Gordon Cooper’s Disappointment and Professional Acceptance in NASA’s Apollo Mission Decisions

During the height of the Space Race, NASA faced many challenges in selecting its astronauts for missions. One stark example of this is the story of Gordon Cooper, who expressed strong disappointment when he was passed over for the Apollo 13 mission in favor of Alan Shepard.

Background and Replacements

Gordon Cooper was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and held a deep desire to travel to the Moon. However, his career faced significant scrutiny and setbacks. Alan Shepard, another Mercury Seven astronaut, was originally intended to command the Apollo 13 mission but was replaced due to medical issues and a period of grounding. This replacement left Cooper feeling both disappointed and perplexed.

The Apollo 10 Backup Crew and Apollo 13 Controversy

Cooper’s disappointment was actually related to the Apollo 13 mission, not Apollo 14 as initially reported. In the context of NASA’s original crew rotation plan, Cooper had been designated as the backup Commander for Apollo 10, with the intention for him to become the Prime Commander for Apollo 13. However, due to a series of events, including Cooper's involvement in racing cars during training for Apollo 10 and concerns about his training altitude and confidence levels, he was ultimately passed over for the Apollo 13 command.

According to Christopher Kraft Jr., who had access to NASA records, Cooper was later reassigned to the Apollo 10 backup crew after a lack of qualified astronauts with command experience became apparent. Kraft stated that Cooper had a chance to take the Apollo 13 command if he performed exceptionally well in his role as backup commander for Apollo 10. However, he did not meet those expectations.

Career and Post-NASA Life

By 1970, disheartened by his career trajectory, Cooper chose to retire from NASA and the USAF with the rank of colonel, having flown a total of 222 hours in space. His decision to retire was a mix of personal and professional factors.

Following his retirement, Cooper underwent a personal life change. He divorced his first wife, Trudy, in 1971. A year later, in 1972, he remarried Suzan Taylor, a schoolteacher, with whom he had two daughters, Colleen Taylor (born 1979) and Elizabeth Jo (born 1980). The couple remained together until Cooper's death in 2004.

Reflections on Astronaut Careers

Gordon Cooper’s experience reflects the intense competition and pressure faced by astronauts during this era. Despite his disappointment, Cooper maintained a professional attitude, understanding the complexities involved in such decisions. His story highlights the challenges and the intricate processes that went into selecting astronauts for the most critical space missions.

Through this case study, one can gain valuable insights into the broader themes of NASA’s astronaut selection process and the personal stories behind significant space missions.

Conclusion

Gordon Cooper’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal and professional costs associated with the pursuit of space exploration. While he was deeply disappointed when he was passed over for the Apollo 13 mission, his acceptance of the decision demonstrates the high standards and stringent criteria that NASA used to select its astronauts. Cooper’s career highlights the multifaceted nature of space exploration and the personal sacrifices made by those involved in this groundbreaking endeavor.