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Elliot See

Elliot M. See Jr. (July 23, 1927 – February 28, 1966) was an American aeronautical engineer, U.S. Navy aviator, , and astronaut selected as part of the agency's second group of astronauts in 1962. Born in , , See earned a degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1949 and a Master of Science in engineering from the at in 1953. He was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. See's pre-NASA career included service as a naval aviator from 1953 to 1956 and employment at from 1949 to 1953 and again from 1956 to 1962, where he worked as a , group leader, and on projects such as the J79-8 engine and various powerplant tests. By the time of his NASA selection, he had logged more than 3,700 flying hours, including approximately 3,200 in jet aircraft like the F-86, F4H, and T-38. Upon joining in September 1962, See participated in all phases of , monitored Gemini spacecraft guidance and navigation systems, and contributed to mission planning efforts. He served as the backup pilot for and was designated as command pilot for the prime crew of alongside pilot Charles A. Bassett, preparing for a mission that included simulations and other key objectives. See's promising career ended tragically on February 28, 1966, when he and Bassett were killed in the crash of a jet trainer near in , , during an in poor weather conditions of rain, snow, and fog. The accident, later attributed to , occurred en route to for a 9 spacecraft simulation. See was survived by his wife Marilyn and their three children, and he was buried at . Following the tragedy, the 9 backup crew of and Eugene A. Cernan assumed the prime assignment and successfully completed the mission.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Elliot McKay See Jr. was born on July 23, 1927, in , , to parents Elliot McKay See Sr. (1888–1968) and Mamie Norton See (née Drummond; 1900–1988). His father worked as an electrical engineer for , a career that spanned 36 years and provided a stable professional environment in the field during See's formative years. Growing up in , See was raised in a family setting that emphasized and technical pursuits, influenced by his father's long tenure in a prominent industrial company. In 1954, See married Marilyn Jane Denahy of , establishing a that would grow in the years leading up to his professional advancements. The couple had three children: , , and , born in the mid-to-late 1950s and early 1960s. Their life during this period centered on domestic stability, with See balancing career responsibilities in various locations while supporting his growing household prior to his NASA selection. See's early years in laid the groundwork for his transition to formal education, where he attended Highland Park High School before pursuing higher studies.

Academic and Early Professional Training

Elliot See attended Highland Park High School in , , where he participated in varsity and the ROTC Rifle Team, graduating in 1945. After high school, See briefly enrolled at the , pledging to the fraternity and taking flying lessons that led to his private pilot's license. In 1945, he received an appointment to the in , completing the program in 1949 with a degree in engineering. The academy's curriculum provided comprehensive maritime training, including practical experience in and resulting in third assistant engineer's licenses. Following graduation, See was commissioned as an in the U.S. Naval Reserve and began his early professional career with initial , including a summer position in 1949 at Lykes Brothers Steamship Company and subsequent work on aircraft engines at General Electric's Aircraft Division. This hands-on experience in applications built foundational skills that supported his transition to aviation-related qualifications. While advancing in his professional role at starting in 1949, See pursued graduate studies part-time from 1960, earning a in Aeronautical Engineering from the in 1962. The program emphasized advanced coursework in and , aligning with his growing interest in aircraft .

Military and Civilian Career

Naval Aviation Service

Following his graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1949 with a degree, Elliot See was commissioned as an in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was called to active duty amid the and began naval aviation training, initially at Naval Air Station Miramar near , California, followed by advanced instruction at Naval Air Station El Centro, California. See was designated a naval aviator in 1953. See's active duty service as a naval aviator spanned 1953 to 1956. He completed a sixteen-month operational deployment flying the jet fighter with 144 (VF-144), part of Carrier Air Group 14. His first assignment was to the aboard the aircraft carrier from 1954 to 1955. Later, from 1955 to 1956, he served with 77 in the Western Pacific aboard USS Boxer, operating near and making port calls in , , the Philippine Islands, and . By the conclusion of his Navy service, See had been promoted to lieutenant commander. See transferred to the Naval Reserve in 1956 to pursue civilian opportunities, though he continued reserve flying activities. By 1962, he had accumulated over 3,700 total flight hours, including approximately 3,200 in jet aircraft.

Test Pilot Role at General Electric

Elliot See first joined in 1949 after graduation, working as a until 1953. After completing his naval service, he rejoined the company in 1956 as a , advancing to group leader and based at in . His prior experience as a naval aviator provided a strong foundation for handling high-performance aircraft in demanding test environments. In this role, See leveraged his degree in aeronautical from UCLA to contribute to advanced and research for . See served as project pilot for the J79-8 engine development program, supporting the McDonnell F4H Phantom II fighter aircraft, and conducted extensive powerplant flight tests on engines including the J-47, J-73, J-79, CJ805, and CJ805 aft-fan variants. These evaluations involved high-altitude and supersonic flight regimes, utilizing aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, XF4D Skyray, F-104 Starfighter, F11F-1F Tiger, RB-66 Destroyer, F4H Phantom, and T-38 Talon. His work focused on assessing aircraft stability, propulsion efficiency, and system performance under extreme conditions, contributing to the refinement of jet engine technologies for military applications. By the end of his tenure at General Electric in 1962, See had accumulated over 3,700 total flight hours, with approximately 3,200 in jet aircraft. This extensive experience built his reputation for precision and reliability in managing experimental jets, positioning him as a leading civilian test pilot and preparing him for opportunities in NASA's astronaut program.

NASA Astronaut Tenure

Selection and Initial Training

Elliot See was selected on September 17, 1962, as one of nine astronauts in 's second group, known as the "New Nine" or Group 2, chosen from 253 applicants to support the program and early Apollo missions. This marked the first inclusion of civilians in the astronaut corps, with See—alongside —bringing engineering and test pilot expertise from private industry. Selection criteria required candidates under 36 years old, no taller than 6 feet, a or higher in engineering or physical science, and at least 1,000 hours of jet flight time, with preference for school graduates; See met these with his Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from UCLA and over 3,200 hours in jet aircraft from his role at . Following selection, See relocated with his wife Marilyn and their three children to the area in , settling near the newly established Manned Spacecraft Center to facilitate daily training and family stability during this career transition. The move integrated the New Nine into a close-knit community of astronauts, fostering personal adjustments amid the demands of public life and professional preparation. Initial training at the Manned Spacecraft Center began immediately, encompassing centrifuge sessions at the Naval Air Development Center in Johnsville, , to acclimate to high-G forces of launch and reentry; zero-gravity simulations via parabolic flights on KC-135 ; and systems familiarization for Mercury and spacecraft, including two days weekly on basic sciences like and navigation. Group dynamics emphasized collaboration, with See training alongside peers such as and through technical briefings, team-building exercises like a 1963 jungle survival course in , and shared simulations to build cohesion for multi-crew missions. By 1963, See transitioned to non-flight roles, reviewing spacecraft designs—particularly guidance and navigation systems—and participating in mission planning and simulations to refine procedures.

Mission Assignments and Preparations

Following his initial astronaut training, Elliot See was assigned as the backup pilot for , announced on February 8, 1965, alongside as backup command pilot, supporting prime crew members and . In this role, See participated in mission simulations, capsule systems checks, and preflight preparations, including a joint with the prime and backup crews to discuss the upcoming endurance flight. See's next assignment came on November 8, 1965, when named him command pilot for the prime crew of Gemini 9, with serving as pilot. The mission's primary objectives included and maneuvers with the Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) as a substitute for the , along with an (EVA) by Bassett using the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU) to evaluate its mobility in space. Planned for a three-day duration with a potential launch in May 1966, Gemini 9 aimed to advance 's capabilities in orbital operations critical for future Apollo missions. Preparations for 9 intensified in late 1965, with See and Bassett conducting frequent proficiency flights in T-38 Talon aircraft to maintain skills and travel to McDonnell Aircraft in for hands-on familiarization with their spacecraft. These visits allowed the crew to inspect assembly progress and simulate procedures at the production facility. See contributed to his career total exceeding 3,700 hours, primarily in jet aircraft including the T-38. Leveraging his test pilot experience, See provided key input on Gemini spacecraft design, including monitoring the development of guidance and navigation systems and offering recommendations on cockpit ergonomics to enhance pilot efficiency during complex maneuvers. He also aided in coordinating mission planning, refining procedures for rendezvous and EVA operations. As an astronaut representative, See made public appearances, such as the Gemini 5 press conference, to communicate NASA's progress and build public support for the program. The 9 crews fostered strong professional relationships, with See and Bassett forming a complementary team—See's calm demeanor balancing Bassett's outgoing energy—while developing a close kinship with backup crew members Tom Stafford and through shared training sessions and simulations. This collaboration ensured seamless knowledge transfer and preparedness across the team.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

The T-38 Crash Incident

On February 28, 1966, astronauts Elliot See and departed from Ellington Air Force Base near , , at approximately 7:41 a.m. CST in a Northrop T-38A jet trainer, registration N901NA, with See at the controls as pilot and Bassett in the rear seat. The purpose of the flight was to travel to , , to inspect their assigned Gemini 9 spacecraft under construction at the facility and to conduct related preparations amid ongoing mission training. Weather conditions en route and upon arrival at Lambert Field (now ) were poor, characterized by low clouds, rain, fog, and reduced visibility that qualified as (IMC), limiting safe operations under (VFR). See and Bassett, accompanied by their backup crew Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan in a separate T-38, approached the airport for landing around 8:30 a.m. . Initially cleared for an (ILS) approach, See broke out of the clouds aligned with the runway but at an altitude too high for touchdown, prompting a procedure. Opting to attempt a visual circling approach under the prevailing marginal conditions, See maneuvered the aircraft to realign for landing. However, the T-38 strayed left of the centerline during , descending below safe altitude in the low . At approximately 8:58 a.m. , one-quarter mile short of the threshold and 500 feet left of the extended centerline, the jet struck the roof of McDonnell Aircraft's Building —where spacecraft were assembled—before cartwheeling across the roof, shearing off, and crashing into an adjacent courtyard and parking area, where it exploded on impact. Both astronauts attempted to eject from the low-altitude crash, but the sequence occurred too rapidly for successful deployment. See was found in a nearby parking lot, still strapped to his with his partially deployed, and was pronounced dead at the . Bassett's body was recovered from inside the building and succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The wreckage immediately ignited, prompting a rapid response from and McDonnell teams to extinguish the blaze. Sixteen people on the ground inside the facility sustained injuries ranging from minor cuts to fractures, though no fatalities occurred among them. was notified promptly, instituting an initial information blackout to manage the shocking news within the agency before public release. Meanwhile, the backup crew's T-38 landed safely at Lambert Field minutes later.

Investigation Findings and NASA Response

Following the T-38 crash on February 28, 1966, established an investigative panel chaired by Alan B. Shepard, at the Manned Spacecraft Center in , to examine the incident. The panel, consisting of six members including experts in and , conducted a thorough of flight data, weather reports, wreckage analysis, and pilot records. Their report, titled "Accident Board Reports Findings in See-Bassett Crash," was released on June 10, 1966, in 's Space News Roundup. The key findings attributed the crash primarily to , specifically Elliot See's inability to maintain adequate visual reference during the transition from (IFR) to (VFR) amid marginal weather conditions, including rain, snow, fog, and low ceilings around 1,500 feet. Despite See's extensive experience with over 3,700 total flight hours, the panel suggested possible contributed to the low-altitude descent that led to the collision with Building 101 at . No evidence of mechanical failure, structural defects in the T-38, or issues with the pilots' physical or psychological states was identified; the aircraft's systems, including engines and controls, functioned normally until impact. The recommended stricter adherence to weather minimums for T-38 operations, improved protocols for transitioning between IFR and VFR in adverse conditions, and enhanced emphasis on instrument proficiency during to prevent similar disorientation risks. In response, reassigned the prime crew to as command pilot and Eugene A. Cernan as pilot, allowing the mission to launch successfully on June 3, 1966, after brief delays for integration. The agency also intensified T-38 recurrent training programs, incorporating more rigorous simulations of low-visibility approaches, and imposed tighter weather guidelines for all astronaut proficiency flights, including mandatory go-arounds below specified visibility thresholds. NASA's broader operational adjustments included a temporary suspension of non-essential astronaut air travel for safety reviews across the program, ensuring no disruptions to spacecraft assembly or launch preparations—the 9 vehicle was shipped to just two days after the crash. See's widow, Marilyn, was notified immediately by senior officials, including , providing support through the agency's family liaison services. The crash site was secured and analyzed on-site before cleanup, with debris preserved for the board's examination. No civil lawsuits arose from the incident, as it was classified under federal aviation protocols without indications of negligence beyond the determined pilot actions. These measures underscored NASA's commitment to mitigating aviation risks in its high-stakes training environment.

Legacy and Recognition

Memorials and Honors

Elliot See is buried at in Section 4, Site 208, where he received full military honors following his death. His name is engraved on the plaque, a memorial installed on the Moon's surface at the Hadley-Apennine landing site by the crew on August 2, 1971; the plaque, designed by Belgian sculptor Paul Van Hoeydonck, commemorates 14 American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts who perished in the pursuit of , including See alongside , , and others from the program. On Earth, See's contributions are honored at the Space Mirror Memorial, a 15-foot-high black granite monolith dedicated in 1991 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, which bears the names of fallen astronauts etched in reverse to reflect sunlight; See's name appears among those of the early NASA pioneers lost in training accidents. Educational tributes include his 2010 recognition by Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas—his alma mater—as a Distinguished Alumnus for his achievements in aviation and space exploration. Additionally, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, from which See graduated in 1949, awards the annual Astronaut Elliot M. See, Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the top midshipman demonstrating excellence in marine electronics, perpetuating his legacy in maritime and engineering education. Within , See is remembered through annual Day of Remembrance ceremonies, which include tributes to Gemini-era astronauts like him during events marking program milestones and broader sacrifices.

Cultural Depictions and Influence

Elliot See has been portrayed in several notable film and television productions depicting the early years of NASA's program. In the 1998 HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, directed by and others, played See in Episode 1, "Can We Do This?", which covers the selection of NASA's second astronaut group and the program's development. In the 2018 biographical drama First Man, directed by and focusing on Neil Armstrong's life, portrayed See as a fellow member of NASA's second astronaut group, highlighting his role in training alongside Armstrong. See's life and career are documented in various NASA histories and Gemini program retrospectives, underscoring his contributions to the bridge between Mercury and Apollo missions. He is profiled in NASA's official publication On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini (1978), which details his assignment as command pilot for Gemini 9 and his background as a test pilot transitioning to spaceflight. Documentaries on Project Gemini, such as the 2008 Discovery Channel production Project Gemini: Bridge to the Moon, reference See's selection and training as part of the program's expansion to include civilian pilots, emphasizing the technical and operational advancements he helped prepare. As one of NASA's first astronauts selected in 1962 alongside , See symbolizes the risks inherent in early and the broadening of participation beyond . His selection inspired subsequent civilian involvement in astronaut corps and fields, illustrating the transition from test piloting to orbital missions in educational contexts like NASA's outreach programs on aviation-to-space careers. Following See's death, his widow Marilyn See shared insights into astronaut family life through interviews, describing the excitement and challenges of supporting Gemini preparations, including her reaction to his mission assignment. Their three children—Sally, Carolyn, and David—have occasionally participated in commemorative events, with speaking at NASA's Day of Remembrance ceremonies to honor her father's legacy. In recent years, See has appeared in space history discussions through podcasts and museum exhibits up to 2025. For instance, episodes of This Week in Space (2021–2025) have referenced tragedies in broader retrospectives on astronaut safety evolution. At the Smithsonian , artifacts and timelines in permanent exhibits on history include See among the second-group astronauts, contextualizing his role in program milestones.

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