Richard F. Gordon logged 315 hours and 53 minutes in space across two missions, cementing a career that spanned from pioneering high-speed jet testing to lunar exploration. As the command module pilot for Apollo 12, he maintained critical orbital operations while his colleagues descended to the lunar surface in the Ocean of Storms.
Naval Aviation and Flight Testing
Born in Seattle in 1929, Gordon graduated from the University of Washington with a chemistry degree in 1951 before joining the United States Navy. He earned his wings in 1953 and later attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School. During his tenure as a test pilot, he conducted essential evaluations on aircraft including the F-8U Crusader and the F4H-1 Phantom II. In 1961, he won the Bendix Trophy by setting a transcontinental speed record, flying from Los Angeles to New York City in under three hours.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Gemini and Apollo Missions
Selected by NASA in 1963, Gordon first flew on Gemini 11 in 1966. Alongside Pete Conrad, he executed two spacewalks and participated in establishing a then-record orbital altitude of 1,369 kilometres. By 1969, he served as command module pilot for Apollo 12. While orbiting the Moon 45 times in the Yankee Clipper, he conducted photographic surveys of potential landing sites. Though slated to command the later Apollo 18 mission, budget reductions resulted in its cancellation.
Post-NASA Professional Life
After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1972 with the rank of captain, Gordon transitioned into the private sector and professional sports management. He held the role of executive vice president for the New Orleans Saints from 1972 to 1976. Subsequently, he managed various engineering and technical firms, including Astro Sciences Corporation, and consulted on energy industry technology. He remained active in community service, supporting organizations like the March of Dimes and the Boy Scouts of America.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 October 1929, Seattle
- Died: 6 November 2017, San Marcos
- Education: University of Washington, Naval Postgraduate School
- Rank: Captain
- Space Missions: Gemini 11, Apollo 12
- Inducted: International Space Hall of Fame (1982)
- Inducted: National Aviation Hall of Fame (2020)
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Richard F. Gordon's specific role on Apollo 12?
He served as the command module pilot, remaining in lunar orbit aboard the Yankee Clipper while his crewmates landed on the Moon.
Did Gordon work in fields other than aerospace?
Yes, he was an executive for the New Orleans Saints and held leadership positions in engineering and energy sector companies.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame — 1982
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 2020
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Washington, Naval Postgraduate School and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, test pilot and astronaut
