# Augmented Target Docking Adapter

> back-up target in case of an GATV (Gemini Agena Target Vehicle) failure

**Wikidata**: [Q12762710](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12762710)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/augmented-target-docking-adapter

## Summary
The Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) was a backup docking target launched on June 1, 1966, as a contingency for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV) in NASA's Gemini program. It served as a redundant spacecraft to ensure mission success in case of GATV failure.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Spacecraft
- **Subclass of**: Computer appliance
- **Launch date**: June 1, 1966
- **Launch vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-046A
- **Aliases**: ATDA, Augmented Target Docking Adapter
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch on June 1, 1966
- **Wikipedia languages**: Commons, French, Galician, Latvian, Polish, Slovak
- **Description**: Backup target for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Augmented Target Docking Adapter used for?
A: The ATDA served as a backup docking target for NASA's Gemini program, specifically as a contingency for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV) in case of failure.

### Q: When was the ATDA launched?
A: The ATDA was launched on June 1, 1966, aboard an Atlas SLV-3 rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of the ATDA in the Gemini program?
A: The ATDA was designed to provide a redundant docking target to ensure mission success if the primary GATV failed.

### Q: Who built the ATDA?
A: The ATDA was constructed by McDonnell for NASA.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of the ATDA?
A: The COSPAR ID of the ATDA is 1966-046A.

## Why It Matters
The Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) played a critical role in NASA's Gemini program by serving as a backup docking target. Launched in 1966, the ATDA was part of the agency's efforts to ensure mission success in spaceflight operations. As a redundant system, it demonstrated NASA's commitment to contingency planning and reliability in early human spaceflight. The ATDA's successful deployment highlighted the importance of backup systems in space exploration, contributing to the broader advancements in spaceflight technology and safety.

## Notable For
- Served as a backup docking target for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV).
- Launched on June 1, 1966, aboard an Atlas SLV-3 rocket.
- Constructed by McDonnell for NASA.
- Designed to ensure mission success in case of GATV failure.
- Part of NASA's Gemini program, which focused on human spaceflight and docking maneuvers.

## Body
### Overview
The Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) was a spacecraft launched on June 1, 1966, as part of NASA's Gemini program. It served as a backup docking target for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV), which was the primary docking target for the Gemini missions. The ATDA was designed to provide a redundant system to ensure mission success if the GATV failed.

### Design and Construction
The ATDA was constructed by McDonnell for NASA. It was a single-purpose computing device with software or firmware dedicated to providing a specific computing resource, classified as a computer appliance. The spacecraft was launched aboard an Atlas SLV-3 rocket, which is an American launch vehicle.

### Launch and Mission
The ATDA was launched on June 1, 1966, and was assigned the COSPAR ID 1966-046A. The launch was a significant event in the Gemini program, demonstrating NASA's ability to deploy backup systems for critical missions. The ATDA's successful deployment highlighted the importance of redundancy in spaceflight operations.

### Significance
The ATDA played a crucial role in NASA's Gemini program by providing a backup docking target. Its launch and operation were part of the broader efforts to advance human spaceflight and docking technology. The ATDA's existence underscored NASA's commitment to contingency planning and reliability in early space exploration missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report