Tom Stafford—Test Pilot, Gemini and Apollo Astronaut—Dies at 93 March 19, 2024 | By John A. Tirpak Astronaut and Air Force Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford died March 18 at the age of 93. Stafford played a huge role in the Gemini and Apollo space programs, as well as in fostering Air Force dominance in air combat during the 1980s and beyond.