zoom_in Click to enlarge

Gordon Cooper

▲ ▼

description Gordon Cooper Overview

Gordon Cooper was an American aviator and NASA astronaut central to early space exploration. He achieved recognition for piloting the longest single Mercury mission, Faith 7’s 22 orbits around Earth in 1963. Later, he served as co-commandant of Gemini 5, contributing significantly to the program's scientific objectives. Cooper’s experiences are particularly relevant for historians and those interested in the early days of human spaceflight within the United States Air Force.

help Gordon Cooper FAQ

How many orbits did Gordon Cooper complete on his Mercury Faith 7 mission?

Gordon Cooper completed exactly 22 orbits around Earth during his Mercury Faith 7 mission in 1963. This made it the longest and final crewed spaceflight of Project Mercury, lasting just over 34 hours.

Did Gordon Cooper fly on any Gemini missions?

Yes, Gordon Cooper served as the command pilot for Gemini 5 alongside pilot Charles "Pete" Conrad in 1965. The mission lasted nearly eight days and proved that astronauts could survive in space long enough to travel to the Moon and back.

Who was Gordon Cooper's co-pilot on the Gemini 5 mission?

Gordon Cooper flew with fellow astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad on the Gemini 5 mission. Together, they tested vital fuel cell technology and rendezvous procedures in Earth orbit.

Was Gordon Cooper the last astronaut to fly alone in space?

Yes, Gordon Cooper holds the distinction of being the last American astronaut to fly a solo space mission. His 1963 Mercury-Atlas 9 flight aboard Faith 7 marked the final single-person orbital flight for the United States.