#afarps

Celebrating 75 years United States Air Force Test Pilot School. Just 60 years ago TPS class 59-C officers pose near a North American F-86 Sabre jet. Note future NASA astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White, backrow 3rd & 4th from left, who would both fly on Gemini IV in 1965. From 1961 onwards the school added the Aerospace Research Pilot Course, whin spun off at least 25 future astronauts. 40 years ago, Tom wolfe wrote “The Right Stuff” about test pilots engaged in U.S. postwar experimental high-speed rocket-powered aircraft testing, pushing the envelope...  (Photo: USAF Academy/NASA)

USAF testpilot, rookie astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin seen during training for the November 1966 Gemini XII spaceflight. Aldrin, an USMA West Point officer graduate and MIT PhD specialized in practical spacewalk techniques. Gemini XII was his first spaceflight mission before Aldrin flew as Lunar Module Pilot on the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission in July 1969. Note the NASA-issued Omega 321 Speedmaster on long white velcro strap over his right forearm. (Photo: NASA)

November 1966, USAF testpilot & astronaut group 3 member Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin made his first spaceflight aboard the Gemini XII mission. Aldrin, a USMA West Point graduate and MIT PhD specialized in spacewalk techniques, earned him the nickname "Dr. Rendezvous" from fellow astronauts, is pictured here during the November 13, 1966 spacewalk as the capsule was docked to the Atlas/Agena Target Vehicle. Aldrin performed two standup EVAs, lasting 3.5 hours and one full EVA lasting 2 hours 6 minutes. On November 15, 1966 after 3 days 22 hours, the Gemini 12 crew (James Lovell & Edwin Aldrin) was recovered by USS Wasp off the East coast of the USA. Note the NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster on long black velcro at his right forearm. (Photo: NASA)

1944-2019 celebrating 75 years United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. In 1949 Muroc Army Airfield was renamed after Captain Glen Edwards as the Army Air Corps became the Air Force. From 1961 onwards the school added the Aerospace Research Pilot Course, whin spun off at least 25 future astronauts. 40 years ago, Tom wolfe wrote “The Right Stuff” about test pilots engaged in U.S. postwar experimental high-speed rocket-powered aircraft testing, pushing the envelope…   (Photo: MoonwatchUniverse)

1944-2019 celebrating 75 years United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. In 1949 Muroc Army Airfield was renamed after Captain Glen Edwards. From 1961 onwards the school added the Aerospace Research Pilot Course, whin spun off at least 25 future astronauts. 40 years ago, Tom wolfe wrote “The Right Stuff” about test pilots engaged in U.S. postwar experimental high-speed rocket-powered aircraft testing, pushing the envelope… (Photo: MoonwatchUniverse)