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Group Photo 1968 Project Spike

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This group photo, taken in 1968, shows 14 of the 17 MOL astronauts. The first group of eight astronauts was selected in November 1965, the second group of five in June 1966, and the third group of four in June 1967. Following cancellation of the MOL program, seven of the former MOL astronauts became astronauts for NASA, and three later attained general officer or admiral `rank`. James Abrahamson (top right) became a lieutenant general and Director of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. Robert Herres (top left) became a four-star general and Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Space Command. Richard Truly (bottom right) became a vice admiral and head of the U.S. Naval Space Command. After retiring from the Navy, Admiral Truly joined NASA, serving first as Associate Administrator for Space Flight and later as Administrator.