James A. McDivitt Jr.

James A. McDivitt was chosen with NASA’s second astronaut group in 1962 and was assigned, along with Ed White, to the Gemini IV mission, featuring the first American spacewalk. In 1969, he flew to space a second time on Apollo 9, becoming the Manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program later that year.

Quick Facts

James McDivitt was one of nine men chosen as part of NASA’s second group of astronauts, announced in September 1962.

McDivitt was the commander of two space missions: Gemini IV in 1965 and Apollo 9 in 1969.

McDivitt became the Manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program in August 1969.

Official portrait of Astronaut James A. McDivitt — Astronaut James A. McDivitt official portrait, taken in 1971.
NASA

Jim McDivitt reviews crew procedures flip book before Gemini IV mission — Astronaut James A. McDivitt, Gemini IV command pilot, is shown in full spacesuit in the suit trailer prior to his June 3, 1965 launch. He is reviewing a crew procedures flip book.
NASA

James McDivitt at an event in 2012. — Gemini IV and Apollo 9 astronaut James McDivitt speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions.
NASA/Kim Shiflett

Biography

James A. McDivitt

Born and raised in Michigan, Jim McDivitt was selected as part of Astronaut Group 2 in 1962. He flew on two NASA space flights: Gemini IV and Apollo 9, logging 14 days, 2 hours, and 56 minutes in space.

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Portrait of James McDivitt in Air Force uniform

Portrait of astronaut James A. McDivitt, in his Air Force uniform with rank insignia showing he is Air Force Colonel. Since the photo was taken in December 1968, James A. McDivitt retired as Brigadier General from the United States Air Force, and left NASA in June of 1972.

NASA

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