Agena Target Vehicle launch, 1960s. Launch of an Atlas rocket carrying an Agena docking target as part of NASA's Gemini space programme. The Agena Target Vehicle (ATV) was an unmanned NASA spacecraft used to develop and practice orbital space rendezvous, docking techniques, and large orbital changes, in preparation for the Apollo lunar missions. ATV spacecraft were launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA.