An original 10.5x8" vintage TYPE 1 photo from a large collection of original, official NASA mission photographs from the estate of NASA's Clark C. McClelland (1936-2021).

McClelland worked as an ScO ("Ground Astronaut") on hundreds of manned and unmanned U.S. space missions during his 34 years (1958-1992) with NASA at Cape Canaveral in Florida and was a member of the Mercury, Gemini, Skylab, and Apollo teams. Professionally packaged in a rigid mailer for safe delivery.

Photo Overview

Ed White and Michael Collins are positioned at the controls of the Gemini 7 spacecraft during checkout tests at Launch Complex 19. They are focused on monitoring systems and verifying instruments as part of their duties as backup pilots for the Gemini 7 mission, which was set for launch no earlier than December 4, 1965. The image captured depicts a detailed view of the complex instrument panels and interior of the spacecraft.

Ed White and Michael Collins, both significant figures in NASA's space exploration history, contributed extensively to the Gemini and Apollo programs. Ed White became famous as the first American astronaut to conduct a spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission. Michael Collins later served as the command module pilot for the Apollo 11 mission, where he orbited the Moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made their historic lunar landing. Their work on Gemini 7 was critical for developing techniques and procedures for future space missions, which helped pave the way for lunar exploration.

Text Present

FOR RELEASE: DECEMBER 4, 1965
PHOTO NO: 65-H-861

CAPE KENNEDY, FLORIDA - GEMINI VII BACKUP PILOTS ED WHITE, LEFT, AND MICHAEL COLLINS, RUN THROUGH CHECKOUT TESTS IN THE SPACECRAFT AT LAUNCH COMPLEX 19. THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION'S GEMINI VII FLIGHT OF ASTRONAUTS FRANK BORMAN AND JAMES A. LOVELL, JR., IS SCHEDULED NO EARLIER THAN DECEMBER 4, AND WILL LAST UP TO 14 DAYS.

Condition: Good to excellent vintage condition. Please see photos for scans of the surface. Photo may have natural curling from age.

Gemini 7 | NASA White Collins Checkout Spacecraft Complex 19 - Original Photo