The Stars My Destination: Gemini IX-A

It took Tom Stafford six attempts to launch into space twice (6:2). The original Gemini VI launch attempt was scrubbed when its Agena Target Vehicle exploded before reaching orbit; the first attempt to launch the redesignated Gemini VI-A was aborted due to an almost catastrophic engine malfunction; the third time was the charm. The original Gemini IX launch attempt was ascrubbed when its Agena Target Vehicle failed to achieve orbit, though less explosively than Gemini VI's; the first attempt to launch the redesignated Gemini IX-A was scrubbed due to a computer-communications malfunction that caused them to miss their launch window; the third time was the charm. Six times Stafford was strapped into his two Gemini capsules, leading to the nickname, the "Mayor of Pad 19." Gemini VI-A & Gemini IX-A were the only two flights in the Mercury, Gemini, & Apollo programs to be so redesignated.

Gene Cernan's spacewalk troubles were the first sign of more E.V.A. difficulties ahead. Ed White's E.V.A. on Gemini IV was a triumph, but it also created false impressions about the ease of extravehicular activity. Significant as that first spacewalk was, it was solely a demonstration that an astronaut could survive in the E.V.A. environment. For the upcoming Moon landings, astronauts would be required to accomplish real work in the vacuum of space, exposed to extremes of heat & cold. Cernan's exertion, battling against the stiffness of his spacesuit & the lack of handsholds & footholds, resulted in a superbly fit astronaut having a dangerously high heart rate; he overheated, completely overwhelming his suit's air cooling system, resuting in the perilous fogging of his visor. For Apollo, the spacesuits would all be water cooled, resulting in no issues of astronauts—including Cernan himself—overheating despite significant workloads & physical exertion.

Ad astra per aspera—variously translated as "To the stars through difficulties/hardships" or "A rough road leads to the stars." Thus the "struggle" theme of the Gemini IX-A Bonus! Songs o' the Day.