Richard F. Gordon Jr.
Apollo 12 command module pilot who orbited the Moon 45 times.
Richard Francis Gordon Jr. was an American naval officer, aviator, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and football executive. He is best known as the command module pilot of Apollo 12, the second crewed mission to land on the Moon, during which he orbited the Moon 45 times while his crewmates descended to the lunar surface.
- 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
He attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and served as a flight test pilot, working on aircraft such as the F-8U Crusader and F4H-1 Phantom II. He was slated to command Apollo 18, but the mission was canceled due to budget cuts. He later held various executive roles in energy and engineering companies, including president of Astro Sciences Corporation. He also served as a technical advisor and played the part of 'Capcom' in the CBS miniseries Space in 1984.
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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