Word: buttonhooks
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1966-1966
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Brute-Force Buttonhook. The fuel problem arose during Gemini 10's tricky fourth-orbit rendezvous with Agena 10. To determine the final thrust required for the interception, Young and Collins used data from the on-board radar, inertial guidance and computer system. In some as yet unknown way, the system produced a figure nearly 7 ft. per sec. greater than the figure radioed up from ground control. When Collins' own slide-rule tabulation agreed with the spacecraft guidance system, Command Pilot Young chose to go with the double-checked on-board answer...
...headed into an orbit aiming him several miles behind and above the Agena. Jamming his control stick down, Young dived the spacecraft in a brute-force attempt to get back on the correct trajectory. He failed, but finally did manage to swerve the spacecraft into a nearly normal "buttonhook" rendezvous. Though his quick thinking saved the maneuver, the incident burned up 268 more lbs. of precious propellant than mission plans had anticipated...