Word: orbiteer
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...Pressure. At 56 minutes after launch, Cooper began the mission's first important maneuver. By firing his aft thrusters at just the right moment for just the right length of time, he gave his craft a "kick in the apogee" and moved it into an even more precise orbit. Curving between 107 and 217 miles above the earth, Gemini was now ready for its next test: release of the 76-Ib. Radar Evaluation Pod (REP). Fitted with bright, flashing lights and radar transponders, the REP would be an orbiting target for a carefully planned attempt to check the techniques...
...untried in orbit, fuel cells were installed in Gemini 5 because they were smaller and lighter than the conventional batteries used on all previous space flights. Unlike conventional batteries, they can supply electricity for as long as they are fed their fuel−an ideal trait for long-duration power supplies. They produce electricity through the continuous chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, and in the process they form water, a most valuable byproduct...
Still Safe. Gemini soared into its second orbit. Over Africa, Cooper ejected the Radar Evaluation Pod precisely on schedule. Though the spring release tossed it out a little harder than anticipated, the mission still seemed safe...
...they'll be there if you need them." While they talked, though, the oxygen pressure dropped still lower−to 95 Ibs. If it fell to 20 Ibs., the spacecraft would have to switch to its back-up batteries, which produce just enough power to handle an orbit and a half, plus re-entry and recovery time...
Kraft told Capsule Communicator McDivitt to raise the capsule on the radio and explain the problems and possibilities for going beyond the sixth orbit...