98 a
NASA / Unidentified Photographer

Astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell during prelaunch countdown at Launch Complex 16

Gemini VII, December 4, 1965

Two vintage chromogenic prints on fiber-based Kodak paper, each 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), with NASA MSC captions and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the versos, numbered “NASA S-66-61755, S-66-61756” in blue in top margin

98 b
NASA / Unidentified Photographer

The crew fully suited during tests at Launch Complex 16

Gemini VII, December 1965

Two vintage gelatin silver prints on fiber-based paper, each 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), the second with RCA Quality Control stamp and NASA KSC caption on the verso

98 c
NASA / Unidentified Photographer

Photomontage showing the liftoff of the Titan rocket with portraits of astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell

Gemini VII, December 4, 1965, 000:00:04 GET

Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper, 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), with “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

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Lot Essay

98 a
The astronauts undergo suiting up operations for liftoff in the Launch Complex 16 suit trailer. Frank Borman, Command Pilot, talks with Alan Shepard, first American in space and Chief of the MSC Astronaut Office, while James Lovell talks with Clyde Teague, NASA technician.

“According to Charles Berry, chief of Medical Programs at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Gemini VII basically was an effort to better understand how humans adapt to microgravity. ‘It’s the culmination of our efforts to double man’s exposure to the space environment with a 14-day flight,’ he said. ‘The mission will show us that man, indeed, can adapt. That his body does not show changes that increase with his exposure to that environment. The additional data will allow us to medically commit man to a lunar mission’ (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones).

98 b
The first photograph shows the crew walking up the ramp toward the elevator leading to their spacecraft atop the Titan launch vehicle.

The second photograph shows the crew in the cockpit of the spacecraft during joint systems tests of the launch vehicle and spacecraft. They are wearing lightweight pressure suits designed to be removable during their marathon 14-day mission.

“The longest previous spaceflight was the eight-day mission of Gemini V. Borman noted that he and Lovell hoped to take advantage of the earlier experiences. ‘One of the things we got from Gemini V was that flying in the heavier spacesuits was very debilitating,’ he said. ‘So we were able to convince NASA that we should have a lightweight pressure suit which was developed in a very short period of time. It was very convenient because we could get out of it, and we did’” (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones).

98 c
Gemini VII, carrying astronauts Frank Borman, Command Pilot, and James Lovell, pilot, was successfully launched from Pad 19 at 2:30 p.m., (EST) Dec. 4, 1965. The Gemini VII spacecraft was scheduled for a 14-day mission in space including rendezvous with the Gemini VI-A spacecraft to be launched eight days later.

“’We’re on our way, Frank,’ said Lovell as Gemini VII launched. As the rocket exhaust began to clear, teams were standing by to begin preparing for Gemini VI-A.
‘I was in the control center at Cape Kennedy watching the launch of Gemini VII and as the spacecraft was continuing into orbit, I glanced at another TV monitor and it showed the next launch vehicle being wheeled out of the hanger. That’s how fast the action was taking place,’ said NASA Gemini Program Manager Charles Matthews” (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/dual-gemini-flights-achieved-crucial-spaceflight-milestones).