WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, pilot, makes a facial gesture at the camera while suiting up in Launch Complex 16 trailer during Gemini-6 prelaunch countdown. NASA has planned a two-day mission in space for astronauts Stafford and Walter M. Schirra Jr. (out of frame), command pilot. An attempt was made to launch Gemini-6 from Pad 19 at 9:54 a.m. (EST) on Dec. 12, 1965. However, seconds after ignition, the first stage engine of the Gemini-6 launch vehicle shutdown due to a faulty release of a liftoff umbilical plug.