The Explorers' Club, № DCCLXXXIX

Operation AXIOM: The Space Race—The 55th Anniversary of Gemini VI-A, Part II
15-16 December 1965: Gemini VI-A lifted off from Florida's Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, with Command Pilot Wally Schirra & Pilot Tom Stafford aboard a Gemini spacecraft atop a Titan II G.L.V. rocket; they achieved the first rendezvous in space with Gemini VII, the two capsules maneuvering to within one foot; next day, they splashed down in the Atlantic & were recovered by the U.S.S. Wasp.

Commentary: As Schirra had done on his Mercury 8 flight, when he remined inside his Sigma 7 capsule 'til it was on the deck of the Kearsarge, Schirra & Stafford remained inside their Gemini capsule 'til it was on the deck of the Wasp.

To the extent that Project Gemini is still remembered, these are the iconic photographs, two Gemini capules in orbit together. Ten Gemini missions were flown, five in 1965 & five in 1966. Gemini VI-A & Gemini VII are the only two to rendezvous in space.

Bonus! Space Race Song o' Gemini VI-A
Melbourne Ska Orchestra, "Third Time Lucky" from Melbourne Ska Orchestra (Space Cadet Mike Papa Whiskey)

Commentary: As of December 2020, Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford, U.S.A.F. (retired), born 1930, is still alive. The Mercury Seven have all passed on to their eternal reward; we must cherish the remaining Gemini & Apollo astronauts while we still can.

Semper exploro.