After the Gemini 3 craft was dubbed Molly Brown by Grissom, NASA forbade naming spacecraft. Despite this prohibition, Schirra wanted to name his ship "Phoenix," but NASA refused him permission. The first CM to be given a call sign other than the mission designation would be that of Apollo 9, which carried a LM that would separate from it and then re-dock, necessitating distinct call signs for the two vehicles.
After the Gemini 3 craft was dubbed Molly Brown by Grissom NASA forbade naming spacecraft Despite this prohibition Schirra wanted to name his ship "Phoenix" but NASA refused him permission The first CM to be given a call sign other than the mission designation would be that of Apollo 9 which carried a LM that would separate from it and then re-dock necessitating distinct call signs for the two vehicles