When was Thomas P. Stafford born and where did he grow up?
Thomas Patten Stafford was born on the 17th of September 1930, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
Questions about Thomas P. Stafford
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the key details of Thomas P. Stafford's early education and military career?
Stafford graduated from Weatherford High School in 1948 and entered the United States Naval Academy to join the Class of 1952. He received a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force after graduating with honors in May 1952.
Which missions did Thomas P. Stafford command during his time at NASA?
Thomas P. Stafford commanded Gemini 6A which launched on the 15th of December 1965 and Apollo 10 which lifted off on the 18th of May 1969. He also commanded the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project flight that began on the 15th of July 1975.
How fast did Thomas P. Stafford travel during the return journey of Apollo 10?
The spacecraft traveled at approximately 24,791 miles per hour during their return journey. This speed set a record for the fastest velocity achieved by human beings.
When did Thomas P. Stafford die and what museum bears his name?
Thomas P. Stafford died from liver cancer on the 18th of March 2024, inside a care home in Satellite Beach, Florida. His hometown of Weatherford honored him by establishing the Stafford Air & Space Museum in 1993.