Target vehicle fault seen from Gemini 9A, 1966. View from the Gemini 9A spacecraft showing the ADTA (Augmented Target Docking Adaptor) spacecraft with fairings still partially in place. The US Gemini 9A space mission was launched on June 3rd, 1966. The ADTA was an unmanned dummy vehicle designed so that the Gemini 9A crew could practise docking techniques. It had been launched as a contingency after the failure of the original Agena Target Vehicle. Unfortunately the shroud protecting the ADTA's docking adaptor during launch had failed to jettison. Docking was not possible, but other manoeuvres were practiced instead. The Gemini programme was designed to develop techniques for the Apollo Moon landing missions.