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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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Gemini 10 Mission

Gemini 10 launched on 18 July 1966, piloted by Lieutenant Commander John W. Young, USN. Gemini 10 completed 43 orbits at an altitude of 412.2 nautical miles and lasted 2 days, 22 hours, and 46 minutes. Like the two previous Gemini flights, Gemini 10 included rendezvous and docking with a separately launched Agena spacecraft. Additionally, this mission would be the first to include two spacewalks. Recovery was by an HS-3 helicopter from USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7).

For more information, visit NASA’s Gemini Program webpage.


The Gemini 10 Prime Crew

The Gemini 10 prime crew was made up of astronauts John W. Young (left), command pilot, and Michael Collins, pilot. (Image Credit: NASA)



The Crew of the Gemini-10 on Recovery Ship USS Guadalcanal

The crew of the Gemini 10 spaceflight, astronauts John W. Young (left) and Michael Collins (right), arrive aboard the recovery ship USS Guadalcanal on 21 July 1966. The astronauts were picked up from the ocean by recovery helicopter and flown to the recovery ship to begin postflight medical and technical debriefings. Greeting them are Ben James (standing behind Young), Senior NASA Public Affairs Officer aboard the ship and John C. Stonesifer (left), Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) Landing and Recovery Division. (Image Credit: NASA)



The Gemini 10 Agena Target Docking Vehicle

The Gemini 10 Agena target docking vehicle is photographed from the spacecraft during rendezvous in space. The two spacecraft are about 38 feet apart. (Credits: NASA/Mike Collins)



Navy frogman assist Gemini 10 astronauts following splashdown

A Navy frogman assists the Gemini 10 astronauts following splashdown at 4:07 p.m., 21 July 1966. Astronaut John W. Young (climbing from spacecraft), command pilot is the only crew member seen in this view (NASA Photo ID: S66-42772); Astronaut John Young is hoisted from the water by a recovery helicopter from the prime recovery ship. Navy frogmen wait in life rafts below. (NASA Photo ID: S66-42773)



Navy frogman assist Gemini 10 astronauts following splashdown

A Navy frogman assists the Gemini 10 astronauts following splashdown at 4:07 p.m., 21 July 1966. Astronaut John W. Young (climbing from spacecraft), command pilot is the only crewmember seen in this view (NASA Photo ID: S66-42772); Astronaut John Young is hoisted from the water by a recovery helicopter from the prime recovery ship. Navy frogmen wait in life rafts below (NASA Photo ID: S66-42773)



Gemini 10 spacecraft hoisted aboard the USS Guadalcanal


Navy frogmen attach flotation collar to Gemini 10 spacecraft

Navy frogmen prepare to attach a flotation collar to the Gemini 10 spacecraft as it bobs in the Atlantic Ocean following its successful splashdown. (NASA Photo ID: S66-42794)



Gemini 10 prime crew aboard the recovery ship USS Guadalcanal

Gemini 10 prime crew, astronauts John W. Young (left) and Michael Collins, aboard the recovery ship USS Guadalcanal after end of mission. (NASA Photo ID: S66-42777) 


Published: Tue Jul 09 10:27:41 EDT 2019