Buzz "Dr. Rendezvous" Aldrin on his Gemini 12 Spacewalk

As this was the last flight of the Gemini program, it was very important to fine-tune the art of an astronaut working efficiently outside of the spacecraft, something that had not yet been perfected. Buzz Aldrin made a record three EVAs on this flight, all of which accomplished multiple goals. Two were of the "stand-up" variety and one was tethered. The success of these spacewalks was attributed to an underwater training program that he worked out (video summary).

The explanation for his nickname "Dr. Rendezvous" is as follows. He was the first of the astronaut corps to earn a doctorate; his graduate thesis was titled "Line-of-sight guidance techniques for manned orbital rendezvous." Dr. Aldrin explains it further: "Flying a spacecraft is very different than flying a plane. There is no true up or down and the dynamics of orbital flight make maneuvering to dock, or rendezvous, two spaceships very complex. I focused my research on solving the problems of speed and centrifugal energy which lead to an 'orbital paradox' - a situation in which a pilot who speeds up to catch another craft in a higher orbit will end up in an even higher orbit, traveling at a slower speed and watching the second craft fly off into the distance. The solution to this paradox is counter intuitive, and required new orbital mechanics and procedures. Later, after joining the NASA astronaut corps, I spent time translating complex orbital mechanics into relatively simple flight plans for my colleagues - they thanked me (with a mixture of respect and sarcasm) with the nickname Dr. Rendezvous."

Today is Buzz Aldrin's 90th birthday! 🎂 🚀

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Taken on: January 20, 2020

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Sets appears in: • Space Collection 🚀 • Biographical Sketches more » • NASA « less

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