like a wolf to the moon

Remembering NASA astronaut Jim McDivitt (June 10, 1929 – October 13, 2022), who has died at the age of 93.

Jimbo was a USAF combat and test pilot before being selected as a NASA astronaut in 1962. He flew Gemini IV in 1965 with his best friend Ed White, becoming the first American astronaut to command his first spaceflight. In 1969, he was the commander of Apollo 9, the third manned mission of the Apollo program. Jim also served as the Apollo Spacecraft Program Manager until his retirement from NASA in 1972.

Jim McDivitt, an astronaut who played a key role in making America's first spacewalk and moon landing possible, has died. He was 93.

Jim McDivitt, an astronaut who played a key role in making America’s first spacewalk and moon landing possible, has died. He was 93. NASA confirmed his death to NPR on Monday, adding that he was surrounded by family and friends when he died on Thursday.  Known for being a courageous test pilot and dedicated leader, McDivitt commanded two of the most crucial flights in the early space race —…

images of Neptune taken by Voyager 2 on August 19 1989. 

The Space Shuttle Atlantis began its almost 10-day mission (STS-71) on 27 June 1995.

It was the 100th manned US mission, and the first time a shuttle docked with a space station (the Russian Mir). It was the first Russian-US docking mission in 20 years. It was the first of 7 missions where Atlantis flew to Mir.

The Atlantis crew included Commander Robert Gibson, Pilot Charles Precourt, and Mission Specialist, Ellen Baker, Nikolai Budarin, Bonnie Dunbar, Gregory Harbaugh, and Anatoly Solovyev,

Deke and Gus undergoing testing as astronaut candidates, 1959.