<P> Rendezvous was first successfully accomplished by US astronaut Wally Schirra on December 15 , 1965 . Schirra maneuvered the Gemini 6 spacecraft within 1 foot ( 30 cm ) of its sister craft Gemini 7 . The spacecraft were not equipped to dock with each other , but maintained station - keeping for more than 20 minutes . Schirra later commented : </P>
<P> Rendezvous was first successfully accomplished by US astronaut Wally Schirra on December 15 , 1965 . Schirra maneuvered the Gemini 6 spacecraft within 1 foot ( 30 cm ) of its sister craft Gemini 7 . The spacecraft were not equipped to dock with each other , but maintained station - keeping for more than 20 minutes . Schirra later commented : </P>
when did gemini 6 and 7 complete 1st space rendezvous
when did gemini 6 and 7 complete 1st space rendezvous
December 15 , 1965
December 15 , 1965