USA 1966 Gemini 12

Gemini 12 (GT-12), launched on November 11, 1966, was the final manned flight in Project Gemini. It was crewed by James A. Lovell and Edwin E. Aldrin. Gemini 12 was designed to perform rendezvous and docking with the Agena target vehicle, to conduct three Extravehicular Activity (EVA) operations, to conduct a tethered stationkeeping exercise, to perform docked maneuvers using the Agena propulsion system to change orbit, and demonstrate an automatic reentry.

Gemini 12 "Orbit Covers" cancelled on launch day at Cape Canaveral, signed by Edwin Aldrin and James Lovell.

Gemini 12 cover with KSC cachet signed by Edwin Aldrin and James Lovell.

At the completion of the previous Gemini flights, the program still had not demonstrated that an astronaut could conduct extra-vehicular activity (EVA) operations easily and efficiently. In preparation for Gemini 12, underwater training for space walk simulation was first introduced by Adrin himself. Even today, this training technique is still widely used to simulate a weightless environment for an astronaut to practice EVA operations.

Gemini 12 captain cover.

Gemini 12 primary recovery ship Beck cover with USS Wasp hand cancel.

A Gemini 12 USS Wasp postmark on a Gemini 11 recovery ship cover.