Iconic Spacewalk: Bruce McCandless II’s Historic Untethered Journey in 1984
In the vast expanse of space, where human exploration has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, there are moments that stand out as truly remarkable. One such moment occurred on February 7, 1984, when NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II embarked on a historic untethered spacewalk. This week marks the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary feat, a milestone that reminds us of the courage and ingenuity of those who venture beyond the confines of our planet.
During the space shuttle mission STS-41-B, McCandless tested the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU), a hand-controlled backpack that allowed astronauts to navigate in space. Strapped to this innovative device, McCandless propelled himself out of the space shuttle Challenger’s payload bay, becoming the first human to attempt a spacewalk without a safety tether. With the aid of nitrogen gas thrusters, he soared approximately 320 feet (98 meters) away from the spacecraft, venturing into uncharted territory.
For 1 hour and 22 minutes, McCandless orbited Earth, a human satellite defying gravity and embracing the unknown. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. McCandless had become a symbol of human exploration, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. His journey embodied the spirit of discovery and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that defines our species.
The images captured during McCandless’ untethered spacewalk became iconic representations of the entire space shuttle program. Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Challenger’s pilot, immortalized this historic moment using a Hasselblad camera. Though unplanned, Gibson recognized the significance of what he was witnessing. He meticulously ensured the quality of each photograph, taking multiple light-meter readings and checking the focus multiple times. Even the horizon was leveled to perfection, a testament to the attention to detail and the desire to capture this momentous occasion in all its glory.
As McCandless soared through space, he humorously remarked, “It may have been one small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me.” This playful quip paid homage to Neil Armstrong’s famous words when he took the first human step on the moon 15 years earlier. McCandless understood the weight of his actions and the significance of his journey. He was not only making history but also paving the way for future generations of astronauts to explore the cosmos.
Bruce McCandless II was no stranger to the wonders of space. Prior to his untethered spacewalk, he had served as the voice of NASA’s Mission Control during the Apollo 11 and Apollo 14 missions in 1969 and 1971, respectively. His experience and dedication to space exploration made him the perfect candidate for this groundbreaking endeavor. McCandless’ final spaceflight occurred in April 1990 during the STS-31 mission, where he played a crucial role in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope into Earth’s orbit from the space shuttle Discovery cargo bay.
Sadly, Bruce McCandless II passed away in 2017 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of space exploration. His MMU, the very backpack that allowed him to soar through space, now rests at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This artifact serves as a reminder of McCandless’ indomitable spirit and his contributions to our understanding of the universe.
As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bruce McCandless II’s historic untethered journey, we are reminded of the incredible achievements of humanity in space exploration. McCandless’ daring adventure serves as an inspiration to us all, urging us to push the boundaries of what is possible and to embrace the unknown. The legacy of this iconic spacewalk will continue to inspire future generations of explorers as they embark on their own journeys into the great beyond.