More Details for 1964-10-15
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
McDonnell completed final assembly and systems tests of Gemini spacecraft No. 3A and delivered it to the laboratory for thermal balance testing.
Spacecraft No. 3A had been designated a thermal qualification test unit.
All of its systems and subsystems were flightworthy, with the exception of certain easily replaceable pieces of equipment such as the heatshield and ejection seats for which non-flight articles were substituted with NASA approval. Qualification testing comprised mission simulations in the altitude chamber, with all systems being operated to their duty cycles. During the next two months, the spacecraft was installed in the altitude chamber, completed a dry run test, and was accepted after a readiness review meeting. Thermal qualification testing began December 19.