NASA Astronaut Group 2

NASA Astronaut Group 2, also known as the "Next Nine" or "The New Nine," was the second group of astronauts selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1962. Chosen to augment the original Mercury Seven for the ambitious Gemini program and Apollo program, this group included several individuals who would become central figures in the Space Race. Their careers encompassed the first American spacewalk, pivotal Gemini rendezvous missions, and historic lunar landings during Apollo.

Selection and recruitment

Following the success of the Mercury program, NASA announced it was seeking a second group of astronaut candidates in April 1962. The agency received applications from hundreds of military test pilots, with the selection committee chaired by NASA's Director of Flight Crew Operations, Deke Slayton. The criteria were exceptionally rigorous, requiring extensive experience in high-performance aircraft like the F-104 Starfighter and F-8 Crusader, as well as advanced engineering degrees. The final nine were chosen not only for their piloting skills but also for their technical acumen and ability to handle the complex spacecraft of the coming Gemini and Apollo eras. Their selection was formally announced at a press conference in Houston on September 17, 1962.

Members

The group consisted of nine United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps test pilots: Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, Pete Conrad, James A. Lovell, James McDivitt, Elliot See, Thomas P. Stafford, Edward H. White II, and John Young. Armstrong and Young were Naval Academy graduates, while Borman and McDivitt were alumni of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Tragically, Elliot See was killed in a T-38 Talon crash in 1966, and Edward H. White II perished in the Apollo 1 fire in 1967. The remaining members would all command critical missions, with four eventually walking on the Moon.

Training and preparation

Their training was far more intensive and specialized than that of the Mercury Seven, reflecting the advanced goals of NASA's programs. They underwent extensive instruction in orbital mechanics, astronomy, and geology, particularly for future Apollo missions. Simulator work for the Gemini spacecraft was paramount, focusing on mastering rendezvous and docking techniques critical for Apollo. The astronauts also trained for extra-vehicular activity in water tanks and with specialized equipment. Survival training in remote locations like the Nevada desert and Panama jungle was conducted, and they maintained flight proficiency in the NASA fleet of T-38 Talon jets. This comprehensive preparation was overseen by the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston.

Missions and contributions

The group's contributions defined the middle era of the Space Race. Neil Armstrong commanded Gemini 8, performing the first docking in space, and later became the first human to walk on the Moon as commander of Apollo 11. Edward H. White II executed the first American spacewalk during Gemini 4. Frank Borman commanded the historic Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon. James A. Lovell flew on Gemini 7, Gemini 12, and Apollo 8, later commanding the ill-fated Apollo 13. Pete Conrad commanded Gemini 5, Gemini 11, and became the third moonwalker on Apollo 12. Thomas P. Stafford commanded Gemini 6A and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. John Young flew on Gemini 3, orbited the Moon on Apollo 10, and later walked on it as commander of Apollo 16.

Legacy and impact

The legacy of this group is immense, as they successfully executed the foundational techniques needed to land humans on the Moon. They proved critical procedures such as space rendezvous, extra-vehicular activity, and long-duration spaceflight. Multiple members later held key leadership positions at NASA, including John Young as Chief of the Astronaut Office. Their collective experiences directly informed the design and operation of the Space Shuttle program. The courage demonstrated during crises like Apollo 1, Gemini 8, and Apollo 13 became legendary. Their achievements were recognized with numerous honors, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Category:NASA astronaut groups Category:1962 in spaceflight Category:Human spaceflight