Experiment D003: Mass determination

Abstract

The accuracy of a direct contact method with a spacecraft to determine the mass of an orbiting object was studied. The precedure involved acceleration of the Gemini Agena target vehicle by the use of the Gemini 9 spacecraft propulsion system. The target vehicle mass was calculated from the resultant acceleration, updated Gemini spacecraft mass, and calibrated thrust levels of the air-firing thrusters of the orbital attitude and maneuver system of the Gemini spacecraft.