92. [Gemini VII] THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST LONG-DURATION SPACE MISSION (diptych) NASA, 4 December 1965 Printed 1965. Two vintage chromogenic prints on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-61838 (second photograph)]. With "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverses (issued by NASA / General Dynamics). Each: 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context These photographs vividly capture the departure of the first long-duration mission of the early space age, which included a pivotal rendezvous with Gemini VI-A, scheduled for launch just eight days later. Frank Borman and James Lovell are wearing lightweight pressure suits designed to be removable during their marathon mission. With 14 days in space, Gemini VII set the record for the longest spaceflight of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. First photograph: astronauts Frank Borman, command pilot, and James Lovell., pilot, are seen walking the ramp toward the elevator at Cape Kennedy's Pad 19, just one hour and 40 minutes before the launch of the Gemini VII spacecraft. Moments later, they rode the elevator to the White Room, where they were strapped into the spacecraft to await the final moments of the countdown. Second photograph: Gemini VII launched successfully from Pad 19 at 2:30 p.m. (EST) on December 4, 1965, marking the start of a historic 14-day mission. "We're on our way, Frank," said Lovell as the spacecraft launched. "As the rocket exhaust began to clear, teams were standing by to prepare for Gemini VI-A. I was in the control centre at Cape Kennedy watching the launch of Gemini VII, and as the spacecraft was continuing into orbit, I glanced at another TV monitor and saw the next launch vehicle being wheeled out of the hangar. That's how fast the action was taking place" recalled NASA Gemini Program Manager Charles Matthews.