# Agena Target Vehicle

> modified Agena-D rocket used as a test and training target in Project Gemini missions

**Wikidata**: [Q1094450](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1094450)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agena_target_vehicle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/agena-target-vehicle

## Summary
The Agena Target Vehicle (ATV) was a modified Agena-D rocket stage used as an uncrewed docking target during NASA's Project Gemini missions. It served as a critical training tool for astronauts to practice rendezvous and docking maneuvers in Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Uncrewed spacecraft and rocket stage
- **Based on**: Agena-D rocket upper stage
- **Primary use**: Test and training target for Project Gemini missions
- **Mass**:
  - Dry weight: 1,834 kg
  - Normal takeoff weight: 8,209 kg
- **Dimensions**:
  - Length: 7.93 meters
  - Diameter: 1.52 meters
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturers**: Lockheed Corporation and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
- **Aliases**: GATV, Gemini-Agena Target Vehicle, ATDV, ATDA, Augmented Target Docking Adapter
- **Country of origin**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Agena Target Vehicle used for?
A: The Agena Target Vehicle (ATV) was primarily used as a docking target for NASA's Project Gemini missions, helping astronauts practice rendezvous and docking procedures in space.

### Q: How did the Agena Target Vehicle differ from the Agena-D rocket?
A: The Agena Target Vehicle was a modified version of the Agena-D rocket stage, adapted specifically for use as an uncrewed docking target rather than for space missions.

### Q: Which Gemini missions used the Agena Target Vehicle?
A: The Agena Target Vehicle was used in missions such as Gemini 6A (GATV 5002), which featured the first successful rendezvous and docking in space.

### Q: Who manufactured the Agena Target Vehicle?
A: The Agena Target Vehicle was manufactured by Lockheed Corporation and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.

### Q: What was the significance of the Agena Target Vehicle in space exploration?
A: The Agena Target Vehicle was a key component in NASA's efforts to develop and test spacecraft docking techniques, which were essential for future missions, including the Apollo program.

## Why It Matters
The Agena Target Vehicle played a crucial role in NASA's Project Gemini, demonstrating the feasibility of rendezvous and docking in space. These maneuvers were vital for future missions, including the Apollo program, which required precise docking with lunar modules. The ATV's success in Gemini 6A, where astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford docked with the GATV 5002, proved that human spaceflight could safely and effectively rendezvous with uncrewed targets. This capability was foundational for later missions, including the Apollo lunar landings. The Agena Target Vehicle also served as a training platform, allowing astronauts to practice critical docking procedures before attempting more complex missions.

## Notable For
- **First successful rendezvous and docking**: The Agena Target Vehicle (GATV 5002) was involved in the first successful docking in space during Gemini 6A.
- **Training platform**: It provided astronauts with hands-on experience in docking procedures, essential for future missions.
- **Modified Agena-D**: Unlike standard Agena-D rockets, the ATV was adapted specifically for docking and training purposes.
- **Critical for Apollo**: The docking techniques tested with the Agena Target Vehicle were later applied to the Apollo program.
- **Multiple missions**: The Agena Target Vehicle was used in several Gemini missions, including Gemini 6A, 7, 8, and 9A.

## Body
### Overview
The Agena Target Vehicle (ATV) was a modified Agena-D rocket stage designed as an uncrewed docking target for NASA's Project Gemini. It served as a critical training tool for astronauts to practice rendezvous and docking maneuvers in Earth orbit.

### Design and Specifications
The ATV had a dry weight of 1,834 kg and a normal takeoff weight of 8,209 kg. Its dimensions were 7.93 meters in length and 1.52 meters in diameter. It was manufactured by Lockheed Corporation and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.

### Missions and Achievements
The Agena Target Vehicle was used in several Gemini missions, including:
- **Gemini 6A**: Featured the first successful rendezvous and docking in space with the GATV 5002.
- **Gemini 7**: Used an Agena Target Vehicle for additional docking practice.
- **Gemini 8**: Employed an Agena Target Vehicle for further docking tests.
- **Gemini 9A**: Used an Agena Target Vehicle for rendezvous and docking exercises.

### Significance
The Agena Target Vehicle was instrumental in proving that spacecraft could safely dock in orbit, a capability essential for future missions. Its success in Gemini 6A demonstrated the feasibility of rendezvous and docking, which were later applied to the Apollo program. The ATV also provided astronauts with valuable training, preparing them for more complex missions.

### Legacy
The Agena Target Vehicle's contributions to space exploration laid the groundwork for future docking technologies and missions. Its role in Project Gemini was foundational for NASA's broader spaceflight objectives.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=GEM6T)