NASM--Apollo to the Moon--Gemini Missions

GEMINI 7
DEC. 4-18, 1965
The Gemini 7 mission proved that astronauts could pilot their spacecraft to an orbital rendezvous and that humans could tolerate a 2-week-long space mission. Both abilities were required for later Apollo lunar missions.
Frank Borman and James A. Lovell Jr. started their long flight on Dec. 4, 1965. Nine days later, Walter M. Schirra Jr. and Thomas P. Stafford lifted off in Gemini 6 to begin 5 hours of orbital adjustments, culminating in the first rendezvous by two manned maneuverable spacecraft. At times Gemini 6 and 7 were within .3 meters (1 foot) of each other.
Gemini 6 returned to Earth on December 16, leaving Borman and Lovell to continue their long duration flight. During the flight, they conducted or participated in medical, technological, and scientific experiments.The Gemini 7 spacesuits could be partially or completely removed in flight. Both Borman and Lovell flew in their coveralls after the rendezvous. They said that without the cumbersome pressure suits they worked more efficiently in the confines of their space capsule.
Gemini 7 landed on the morning of Dec. 18, 1965, just 5.4 hours short of 2 weeks in space.

Gemini-Titan II Launch Vehicle