The goal of the Gemini Program was announced in December of 1961. It was designed to continue the agency's orbit of the Earth with the development of a two-person spacecraft, as well as to extend manned spaceflight to the duration of two weeks. NASA's other primary goals were to conduct a rendezous to dock two orbiting vehicles, and to perfect a method of entering the atmosphere and touching down at a preselected point on land.

Jim flew in two of the twelve Gemini flights: Gemini VII and Gemini XII missions.