Charles Bassett

Charles Bassett was an American test pilot and astronaut whose career ended abruptly when his T-38 trainer jet crashed into the McDonnell Space Center in St. Louis on February 28, 1966. At the time of his death, he was preparing for his first spaceflight as the pilot of the Gemini 9 mission.

Early Development and Academic Training

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 30, 1931, Bassett developed an early interest in aviation as a high school model plane hobbyist. He achieved his private pilot license at age seventeen after working at local airports to fund his lessons. Following his 1950 graduation from Berea High School, he spent two years at Ohio State University before entering the U.S. Air Force as an aviation cadet in 1952. He later completed his formal education at Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with honors in 1960. He also conducted graduate studies at the University of Southern California.

Military Aviation Career

Bassett received his commission in December 1953 after training at Stallings Air Base. As a second lieutenant at Nellis Air Force Base, he logged time in T-6, T-28, and T-33 trainer aircraft, followed by the F-86 Sabre. His service included a tour in Korea with the 8th Fighter Bomber Group. By the time he attained the rank of captain, he had graduated from the Air Force Experimental Flight Test Pilot School and the Aerospace Research Pilot School. Serving as an experimental and engineering test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, he accumulated over 3,600 flying hours, including 2,900 hours in jet aircraft.

NASA Assignments

Selected as part of NASA's third group of astronauts in October 1963, Bassett contributed significantly to training and simulator development. Deke Slayton later noted that Bassett was chosen for the Gemini 9 mission because of his high level of competence. In addition to his primary assignment alongside command pilot Elliot See, Bassett was designated as command module pilot for the second backup Apollo crew, working with Frank Borman and William Anders.

The St. Louis Accident

On February 28, 1966, Bassett and Elliot See were traveling to St. Louis to train in a Gemini simulator at the McDonnell Space Center. During their approach to Lambert Field, their T-38 jet struck Building 101, where the Gemini spacecraft were manufactured. Both men died instantly from trauma sustained in the crash. A subsequent NASA investigation determined that the primary cause was pilot error compounded by poor visibility due to bad weather. Bassett, who was married with two children, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on March 4, 1966.

Legacy and Memorials

Bassett's contributions to the space program are recognized through several permanent tributes. He is listed on the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Monument. A plaque placed on the Moon by the Apollo 15 crew in 1971 serves as a memorial to fallen astronauts. Additionally, Texas Tech University honored his memory by dedicating an Electrical Engineering Research Laboratory building in his name in 1996.

Fast facts

• Born: December 30, 1931, Dayton, Ohio
• Died: February 28, 1966, St. Louis, Missouri
• Military Rank: Captain, U.S. Air Force
• Education: Texas Tech University, B.S. Electrical Engineering
• Selected as NASA Astronaut: October 1963
• Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
• Total Flight Time: Over 3,600 hours

Questions readers ask

What was Charles Bassett's role on Gemini 9?

He was assigned as the pilot for the mission, with a scheduled ninety-minute untethered spacewalk.

Where is he memorialized?

He is honored at the Space Mirror Memorial, the Astronaut Monument, and via a plaque on the Moon placed by the Apollo 15 mission.

Achievements

• Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Texas Tech University and University of Southern California
• Worked as military officer, test pilot and astronaut