Gemini 6, actually called Gemini 6A, flew with Walter M. Schirra Jr. as the commander and Thomas P. Stafford as the pilot. Primary objective was to rendezvous with Gemini-VII.A Christmas surprise--Before reentry, the crew of Gemini 6A had a surprise:...this is Gemini VI. We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, up in a polar orbit. He's in a very low trajectory traveling from north to south and has a very high climbing ratio. It looks like it might even be a ... Very low. Looks like he might be going to reenter soon. Stand by one ... You might just let me try to pick up that thing. At that point, the sound of "Jingle Bells" was heard played on an eight-note harmonicaand a handful of small bells. Mission duration 1 day, 1 hour, 51 minutes, 24 seconds. Launch date: December 15, 1965.