The Controversial Exclusion of Gordo Cooper from Apollo Command

Gordon Cooper, a renowned NASA astronaut, faced a significant career setback when he was denied the command for the Apollo missions. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this decision, including personal choices, career progression, and the competitive selection process within NASA. We will explore how these factors combined to shape Cooper's journey and ultimately impact his role in the space program.

Understanding Gordo Cooper's Career Progression

Better known as Gordo Cooper, his career began with the Mercury program, where he achieved fame for piloting the last Mercury mission, Mercury-Atlas 9, with a record-breaking stay in space. By the time the Apollo missions were being planned, NASA had a pool of experienced astronauts, many with recent flight experience in the Gemini program. Despite Cooper's strong track record, several factors contributed to his eventual exclusion from Apollo command.

Cooper's Ambitions and Personal Choices

One of the key reasons for Cooper's exclusion from Apollo command was a shift in his career focus. Unlike many of his peers, who were highly motivated to command missions, Cooper showed less interest in leading Apollo missions. His ambitions leaned more toward exploring other roles within NASA, specifically involving himself in engineering and other aspects of space exploration. This redirection of his career goals played a significant role in his exclusion from the command selection process.

The Competitive Selection Process

The selection of Apollo mission commanders was highly competitive and closely monitored. NASA leadership often favored astronauts with specific skills or recent flight experience that directly aligned with mission requirements. Cooper, while highly skilled and experienced, lacked the most recent flight experience, which NASA valued highly for these critical missions.

Public Image and Controversies

Cooper's career was also marked by several controversies. For instance, he faced accusations of being dismissive of technical aspects of missions. Additionally, his more flamboyant public persona did not always align with the professional image that NASA and other astronauts were trying to portray. These public controversies likely influenced the selection committee's decision, causing him to be less favored for critical command roles.

From Backup to Excluded: The Apollo 10 Role

Cooper's career faced further setbacks when he was selected as the back-up commander for the Apollo 10 mission, scheduled to take place in May 1969. This role was considered a significant step towards commanding Apollo 13. However, the situation changed when Alan Shepard, the Chief of the Astronaut Office, returned to flight status. Slayton, the Chief of Flight Crew Operations, replaced Cooper with Shepard as the new commander, effectively grounding Cooper further in the rotation. This reassignment led to Apollo 10 and Apollo 14, with Apollo 14 now often cited as his most famous mission.

Behind-the-Scenes Disputes and Disputations

Retrospections from the astronaut community shed light on the complexities of Cooper's exclusion. Among the notable contributions, Walter Cunningham mentions that Cooper was merely trying to achieve career balance, while Scott Carpenter praised Cooper for his consistent attendance in geology classes. These facts provide a more nuanced view of Cooper's situation, contrasting Slayton's public claims.

However, despite these positive notes, Slayton maintained that his decision to exclude Cooper was driven by a lack of qualified astronauts with command experience, especially during critical missions. The exclusion was not personal but rather a logistical necessity. Yet, Cooper's performance as a back-up commander for Apollo 10 did not meet Slayton's expectations, further cementing his exclusion.

In conclusion, Gordo Cooper's exclusion from the Apollo command was a complex interplay of career ambitions, personal choices, and the stringent selection criteria of NASA. His journey from a celebrated astronaut to a back-up commander is a poignant reminder of the intricate decision-making processes within the space program.