Gemini 5: Inside NASA's First 8-Day Space Mission of 1965

By published

Mission Success

NASA

On August 29, 1965, Astronauts L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., and Charles Conrad, Jr., exit the Gemini-5 spacecraft completing a successful mission. Navy divers assist them during the recovery operation.

Up to Safety

NASA

Following a successful end to the Gemini-5 mission, astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., waits in the raft below while astronaut Charles Conrad, Jr., is raised to the recover helicopter.

Recovering the Capsule

NASA

Part of the recovery efforts includes bringing the Gemini-5 spacecraft aboard the USS Lake Champlain, the recovery vessel.

Relating the Experience

NASA

On September 9, 1965, Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. and Charles Conrad, Jr., participate in a press conference about the Gemini-5 mission.

Gemini 5 Mission Flag

Friends of Freeman Library/Brian Kissell

A U.S. flag flown on NASA's Gemini 5 mission was found among the Clear Lake Theatre time capsule contents on April 20, 2016.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Christine Lunsford
Christine Lunsford

Christine Lunsford joined the Space.com team in 2010 as a freelance producer and later became a contributing writer, covering astrophotography images, astronomy photos and amazing space galleries and more. During her more than 10 years with Space.com, oversaw the site's monthly skywatching updates and produced overnight features and stories on the latest space discoveries. She enjoys learning about subjects of all kinds.