVISED

REVISED
MODEL Gemini

1.1 Index of Revisions .............................................. 1.1

1.2 Table of Contents ................................................. 1.2.1

1.3 List of Pages ................................................... 1.3

References ................................... ..... ...... ... 1.4
1.4
1.5
*.

.....................................~.e......~eo~~....o.
1.5
1
1.6 Introduction ................................. ....... .......... 1.6
PART TWO - BASIC RM!A
2.1 Spacecraft Description ....... ................................... 2.1
2.2 Spacecraft General Arrangement .................................. 2.2

2.3 Spacecraft Design Weights ....................................... 2.3.1

2.4 Standard Atmomere :.........................* .................. 2.4.1
2.5 W i n a Shears axid Velocities .........................................2.5.1
2.6 Grrsta ........................................................... 2.6
2.7 Meteorbld Distribution .......................................... 2.7,1
PART !l?KREE - mmL4
3.1 Limit and Ultimete Conditions ................................... 3.1.1
3.2 h o s t m s e ........................................~*..~~.~~ 3.2:1

3.3 Orbital Phase ................................................... 3.3.1

3.4 Rendezvous Phase .......................~ ........................ 3.4
3.5 Re-Ratry Phase ...................................................... 3.5.1
3.6 Landing Phase ...................................... ............. 3.6.1~1
3.7 Abort Phase ..................................................... 3.7.1

~~

MAC 2 3 1 U (REV I AUG 6 1 )

 PAGE 1.2.2
REPORT 8616
REVISED MODEL GexLni

-LE OF CC:XE+TTS (Continued)

3.8 Hoisting and Transportation .....................................3.8

3.9 Pressurization .................................................. 3.8
3.10 Controls ........................................................3.10
3.11 Seats and Harness ...............................................3.11.1
3.12 mock and Acceleration Environment .............................. 3.11.1
3.13 Vibration an8 ACoWtlc M o m a t .............................. 3.11.1

Al.1 Boost Phase ....................................................A-1.1

A1.2 Boost Phase ...................................... A-1.2
COnf~guratiOn

Al.3 Boost Phase TraJectory ......................................... A-1.3.1

A2.1 Rendezvous Phase ............................................... A-2.1

A
 ~~

- -

r*cDo,WNELL
DATE 15 Februarv 1962- tt. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 1.3
REVISED 1963 REPORT 8616
REVISED 1 YODEL
Gemini

1 . 3 L i o t of Pages
1.1 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
2 01 2 02 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3
2.5.1 2.5.2 2.6 2 07 01 2.7.2 2.7.3
2.7.4 2.7.5 2.7.6
3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.3 3.2.1 3 0202 3.2.3 3.2.4

3.2.5 3.2.6 3.2.7 3.2.8 3.3.1 3 .3 .2

3 .4 3.5-1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.5.5

3.5.6 3.5 .7 3.5.8 3.5.9 3.5.10 3.5.11

3.5.12 3-5-13 3.5.14 3.5.15 3.5.16 3-5-17

3.5.18 3.5 -19 3.5.20 3.5.21 3.5.22 3.5.23
a 3.5.24 3.5 -25 3.5.26 3 .5 027 3.5.28 3.5.29

3.5.30 3.5.31 3.5.32 3.5.33 3-5.34 3.5.35

3.5.36 3.5.37 3.5.38 3.5.39 3.60101 3.6.1.2

3.6.1.3 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.6.4 3.6.5 3.6.6

3.7.1 3.7.2 3 -8 3 010 3.11.1 3.11.2

3 03.2 3.13.1 3.13.2

A01.1 A-1.2 A-1.3-1 A -1 3.2 . A-2.1

m a

i
 REPORT 8616
YODEL Gemini

1.4 References

1. MAC Report 8611 Gemini Spacecraft Performance

Specification

A Reference Atmosphere f o r P a t r i c k
AFB, Cape Kennedy, Florida,Annual

3. NASA m D-610 Monthly and Annual Wind D i s t r i -

bution as a Function of A l t i t u d e
f o r Patrick AFB, Florida
4. NASA
Bulletin
- --
Engineering Criteria
No. EC-1
Meteoroid Environment i n Near-Earth,
Cislunar, and Near-Lunar Space,
dated 8 November 1963

5. NASA Letter GPO 00169 Gemini Landing Requirements

dated 21 June 1962
-
6. MAC Report 8774 -
ProJect Gemini Predicted
Vibration and Accoustic Environment

7 . MAC Report 8433 General Environmental Requirements

f o r Model 133P

8. Martin Letter mom64 D i g i t a l Printout of Trajectory

309, dated 15 May 1963
9. Martin IDC Design D i g i t a l Printout of Trajectory
Verification Trajectories 333
10. Lockheed Document Design Launch t o O r b i t Trajectory
mC/A377490 f o r Gemini Mission, dated 29 M y
1963
ll. MAC Report 9998 Gemini Ablation Shield S t r u c t u r a l
Capability and Performance Limits
( b be publishe5)

12. Lockheed (LMSC) Interdepart- Preliminary Gemini/Agena D Balance

mental Communication m/80 571 . and I n e r t i a Data, dated 11December
1963

MAL 231U (REV I AUC S I )

Y

McDomkvELL
DATE 15 Febrmrv 1961 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PACE 1.5
REVISED
1 J u l y 1963 REPORT 8616
REVISED 1 m y 1964 MODEL Gemini

1.5 Summary

This report forms part of the Gemini Spacecraft Performance Specification

(Reference 1)and gives t h e detail c r i t e r i a f o r the design of the s t r u c t u r e .

The s t r u c t u r a l design c r i t e r i a as described herein f o r the Gemini space-

c r a f t i s applicable f o r all spacecraft as t h e missions are currently

projected. It is planned that this r e p o r t will be revisedlas new require-

ments arise either.from changed o r addedimissions o r from more refined

a n a l y s i s of the current missions.

 MODEL Gex:l.ni

e
4
E-r
m
N

e
0

4
 mm m7 -"i 9 r-. 1 .-. 4 ,q
-&
& -,-* 4-'LwIy-L( I

DATE l5 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 2.3.2

REVISED 1May 1964 REPORT 8616
REVISED
MODEL Gemini

2.3.5 Desim Re-entry Weeight (4050 t o 5050 lb.)

Spacecraft weight upon re-entry into t h e atmosphere. It i s t h e

Design Hetrograde Weight less a t t i t u d e propellant and the retrograde

section of t h e adapter.
2J.6 Design Deployment Weights

2.3.6,1 Design Drogue Parachute Deployment Weight (4730 lb.)

Spacecraft weight a t the time of deploying t h e drogue

parachute and/or p i l o t parachute.

2.3.6.2 De,sim Main Parachute Deployment Weight (400 lb.)

Spacecraft weight including parachute a t t h e time of

deploying the main parachute.

2.3.6.3 Design Paraglider Deployment Weight (3650 t o 4650 1b.l

Spacecraft weight a t t h e t i m e of i n i t i a t i n g t h e paraglider

deployment sequence. It i s the Design &-entry Weight l e s s a t t i -

tude propellant, ablative material, p i l o t chute and paraglidor

housing .
2.3.7 Design Iandina Weights

2.3.7.1 Design Parachute Landing Wei,qht (4300 1b.l

Spacecraft weight impacting the water. It is the weignt

suspended under t h e parachute.

2.3.7.2 Design Paravlider Landing Weipht (3300 to 4300 l b . 1

Spacecraft weight during landing runout o r impacting t h e

water. It is a l s o the weight suspended under t h e paraglider.

It i a the Design Paraglider Deployment Weight l e s e paraglider
and propellant jettison.

2.3.8 Desim Flotation Weight (3300 t o 4300 lb.)

This is the same as the maximum Landing Weight.

REVISED 1 May 'ah4 REPORT
8616
REVISED
MODEL Zenini

2.3.9 Design l!ater Recovery WeiEht (5500 to 6500 lb.)

This is t h e weight t o be hoisted a f t e r a water landing. It i s t h e

Design Flotation Weight plus 2200 lb. of trapped water.

2.3.10 Design Abort Weight (4900 t o 5900 lb.)

The spacecraft weight a t t h e i n i t i a t i o n of separation from the

launch vehicle f o r an abort. It i s t h e Design hunch Weight less t h e

launch vehicle mating section and t h e e q u i p e n t section of t h e Adapter.

2.3.U. Design Transportation Weip,ht (6000 lb .)

The weight f o r hoisting, handling, and transporting as a u n i t .

2 ,. 4 Standard Atmosphere

A l l loads and temperature calculations s h a l l be based on t h e a t m s - k e r e

LS defined in Reference (2). Density and pressure are shown on Figure 2.11.2

and Figure 2.4.3 as a function of a l t i t u d e .

1.6 Gusts

Strength shall be provided for loads associated w i t h i s o t r o p i c sharp edged

lusts of 30 fpe, equivalent airspeed, below 40,000 f e e t and 60 fps, t r u e airspeed,

tbove,40,000 feet neglecting penetration effeote and w i t h an a l l e v i a t i o n f a c t o r

,f l r O . Gusts a h a l l be considered separately o r in conjunction wfth tho wind

3heare of Section 2,5. When combining t h e gust v e l o c i t i e s with the wind shear
I

wqulremente, t h e awn of t h e wind plue gust v e l o c i t i e s s h a l l not exceed t h e

iesign wind velocity shown in Figure 2.5.2.

 MODEL
RllVlSKO

2.7 Msteoroid Env5ronment

The meteoroid environembb s h a l l consist of the n e a p e a r t h and cislunar

sporadic meteoroids and t h e major meteoroid streams. The s p e c i f i c environment

based on d a t a from Reference (4) i s defined i n t h e following paragraphs.

b:
LOG N = -1.34 log m - 10.k23
Where N - number of h p a c t s per square foot per day

m - ass i n grams

Density: 0.5 d c c , a l l particle s i z e s ,

Average Geocentric Velocity: 30 km/sec, a l l p a r t i c l e sizes.

The flwc-mass relationship s t a t e d above is shown graphically i n Figure 2.7.3.

The f l u x r e l a t i o n given above is an average of t h e monthly variations. For a

e particular period, the f a c t o r s from Figure 2.7.4 a r e used. Since t h e sporadic

meteroids are non-directional, t h e above c r i t e r i a are applied t o t h e surface

area of t h e vehicle. A l l v e l o c i t i e s are assumed t o be directed normal t o t h e

target surface.

2.7.2 Near Earth and Cislunar, Meteoroid Streams F l u , Pass:

fM; N -1.34 log m - 2.68 log V - 6.465 + log F

Where N = number of impacts per square foot per day

m - mass i n grama
V geocentric velocity of t h e meteoroid stream ( b / s e c )

F r a t i o of accumulative meteor stream flux t o t h e sporadic

meteor f l u . The value of F, t h e period of a c t i v i t y ,

and the geocentric velocity of t h e major streams gre

shown I n Table 2.7.5. The integrated value of F for

any given date during t h e e n t i r e year is shown in

Figure 2.7.6.
*~.VISLO

Density: 0.5 gpL/cc, all p a r t i d e s i z e s

Ceocentrio Velocity: A 8 shown in Table .Z!.7m5. Since t h e meteoroid

streams are directional, the above c r i t e r i a

a r e applied t o t h e projected area of t h e

vehicle. The vehicle shall be given the most

critical orientation ‘ r e l a t i v e t o t h e stream.

, That is, a t any time, t h e l a r g e s t projected

area of t h e vehicle or component i s to be

used .
2.7.3 ShieldinR Factor

The shielding f a c t o r accounts f o r t h e f a c t t h a t in the v i c i n i t y of the

earth, meteoroids whose velocity vectors lie within a cone with t h e apex a t t h e

spacecraft ani surface tangent t o the surface of the e a r t h have intercepted

the earth’s surface. Consequently, the spacecraft is e f f e c t i v e l y shielded from

these meteoroids. To account for this, a near earth shielding f a c t o r of 0.5

shall be applied to t h e surface area of the spacecraft.
 ST. LOUIS 66. MISSOURI REPORT 861h

...
 PAGE 2,7,1;
REPORT e.616
MODEL 0 .
. .
REVI&ED

A v e r a g e Value (Flux-Mass E q m t i o n )
' Log N 4 - 3 4 ; Lbg.m' -10.423

l;4

1.2

..€I
E

1
g .6
.a4

.2

0
oc t Dec
SeP Nov Jan

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY

FIGURE 2 . ? J + ~ Y WSPORADIC METEOR FLUX.

RIVISCD MODEL C&,-i

Table 2.7.5
Periods of Activity. Relative Frequency, a M
Velocities for Major Keteor S t r e a m

Geocentric
Period of Date Velocity
Name Activity * Max. Fmax. (kr/se c )
Quadrantids Jan 2-4 Jan 3 8.0 42
m
4
d
-Aquarid
April 19-22
May 1-8
April 21 .85 48
I h Y 4-6 2.2 64
wetid 16-23. b Y 14-23. 2.0 37
Arietid b y 29-June 1 9 June 6 4. 5 38
4 -Perseid June 1-16 June 6 3.0 29
j3 -Taurids June 24-July 5 June 28 2.0 34
6 -Aquarid JuQ 2 6 - A ~5 'July 28
I

1.5 40
Perseid July 1 5 - A ~ g 18 Aug 10-14 5.0 60
Ziacobinid* Oct 9-10 Oct 10 20 23
3rionid Oct 15-25 o c t 20-23 1.2 66
h i et id, Oct-Nov Nov 5 1.1
;out hern 28

r a ~ i d ~ , Oct 24-Nov 22 Nov 10

Jorthern 0.4 29

raurids, Nov 1.0

Qw 37

raurids, Oct 26-Nov 22 Nov 5

jouthern 0.9 28

Leonid* NOV 15-20 Nov 16-17 0.9 72

Bielids Nov 15-Dec 6 2.5 16
kninld Nov 25-Dcc 17 D ~ C12-13 4.0 35
Ursids Dec 20-24 Dec 22 2.5 37
-
# A l l a c t i v i t y i s taken t o be periodic, annually except f o r Giacobinids which have a
wrlodlc'peak every 6.5 years and the extra peak of the Leonids every 33.25 years.
7 = r a t i o of maximurn accumulative meteor stream flux t o t h e sporadic ineteor flux.
3*1 Llnit and Ultimate Conditions

Limit loads and heating e f f e c t s r e s u l t from enviromental conditions

a r i s i n g from normal mission, a8 described i n t h i s part, combined with t h e

e f f e c t s of any single malfunction. Abort o r s e a t ejection s h a l l not be

considered a m a l f h c t i o n in t h i s definition. I n t h e case of malfunction

of a single retrograde rocket, causing only t h r e e out of four t o fire,

maneuvering r e s t r i c t i o n shall be placed on t h e re-entry f l i g h t t o preclude

exceeding the s t r u c t u r a l limitations required f o r t h e nominal mission.

Ultimate loade s h a l l be limit loads multiplied by the Factor of Safety.

The minimum factor of s a f e t y $hall be 1.36 with t h e following exceptions:

For retrograde rocket pressures on t h e b l a s t shield and water impact

pressures on t h e re-entry module, ultimate design loads may be equal t o

Ut loads and damage t o the s t r u c t u r e s h a l l be acceptable provided t h a t

astronaut safety and f l o t a t i o n requirements a r e m e t .

A minimum margin of safety of 25% s h a l l be maintained as defined below

for the following elements or assemblies.

(a) &andlng Gear and Support F i t t i n g s - A l l j o i n t s where s t r u c t u r a l

i n t e g r i t y could be dependent on a single b o l t or pin and t h e design

condition'is defined by 'landing Loads.

(b) Paraglider - All j o i n t s where s t r u c t u r a l i n t e g r i t y could be dependent

on a single b o l t o r pin and the design condition is defined by paraglidel

deployment o r maneuvering,

(c) Hatch Actuation - Hatch actuator, latching mechanism and a l l j o i n t s

where s t r u c t u r a l i n t e g r i t y could be dependent on a single b o l t o r pin anc

t h e design condition is defined by hatch actuation.

 3.1 L i m i t and Ultimate Conditions (Continued)

( 3 ) For the drogue parechute support structure, the minimum f a c t o r of s a f e t y

shall be 1.36 f o r the normal mission and 1.10 f o r the case of a re-entry
from t h e V - p a b o r t boundary (Flgure 3.5.3) vlth a failure of the a t t i t u d e

control system (without rete damping). This value i s used because of the
improbable combination of events that w o u l d be required t o reach this

extreme condi tion .

(4) For the personnel parachute canopies, the minimum Factor of Safety shall be

1.10 based on the minimum f a i l i n g strength. W e value i s used because of

the improbability of all of the necessary circumstances combining t o produce

the design condition and the probability that the canopy strength does exceed

the minimum. The minimum f a i l u r e load of the C-9 type canopy, which i s being

0 used by t h e direction of NASA, is 5,000 pounds and the noPainal c a p e b i l i t y i s

6,500 pounds. I n order to reach the design condition f o r deployment of the

personnel parachute, ejection must occur a t a p a r t i c u l a r a l t i t u d e during

launch and the seat must be oriented i n a-unique a t t i t u d e . I n t h i s attitude,

t h e barostat, which i n i t i a t e s parachute deployment, senses ram pressure

superimposed on *static pressure ' causing premture parachute deployment.

U l t i m a t e heating e f f e c t s are those obtained by increasing l i m i t temperatures

2009 o r hen-+-i q m t s by 154 whichever i s c r i t i c a l f o r r e - e n t r y and increasing

l i m i t t e m p e r a t u r e lOoOe f o r boost, except f o r i t e m s inside the pressure vessel.

Structure inside the pressure vessel which i s not attached to the, skin and has
no s i g n i f i c a n t thermal mass shall be designed f o r 250% ultimBte. U l t i m a t e design

conditions are either ultimate loads combined.with Wt heating e f f e c t s o r u l t i -

a mate heating e f f e c t s combined w i t h l l m i t loads.

Deformations r e s u l t i n g from aero-thermal e l a s t i c e f f e c t s a t l i m i t con-
d i t i o n s shall not e f f e c t adversely the aeroaynamia or functional c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
7.1 Limit and Ultimate Conditions (Continued)

of the vehicle, Nonsurvivable failure shall not occur qnder ultimate loads

or under limit loads for the unique situation where u l t h a t e loads equal limit
loads.

The design s h a l l be based on a service life of one nominaldssion. The

Re-entry Module s h a l l be re-usable after a minimum amount of refurbishment

and -placement of certain c r i t i c a l items.

All conditions i n t h i s report are limit condition8 unless otherwise specified,

 8
.
2 Boost Phase (Continued)

considered. However, the considerations f o r the momentary guidance f a i l u r e

condition shall be limited by t h e t h r u s t vector r e s t o r i n g moment available t o

maintain s t a b l e f l i g h t . For t h e malfunction conditions, t h e boost phase s h a l l b-

considered ended when both astronauts haw passed c l e a r of the open hatch struc-

ture during e j e c t i o n o r when t h e connection between the'.spacecraft and t h e booster

h a s been severed during retrograde rocket abort. Booster engines may o r may not
be ehut down f o r ejection, but they must be shut down f o r t h e retrograde rocket

abort.

The a l t i t u d e ranges through which e j e c t i o n abort o r retrograde rocket abort

conditions must be considered a r e presented i n Section 3.7.

Atroospheric density variation s h a l l be considered by increasing dynamic

pressure in the nominal t r a j e c t o r y by 5%.

a .
 - -
MTC 1' July 1963 MCDONNELL ?AOC Ti2.7
MODEL ST. LOUIS 68. MISSOURI
REPORT
si6

ij
 BATE ~ 1J U - k l q 6 3 L MdCDOMrn~LL PAGE 3.5020
MODEL
Gemini ST. LOUIS 66. MISSOURI
REPORT
8616

I
D A T E

REVISED

REVISED
1 July 1963
I
1 &y 196r, '
D

I
-
rnT m
D
T Eii
(/.-6k&n
ST.LOU1S 3. MISSOURI
PAGF

REP0 RT

MODEL
c,

8616
-
r
>.>.LA

G€nini
.
*>i

I "

1
l
I

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d
I IS
 , . .

-.._
. ._. . ., .

_. . . .
<
 REVISED
REPORT 8616
REVISED MOOEL Gemini

The landing phase is defined as including a l l operations s t a r t i n g from t h e

i n i t i a t i o n of t h e recovery system deployment u n t i l t h e re-entry module is safely

on t h e grmnd o r water, It covers drogue parachute deployment, @ot prackute

I Cc?loyment, main parachute o r paraglider deployment, steady s t a t e o r maneuveririg

descent, and surface inpact considerations, A l l mass items s h a l l be desigfied

: f o r the shock and acceleration requireaents of Section 3.12.

i 3.6.1 Parachute Landing Phase

I Pcachute larxling system c r i t e r i a a r e described herein fo? both the two

!
1 parachute systez bein4 used on the e a r l y spacecraft arid the t h r e e parachAe
i systein beirg developed f o r l a t e r spacecraft.

The basic two parachute systen consists of a ring-sail p i l o t paraciiute

a I 18 f e e t i n d i z x t e r and a ring-sail main parachute 84 f e e t in diameter.

k h r e e parachu-Le system consists of a conical type drogue parachute
The

8.3 f e e t i n
d i m e t e r i n addition t o the i d e n t i c a l ring-sail p i l o t and main parachutes used

i n t h e basic system. Tho design loads f o r each parachute in t h e sequenca Bra

L

based on deployment a t t h e spacecraft t e r n i n a l f r e e - f a l l dynamic pressure of

120 psf. This condition i s consistent with normal f u l l y controlled re-entries

both from o r b i t and f r o m t h e abort boundaries, For a normal f u l l y controlled

re-entry, t h e spacecraft re-enters heat shield first with pitch and yaw r a t e

d a p i n g operative. Designing all parachutes f o r t h i s dynamic pressure insures

t h a t i n case of f a i l u r e o r malfiunction of t h e drogue o r p i l o t chutes, t h e

remainhg system can e f f e c t a safe recovery. The c r i t e r i a f o r both systems

are s w m r i z e d i n Table 3.6.1,

I - ,.. - .. - -
 MODEL
. ni.
~ c l i
RUVISLD

. -
Table 3.6.1

Parachute Landim System

P U l l
1 Deploy Off
Dia, Altitude Ar.~le
onfi.quratian Parachute Type Feet Re-Entry Feet Reefed Iilx.

im Chute Pilot Ring 18 All 10,600 Yes 45O

lystam Sail

Main Ring 84 All (1 1 Yes 16,000 9oo

Sail

hroe Drogue Con- 8,3 Normal 50,000 Yes

hute icnl Abort 40,000 yes
gstem

Pilot Ring 18 All 10,600 Yes

sail
Pin Ring 84 All (1 1 Yes 16,CG3 YO0

Two seconds a f t e r p i l o t parachute deployment

Nominal limit loads are based on a dynamic pressure (9) of 120 p s f .

Ultimate loads a r e 1.36 times limit loads

Parachutes shall be qualified a t a dynamic pressure 1.50 times

t h a t used for design ( 4 q ~ a l = 1.50x 9design = 180 psf).

( 5 1 The increased load on the structure f o r t h i s condition over the
two-chute system is due t o the f a c t t h a t the drogue chute is still
attached when the p i l o t chute i s deployed. The design U t h d

for the parachute is 3,500 pounds.

 Gemini
a navisco MODEL

I n the basic two parachute system, the p i l o t parachute i s deployed i n a

reefed condition a t a n a l t i t u d e of 10,600 - 750 feet,

f A f t e r a delay of approxi-

mately two seconds, the Rendezvous and Recovery Section i s separated from the

spacecraft, The reefed p i l o t chute pulling the R & R Section away s t r e t c h e s the

main parachute lines deploying the main parachute i n a reefed condition. After a

s h o r t delay, the min parachute i s then dlsreefed, The p i l o t chute i s disreefed

6 seconds a f t e r deployment t o reduce the probability of recontact of the R & R

Section and the main parachute canopy and/or t h e spacecraft.

I n t h e tnree parachute system, t h e drogue parachute has been added t o

ensure spacecraft s t a b i l i t y below &n a l t i t u d e of 50,OOO feet. It I s deployed i n

a reefed condition a t an a l t i t u d e of 50,000 feet a f t e r re-entry from o r b i t and a t

40,006 feet a f t e r re-entry,fram launch aborts. A t an a l t i t u d e of 10,600 -+ 750

0 f e e t , the p i l o t parachute I s deployed i n a reefed condition with t h e drogue chute

attached i n tandem. A f t e r a delay of approximately two seconds, the R & R Section

i s separated f r o m the spacecraft and the remaining portion of the sequence i s

i d e n t i c a l t o t h a t f o r the two parachute system. The probability of recontact I s

f u r t h e r reduced because of the added drag of the drogue chute i n tandem with the

p i l o t chute. For the case where rate damping has been l o s t o r degraded, the dyna-

mic pressure a t t h e drogue parachute deployment a l t i t u d e can reach 145 psf. The
increased loads f o r t h i s condition w i l l be absorbed with the.reduced margins of

s a f e t y noted i n Section 3.1.

Spacecraft employing parachutes a r e designed f o r water landings only. To

yinimlze water impact loads, the main parachute suspension bridles have a provi-
sion f o r r o t a t i n g the spacecraft t o a position where t h e spacecraft 2 a x i s i s i n -

a cllned at an angle of 55' r e l a t i v e to the parachute a x i s . Water impact loads s h a l l

0 be those r e s u l t i n g from a v e r t i c a l velocity of 30 f p s combined w i t h a horizontal

velocity from winds up to 51 f p s plus the e f f e c t of parachute swine;. The e f f e c t of

parachute s w i n g s h a l l be considered e i t h e r a s a horizontal velocity increment of

 MCDONNELL
15 February 1962 STe LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 3.6.2
REVISED May '964 REPORT 8616
RLVISED MODEL Gemini

11, f p s w i t h zero swing angle or a zero horizontal velocity increment w i t h l.5

degree swing angle. A maximum wave dope of 9 degrees shall be considered. The

strength requirement f o r water landing capability is Umited t o the capability

t o remain a f l o a t f o r a t least 36 hours per Reference (5) in a flrotation a t t i t u d e

in which the hatches are on the upper wrface.
3.6.2 hrapJider Iandins: Phase
The paraglider landing system consists of a 8.3 foot diameter conical type
drogue parachute, the paraglider, and the &id type landing gear.

The drogue parachute is deployed a t an altituie of 60,OOO f e e t following

re-entry from o r b i t ami a t an a l t i t u d e of 35,000 f e e t $bllowing a retrograde

abort. "lie design dynamic pressure shall be 125 psf . The drogue parachute is
attached t o the ReI.ldez,vous and Recovery Section and iB Jettisoned w i t h t h i s

s e c t ion.

Paraglider deployment begins a t an a l t i t u d e of 5O,ooO f e e t following

re-entry from orbit. The paraglider a s s a b l y I s uncovered by the j e t t i s o n i n g of

the Hedesvous and Reaovery Section. It then-goes through a sequence of partial
deployment, i n f l a t b n of the stiffening menbera, and finally release t o the

g l i d e configuration. bads during the deployment sequence shall be investigated

,
and strength provided f o r all cirfitical caaes.

In t h e glide configuration: the apacecrilft qhaU be designed to maneuver

using t h e avaiLable r a t e and amount of center of gravity travel in both t h e

longitudinal and l a t e r a l directions. The mminal range of paraglider angle of

a t t a c k shall be 25 t o 40 degrees with provision for 20 t o 45 degrees.

The spacecraft landlng gears ahaU be designed f o r t h e landing parameters

defined below using t h e wight defined in subsection 2.3.7.2. W l n g lift s h a l l be

considered i n a rational manner. For landing gear loading conditions, t h e f a c t o r

 f. . 7
xd:Qskc$.&-
c ..I- -7
53
-.---.I)

OAT C
15 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 7,h-?
REVISED 1 May 1964 REPORT 8616
RIVtSED
MODEL Gemini
~

3.6.2 ParaRUder Landina Phase (Continued)

of safety shall be applied t o the t o t a l energy t o be abosrbed i n t h e v e r t i c a l

direction, The t o t a l energy shall include t h e k i n e t i c energy due t o sink speed

and the p o t e n t i a l energy based on gear compression allowing f o r w i p l~i f t . Tho

loads computed on t h l a baais will be ultimate design loads f o r t h e landing

conditions,
Landing Gear Desipn Parameter hXiIllUTl b:inimum

Sink s p e d blimit) 10.0 f p s 0

Horizontal airspeed loo fps

*..
0
Pitch a t t i t u d e a t contact OO (nose up) -15 (nose d o n )
(angle measured between
t h e surfaae and t h e
spacecraft z axis)
Yew angle -+ 25' O0

Roll a t t i t u d e -+ 100 0

Coefficient of f r i c t i o n 0*50 0.20

( a t impact)

The values quoted i n t h e preceding t a b l e a r e extreme values f o r each of the

individual parameters, These parameters s h a l l be combined i n a r a t i o n a l manner

f o r the landing gear design conditions. Alowable combinations of yaw and r o l l

a t t i t u d e s a t touchdown are shown i n Figure 3.6,4.

Sink speeds for y a k d and r o l l e d a t t i t u d e s shall be determined from t h e

where Ry and R sink speed f a c t o r s from Figure 3.6.5.

Q a r e t h e yaw and r o l l
Lateral force components on the gear s h a l l be determined by using the
designation coeilficients of f r i c t i o n except where applicable t e s t d a t a i n d i c a t e s

t h a t t h i s i s not valid: however, design f e a t u r e s of t h e contact surface penetra-

tion, or other special tendencies shall be accounted f o r i n a r a t i o n a l manner,
REVISED MODEL Geni*

3.6.2 Paraglider Landiw Phase (Continued)

Paraglider water landings e h a be based on the same sink speeds, a i r s p e d s ,
0
and attitudes as ground landings. Wave slopes up to 9 shall be considered. The

strength requirement for water landing capabiuty i s limited to the cnpabiUty

to remain afloat for at least 36 hour8 per Reference ( 5 ) in a flotation attitude
in which the hatches are on the upper surface.
 MODEL Gemini
a
REVISED

3.7 Abort Phasa

The abort phase is defined a8 including all operations required t o return

the astronauts safely t o e a r t h subsequent t o a malfunction i n t h e launch vehicle 0:

the spacecraft which requires termination of t h e mission.

2,7,1 Mode I (Ejection) Abort Phase

Mode I aborts are accomplished with t h e use of the e j e c t i o n seats,

T h i s mode of escape i s used off-the-pad only a f t e r removal of t h e erector
tower and during the boost phase up t o an a l t i t u d e f o 70,000 feet. The e j e c t i o n

seats may a l s o be used f o r escape below an altitude of 60,000 f e e t following re-

e n t r y frcnn o r b i t and below a n a l t i t u d e f o 35,000 f e e t following re-entry after

A b o r t Hode X I , The re-entry module surrounding the astronauts must maintain

s t r u c t u r a l i n t e g r i t y with the hatches open until both astronauts a r e clear.

The design loads for this phase s h a l l consider t h a t t h e time i n t e r v a l required t o

complete t h e ejection cycle (from t h e i n i t i a l detection of the failure including

allowances f o r both' human and system reaction times, system operating time, and

programmed delaya) is short enough t o preclude t h e vehicle reaching a s t r u c t u r a l l y

catastrophic condition. The hatch operating loads and t h e e j e c t i o n seat loads
for Node I launch phase aborts shall be based on a t o t a l angle of attack of 15'

i n pitch and/or yaw. The overall vehicle loads f o r Mode I aborts shall not exceed

t h e strength c a p a b i l i t i e s required by launch phase c r i t e r i a , d e f i n e d i n Section 3.2

The Mode I abort sequence may be initiated by e i t h e r astronaut pulling h i s

ID-rir@. The hatches are opened by pyrotechnically powered actuators. The seats
are then propelled along guide rails by separate pyrotechnically powered c a t a p u l t s
J u s t p r i o r t o leaving the rails, sustainer rockets attached t o each of t h e scata

are f i r e d propelling t h e seats clear of t h e spacecraft, The ejection s e a t s s h a l l

e 0

be designed f o r a l l forces resulting from these operations.

 MODEL Gemini
a
*t\ISLD

3.7.1 Mode I (Ejection) Abort Phase (Continued)

S e a t s separation is programmed t o occur 1.03 seconds a f t e r t h e s e a t

leaves the rails. Five seconds a f t e r t h e seat leaves t h e rails, a b a l l u t e

attached to each astronaut's backboard is deployed. The design load f o r t h e

b a l l u t e shall be 3,750 pounds ultimate. The b a l l u t e is Jettisoned a t a pressure

a l t i t u d e of 7,500 2 700 f e e t .
The barostat controlling the persorrllel parachute deployment is armed a t
seat-man separation and the parachute is deployed 2.3 seconds a f t e r the b a r o s t a t

senses a pressure a l t i t u d e of 5700 .

I+ 600 ft. The design load for t h e personnel

parachute shall be 5000 pounds ultimate. The r a t i o of ultimate t o limit load is

defined in Section 3.1.

3.7.2 Mode I1 (Retrograde Salvo) Abort Phase

a Mode I1 Aborts are accomplished by terminating booster t h r u s t , severing

t h e adapter structure a t Z Station 68.44, and f i r i n g the retrograde rockets in

salvo. This mode of abort is used a t a l t i t u d e s between 70,000 f t . and 522,000
feet. After burn-out of the retrograde rockets t h e retrograde section is jet-
tisoned, the re-entry module is turned t o i t s nonnal re-entry a t t i t u d e , and

following re-entry the landing system i s deployed.

The spacecraft shall be designed f o r a l l loads occurring during and a f t e r

separation f r o m t h e launch vehicle. The time f o r completing. t h e Mode I1 Abort

.
cycle shall include allowances f o r both human and system reaction times, systen

operating times, and programmed delays. Abort re-entry t r a j e c t o r i e s are shown

in Section 3.5.
3.7.3 Mode I11 (Separation) Abort Fhase

0
The Mode 111 Abort Phase covers abort requirements during t h e r e m i n i n g

portbn of t h e boost trajectory above 522,000 f e e t . Aborts during t h i s period

a r e accomplished by using the noxmd mission separation, re-entry and landing

9.7.3 Node 11(Separation)Aborb Phase (Continued)

wquences, The Mode I11 Abort sequence i s as follows: ,The launch vehicle

;bust i s terminated, t h e adapter structure i s severed a t t h e normal s e w r a t i o n

&me, the rendezvous maneuvering system is f i r e d t o provide separation velocity,

the retrograde rockets may or may not be f i r e d as required t o a t t a i n the deairad

%box%re-entrg trajectory, and following re-entry t h e landing system i s deployed.

The abort boundaries are shown on Figure 3.5.3.

3.8 Hoistinn and Transportation

The hoisting l i m i t load f a c t o r i s 2.0 for t h e spacecraft during pre-launch
operations and 3.0 for t h e capsule plus trapped water during recovery a f t e r a

water landing. The vehicle as packaged f o r shipping s h a l l be designed f o r t h e

following ultimate accelerations applied t o supporting fixtures separately.

Transportation by a i r c r a f t with t h e accelerations in t h e c a r r i e r a i r c r a f t axe:

6,Og Vertical (upward)

2.25g Lateral (+)

3.0g Longitudinal (aft)

The s p c e c r a f t 2 a x i s s h a l l be p a r a l l e l t o t h e a i r c r a f t longitudinal axis

and t h e other spacecraft w s shall be oriented as determined by t h e design of

the shipping fixtures.
3.9 Pressurization

For s t r u c t u r a l design the cabin pressure s h a l l be considered t o be 12.0 p s i

ultimate (burst) and 3.0 p s i ultimate (collapsing).

The cabin leakage rate s h a l l be measured a t sea l e v e l using nitrogen a t a

t a p e r a t w e of 70°F and a cabin pressure of 5.1 psig. The allowable leakage r a t e

s h d be 61.023 cubic inches per mhute (1000 oc/min.) f o r Spacecraft No. 1and

No, 2 and 30.511 wbic inches per minute (500 cc/min.) f o r Spacecraft No. 3 and up.
3.10 Controls

The control loads s h a l l be a s follows:

Primary Controls
w i t h r e : t i o n at
I

Attitude Control G r i p Stops :,:i.itcnes or V d v c s

---
Pitch Moment I33 in. lb. Sufficient t o
c r e a t e 100 l b s .
Side (RoU) loo lb. mininium a t switches

Twist (Yaw) I33 in. lb.

Abort Handle I
Side Sufficient t o

Fore/Aft 1 150 lb. m i n . t o 150 lb. max.

create 100 lbs.
minirnurr. a t switches

( h a d s are referenced t o center of knob.)

Other Controls
I
ManeuverinP Hardle

Vertical
I 5ox(1 + lev? Sufficient t o
c r e a t e 100 lbs.
Side 50 Ib. min. t o 100 lb. max. mininium a t s w i t che 6

Fore/Aft
L

( b a d s are re,drenced to center of knob i n unstoned position.)

Environmental Contr o l e
F
lavers 5ox(1 + lever lenath) 3x p i l o t operating
----\ 3 / but not les3 than

il
50 lb. min. t o 100 lb. max. 70 l b . o r l e s s than
t h a t su'f i c i e n t t o
c r e a t e 103 l b s .
rninimm a t valves

Push-pull Handles 100 lbs. Not applicable

(Loads are referenced t center of knob o r ring.)

Rotating Knobs I Not Applicable 100 in. l b s .

1
( h a d is not applicable t o knobs operating e l e c t r i c a l switches.)
 lKVISC0
MODEL Gemini

3.U Seats and Harness

"he larriing load f a c t o r s shown on Figure 3.11.2 shall apply t o the harness
used t o r e s t r a i n the astronauts, t o t h e seats, and t o the attac.hent of the
s e a t s t o the primary structure, The magnitude of t h e design ultimate i n e r t i a

load vector is consistent w i t h an a c c e l e r a t b n of 40 g ' s b u t is terminated as

a function of direction such that the components do not .exceed the values shown

i n Figure 3.U.2. The seats, seat equipment, and harness shall also be designed
f o r ejection f r e e f l i g h t conditions, s t a b i l i z a t i o n device loads and personnel

parachute loads as applicable.

3.12 Shock and Acceleration Environment

The shock and acceleration environments f o r design of t h e spacecraft

equipment and support structure as defined i n Reference (6) and (7) a r e summarized

in Table 3.12, For the special case of parachute water landing with fiCS f u e l
tanks f u l l , the tank supports shall be designed f o r t h e a c t u a l accelerations

r e s u l t i n g from water impact. The Mt values to be used, as estimated for the

spacecraft cog. from model t e s t data, are nZ = 12.0, % = 1,6, 8 =110 radians/
second2 f o r heat shield f i r s t landings, and nz = 4 * 6 , ny = 12.0, 0 =U O radians/
second2 f o r cone f i r s t landings.

3.u Vibration and Acoustic Environment

The vibration and acoustic environments t o be used f o r . t h e design of t h e

spacecraft equipment and support structure occur during the bcmst phase and a r e

defined in Table 3.u. See Heferences (6) and (7).

I:.-
MAC Z S I U tacv I AUC O I I
 DATE

MODEL-
~
"\
- 3

-
MlDONNE&d+ &
ST. LOUIS 3, MISSOURI

S-AGEXA-TARGET
FIGURE A-3. a 3'
#.AL

DOCKXNG ADAPTER
PAGE NO.
REPORT NO.
a133-lk----
8616

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 I FIGURE A - 1.3
@ i.I
I.

' I
I
'XTLAS) 0 AGZKA - TARCXC DOCKING, ADAPTER
e REVISED

A-2.1 Rendezvous Phase

The Target Docking Adapter shall be designed f o r t h e dockine and maneuver-

ing conditione presented in Paragraph 3.4 and t h e meteroid envirorkent presented
i n Paragraph 2.7 of this report. The adapter will contain a shock absorbing

system t o a l l e v i a t e the docking impact loads, a latching mechanism which will

make t h e Joint rigid, and other equipment required f o r t h e rendezvous and docking

operqtion. For t h e rendezvous phase ultimate loads are 1.36 times limit loads.
During t h e rendesvoua phase the Gemini weight s h a l l be a s shownin Paragraph

2.3.3 of this report. The following data for t h e Agena plus Target Docking
Adapter s h a l l be used. Weights, centers of gravity, and moments of ir.ertia

A t injection W -
f o r the Agena plus TDA are based on data from Reference 12,

6,919 lb.
* COG A.S. 347.5
* I = 7,650 Slug Ft.*
* h p e l l a n t a t aft end of ta;nks

At Burn-out kf p 3,829 lb. (include6 residual propellant)

COG.= A.S, 331.7

I 6,708 Slug Ft,2

Thrust 16,750 l b
Gimbal t r a v e l -+ 2.5' (single plane)
Gimbal r a t e 3O0/aec (-um>
3.2 Boost Phase
The boost phase i s defined as including a l l operat$ons and environments

encountered f r o m t h e i n a t a n t of launch vehicle engine t h r u s t i n i t i a t i o n u n t i l

shutdown and separation of t h e last stage ( i n j e c t i o n i n t o o r b i t ) , The calcula-

t i o n s f o r t h e design s t r u c t u r a l loads and temperatures w i l l be based on t h e two

boost phase t r a j e c t o r i e s presented i n Figures and Tables from 3!2?3 t o 3.2,8.

The traJectoriea are e s s e n t i a l l y v e r t i c a l f o r t h e f i r s t 20 seconds; then a

gravity turn i a maintained throughout t h e remaining 129 seconds of first stage

burning, The maneuvering required f o r o r b i t a l control is accomplished during

the active second stage f l i g h t , The first t r a j e o t o r y i s a nominal launch

with i n s e r t i o n at a n a l t i t u d e of 87 n a u t i c a l miles, The second t r a J e c t o r y i s

off-nominal i n t h a t t h e first stage t h r u s t was assumed t o be decreased by 3%

along with a -42,8°/hr. pitch gyro d r i f t . The second t r a j e c t o r y results i n

c r i t i c a l boost phase temperatures, These t r a j e c t o r i e s are from References ( 8 )

(9).

Loads during t h e boost phase s h a l l be based upon ( 1 ) the e f f e c t s of winds

and g u s t s as specified i n Paragraphs 2.5 and 2.6, (2) a momentary guidance
f a i l u r e t h a t r e s u l t s in a 10 degree angle of attack a t any a l t i t u d e with r e s t o r i n g

momenta from maximum t h r u s t vector deflection, or (3) a launch vehicle malfunction

which remdt.~i?? divergefit ezzGles cf attack, The launch vehicie zaaifunction

conditions shall be investigated and design loads defined so as t o preclude re-

e n t r y module s t r u c t u r a l failure prior t o t h e completion of t h e e j e c t i o n or abort

operation, The e f f e c t s of combinins e i t h e r t h e momentary guidance failure condi-

t i o n o r t h e launch vehicle malfunction condition with t h e 84.1% (representative

of o m sigma values) w i n d shear inputs, as derived from Reference (3), s h a l l be