Gemini IV Astronauts Await Liftoff

(June 3, 1965) Astronauts James A. McDivitt, command pilot (left) and Edward H. White II, pilot, are shown a few minutes after insertion in NASA's Gemini IV spacecraft about 7:15 am EST the morning of June 3, 1965, at Launch Complex 19. After a 1 hour and 16-minute delay, because of difficulties in lowering the launch vehicle erector, the spacecraft was launched at 10:16 am EST. A cover over White's gold visor helps to prevent possible scratching before hatch closing. The gold visor protected White from the Sun's rays during his EVA, the first ever performed by American Astronauts...Image # : 65-H-910