Stafford ThomasP

Overview

Thomas Patten Stafford, born September 17, 1930, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, is a prominent American astronaut and United States Air Force officer. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1962 and flew on two historic space missions: Gemini 6A in 1965 and Apollo 10 in 1969.

Biographical Highlights

• Full name: Thomas Patten Stafford
• Birth: September 17, 1930
• Birthplace: Weatherford, Oklahoma, United States
• Occupation: United States Air Force officer; NASA astronaut
• NASA Astronaut Group: 2 (1962)
• Spaceflight history: Gemini 6A (pilot); Apollo 10 (Commander)

Space Career

Stafford's first spaceflight was Gemini 6A in 1965, a rendezvous mission with Gemini 7 that demonstrated proximity operations in orbit. His second flight was Apollo 10 in 1969, where he served as commander. Apollo 10 conducted a full lunar-orbit rehearsal, testing the lunar module's descent and ascent in lunar orbit, which provided critical data for subsequent lunar landing missions. The crew included John W. Young (Command Module Pilot) and Eugene Cernan (Lunar Module Pilot). Apollo 10 completed 31 lunar orbits and helped validate procedures for the eventual Moon landing.

Publications and Notable Public Engagements

Stafford's public presence centers on historical spaceflight achievements. He has participated in anniversary events and interviews related to Gemini and Apollo programs, and has contributed to space-history discussions and education initiatives. Official information about his activities is largely drawn from NASA archives and reputable space-history outlets.

News and Media

Public news about Thomas P. Stafford typically centers on anniversaries of Gemini and Apollo missions, commemorations of lunar exploration milestones, and occasional interviews or speeches at aerospace and space-history venues. For the latest verifiable updates, refer to NASA’s official biographies and credible news organizations.

Public Presence and Social Media

There are no widely publicized official social-media accounts associated with Thomas P. Stafford. Public references to him appear in NASA archives, space-history publications, and event programs. If you seek current updates, check NASA's official site and established space-history platforms.

Recent Projects and Roles

After his NASA spaceflight career, Stafford held leadership and advisory roles within the aerospace sector and participated in events promoting space exploration history. Specific current projects are not broadly publicized, but his legacy remains tied to Gemini 6A and Apollo 10.

Key Facts at a Glance

• NASA Astronaut; two spaceflights: Gemini 6A (1965) and Apollo 10 (1969).
• Born Weatherford, Oklahoma; September 17, 1930.
• Played a pivotal role in testing lunar-orbit operations prior to the Moon landings.