#sts-41b

Landing of Shuttle Challenger at the Kennedy Space Center following the completion of STS-41-B Mission.

"A chase plane gets a 'front row' position to view the touchdown of the total landing gear of the Space Shuttle Challenger as the reusable spacecraft makes NASA's first landing on the runway at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) landing facility. This photograph was taken from another T-38 chase plane."

Date: February 27, 1984

This iconic photograph is still considered one of the most-terrifying space photographs to date. Astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to do a spacewalk without a safety tether linkd to a spacecraft. In 1984, he floated completely untethered in space with nothing but his Manned Maneuvering Unit keeping him alive.

Here are some fascinating details about Bruce McCandless' historic spacewalk:

*Mission Details:*

1. Mission: STS-41-B (Space Shuttle Challenger) 2. Date: February 7, 1984 3. Duration: 5 hours, 55 minutes

*Spacewalk (EVA) Details:*

1. First untethered spacewalk in history 2. McCandless used the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) to move freely in space 3. Distance from Space Shuttle Challenger: up to 320 feet (98 meters) 4. MMU propulsion: 24 thrusters, using nitrogen gas

*Astronaut's Experience:*

1. McCandless described the feeling as "breathtaking" and "exhilarating" 2. He performed various tasks, including testing the MMU and performing maneuvers 3. Communication with the shuttle crew was maintained through radio

*Historic Significance:*

1. Demonstrated the feasibility of untethered spacewalks 2. Paved the way for future spacewalks and space exploration 3. Showcased the capabilities of the Manned Maneuvering Unit

*Interesting Fact:*

1. The iconic photograph of McCandless was taken by fellow astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson.

Bruce McCandless' courageous spacewalk marked a significant milestone in space exploration history!

The Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A on mission STS 41-B on February 3, 1984. Aboard the Challenger were astronauts Vance D. Brand, Robert L. Gibson, Ronald E. McNair, Bruce McCandless II, and Robert L. Stewart. The first untethered spacewalks with the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) were made on this mission. This dramatic air to air picture was taken by astronaut John Young who was monitoring the launch in the cockpit of NASA’s Shuttle Training Aircraft.

February 7, 1984 – Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart make the first untethered spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) during mission STS-41B of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

"A fixed camera on astronaut Bruce McCandless II's helmet recorded this rare scene of the Space Shuttle Challenger some 50 to 60 meters away during a history-making extravehicular activity (EVA), February 7, 1984. The Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS-01A) is configured mid-cargo bay. Astronaut Robert L. Stewart, standing beneath the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm, later donned the same Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) which afforded McCandless the freedom of movement to record this image. Also visible in the cargo bay are the support stations for the two MMU back-packs, the sunshields for the Palapa B and Westar VI Satellites, KU-Band antenna and a number of Getaway Special (GAS) canisters."

Date: February 7, 1984

Reference guide of all the external changes made to the Space Shuttle Orbiter Challenger (OV-099) during her lifetime.

Date: 1983-1985