Gordon Cooper left NASA primarily because he was dismayed by the stagnation of his astronaut career, which offered limited opportunities for future space missions.
Stalled Career and Retirement
By the late 1960s, despite his significant contributions as one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and his pioneering flights, including Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) and Gemini 5, future flight opportunities for Gordon Cooper became increasingly limited. This lack of new assignments and advancement within the space program ultimately prompted his decision to retire.
Key Details of His Departure
- Date of Retirement: Cooper officially retired from both NASA and the United States Air Force (USAF) on July 31, 1970.
- Rank at Retirement: He held the rank of colonel in the USAF when he concluded his service.
- Total Spaceflight Hours: Throughout his distinguished career, he accumulated a total of 222 hours in space.
Life After NASA
Following his retirement from NASA and the USAF, Cooper embarked on a new chapter in his personal life and career. Soon after divorcing his first wife, Trudy, he married schoolteacher Suzan Taylor in 1972. His post-NASA endeavors involved various ventures outside of government service, though he remained a prominent figure in the space community.
