Gemini 1

Gemini 1 was the first orbital flight test of NASA's Gemini spacecraft and its Titan II launch vehicle. The uncrewed mission launched from Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 19 on April 8, 1964, to qualify the structural and flight behaviour of the combined spacecraft and booster before astronauts were carried. The spacecraft intentionally remained attached to the launch vehicle's second stage. The planned test covered three orbits, ending about four hours and 50 minutes after launch, with spacecraft and launch systems operating within acceptable limits. Tracking continued after the primary test, and the joined vehicle reentered and disintegrated on April 12. No recovery was planned. Gemini 1 provided the orbital qualification step before Gemini 2's suborbital heat-shield test and the first crewed Gemini flight.