Description

Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. exits spacecraft after landing in the Atlantic Ocean, assisted by Navy personnel. Used in Technology Review, February 1967, p. 24. Original print number 66-H-1428.

Original Caption: "Cape Kennedy, Fla., -- A U.S. Navy pararescueman helps Gemini 12 pilot Edwin Aldrin from the spacecraft in which he and Command Pilot James Lovell splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean more than 6,000 miles east of Cape Kennedy following their four-day Earth orbital mission. Lovell and Aldrin were flown by helicopter to the USS Wasp, prime recovery ship, which was stationed about three miles from their splashdown point. Aboard the Wasp they received a "red carpet" welcome by National Aeronautics and Space Administration officials and military personnel, commemorating their more than 94 1/2-hour space flight. The scorched dish-shaped heat shield that protected the astronauts during their reentry is depicted at the rear of the spacecraft."

Original Caption 2: "Gemini 12 pilot Edwin E. Aldrin leaves the spacecraft after landing just two and a half miles from the prime recovery ship USS Wasp, ending what Command Pilot James Lovell called "four days' vacation with pay to see the world." The scorched dish-shaped heat shield that protected the astronauts during re-entry is in the foreground."