{"id":168573,"date":"2021-11-10T15:25:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T19:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-475262"},"modified":"2023-09-21T17:27:25","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T21:27:25","slug":"55-years-ago-gemini-xii-closes-out-a-successful-program-paves-the-way-for-apollo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-gemini-xii-closes-out-a-successful-program-paves-the-way-for-apollo\/","title":{"rendered":"55 Years Ago: Gemini XII Closes Out a Successful Program, Paves the Way for Apollo"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"padding-top-5 padding-bottom-3 width-full maxw-full hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-intro\"><div class=\"width-full maxw-full article-header\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2 width-full maxw-full\"><p class=\"label carbon-60 margin-0 margin-bottom-3 padding-0\">9 min read<\/p><h1 class=\"display-48 margin-bottom-2\">55 Years Ago: Gemini XII Closes Out a Successful Program, Paves the Way for Apollo<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The primary objectives of Project Gemini included proving the techniques required for the Apollo Program to fulfill President John F. Kennedy\u2019s goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960s. These techniques included rendezvous and docking, spacewalking, and ensuring that spacecraft and astronauts could function for at least eight days, the minimum time for a round-trip lunar mission. The nine previous Gemini missions in 1965 and 1966 demonstrated the spacecraft\u2019s space worthiness, the basic feasibility of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/gemini-iv-learning-to-walk-in-space\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"258870\">spacewalking<\/a>, extended flight durations to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/55-years-ago-the-spirit-of-76-the-first-rendezvous-in-space\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"168584\">14 days<\/a>, and demonstrated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/gemini\/55-years-ago-the-spirit-of-76-the-first-rendezvous-in-space\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"168584\">space rendezvous<\/a> and docking techniques. The principal tasks for astronauts <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/LovellJA\/lovellja.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">James A. Lovell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-edwin-buzz-aldrin\/\" data-type=\"topic\" data-id=\"257514\">Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin<\/a> during their four-day Gemini XII mission, the final flight of the program, included docking with a target vehicle, performing three spacewalks, and conducting a tethered spacecraft experiment. To overcome significant issues during several previous spacewalks, astronauts and mission managers placed great emphasis on the use of neutral buoyancy as a high-fidelity tool for spacewalk training.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1521\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1521&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"The prime and backup crews for Gemini 12 pose standing inside a Gemini capsule with its hatch doors open.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 49% 22%; object-position: 49% 22%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1521&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=300&h=238&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=768&h=608&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=1024&h=811&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1217&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=400&h=317&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=600&h=475&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=900&h=713&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-46955\/s66-46955~large.jpg?w=1200&h=951&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-46955 (September 1966) — The Gemini-12 prime crew (in front) is astronauts James A. Lovell Jr. (right), command pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. (left), pilot. In the rear is the Gemini-12 backup crew, astronauts L. Gordon Cooper Jr., (right), command pilot, and Eugene A. Cernan, pilot. Photo credit: NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Jim Lovell bends over as he prepares to climb into the Gemini Mission Simulator\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_3_lovell_enters_gms_at_msc_bldg_5_sep_6_1966_s66-45580.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini XII astronaut James A. Lovell prepares to climb aboard the Gemini Mission Simulator at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Gemini XII astronaut  Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin during his spacewalk training in a zero-g aircraft.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_4_s66-56738-aldrin_eva_train-10.13.66.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini XII astronaut Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin during his spacewalk training in a zero-g aircraft.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"998\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Using mockups of the Gemini and Agena spacecraft in the pool at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, astronaut Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin trains for his Gemini XII spacewalks in October 1966.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=296,300 296w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=768,778 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=395,400 395w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=592,600 592w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_8_s66-54938-aldrin_eva_train-10.29.66.jpg?resize=888,900 888w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Using mockups of the Gemini and Agena spacecraft in the pool at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, astronaut Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin trains for his Gemini XII spacewalks in October 1966.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In June 1966, NASA selected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-vii\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"260238\">Gemini VII<\/a> veteran Lovell and spaceflight rookie Aldrin as the prime crew for Gemini XII, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/mercury-atlas-9-faith-7\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"273878\">Mercury 9<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-v\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"261837\">Gemini V<\/a> veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/CooperLG\/cooperlg.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">L. Gordon Cooper<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-ix\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"266471\">Gemini IX<\/a> veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/CernanEA\/cernanea.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Eugene A. Cernan<\/a>, as their backups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During an Oct. 31, 1966 press conference at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), now NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Lovell and Aldrin, along with their backups Cooper and Cernan, described their upcoming four-day mission to reporters. The first objective involved performing a rendezvous and docking with the Agena XII target vehicle, launched 90 minutes before Lovell and Aldrin. They would fire the Agena\u2019s primary propulsion system (PPS) to raise the high point of their orbit to 460 miles. On the second day, while still in this elliptical orbit, Aldrin would perform his first spacewalk, staying in the open Gemini hatch to install a temporary handrail to the Agena to aid in the second spacewalk and take photographs of stars in the ultraviolet spectrum, a spectrum of light that is 80% filtered out by Earth\u2019s atmosphere. After the spacewalk, they would fire the Agena\u2019s PPS to recircularize their orbit. On the third day, Aldrin would perform his second spacewalk, this one at the end of an umbilical allowing him to translate first to the Agena to attach a 100-foot tether to link the two spacecraft together, then to the rear of the Gemini\u2019s adapter section. There, he would slip into foot restraints and, at a workstation, perform several tasks such as cutting a cable, connecting and disconnecting cables, and tightening bolts, to evaluate the effectiveness of the restraint systems. He would then translate back to the Agena and conduct similar tests at a workstation there. On the third day, Lovell and Aldrin would undock from the Agena and back away to the length of the 100-foot tether to attempt a gravity-gradient experiment. After releasing the tether and the Agena, Aldrin would conduct his third spacewalk, another standup activity to take more star photographs and jettison any unneeded equipment. They planned to return to Earth the following day, with a splashdown in the western Atlantic Ocean, wrapping up the four-day mission and the Gemini program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In preparation for lunar missions, astronauts needed to master working outside their spacecraft, and for the first few Gemini missions, training for spacewalks consisted of parabolic aircraft flights that provided brief 30-second episodes of weightlessness, overhead suspension, and air-bearing tables. However, astronauts during the Gemini <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-ix\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"266471\">IX<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-x\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"266675\">X<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/gemini-xi\/\" data-type=\"mission\" data-id=\"266756\">XI<\/a> missions experienced significant difficulties during their spacewalks and NASA sought better methods of training. In 1966, the agency assessed the benefits of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-474498\" data-type=\"migration\" data-id=\"168611\">neutral buoyancy training<\/a> in which space suited astronauts practiced spacewalking tasks in swimming pools in an effort to simulate weightlessness. Astronaut <a href=\"https:\/\/historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov\/JSCHistoryPortal\/history\/oral_histories\/CarpenterMS\/carpenterms.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">M. Scott Carpenter<\/a> provided a favorable assessment of training protocols established by Environmental Research Associates of Baltimore, Maryland, under contract to NASA\u2019s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, using a swimming pool at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland. On Sept. 12, 1966, with mockups of the Gemini and Agena target spacecraft placed in the McDonogh School\u2019s pool, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-edwin-buzz-aldrin\/\" data-type=\"topic\" data-id=\"257514\">Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin<\/a> became the first astronaut to use neutral buoyancy to train for his Gemini XII spacewalks. He returned in October for more training, less than one month before the actual mission.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Gemini XII astronauts James A. Lovell, left, and Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin sit at a table to review flight documents. A map of the world appears behind them.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?resize=300,231 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?resize=768,593 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?resize=400,309 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?resize=600,463 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_9_66h-1410-11.9.66.jpg?resize=900,694 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini XII astronauts James A. Lovell, left, and Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin review flight documents two days before launch<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"841\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Support astronauts Edward G. Gibson, left, and John L. \u201cJack\u201d Swigert join Gemini XII astronauts Lovell and Aldrin for the traditional prelaunch breakfast.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?resize=300,256 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?resize=768,656 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?resize=400,342 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?resize=600,512 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_10_66hc-1864-crew_breakfast-11.11.66.jpg?resize=900,768 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Support astronauts Edward G. Gibson, left, and John L. \u201cJack\u201d Swigert join Gemini XII astronauts Lovell and Aldrin for the traditional prelaunch breakfast.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1536&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Gemini XII astronauts James A. Lovell, left, and Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin, wearing signs marked \u201cTHE\u201d and \u201cEND\u201d  to denote the final mission of the program, walk up the ramp to Launch Pad 19 at the Cape Kennedy Air Force  Station\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=300&h=240&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=768&h=614&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=1024&h=819&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1229&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=400&h=320&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=600&h=480&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=900&h=720&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-66C-9220\/KSC-66C-9220~large.jpg?w=1200&h=960&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. — At Cape Kennedy Air Force Station in Florida, the crew for Gemini 12 arrives at Launch Complex 19. Command pilot James A. Lovell is followed by pilot Edwin E. Buzz Aldrin Jr. The signs on their backs note that this mission is the final flight of the Gemini Program. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The launch of Gemini XII was scheduled for Nov. 9, but two separate 24-hour scrubs delayed the liftoff until Nov. 11. The Agena lifted off first, followed by Gemini XII about 90 minutes later. As Lovell and Aldrin approached the Agena target, their rendezvous radar proved erratic and had to be turned off. Using a backup rendezvous mode, onboard computations by Aldrin, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on the subject of orbital rendezvous, they successfully docked with the Agena on the third revolution. A problem with the Agena\u2019s PPS prevented its firing to raise their orbit to the planned 460-mile altitude. Instead of the boost, Mission Control instructed them that with a slight orbital change, they would be able to observe and photograph a solar eclipse the next morning as their trajectory would cross the path of totality. This required them to go to sleep one hour early and wake up two hours early the next day.<\/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-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=1558&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1558\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=1558&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"The Gemini XII spacecraft is launched on a Titan rocket from Kennedy Space Center\" 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\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=1558&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1558w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=243&h=299&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 243w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=768&h=946&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=831&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 831w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=1246&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1246w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=325&h=401&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 325w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=487&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 487w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=730&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 730w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/9141925\/9141925~large.jpg?w=974&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 974w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1558px) 100vw, 1558px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Gemini 12 astronauts James Lovell and Edwin Aldrin lifted off aboard a Titan launch vehicle from the Kennedy Space Center on November 11, 1966, an hour and a half after their Agena target vehicle was orbited by an Atlas rocket. Launched atop an Atlas booster, the Agena target vehicle (ATV) was a spacecraft used by NASA to develop and practice orbital space rendezvous and docking techniques in preparation for the Apollo program lunar missions. The objective was for Agena and Gemini to rendezvous in space and practice docking procedures. An intermediate step between Project Mercury and the Apollo Program, the Gemini Program’s major objectives were to subject two men and supporting equipment to long duration flights, to perfect rendezvous and docking with other orbiting vehicles, methods of reentry, and landing of the spacecraft.     <\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At the start of their second day in space, during the few seconds their trajectory intersected the path of totality, Lovell and Aldrin took photographs of the solar eclipse for later study by scientists. Next, Aldrin began his first standup spacewalk, exclaiming \u201cMan! Look at that!\u201d as he opened the hatch and looked outside. As he worked, he reported that he had no difficulty maintaining his position in the open hatch, with only a very small tendency to float out. Aldrin installed a portable handrail to the Agena for the next day\u2019s umbilical spacewalk. He devoted most of this first spacewalk to photography of hot stars, especially in the ultraviolet spectrum. Near the end of the spacewalk, Aldrin mounted the camera on the edge of the Gemini\u2019s hatch, pointed it toward himself, and obtained the first selfies ever taken during a spacewalk, decades before the concept even existed. Aldrin closed the hatch after spending two hours, 28 minutes outside. After a well-earned meal, the crew went to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of the Agena Target Docking Vehicle in orbit around Earth\" 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\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62755\/S66-62755~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-62755 (11 Nov. 1966) — Excellent stereo and side view of the Agena Target Docking Vehicle as seen from the Gemini-12 spacecraft during rendezvous and docking mission in space. The two spacecraft are 50 feet apart. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Gemini XII has docked with the Agena target vehicle.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_15_docked_w_agena_nov_11_1966_gt12-08-067_s66-63452.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Gemini XII has docked with the Agena target vehicle.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"639\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?w=639\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of the solar eclipse on November 12, 1966 from Gemini XII\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 55% 60%; object-position: 55% 60%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=187,300 187w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=768,1230 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=639,1024 639w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=959,1536 959w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=250,400 250w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=375,600 375w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=562,900 562w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_16_solar_eclipse_rev_12_nov_12_1966_s66-63414.jpg?resize=749,1200 749w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">View of the solar eclipse on November 12, 1966 from Gemini XII<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1908\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1908&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Selfie of Buzz Aldrin during his EVA. The Earth can be seen in the background.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 61% 59%; object-position: 61% 59%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1908&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=150&h=149&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=300&h=298&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=768&h=763&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1018&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1526&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=100&h=99&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=200&h=199&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=400&h=398&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=600&h=596&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=900&h=894&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S66-62926\/S66-62926~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1193&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-62926 (12 Nov. 1966) — Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot of the Gemini-12 spaceflight, is photographed with pilot’s hatch of the spacecraft open. Note: J.A. Maurer camera which was used to photograph some of his extravehicular activity (EVA). Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. was the command pilot. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1355\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1355&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Buzz Aldrin begins a spacewalk for the Gemini 12 mission\" style=\"transform: scale(1.1); transform-origin: 63% 64%; object-position: 63% 64%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1355&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=300&h=212&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=768&h=542&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=1024&h=723&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1084&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=400&h=282&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=600&h=423&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=900&h=635&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-63537\/s66-63537~large.jpg?w=1200&h=847&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-63537 (11 Nov. 1966) — Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin, pilot for the Gemini-12 spaceflight, stands up in the open hatch of the spacecraft during the first day of the four-day mission in space. He prepares a camera for installation on the outside of the spacecraft. Command pilot for the last flight in the Gemini series was astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"The Agena XII target vehicle, attached to Gemini XII by a 100-foot tether. \" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 65% 71%; object-position: 65% 71%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_20_s66-63518.jpg?resize=900,900 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Agena XII target vehicle, attached to Gemini XII by a 100-foot tether.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mission Control awakened the crew about 90 minutes early to have them check a balky fuel cell. The astronauts elected not to go back to sleep once the problem was fixed but to begin the day\u2019s activities by performing some of the mission\u2019s 14 scientific experiments. Attached to the Gemini by a 30-foot umbilical, Aldrin used the handrail he installed the previous day to translate to the Agena and attached a 100-foot tether to the target vehicle to be used during the next day\u2019s experiment. After translating back to the hatch for a brief rest, Aldrin worked his way to the Gemini\u2019s aft adapter section, where secured in foot restraints called \u201cgolden slippers,\u2019 he performed seven manual tasks to evaluate the effectiveness of the restraint, finding it adequate for the activities. Then he returned to the Agena workstation to evaluate a waist tether restraint system while performing 12 additional tasks, reporting no issues with body positioning. After completing these activities and cleaning up the worksite, Aldrin returned to the Gemini and closed the hatch. The longest umbilical spacewalk to that time ended after two hours, nine minutes. Lovell then undocked the Gemini from the Agena, the two spacecraft connected by the 100-foot tether. He slowly backed the Gemini away, trying to make the tether taut, eventually succeeding. With the heavier Agena orbiting below the lighter Gemini, Lovell turned off the control systems of both vehicles and they maintained their attitude in the gravity gradient mode without the use of thruster fuel. Lovell jettisoned the tether, ending the test after four hours, 20 minutes. They separated to a safe distance from the Agena before going to sleep.<\/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-wide\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Lovell selfie with Aldrin - November 11, 1966\" 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\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?resize=300,207 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?resize=768,530 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?resize=400,276 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?resize=600,414 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_21_lovell_selfie_w_aldrin_nov_11_1966_s66-63540.jpg?resize=900,621 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">In a still from a video, Gemini XII astronauts Edwin E. \u201cBuzz\u201d Aldrin, left, and James A. Lovell are seen in the cramped quarters of their spacecraft.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The major activity for their final full day in space involved Aldrin\u2019s third spacewalk, conducted in the Gemini hatch, to perform more ultraviolet photography and to jettison unused equipment. The spacewalk lasted one hour, 11 minutes, bringing Aldrin\u2019s total spacewalk time to a then-record five hours, 48 minutes. It seemed like the problems encountered during previous Gemini spacewalks were overcome. Aldrin attributed his success to his neutral buoyancy training, a methodology still in use today, and to adequate restraint systems.<\/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-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"1504\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"The Gemini XII spacecraft dangles from a parachute as it returns to Earth from 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\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=196,300 196w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=768,1173 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=671,1024 671w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=262,400 262w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=393,600 393w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=589,900 589w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gemini_xii_23_s66-59986-11.15.66.jpg?resize=786,1200 786w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Gemini XII spacecraft descending on its parachute, shortly before splashdown.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The following morning, Lovell and Aldrin prepared their spacecraft for the trip back to Earth. At the end of their 59th revolution, they fired Gemini XII\u2019s retrorockets to bring them out of orbit. The spacecraft\u2019s onboard computer guided them to a splashdown only three miles from the planned target and within sight of the prime recovery ship the USS Wasp (CVS-18). The last flight of the Gemini program lasted 94 hours, 34 minutes. Lovell and Aldrin elected to exit their spacecraft in the water and onto a life raft. Rescue crews hoisted them aboard a helicopter that flew them to the deck of the carrier about 30 minutes after splashdown for a celebratory welcome reception. Sailors later hoisted the Gemini XII spacecraft onto the ship. The next day, the astronauts flew by helicopter back to NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for several days of debriefings before returning to Houston\u2019s Ellington Air Force Base near MSC for reunions with their families. After his two Gemini missions, Lovell was now the world\u2019s most space-traveled man, having spent a total of 18 days in space.<\/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-wide\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1259&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1259\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1259&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Lovell and Aldrin celebrate with cake aboard the Wasp\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1259&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=300&h=197&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=768&h=504&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1024&h=671&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1007&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=400&h=262&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=600&h=393&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=900&h=590&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59989\/s66-59989~large.jpg?w=1200&h=787&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-59989 (16 Nov. 1966) — Gemini-12 astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. (left), command pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. (right), pilot, eat a piece of cake presented the two astronauts by crew members of the prime recovery ship, USS Wasp. Gemini-12 splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean at 2:21 p.m. (EST), Nov. 15, 1966, to conclude a four-day mission in space.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Outside MSC\u2019s nine-story Project Management Building, security guards lowered the U.S. flag and Gemini program pennant for the last time following the Gemini XII splashdown. The flag and pennant were carried aboard the Gemini 3 mission in March 1965 by Virgil I. \u201cGus\u201d Grissom and John W. Young and flew on the MSC flagstaff around the clock during every subsequent Gemini mission. The flag and pennant were retired and displayed in the MSC Auditorium lobby.<\/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-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=1256&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1256\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=1256&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin shake hands in front of a sign celebrating the successes of the Gemini Program\" 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\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=1256&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1256w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=196&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 196w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=768&h=1174&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=670&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 670w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=1005&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1005w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=262&h=401&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 262w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=393&h=601&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 393w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=589&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 589w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-59988\/s66-59988~large.jpg?w=785&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 785w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1256px) 100vw, 1256px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S66-59988 (16 Nov. 1966) — Gemini-12 astronauts James A. Lovell Jr. (left), command pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot, shake hands in front of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Gemini progress report sign at the Cape Kennedy skid strip. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The splashdown of Gemini XII ended the highly-successful Gemini program. Ten crewed missions were flown in 20 months, and although some encountered technical issues, all the major program objectives were accomplished, paving the way for the Apollo program and the first Moon landing less than three years later. On Nov. 23, Lovell and Aldrin summarized their mission, including narrating a film of their flight, to assembled reporters during a two-hour press conference in MSC\u2019s main auditorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gemini XII spacecraft is on display at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.<\/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 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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 21, 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\/history\/\">NASA History<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/\">Astronauts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-edwin-buzz-aldrin\/\">Buzz Aldrin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/former-astronauts\/\">Former Astronauts<\/a><\/li><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\/mission\/gemini-xii\/\">Gemini XII<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/former-astronaut-james-a-lovell\/\">James A. Lovell 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\/flag-day-2024-one-small-flags-incredible-journey\/\" 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=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.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\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=600,450 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/flag-day-2024-11-us-flag-after-demo-2-mission-arrival-1.jpg?resize=900,675 900w\" 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\">7 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Flag Day 2024 \u2013 One Small Flag\u2019s Incredible Journey<\/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 day 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\/history\/55-years-ago-manned-orbiting-laboratory-cancellation\/\" 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=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.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\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg 424w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mol-cancellation-4-mol-group-1-astronauts.jpg?resize=400,283 400w\" 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\">10 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">55 Years Ago: Manned Orbiting Laboratory Cancellation<\/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\t4 days 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\/directorates\/esdmd\/artemis-campaign-development-division\/human-landing-system-program\/nasa-astronauts-practice-next-giant-leap-for-artemis\/\" 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=\"193\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.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\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg 3365w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=300,193 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=768,493 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=1024,657 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=1536,986 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=2048,1315 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=400,257 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=600,385 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=900,578 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=1200,770 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hls-crew-elevator-demo-20240503-dsc00109.jpg?resize=2000,1284 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\">4 min read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\"><h3 class=\"related-article-title\">NASA Astronauts Practice Next Giant Leap for Artemis\u00a0<\/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 week 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>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Missions<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/plugins\/nasa-blocks\/assets\/images\/topic-cards\/topic-card-sample-1.jpg\" ><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Humans in Space<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/plugins\/nasa-blocks\/assets\/images\/topic-cards\/topic-card-sample-2.jpg\" ><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA History<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"1223\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?w=983\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" 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\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg 983w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=241,300 241w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=768,956 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=823,1024 823w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=322,400 322w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=482,600 482w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=723,900 723w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=965,1200 965w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/gemini\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Project Gemini<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" 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\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg 5449w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iss20-iss-evas-white-eva-s65-30431.jpeg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The primary objectives of Project Gemini included proving the techniques required for the Apollo Program to fulfill President John F. Kennedy\u2019s goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960s. These techniques included rendezvous and docking, spacewalking, and ensuring that spacecraft and astronauts could […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":443,"featured_media":276673,"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":[2671,2800,3441,3215,2716,2953,3619],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[5635,4943,3976,5039,12664,5813,3867],"coauthors":[11996],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"55 Years Ago: Gemini XII Closes Out a Successful Program, Paves the Way for Apollo","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-gemini-xii-closes-out-a-successful-program-paves-the-way-for-apollo\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-gemini-xii-closes-out-a-successful-program-paves-the-way-for-apollo\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-62937\/s66-62937~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1198&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-62937\/s66-62937~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1198&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint"},"articleSection":"NASA History","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"John Uri"}],"creator":["John Uri"],"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","James A. Lovell Jr.","NASA History","Buzz Aldrin","Gemini","Gemini XII"],"dateCreated":"2021-11-10T19:25:00Z","datePublished":"2021-11-10T19:25:00Z","dateModified":"2023-09-21T21:27:25Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"55 Years Ago: Gemini XII Closes Out a Successful Program, Paves the Way for Apollo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/55-years-ago-gemini-xii-closes-out-a-successful-program-paves-the-way-for-apollo\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-62937\/s66-62937~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1198&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2021-11-10T19:25:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Humans in Space,Astronauts,Former Astronauts,James A. Lovell Jr.,NASA History,Buzz Aldrin,Gemini,Gemini XII\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"John Uri\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":9,"time_ago":"3 years","featured_image":{"id":276673,"file":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/s66-62937\/s66-62937~large.jpg","title":"GT-12 – EARTH SKY – EVA","alt":"Buzz Aldrin performs a spacewalk for the Gemini-Titan 12 mission","caption":"S66-62937 (12 Nov. 1966) --- Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot of the Gemini-12 spaceflight, performs extravehicular activity (EVA) during the second day of the four-day mission in space. Aldrin is at the Agena work station. Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. was the command pilot. Photo credit: NASA"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168573"}],"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\/443"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=168573"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":522543,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168573\/revisions\/522543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=168573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=168573"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=168573"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=168573"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=168573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}