Richard F. Gordon Jr.
Apollo 12 command module pilot who orbited the Moon 45 times.
Richard Francis Gordon Jr. was a naval officer, aviator, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and football executive. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1929, he was the first of five children and earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Washington in 1951. After joining the Navy, he became a Naval Aviator in 1953 and later attended test pilot school, serving as a flight test pilot on aircraft including the F-8U Crusader and F4H-1 Phantom II, for which he was the first project test pilot. In 1961, he won the Bendix Trophy by flying an F4H-1 from Los Angeles to New York in 2 hours and 47 minutes, setting a transcontinental speed record.
Selected by NASA in 1963 as part of the third group of astronauts, Gordon made his first spaceflight as pilot of Gemini 11 in 1966 alongside Pete Conrad, setting an altitude record. During the mission, he performed two spacewalks, attaching a tether to an Agena target vehicle and retrieving a nuclear emulsion experiment. He later served as command module pilot for Apollo 12 in 1969, orbiting the Moon 45 times while Conrad and Alan Bean landed in the Ocean of Storms. Gordon photographed future landing sites from lunar orbit. He was slated to command Apollo 18, but the mission was canceled. After his flights, he worked on Space Shuttle design and retired from NASA and the Navy in 1972. Post-NASA, he became executive vice president of the New Orleans Saints, held leadership roles in energy and engineering firms, and served as a technical advisor for a television miniseries.
- died
- November 6, 2017, San Marcos, California
- field
- Naval officer, aviator, test pilot, NASA astronaut, football executive
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Command module pilot of Apollo 12; pilot of Gemini 11; one of 24 Apollo astronauts to reach the Moon
Lore & Background
Richard F. Gordon Jr. was a naval officer, aviator, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and football executive. He was one of 24 Apollo astronauts to reach the Moon, serving as command module pilot for Apollo 12, which orbited the Moon 45 times. He had previously flown as pilot of Gemini 11 in 1966, setting an altitude record and performing two spacewalks to attach a tether to an Agena target vehicle and retrieve a nuclear emulsion experiment. Gordon was the oldest astronaut selected in NASA’s third group, chosen in October 1963. He logged over 4,500 flight hours, with 3,500 in jets, and won the Bendix Trophy in May 1961 by flying an F4H-1 Phantom II from Los Angeles to New York City at 869.74 miles per hour, setting a transcontinental speed record of 2 hours 47 minutes. As a test pilot, he worked on the F-8U Crusader, F-11F Tiger, FJ Fury, and A-4D Skyhawk, and was the first project test pilot for the F4H-1. After Apollo 12, he served as backup commander for Apollo 15 and was slated to command Apollo 18, which was canceled due to budget cuts. He later worked on Space Shuttle design, then became executive vice president of the New Orleans Saints, and held leadership roles in energy and engineering firms, including president of Astro Sciences Corporation. He also served as a technical advisor and played the part of "Capcom" in the 1984 CBS miniseries *Space*.
Reader's Guide
Richard F. Gordon Jr. holds a significant place in spaceflight history as one of only 24 astronauts to reach the Moon. As command module pilot of Apollo 12, he orbited the Moon 45 times, photographing future landing sites while his crewmates explored the Ocean of Storms. His earlier Gemini 11 mission set an altitude record and demonstrated critical spacewalk techniques. Gordon's career also included distinguished service as a naval test pilot, winning the Bendix Trophy for a transcontinental speed record. After NASA, he transitioned to executive roles in professional football and energy industries, reflecting a versatile career. His legacy is preserved through honors such as the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, induction into the International Space Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, and a Washington elementary school named after him.
Did You Know?
- Gordon was the oldest astronaut in his NASA selection group of October 1963.
- Gordon was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Richard F. Gordon Jr.?
Richard Francis Gordon Jr. was an American naval officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut best known for piloting the command module on Apollo 12. He also flew Gemini 11 and later served as a football executive.
What was Richard F. Gordon Jr.'s role on Apollo 12?
He stayed in the command module in lunar orbit while his crewmates descended to the Moon's surface. Over the course of that mission, he completed 45 full orbits around the Moon.
Why is Richard F. Gordon Jr. significant in space history?
He is one of only 24 Apollo astronauts who actually reached the Moon, giving him a direct role in humanity's second crewed lunar landing. His earlier experience as a naval test pilot also helped shape the vehicles he eventually flew.
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