On February 7, 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless II performed the first untethered spacewalk during STS-41B, using the Manned Maneuvering Unit to fly freely with no physical connection to the Space Shuttle Challenger. It was the moment humans proved they could move independently in orbit. Follow @spaceeves #SpaceHistory #Astronauts #Spacewalk #NASA | SpaceEve

On February 12, 1984, Astronaut Bruce McCandless ventured beyond the safety of his spacecraft further than any astronaut had gone before. This milestone was achieved using a nitrogen jet propelled backpack, known at NASA as the Manned Maneuvering Unit or MMU. After conducting a series of test maneuvers within and above Challenger's payload bay, McCandless embarked on a 'free-flying' journey, reaching a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. This stunning orbital panorama view shows McCandle

En 1984, el astronauta Bruce McCandless II se convirtió en la primera persona en realizar un vuelo completamente libre en el espacio, usando una Unidad de Maniobra Tripulada (MMU) que le permitió flotar sin ataduras a la nave espacial. Su icónica imagen, con la inmensidad del espacio de fondo y la Tierra a lo lejos, simboliza la valentía y el espíritu explorador de la humanidad. Este vuelo demostró la capacidad de moverse y trabajar en el espacio sin estar unido a una nave, abriendo paso a futur

#OnThisDay: Feb. 7, 1984, Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, STS-41-B mission specialist -- just a few meters away from the space shuttle Challenger -- conducted the first-ever spacewalk which didn't use restrictive tethers and umbilicals. Fellow crewmembers aboard the Challenger took this photo through windows on the flight deck. McCandless was joined by Robert L. Stewart, one of two other mission specialists for this flight, on two sessions of EVA. #Astronaut #SpaceHistory #NASA | Space Center Hou