{"id":307801,"date":"2015-12-04T15:03:00","date_gmt":"2015-12-04T20:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-374371"},"modified":"2023-09-08T16:42:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T20:42:41","slug":"dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones\/","title":{"rendered":"Dual Gemini Flights Achieved Crucial Spaceflight Milestones"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-article-hero-header nasa-gb-align-full bg-carbon-90 width-full maxw-full color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-hero-header\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full maxw-full minh-tablet grid-container minh-tablet flex-column padding-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex flex-direction-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-y-9 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-3 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"z-400 grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-spacesuit-white margin-bottom-2\">9 Min Read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"heading-41 line-height-md color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDual Gemini Flights Achieved Crucial Spaceflight Milestones\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1037\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"Gemini VI Views Gemini VII\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 19% 72%; object-position: 19% 72%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=768,765 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=1024,1020 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=400,398 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=600,598 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg?resize=900,897 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"padding-y-3 padding-x-3\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"hds-caption maxw-mobile desktop:padding-x-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0 color-carbon-30\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><figcaption>On Dec. 4, 1965, NASA launched Gemini VII. With this mission, NASA successfully completed its first rendezvous of two spacecraft. This photograph, taken by Gemini VII crewmembers Jim Lovell and Frank Borman, shows Gemini VI in orbit 160 miles (257 km) above Earth.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-credits color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credits: <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The flights of two piloted spacecraft during December 1965 were major strides forward in advancing NASA\u2019s capabilities in human spaceflight. They also marked the point in which the United States clearly pulled ahead in the space race with the Soviet Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Gemini VII orbited the Earth for two weeks, Gemini VI was launched, completing the first-ever rendezvous between two spacecraft in orbit. It was a transformative capability that was not only necessary for the Apollo moon landing missions, but crucial in building and operating the International Space Station. The rendezvous marked the first time a human spaceflight milestone was achieved by the United States first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the Soviet Union twice had launched simultaneous pairs of Vostok spacecraft in 1962 and 1963, the cosmonauts only established radio contact, coming no closer than several miles of each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original plan for Gemini VI was to launch an unpiloted Agena upper stage atop an Atlas rocket on Oct. 25, 1965. As the target vehicle completed its first orbit, a Titan II launch vehicle was to lift off with astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford aboard. Gemini VI then would rendezvous and dock with the Agena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the Atlas rocket lifted off, the Agena\u2019s secondary engines fired to separate it from the launch vehicle. However, immediately after the Agena\u2019s primary engine fired, telemetry was lost and the target vehicle failed to reach orbit. The launch of Gemini VI was postponed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schirra was a member of the original seven astronauts having flown Mercury 8 for six orbits on Oct. 3, 1962. He would go on to command the first piloted Apollo mission in October 1968, becoming the only astronaut to fly in Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stafford was one of nine pilots selected in NASA\u2019s second group of astronauts. He would serve as commander for Gemini IX in 1966, and Apollo 10, the lunar landing rehearsal mission, in 1969. He also commanded the crew of the American spacecraft that linked up with two Soviet cosmonauts as part of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the next Agena target vehicle would not be ready for several months, a new plan began to take shape for Schirra and Stafford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to \u201cOn the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini,\u201d Walter Burke, spacecraft chief at McDonnell Aircraft Corp., and his deputy, John Yardley, asked, \u201cWhy couldn\u2019t we launch a Gemini as a target instead of an Agena?\u201d McDonnell was the contractor that built the Gemini spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA officials at the agency\u2019s headquarters in Washington D.C., Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral) in Florida and the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in Texas quickly began drawing up a plan to orbit Gemini VII on its planned two-week mission and, if there was no serious damage to Launch Pad 19, send up Gemini VI to rendezvous.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1346\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?w=1346\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Astronauts wearing lightweight pressure suits\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg 2670w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=197,300 197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=768,1169 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=673,1024 673w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=1009,1536 1009w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=1346,2048 1346w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=263,400 263w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=394,600 394w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=591,900 591w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=789,1200 789w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?resize=1314,2000 1314w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1346px) 100vw, 1346px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini VII pilot Jim Lovell, in front, and command pilot Frank Borman leave the suit up trailer at Cape Kennedy’s Launch Complex 16 during prelaunch countdown on Dec. 4, 1965. They are wearing lightweight pressure suits designed to be removable during their marathon 14-day mission.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At first glance, some were skeptical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen I first heard of this plan to rendezvous two spacecraft by launching the second spacecraft from the same pad in nine days I thought it was next to impossible,\u201d said Andre Meyer Jr., senior assistant to the Gemini Program manager: \u201cIt normally takes nine weeks or 63 days of actual work to clean up the pad, erect the booster, mate the spacecraft and check out the systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wiley Williams, NASA\u2019s manager of Gemini Operations at the Kennedy Space Center, explained that, while challenging, the quick turnaround was achievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBarring unforeseen problems, we feel there is no reason why this schedule, tight as it is, cannot be met,\u201d he said at the time. \u201cOur most critical period will be after Gemini VII is gone. We are planning for only a few days \u2018turnaround\u2019 time on the pad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Charles Berry, M.D., chief of Medical Programs at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Gemini VII basically was an effort to better understand how humans adapt to microgravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s the culmination of our efforts to double man\u2019s exposure to the space environment with a 14-day flight,\u201d he said. \u201cThe mission will show us that man, indeed, can adapt. That his body does not show changes that increase with his exposure to that environment. The additional data will allow us to medically commit man to a lunar mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gemini VII crew, Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, were both from the second group of astronauts. While Lovell would go on to be command pilot of Gemini XII in late 1966, both would fly together again, with Bill Anders, as part of Apollo 8, the first astronauts to orbit the moon in December 1968. As commander of Apollo 13 in 1970, Lovell became the first person to fly four times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re on our way, Frank,\u201d said Lovell as Gemini VII launched Dec. 4, 1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the rocket exhaust began to clear, teams were standing by to begin preparing for Gemini VI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was in the control center at Cape Kennedy watching the launch of Gemini VII and as the spacecraft was continuing into orbit, I glanced at another TV monitor and it showed the next launch vehicle being wheeled out of the hanger,\u201d said NASA Gemini Program Manager Charles Matthews. \u201cThat\u2019s how fast the action was taking place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The longest previous spaceflight was the eight-day mission of Gemini V. Borman noted that he and Lovell hoped to take advantage of the earlier experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne of the things we got from Gemini V was that flying in the heavier spacesuits was very debilitating,\u201d he said. \u201cSo we were able to convince NASA that we should have a lightweight pressure suit which was developed in a very short period of time. It was very convenient because we could get out of it, and we did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Borman and Lovell\u2019s work was set up to coincide with that of the prime shift team in Mission Control Houston, with both astronauts working and sleeping at the same time. The Gemini VII crew conducted 20 experiments, the most of any Gemini mission, including studies of nutrition in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next attempt to launch Schirra and Stafford turned out to be one of the most harrowing in the history of America\u2019s still young space program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Dec. 12, 1965, all had proceeded well right up to ignition of the twin Titan II first stage engines. Astronaut Alan Bean was serving as capsule communicator, or capcom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c3, 2, 1, ignition \u2026 shutdown Gemini VI,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After about 1.5 seconds of firing, the engines abruptly shut down. There was no liftoff.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VI Titan rocket engine shutdown\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg 2493w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=300,204 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=768,522 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=1024,697 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=1536,1045 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=2048,1393 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=400,272 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=600,408 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=900,612 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=1200,816 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/2-s65-59967a.jpg?resize=2000,1361 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini VI’s Titan first stage engines shut down 1.5 seconds after ignition on Dec. 12, 1965 due to a premature release of a liftoff umbilical plug. Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford successfully launched to a rendezvous with Gemini VII three days later.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy clock has started,\u201d Schirra said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the clock had started in the spacecraft, the instruments were telling Schirra liftoff had taken place. Mission rules dictated that he should immediately pull a D-shaped ring above the center console and activate the ejection seats, blasting the astronauts safely away from the fully fueled Titan II which would be falling back to the launch pad. However, Schirra\u2019s experience from Mercury 8 paid off. He did not feel the motion of liftoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI knew we hadn\u2019t gone anywhere,\u201d he said later. \u201cThis proves that man is better programed than any computer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An evaluation determined that a tail plug fell off prematurely causing the engine shutdown and the erroneous liftoff signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three days later, Schirra and Stafford were finally on their way to catch up with Borman and Lovell.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VII spacecraft\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg 2135w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=300,217 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=768,555 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=1024,740 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=1536,1110 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=2048,1480 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=400,289 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=600,434 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=900,650 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=1200,867 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/6-s65-63209d.jpg?resize=2000,1445 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Gemini VII spacecraft from approximately 122 feet above as seen from Gemini VI during their rendezvous on Dec. 15, 1965.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The radar on Gemini VI first made contact with Gemini VII after 3 hours and 15 minutes when they were 270 miles away. Soon thereafter, Schirra established voice contact with Borman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re looking for you,\u201d the Gemini VI command pilot said. \u201cHang on, we\u2019ll be up there shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VII\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg 2924w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=300,224 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=768,574 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=1024,766 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=1536,1148 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=2048,1531 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=400,299 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=600,449 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=900,673 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=1200,897 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/4-s65-63194a.jpg?resize=2000,1495 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Gemini VII spacecraft is photographed by Tom Stafford through the hatch window of the Gemini VI spacecraft. The rendezvous and station keeping maneuvers took place at an altitude of approximately 160 miles on Dec. 15, 1965.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>About six hours after liftoff, while passing over the Hawaii tracking station on Gemini VI\u2019s fourth orbit, Schirra reported that he and Stafford had caught up with Borman and Lovell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re flying in formation with (Gemini) VII,\u201d Schirra said. \u201cEverything is go here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRoger, congratulations, excellent,\u201d said astronaut Elliott See, the capcom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThank you, it was a lot of fun,\u201d said Schirra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the next five and a half hours of station keeping, the crews moved as close as one foot, taking pictures and describing the appearance of each spacecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLooks like the flag and the letters are seared as much at launch as they are when you come back at re-entry,\u201d Lovell said, describing the side of Gemini VI.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Army-Navy Rivalry reaches space\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg 2886w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=300,205 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=768,526 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=1024,701 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=1536,1052 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=2048,1402 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=400,274 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=600,411 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=900,616 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=1200,822 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5-s65-64040.jpg?resize=2000,1369 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">This view of the Gemini VI spacecraft includes a “Beat Army” sign in the window. The message from the on-board crew of Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford, who, along with Gemini VII pilot Jim Lovell, are all graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy. Gemini VII command pilot, Frank Borman, is an alumnus of the U.S. Military Academy. That year’s matchup between the two service academies was played on Nov. 27, 1965, ending in a 7-7 tie.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Later, Gemini VI fired its thrusters and slowly drifted out to 10 miles, preventing an accidental collision during their sleep period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the end of the day, and noting the upcoming holiday, the Gemini VI crew had a surprise for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGemini VII, this is Gemini VI,\u201d Schirra said. \u201cWe have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, probably in a polar orbit. He\u2019s in a very low trajectory. Looks like he might be going to re-enter soon. Stand by one \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that point, the sound of \u201cJingle Bells\u201d was heard being played by Schirra on a small harmonica with Stafford ringing a handful of small bells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re too much, VI,\u201d laughed See from mission control.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1446\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VI recovery\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg 4197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=768,542 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=1024,723 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=1536,1084 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=2048,1446 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=400,282 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=600,424 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=900,635 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=1200,847 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/7-s65-61859a.jpg?resize=2000,1412 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">After being picked up from the Atlantic Ocean by the crew of the USS Wasp, Tom Stafford, left, and Wally Schirra celebrate the completion of their 25-hour, 52-minute flight in which they performed the world’s first rendezvous in space.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Gemini VI re-entered the next day, landing in the Atlantic Ocean within 10 miles of the aircraft carrier, USS Wasp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recovery of Schirra and Stafford also was the first to be televised. Through a transportable satellite Earth station on the deck of the Wasp, television networks were able to provide live coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gemini VII remained in space two days after Gemini VI\u2019s return, landing Dec. 18, 1965. Borman and Lovell held the world record for the longest human spaceflight until the 17-day Soyuz 9 mission in June 1970 and were U.S. record holders until the Skylab missions in 1973 and 1974.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Gemini VII recovery\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg 2677w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=768,765 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=1024,1020 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=1536,1530 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=2048,2040 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=400,398 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=600,598 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=900,896 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=1200,1195 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/8-s65-63646c.jpg?resize=2000,1992 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Surrounded by NASA dignitaries and members of the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, Gemini VII astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell arrive aboard the ship following their recovery on Dec. 18, 1965. The astronauts were picked up from the Atlantic Ocean, following successful splashdown after two weeks in orbit.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe VII and VI missions were a very fitting climax to a successful year of Gemini flights,\u201d said Matthews. \u201cGemini IV introduced us to spacewalking and was also the start of our buildup of long duration missions and went four days. Gemini V, in turn, went eight days. This effort on the (Gemini) 7\/6 mission, is an example of the American sprit as it has existed throughout the years and is ample evidence that it exists today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Bob Granath<\/em><br><em>NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center, Florida<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of feature articles marking the 50th anniversary of Project Gemini. The program was designed as a steppingstone toward landing on the moon. The investment also provided technology now used in NASA\u2019s work aboard the International Space Station and planning for the Journey to Mars. In March, read about the first docking mission and responding to an emergency in space. For more see <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sp-4203.pdf?emrc=16dfd1\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"214547\"><em>\u201cOn the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini.\u201d<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"social-icons 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href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fdual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 4.615v3.385z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fgemini%2Fdual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M4.98 3.5c0 1.381-1.11 2.5-2.48 2.5s-2.48-1.119-2.48-2.5c0-1.38 1.11-2.5 2.48-2.5s2.48 1.12 2.48 2.5zm.02 4.5h-5v16h5v-16zm7.982 0h-4.968v16h4.969v-8.399c0-4.67 6.029-5.052 6.029 0v8.399h4.988v-10.131c0-7.88-8.922-7.593-11.018-3.714v-2.155z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-rss\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/feed\/\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to RSS feed.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 800 800\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M493 652H392c0-134-111-244-244-244V307c189 0 345 156 345 345zm71 0c0-228-188-416-416-416V132c285 0 520 235 520 520z\"\/><circle cx=\"219\" cy=\"581\" r=\"71\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Sep 08, 2023<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\"><div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2\"><h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2><\/div><ul class=\"article-tags\"><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/\">Gemini<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-frank-borman\/\">Frank Borman<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-vi\/\">Gemini VI<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-vii\/\">Gemini VII<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-james-a-lovell\/\">James A. Lovell Jr.<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-thomas-stafford\/\">Thomas P. Stafford<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-walter-wally-schirra\/\">Walter M. Schirra Jr.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\t\t<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\"><h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/apollo-8-christmas-dinner\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg 3700w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=300,207 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=768,531 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=1024,708 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=1536,1062 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=2048,1416 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=400,277 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=600,415 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=900,622 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=1200,830 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/apollo-8-food.jpg?resize=2000,1383 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">6 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">An Apollo 8 Christmas Dinner Surprise: Turkey and Gravy Make Space History<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 months ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/apollo\/the-hard-won-triumph-of-the-apollo-13-mission-45-years-later\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"211\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg 3592w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=300,211 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=768,541 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=1024,721 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=1536,1081 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=2048,1441 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=400,282 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=600,422 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=900,633 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=1200,845 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apollo-13-anniv-crew.jpg?resize=2000,1408 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">5 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">The Hard-won Triumph of the Apollo 13 Mission – 45 Years Later<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 year ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/apollo\/apollo-17\/remembering-gene-cernan\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/as17-147-22526\/as17-147-22526~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">5 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Remembering Gene Cernan<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 year ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The flights of two piloted spacecraft during December 1965 were major strides forward in advancing NASA\u2019s capabilities in human spaceflight. They also marked the point in which the United States clearly pulled ahead in the space race with the Soviet Union. While Gemini VII orbited the Earth for two weeks, Gemini VI was launched, completing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":311434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2716,3463,2942,2952,3619,3711,3690],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[11519],"coauthors":[11560],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Dual Gemini Flights Achieved Crucial Spaceflight Milestones","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg"},"articleSection":"Missions","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Bob Granath"}],"creator":["Bob Granath"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Humans in Space","Astronauts","Former Astronauts","Walter M. Schirra Jr.","Gemini","Frank Borman","Gemini VI","Gemini VII","James A. Lovell Jr.","Thomas P. Stafford"],"dateCreated":"2015-12-04T20:03:00Z","datePublished":"2015-12-04T20:03:00Z","dateModified":"2023-09-08T20:42:41Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Dual Gemini Flights Achieved Crucial Spaceflight Milestones\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2015-12-04T20:03:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Missions\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Humans in Space,Astronauts,Former Astronauts,Walter M. Schirra Jr.,Gemini,Frank Borman,Gemini VI,Gemini VII,James A. Lovell Jr.,Thomas P. Stafford\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Bob Granath\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":9,"time_ago":"9 years","featured_image":{"id":311434,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/1-s65-59932a.jpg","title":"1-s65-59932a","alt":"Astronauts wearing lightweight pressure suits","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307801"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=307801"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":504940,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307801\/revisions\/504940"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/311434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307801"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=307801"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=307801"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=307801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}