Bruce McCandless II was the first astronaut to have walked in space while being untethered from the spacecraft.
June 21, 2022 / 07:35 PM IST
The photo was clicked in February 1984. (Image credit: NASA)
A photograph of an astronaut floating away from a space shuttle untethered has been doing rounds on social media. The photo,taken in February 1984, shows the astronaut in a white space suit floating in the void as the blue Earth's sphere looms under him.
It wasclicked when BruceMcCandless II had stepped out of the Challenger space shuttle to rehearse for a satellite-repair mission. He was the first astronaut to have walked in space while being untethered from the spacecraft.
Perhaps the most-terrifying space photograph to date. Astronaut Bruce McCandless II floats completely untethered, away from the safety of the space shuttle, with nothing but his Manned Maneuvering Unit keeping him alive. The first person in history to do so.
Credit: NASA pic.twitter.com/uapVOFwS2u— Curiosity (@Sciencenature14) June 20, 2022
Describing the photo titled Free Floating, NASA stated in its website, "Astronaut Bruce McCandless is seen floating above Earth. He is farther away from the safety of his spaceship than any astronaut had ever been."
"This was made possible by a jet pack on his back called the Manned Maneuvering Unit, or MMU. McCandless tested the MMU near the space shuttle. He then went 'free-flying' to a distance of 320 feet away from the space shuttle."
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According to a New York Times report, McCandless II was 170 mile (273.5 kilometre) above Earth’s surface when this photo was taken. In fact, The Timeshad described McCandless as “a puffy white gingerbread man” floating above the continental United States.
While reflecting on the NASA photo, McCandless had in July 2015told The Guardian,“My anonymity means people can imagine themselves doing the same thing. Like Neil (Armstrong) said in 1969, I was representing mankind up there.”
McCandless, a former United States Navy captain, had played a role in NeilArmstrong's famed moonwalk three years later.
“That may have been one small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me,” McCandless had joked earlier, in reference to comments Armstrong made after taking the first human step on the moon in 1969.
He died in 2017 aged 80.
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As a seasoned space enthusiast and expert with a profound understanding of space exploration, I can confidently delve into the remarkable feat achieved by astronaut Bruce McCandless II. My extensive knowledge of space history, astronautical maneuvers, and NASA's missions positions me well to provide insights into the groundbreaking moment captured in the photograph from February 1984.
Bruce McCandless II, a distinguished former United States Navy captain, etched his name in space exploration history by becoming the first astronaut to undertake a spacewalk untethered from the spacecraft. This iconic photograph, known as "Free Floating," encapsulates the sheer audacity and technical prowess of McCandless during this historic moment.
The image portrays McCandless in a white space suit, suspended in the vast emptiness of space, with Earth's majestic blue sphere as a backdrop. The untethered spacewalk was made possible by the innovative Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU), a jet pack mounted on his back. This device allowed McCandless to navigate freely and conduct a "free-flying" excursion, reaching a remarkable distance of 320 feet away from the safety of the Challenger space shuttle.
The sheer risk and audacity of this endeavor make the photograph truly awe-inspiring. McCandless, relying solely on the MMU, floated farther from his spacecraft than any astronaut before him. The New York Times reported that the photo was taken when McCandless was an astonishing 170 miles above Earth's surface, adding a dramatic dimension to the already gripping narrative.
McCandless' own reflection on the photograph, shared with The Guardian in July 2015, adds a human touch to this extraordinary achievement. His comment, "My anonymity means people can imagine themselves doing the same thing," resonates with the universal appeal of space exploration, echoing the sentiments expressed by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 moon landing.
It's worth noting that Bruce McCandless II not only made history with his untethered spacewalk but also played a role in the famed moonwalk of Neil Armstrong three years later. His contribution to space exploration, coupled with his wit and humility, is encapsulated in his playful remark about Armstrong's iconic words, emphasizing the personal significance of his own space milestone.
Tragically, Bruce McCandless II passed away in 2017 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of daring exploration and contributing significantly to humanity's understanding of space.
In conclusion, the untethered spacewalk by Bruce McCandless II stands as a testament to human ingenuity, courage, and the relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of space exploration. The photograph captured during this historic moment remains an indelible symbol of mankind's quest for exploration beyond the confines of our home planet.
