#gemini 9

"Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, command pilot of the Gemini-9A spaceflight, is photographed during the Gemini-9A mission inside the spacecraft by astronaut Eugene Cernan, Gemini-9A pilot."

Date: June 3, 1966

February 28, 1966 — Astronauts Elliott See and Charles Bassett are killed in a plane crash

See and Bassett were scheduled to spend three days in orbit in May 1966, during which they would dock with the Gemini-Agena Target Vehicle. Bassett would perform an EVA. However, they were attempting to land in inclement weather in St. Louis, Missouri when their T-38 Talon struck the roof of the McDonnell Aircraft building where their spacecraft was located.

Read more about the original Gemini 9 crew here

Remembering the original crew of Gemini 9, NASA astronauts Elliot See and Charlie Bassett, who died 55 years ago today on February 28, 1966. Talented, brilliant, dedicated men who gave their lives in pursuit of the moon. Their names are on the lunar surface, now and forever. El and Charlie are still dearly missed and loved by their families, friends, and admirers. May their memories be a blessing.

“I knew him as a child knows her father. He was fun-loving, smiled a lot, rode horses with his children on Saturday mornings, built a tree house for his kids, loved a television show called ‘Bonanza,’ and was very principled. I wished for his smiling eyes, and I got them. I remember little things about him, but I didn’t have the opportunity to grow into a larger understanding of the man.” -Elliot’s eldest daughter, Sally