"We're on our way, Frank!" Lovell shouted. As the launch vehicle
boosted the spacecraft skyward, the booster rolled toward its
programmed launch azimuth of 83.6 degrees. With only minor
deviations in its powered phase, Gemini VII slid smoothly into
its planned 160-kilometer keyhole.45 Shortly after the
spacecraft cut loose from its booster only a little over six
minutes from liftoff, Borman wheeled Gemini VII around to find
the launch vehicle. Two seconds of thrust had been enough for
the separation maneuver and now he fired for five seconds to get
into position for stationkeeping. The afternoon Sun glared
through the windows but in less than 30 seconds he saw the
booster. Fuel spewed from a broken line, first forming globules
and then crystallizing into cascades of flakes. The Titan II
bounced and jumped about the sky. Occasionally eclipsing the
view of the Sun, the venting fuel created a brilliant and
beautiful contrast. For 15 minutes, the crew took turns at
formation flying and picture taking. Stationkeep