Lovell, LUHV uhl, James Arthur, Jr. (1928-...), was a United States astronaut. In 1965, Lovell and Frank Borman established a space endurance record by spending 14 days in earth orbit aboard the Gemini 7 spacecraft. During this mission, they achieved the first rendezvous (close approach) in space with the Gemini 6 spacecraft piloted by Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and Thomas P. Stafford. In 1966, Lovell commanded the Gemini 12 flight. In December 1968, he served as command module pilot aboard Apollo 8, and on Christmas Eve he, Frank Borman, and William A. Anders became the first people to circle the moon.