MOL

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MOL Full Size

Gemini B Panel
Gemini B control panel, as would be used in the MOL project, showing numerous changes from NASA Gemini.

MOL in flight
MOL in flight over Pacific

MOL early design
MOL early design concept

MOL in flight
MOL in flight over Sinai Peninsula

Gemini with MORL
Gemini docked with MORL. Note lack of a docking hatch in Gemini is accomodated by having docking collar as large as the base of the Gemini reentry vehicle itself.

Gemini Control Panel
Gemini control panel - closeup of the pedestal controls between the two astronauts.

Gemini Spacecraft

Manned Orbiting Lab
Manned Orbiting Laboratory

MOL seen from Gemini
MOL seen from Gemini over Sinai Peninsula

MOL seen from Gemini
MOL seen from Gemini over hurricane

MOL

MOL

Program: MOL. Objective: Manned. Type: Space station.

MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory) was the US Air Force's manned space project after Dynasoar was cancelled, until it in turn was cancelled in 1969. The earth orbit station used a helium-oxygen atmosphere, a Gemini capsule accomodating a crew of two for ascent and reentry, and the Gemini retrofire package to return the crew to earth. MOL normally would have remained attached to the Titan III transtage, which would provide it up to 760 m/sec of maneuver capability. Experiments planned ranged the gamut from military reconnaisance using large optical cameras and side-looking radar, through interception and inspection of satellites, to exploring the usefulness of man in space and test of Manned Maneuvering Units. After cancellation, some of the reconnaisance systems ended up in later KH series sattelites, and some of the manned experiements were accomplished on Skylab. Major Events: .

10 December 1963 McNamara announces MOL start/Dynasoar cancellation Spacecraft: MOL. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: McNamara announces start of MOL, cancellation of Dynasoar.
25 August 1965 MOL to be launched from Canaveral and Vandenberg Spacecraft: MOL. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3M . More details Summary: DoD revealed that newly-authorized Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program (announced by President Lyndon Johnson the same day) would be launched from both the Air Force Eastern and Western Test Ranges.
12 March 1966 Start of construction (site preparation) for SLC-6 Spacecraft: MOL. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: Start of construction (site preparation) for Space Launch Complex 6 facilities at former Sudden Ranch property.
03 November 1966 Gemini B Spacecraft: Gemini. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details
03 November 1966 OV4-03 Spacecraft: MOL. Mass: 9,680 kg. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
03 November 1966 OV4-01R Spacecraft: Gemini. Mass: 1,800 kg. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details
Whispering gallery experiments. Gemini 2 reentry module reused to test reentry with hatch cut into heat shield. Recovered; reentry actually melted hatch shut, indicating design valid for MOL. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
03 November 1966 OV4-01T Spacecraft: OV4. Mass: 109 kg. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: Whispering gallery experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .
03 November 1966 OV1-06S Spacecraft: OV1. Mass: 202 kg. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .
10 June 1969 MOL Program cancelled Spacecraft: MOL. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C . More details Summary: Department of Defense announced cancellation of the planned Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg AFB.

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