Center Director Gene Goldman and special guests celebrate the opening of the site's new Emergency Operations Center on June 2. Participants included (l t r): Steven Cooper, deputy director of the National Weather Service Southern Region; Tom Luedtke, NASA associate administrator for institutions and management; Charles Scales, NASA associate deputy administrator; Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour; Gene Goldman, director of Stennis Space Center; Jack Forsythe, NASA assistant administrator for the Office of Security and Program Protection; Dr. Richard Williams, NASA chief health and medical officer; and Weldon Starks, president of Starks Contracting Company Inc. of Biloxi.

S66-45613 (23 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (with pipe) and Richard F. Gordon Jr. (background) view negatives from their Gemini-11 mission. Photo credit: NASA

S66-45614 (23 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (with pipe) and Richard F. Gordon Jr. (background) view negatives from their Gemini-11 mission. Photo credit: NASA

AS12-46-6728 (19 Nov. 1969) --- Astronaut Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot for the Apollo 12 mission, is about to step off the ladder of the Lunar Module to join astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., mission commander, in extravehicular activity (EVA). Conrad and Bean descended in the Apollo 12 LM to explore the moon while astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, President Richard M. Nixon speaks in the Launch Control Center after the successful liftoff of the Apollo 12 space vehicle, which sent astronauts Charles Conrad, Jr., Richard F. Gordon and Alan Bean on the first leg of their lunar landing mission. With the President are Paul Donnelly, Launch Operations manager, on the left, and First Lady Pat Nixon, on the right. Photo Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Shown at the table on the left are Dr. Amy K. Donahue, James D. Lloyd, Robert Sieck, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Forrest C. McCartney, Richard Kohrs, Sy Rubenstein and Dr. Charles C. Daniel. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

S66-57967 (10 Sept. 1966) --- Gemini-11 prime crew, astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (right), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr. (left), pilot, prepare to enter the Gemini-11 spacecraft in the White Room atop Pad 19. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50752 (15 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 prime crew, astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (right) and Richard F. Gordon Jr. pose in front of the recovery helicopter which brought them to the USS Guam. Photo credit: NASA

S66-56177 (10 Sept. 1966) --- Technicians in the White Room atop Pad 19 prepare to close hatches on the Gemini-11 spacecraft during prelaunch countdown. Inside the spacecraft are astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50756 (15 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 prime crew, astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (right) and Richard F. Gordon Jr. stand on the deck of the USS Guam after being recovered by helicopter from the splashdown area. Photo credit: NASA

S66-44497 (23 July 1966) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (left) and Richard F. Gordon Jr. (right), prime crew for the Gemini-11 spaceflight, practice water egress procedures in the Gulf of Mexico. Static Article 5 was used in the training exercise. A MSC swimmer is in the water assisting in the training. Photo credit: NASA

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., questions NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies of the Appropriations Committee hearing concerning the FY 2011 NASA Budget, Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the STS-41D flight crew are, from left to right, Michael L. Coats, Charles D. Walker, Steven A. Hawley, Judith A. Resnik, Richard M. Mullane, and Henry Hartsfield. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-38 flight crew disembark from the orbiter Atlantis after a successful landing at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. From bottom up are Commander Richard Covey, Pilot Frank Culbertson and Mission Specialists Robert Springer, Charles Gemar and Carl Meade.

S66-44511 (13 July 1966) --- The Gemini-11 prime crew, astronauts Richard F. Gordon Jr. (left), pilot, and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, relax on deck of the NASA Motor Vessel Retriever after suiting up for water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo credit: NASA

S66-54548 (12-15 Sept. 1966) --- This photograph, taken during one of the 44 orbits the Gemini-11 crew made around Earth, shows the Indian Ocean west of Australia looking northwest. The crew consisted of astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. and Richard F. Gordon Jr. Photo credit: NASA

S69-38852 (22 Sept. 1969) --- These three astronauts have been named by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission. Left to right are Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean.

S69-38992 (September 1969) --- These three astronauts have been named by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission. Left to right, are Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean.

S66-50761 (15 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Richard F. Gordon Jr. (left), pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, sit in life raft while awaiting pickup by a helicopter from the USS Guam. Members of the Navy frogman team wait with them. Photo credit: NASA

S65-58504 (4 Nov. 1965) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., (right) prime crew command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., prime crew pilot, for the Gemini-Titan XI (GT-11) Earth-orbital mission. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50780 (10 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Richard F. Gordon Jr. (in front), pilot, and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, walk up the ramp at Pad 19 during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. Photo credit: NASA

STS048-S-180 (18 Sept 1991) --- Having just completed a successful six day mission in Earth orbit, the five astronaut crewmembers for NASA's STS-48 spaceflight egress the crew transport vehicle (CTV). Astronaut John O. Creighton shakes hands with astronaut Richard N. Richards, who had earlier flown a NASA aircraft for weather checkout in the landing area. Following the mission commander are astronauts James F. Buchli, Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, Kenneth S. Reightler and Mark N. Brown. Discovery can be seen in the background. The Edwards Air Force Base landing occurred at 12:38:38 a.m. (PDT), September 18, 1991.

S66-50726 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, relaxes in Launch Complex 16 suiting trailer during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. Minutes later astronauts Conrad and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, were transported to Pad 19 and their waiting Gemini-11 spacecraft in preparation for their scheduled three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

S66-45635 (26 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. (center), Gemini-11 prime crew command pilot, discusses the Gemini-11/Agena tether before a gathering of news media representatives in the MSC Building 1 auditorium. Holding an Agena model at right is astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., Gemini-11 pilot. Looking on at left is George M. Low, MSC Deputy Director. Photo credit: NASA

AS12-46-6729 (19 Nov. 1969) --- Astronaut Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot for the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission, steps from the ladder of the Lunar Module to join astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander, in extravehicular activity on Nov. 19, 1969. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

S69-58005 (10 Nov. 1969) --- An artist's concept of the Apollo 12 Command Module's (CM) interior, with the command module pilot at the controls. The Apollo 12 Lunar Module (LM) and a portion of the lunar surface are seen out of the window. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr. will maneuver the Apollo 12 Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit while astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander, and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, explore the moon.

STS039-07-017 (28 April - 6 May 1991) --- The seven member astronaut crew for the STS-39 mission poses on the middeck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery for an in-flight crew portrait. Left to right (front) are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Michael L. Coats, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach and Gregory J. Harbaugh; and left to right (rear) are astronauts Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond and Richard J. Hieb. Photo credit: NASA

AS12-50-7362 (14 Nov. 1969) --- A view of one-third of Earth, with Australia on the horizon, as photographed by the three-man crew of Apollo 12. The Command and Service Modules, mated to the Lunar Module (yet to be removed and transpositioned for landing) were en route to the moon for man's second mission there. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr. and Alan L. Bean. Photo credit: NASA

S73-30889 (June 1973) --- Leonid I. Breznev, General Secretary of the Communist Party, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and President Richard M. Nixon, during ceremonies at the Western White House in San Clemente, California, examine plaques presented by Skylab astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., center; Joseph P. Kerwin, second from right; and Paul J. Weitz, left. Photo credit: NASA

STS039-610-037 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Numerous atmospheric scattering layers over Earth are apparent in this frame. The layers consist of fine particles suspended in very stable layers of the atmosphere. This photo was taken with a 70mm Rolliflex camera during the Space Shuttle Discovery's eight day mission. Crew members onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Donald R. McMonagle and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach.

S90-52756 (December 1990) --- NASA's STS-39 crew members, wearing their partial pressure launch and entry suits, pose for traditional portrait. Left to right are astronauts Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Donald R. McMonagle, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond Jr., Richard J. Hieb and Guion S. Bluford Jr. Coats is mission commander; Hammond, pilot, and the others are mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

S66-24380 (26 Feb. 1966) --- Gemini-8 prime and backup crews during press conference. Left to right are astronauts David R. Scott, prime crew pilot; Neil A. Armstrong, prime crew command pilot; Charles Conrad Jr., backup crew command pilot; and Richard F. Gordon Jr., backup crew pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S66-54455 (13 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., Gemini-11 pilot, attaches a tether line from his spacecraft to the Agena Target Docking Vehicle (ATDV) during a spacewalk. This view was taken over the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 160 miles above Earth on Sept. 13, 1966. With the aid of the ATDV, Gordon and astronaut Charles (Pete) Conrad Jr., command pilot, set a new altitude record of 750 miles during the GT-11 mission. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50719 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, suits up in the Launch Complex 16 suiting trailer during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. Minutes later astronaut Gordon and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, were transported to Pad 19 and their waiting Gemini-11 spacecraft in preparation for their scheduled three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

STS039-S-051 (28 April 1991) --- In KSC's Operations and Checkout Building, a very light breakfast is shared by the seven members of the STS-39 flight crew prior to their April 28, 1991 launch. Left to right are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond, Michael L. Coats, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

S69-22849 (24 Nov. 1969) --- USS Hornet crewmen are greeted by the crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission as the three astronauts are transferred from a U.S. Navy helicopter to a Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) aboard the prime recovery vessel. Charles Conrad Jr., right, commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, left front; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, splashed down safely at 2:58 p.m., Nov. 24, 1969.

S66-50749 (15 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 spaceflight is concluded as the Gemini-11 spacecraft, with astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, aboard, touches down in the Atlantic Ocean 1.5-2 statute miles from the prime recovery ship, USS Guam. Gemini-11 splashed down at 9 a.m. (EST), Sept. 15, 1966, to conclude a three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50757 (15 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, is hoisted aboard a recovery helicopter from the USS Guam. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, sits in a life raft below waiting to be picked up. Gemini-11 splashed down at 9 a.m. (EST) Sept. 15, 1966, to conclude a three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50759 (15 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, is hoisted from the water by a recovery helicopter from the prime recovery ship USS Guam. Gemini-11 splashed down in the western Atlantic recovery area at 9 a.m. (EST), Sept. 15, 1966, to conclude the three-day mission in space. Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. (out of frame) is the Gemini-11 command pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S66-54585 (12-15 Sept. 1966) --- The Agena Target Docking Vehicle at a distance of approximately 80 feet from the Gemini-11 spacecraft. This view was taken after the disconnect of the tether between the two vehicles. Crew members for the Gemini-11 mission are astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 12 lunar module pilot Alan L. Bean enters spacecraft in preparation for altitude chamber test with mission commander Charles Conrad Jr. and Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot. Air was pumped out of the chamber to simulate a space environment. The Apollo 12 astronauts are scheduled to perform the nation’s second manned lunar landing. Photo credit: NASA

AS12-46-6832 (19 Nov. 1969) --- A close-up view of a lunar mound as photographed during the Apollo 12 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the lunar surface. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 12 Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit while astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander, and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon.

STS038-28-016 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers pose on Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, middeck for traditional onboard (in-space) portrait. Wearing red, yellow, and orange crew polo shirts are (right to left) Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Commander Richard O. Covey, MS Charles D. Gemar, and MS Carl J. Meade.

STS-38 crewmembers, wearing red, yellow, and orange polo shirts, egress Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, via a mobile stairway at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Commander Richard O. Covey, nearing the bottom of the stairway, is followed by Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, MS Charles D. Gemar, and MS Carl J. Meade. Ground servicing personnel look on in the foreground.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 12 Lunar Module pilot Alan L. Bean enters spacecraft in preparation for altitude chamber test with mission commander Charles Conrad Jr. and Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot. Air was pumped out of the chamber to simulate a space environment. The Apollo 12 astronauts are scheduled to perform the nation’s second manned lunar landing. Photo credit: NASA

S81-39580 (14 Nov. 1981) --- Astronauts Joe H. Engle, rear, and Richard H. Truly egress the space shuttle Columbia after spending two days, six hours and 13 minutes on NASA?s STS-2 mission. At right is their physician, Dr. Charles La Pinta of the JSC Medical Sciences Division. Photo credit: NASA

S66-53900 (12 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 spacecraft, carrying astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, was successfully launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 19 at 9:42 a.m. (EST), Sept. 12, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50715 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, undergoes suiting up operations in the Launch Complex 16 suit trailer during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. Later, astronauts Conrad and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, entered a transport van which carried them to Pad 19 and their waiting spacecraft in preparation for their scheduled three-day mission in space. Suit technician James L. Garrepy assists. Photo credit: NASA

S66-45615 (23 Sept. 1966) --- Discussing the S-13, Ultraviolet Astronomical Camera Experiment, during the postflight experiments briefing at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas, are (left to right) astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Gemini-11 command pilot; Richard F. Gordon Jr., Gemini-11 pilot; and Dr. Karl Henize, Dearborn Observatory, Northwestern University. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50713 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., Chief, MSC Astronaut Office, shields his eyes from the sun as he follows the Gemini-11 liftoff. Onboard were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, scheduled for a three-day mission in space. Liftoff was at 9:42 a.m. (EST), Sept. 12, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

AS12-46-6825 (19 Nov. 1969) --- Close-up view of a lunar rock, small crater, and lunar mound as photographed during the Apollo 12 extravehicular activity (EVA). Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 12 Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit while astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander, and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon.

S66-50816 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, undergoes suiting up operations in the Launch Complex 16 suit trailer during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. At right is suit technician Clyde Teague. Later, astronaut Gordon and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, entered a transport van which carried them to Pad 19 and their waiting spacecraft. The liftoff was at 9:42 a.m. (EST), Sept. 12, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

S69-56699 (22 Oct. 1969) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (left), Apollo 12 commander; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, are shown in the Apollo Lunar Module Mission Simulator during simulator training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Apollo 12 will be the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) second lunar landing mission. The third Apollo 12 crewmember will be astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot.

S69-52980 (1969) --- The three crewmen of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission are briefed aboard the NASA Motor Vessel Retriever in preparation for water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Left to right, are astronauts Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; Charles Conrad Jr., commander; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot. Two training personnel are in the background.

The official STS-38 crew portrait includes the following 5 astronauts (front left to right): Frank L. Culbertson, pilot; and Richard O. Covey, commander. Standing (left to right) are mission specialists (MS) Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, (MS-3), Robert C. Springer, (MS-1), and Carl J. Meade, (MS-2). The seventh mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), the STS-38 crew launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on November 15, 1990 at 6:48:15 pm (EST).

41D-3299 (5 Sept 1984) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery was captured on film just prior to touchdown on Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base to successfully complete a six-day mission in space. Inside were Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., Michael L., Coats, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven A. Hawley, Judith A. Resnik and Charles D. Walker. Mission duration time was six days, 56 minutes and four seconds.

STS-38 crewmembers, carrying their luggage, walk across the Ellington Field runway to board their T-38As. The crewmembers are lead by Pilot Frank L. Culbertson. Commander Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer (wearing sunglasses), and MS Charles D. Gemar follow. The crewmembers are preparing for their departure to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Ellington Field hangar is visible in the background.

The crew of the STS 41-D mission exit the orbiter after landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Starting at the top of the ladder is Astronaut Charles D. Walker, payload specialist; Judith A. Resnik, mission specialist; Steven A. Hawley, mission specialist; and Richard M. Mike Mullane, mission specialist. Waiting at the bottom of the ramp are Astronaut Mike Coats (left), pilot and Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. (center), crew commander.

S66-50769 (8 Sept. 1966) --- Gemini-11 prime and backup crews are pictured at the Gemini Mission Simulator at Cape Kennedy, Florida. Left to right are astronauts William A. Anders, backup crew pilot; Richard F. Gordon Jr., prime crew pilot; Charles Conrad Jr. (foot on desk), prime crew command pilot; and Neil A. Armstrong, backup crew command pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S69-54412 (11 Oct. 1969) --- The members of the Apollo 12 prime crew discuss their scheduled lunar landing mission at a preflight press conference which was held on Oct. 11, 1969, in the Manned Spacecraft Center auditorium. Left to right, are astronauts Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Charles Conrad Jr., commander.

S65-58502 (4 Nov. 1965) --- This is the portrait of the prime and backup crew members of the Gemini-Titan 8 (GT-8) mission. Astronauts David R. Scott (left), pilot; and astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, command pilot, are the prime crew of the Gemini-8 mission. Backup crew (left to right, standing) are astronauts Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot; and Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S69-56700 (22 Oct. 1969) --- A fish-eye lens view of astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (on left), Apollo 12 commander, and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, inside the Apollo Lunar Module Mission Simulator during simulator training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Apollo 12 will be the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) second lunar landing mission. The third Apollo 12 crewmember will be astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot.

AS12-47-6870 (November 1969) --- An Apollo 12 high-oblique view of the crater Tsiolkovsky (in center of horizon) on the lunar farside, as photographed from lunar orbit. The crew men of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot. Tsiolkovsky is centered at 128.5 degrees east longitude and 20.5 degrees south latitude. This view is looking south.

S66-50723 (12 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 prime crew enjoys a breakfast of steak and eggs with astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. (right), Chief, MSC Astronaut Office, on the morning of the scheduled Gemini-11 launch. On left is astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr. (center) is the pilot. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50714 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (foreground), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, are seen in the Gemini-11 spacecraft in the white room atop Pad 19 awaiting the final minutes of the prelaunch countdown. The Gemini-11 liftoff was at 9:42 a.m. (EST), Sept. 12, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

S68-55255 (6 Nov. 1968) --- Overhead view of Altitude Chamber "L" in the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building showing a member of the Apollo 9 backup crew preparing to ingress the Apollo 9 spacecraft for egress test and simulated altitude run. The Apollo 9 backup crew consists of astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean.

S69-53716 (1969) --- The prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission is photographed during spacecraft checkout activity at North American Rockwell Space Division at Downey, California. Left to right, are astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

S66-50743 (15 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 spacecraft is lowered onto a dolly on the deck of the USS Guam, prime recovery vessel for the Gemini-11 mission. Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. and Richard F. Gordon Jr. had already been picked up by helicopter from the splashdown area and brought aboard the Guam. Photo credit: NASA

S69-22876 (24 Nov. 1969) --- Rear Admiral Donald C. David, Commander, Manned Spacecraft Recovery Force, Pacific, welcomes the crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission aboard the USS Hornet, prime recovery vessel for the mission. A color guard was also on hand for the welcoming ceremonies. Inside the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) are (left to right) astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

The seventh mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), the STS-38 mission, launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on November 15, 1990 at 6:48:15 pm (EST). The STS-38 crew included the following five astronauts: Richard O. Covey, commander; Frank L. Culbertson, pilot; and mission specialists Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, Robert C. Springer, and Carl J. Meade.

S66-50763 (16 Sept. 1966) --- Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (left), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, wave to the welcome crowd at the Cape Kennedy skid strip. The Gemini-11 crew had just arrived by helicopter from the recovery ship, USS Guam. Gemini-11 splashed down in the western Atlantic, 700 miles east of Cape Kennedy, at 9 a.m. (EST), Sept. 15, 1966 to conclude a three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

S66-50767 (15 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, climbs from the spacecraft minutes after splashdown. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, still has his hatch closed. A U.S. Navy frogman team attached a flotation collar to the spacecraft. A recovery helicopter from the USS Guam picked up the two astronauts. Photo credit: NASA

S66-53547 (15 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-11 spacecraft, with astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. and Richard F. Gordon Jr. aboard, nears touchdown in the Atlantic Ocean approximately two statute miles from the prime recovery ship, USS Guam. Gemini-11 splashed down at 9 a.m. (EST), Sept. 15, 1966, to conclude a three-day mission in space. Photo credit: NASA

S69-22728 (24 Nov. 1969) --- The Apollo 12 Command Module, with astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean aboard, nears splashdown in the Pacific Ocean to conclude the second lunar landing mission. The Apollo 12 splashdown occurred at 2:58 p.m., Nov. 24, 1969, near American Samoa.

AS12-46-6726 (19 Nov. 1969) --- Astronaut Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot for the Apollo 12 mission, starts down the ladder of the Lunar Module (LM) to join astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., mission commander, in extravehicular activity (EVA). While astronauts Conrad and Bean descended in the LM "Intrepid" to explore the Ocean of Storms region of the moon, astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Yankee Clipper" in lunar orbit.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for its maiden flight at 8:42 a.m. EDT. The crew members for the 41-D flight are commander Henry w. Hartsfield, pilot Michael L. Coats, mission specialists Judith A. Resnik, Steven A. Hawley, Richard M. Mullane, and payload specialist Charles W. Walker. Photo Credit: NASA

S66-50772 (7 Sept. 1966) --- The Gemini-Titan XI (GT-11) prime and backup crews pose for a group portrait. Seated is the prime crew, astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (right), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr. (left), pilot. The backup crew (standing) is astronauts Neil A. Armstrong (right), command pilot, and William A. Anders (left), pilot. The two crews were suited up for a simulation test at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

S69-52984 (20 Sept. 1969) --- A member of the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission is hoisted up to a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter during water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Participating in the training were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 12 astronauts, left to right, Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon, and Alan L. Bean, pose in front of a NASA T-38 training aircraft at Patrick Air Force Base. Eacht astronaut piloted his own T-38, performing aerobatics in preparation for their mission, the second manned lunar landing.

STS038-S-040 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers, wearing red, yellow, and orange polo shirts, pose in front of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, parked on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) during post flight activities. Left to right are Commander Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, MS Charles D. Gemar, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, and MS Carl J. Meade.

AS12-47-6938 (19 Nov. 1969) --- A close-up view of a heart-shaped depression (crater) in the lunar surface, as photographed during the Apollo 12 extravehicular activity (EVA). The legs of astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander, can be seen in the background. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit while astronauts Conrad and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon.

STS039-S-048 (28 April 1991)--- This side view of liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery was provided by a pre-set camera at KSC's Launch Pad 39A. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991. Onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle.

S66-50765 (12 Sept. 1966) --- The erector at Launch Complex 19 is lowered during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. Awaiting the launch in the Gemini-11 spacecraft atop the Gemini Launch Vehicle-11 are astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot. Liftoff was at 9:42 a.m. (EST), Sept. 12, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

STS118-S-002 (May 2007) --- These seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-118 crew portrait. Pictured from the left are astronauts Richard A. (Rick) Mastracchio, mission specialist; Barbara R. Morgan, mission specialist; Charles O. Hobaugh, pilot; Scott J. Kelly, commander; Tracy E. Caldwell, Canadian Space Agency's Dafydd R. (Dave) Williams, and Alvin Drew Jr., all mission specialists. The crewmembers are attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits.

AS12-47-6898 (19 Nov. 1969) --- A close-up view of the Solar Wind Composition device. Astronaut Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, took this photograph, after having deployed the device. Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander, and Bean descended in the Apollo 12 Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, while astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained in lunar orbit with the Command and Service Modules (CSM).

S66-50720 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Preparations are made in the white room atop Pad 19 to close the hatches on the Gemini-11 spacecraft just after insertion during the Gemini-11 prelaunch countdown. On the left is astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot; and on the right is Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew members look over parts of the mission payload, the control moment gyroscope, at SPACEHAB during crew equipment interface test activities. Seen here are Mission Specialists Dr. Dafydd Williams (left) and Richard Mastracchio. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh, and Mission Specialists Williams, Barbara Morgan, Richard Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Benjamin Drew. Williams is with the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-118 mission will be delivering the third starboard truss segment, the ITS S5, to the International Space Station, and a SPACEHAB Single Cargo module with supplies and equipment. Launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted for August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Apprentice Class Graduates: 32 Apprentice Greaduates: Ivan E. Albertson, Colossie N. Batts, Billy W. Beasley, John H. Belveal, Ernest R. Dunnigan, Durwood W. Davis, Charles E. Drummond, John R.Ellingsworth, Jr., Hugh D. Fitzgerald, Ernest A. Gurganus, Joseph R. Guy, William C. Henley,Jr., Richard N. Hill, Hiram R. Hogge, Jr., James D. Holt, James L. Hudgins, Robert F. Macklin, Roy W. Mason, Clyde J. May,Roger N. Messier, William C. Moughon, William S. Pillow, Wayne R. Posey, Mark E. Price, John W. Schwartz, Herbert F. Shackleford, John W. Simpson,John B. Slight, Cecil W. Stephens, Richard K. Stoops, John W. Sundy, Dave, E. Williams.

This is a view of astronaut Richard F. Gordon attaching a high resolution telephoto lens to a camera aboard the Apollo 12 Command Module (CM) Yankee Clipper. The second manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 12 launched from launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 14, 1969 via a Saturn V launch vehicle. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) under the direction of Dr. Wernher von Braun. Aboard Apollo 12 was a crew of three astronauts: Alan L. Bean, pilot of the Lunar Module (LM), Intrepid; Richard Gordon, pilot of the Command Module (CM), Yankee Clipper; and Spacecraft Commander Charles Conrad. The LM, Intrepid, landed astronauts Conrad and Bean on the lunar surface in what’s known as the Ocean of Storms. Their lunar soil activities included the deployment of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP), finding the unmanned Surveyor 3 that landed on the Moon on April 19, 1967, and collecting 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of rock samples. Astronaut Richard Gordon piloted the CM, Yankee Clipper, in a parking orbit around the Moon. Apollo 12 safely returned to Earth on November 24, 1969.

The crew assigned to the STS-41D mission included (seated left to right) Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, mission specialist; Steven A. Hawley, mission specialist; Henry W. Hartsfield, commander; and Michael L. (Mike) Coats, pilot. Standing in the rear are Charles D. Walker, payload specialist; and Judith A. (Judy) Resnik, mission specialist. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery August 30, 1984 at 8:41:50 am (EDT), the STS-41D mission deployed three satellites: the Satellite Business System SBS-D; the SYCOM IV-2 (also known as LEASAT-2); and the TELSTAR.

JSC2006-E-43768 (4 Oct. 2006) --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, astronauts Scott J. Kelly (left), STS-118 commander; Charles O. Hobaugh, pilot; Tracy E. Caldwell and Richard A. (Rick) Mastracchio, mission specialists; Dafydd R. (Dave) Williams, mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency; Barbara R. Morgan, mission specialist; and Clayton C. Anderson, Expedition 15 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer; await the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center.

S69-56596 (28 Oct. 1969) --- A nighttime, ground-level view of Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) showing the Apollo 12 (Spacecraft 108/Lunar Module 6/Saturn 507) space vehicle, during the terminal phase of a Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT). The crew of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) second lunar landing mission will be astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot. The Apollo 12 launch has been scheduled for 11:22 a.m. (EST) on Nov. 14, 1969.

S69-51299 (8 Sept. 1969) --- Ground-level view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), showing the Apollo 12 (Spacecraft 108/ Lunar Module 6/ Saturn 507) space vehicle on the way from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Launch Complex 39 service structure is on the right. Apollo 12 is scheduled as the second lunar landing mission. The crew will be astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

S66-45605 (26 Sept. 1966) --- Movie film of the Gemini-11 extravehicular activity and rendezvous with the Agena Target Docking Vehicle was shown at the Gemini-11 press conference in the MSC Building 1 auditorium. Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr. (left), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, discussed the Gemini-11 EVA and rendezvous mission during the film. Picture on screen shows close-up of astronaut Gordon connecting the Agena Target Vehicle to the spacecraft with a tether line during his spacewalk. Photo credit: NASA

Endeavour's payload bay is open for payload configuration work in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2. The orbiter is the vehicle designated for mission STS-118, scheduled to launch in late June. The mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, as well as carrying the External Stowage Platform 3. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dr. Dafydd (Dave) Williams, Barbara Morgan, Richard Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency.

AS12-48-7149 (20 Nov. 1969) --- A close-up view of astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission, photographed during the extravehicular activity (EVA) on the surface of the moon. An EVA checklist is on Conrad's left wrist. A set of tongs, an Apollo Lunar Hand Tool (ALHT), is held in his right hand. Several footprints can be seen. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit while astronauts Conrad and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, descended in the LM to explore the moon. Note lunar soil on the suit of Conrad, especially around the knees and below.

S69-52990 (20 Sept. 1969) --- The three prime crew men of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission participate in water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. They have just egressed the Apollo Command Module (CM) trainer. The man standing at left is a Manned Spacecraft Center's (MSC) swimmer. The crew men await in life raft for helicopter pickup. All four persons are wearing biological isolation garments. Participating in the training exercise were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

S69-58879 (14 Nov. 1969) --- The huge, 363-feet tall Apollo 12 (Spacecraft 108/Lunar Module 6/Saturn 507) space vehicle is launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), at 11:22 a.m. (EST), Nov. 14, 1969. Aboard the Apollo 12 spacecraft were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot. Apollo 12 is the United States' second lunar landing mission.

S69-60644 (29 Nov. 1969) --- A Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF), with the crew men of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission aboard, arrived at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) Saturday morning, Nov. 29, 1969. Astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean were on their way to the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) where they will remain in quarantines until Dec. 10, 1969. Minutes earlier the three astronauts had arrived at Ellington Air Force Base from Hawaii aboard a U.S. Air Force C-141 transport. The crewmen were confined to the MQF from splashdown until they arrived at the LRL.

STS039-S-003 (20 April 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats (right) addresses the news media after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility along with his six fellow crewmembers. From left are astronauts Richard J. Hieb, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle. The Space Shuttle mate/demate stand is seen in the background. Note: The STS-39 launch of Discovery occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.