A fault in an electrical systeym threatened to cheat the Gemini 5 astronauts Godron Copoper and Charles Conrad of a world record eight day space flight , but they will fly on for al least 18 orbits . Photo shows: Charles Conrad grins down at doctor who is examining him . He is putting on his gloves as a clinical thermomenter dangles in his mouth . Picture was taken at Cape Kennedy , Florida shortly before blast off on Friday . 22 August 1965