America’s First Spacewalk

On June 3, 1965, NASA astronaut Ed White became the first American to perform a spacewalk during the Gemini IV mission.
White used a Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit (informally called a “zip gun”) to control his movements outside the spacecraft and provide thrust for propulsion.
Fellow crew member James A. McDivitt remained inside the spacecraft, taking pictures of White as he floated around outside the capsule.
White described the experience as “the greatest” and said he felt like a million dollars, highlighting the excitement and thrill of the moment.
The spacewalk marked a historic milestone in NASA’s space exploration program and paved the way for future spacewalking missions.

An astronaut in a spacesuit floats almost upside down outside of a spacecraft. Earth's blue water and white clouds are behind the astronaut.

NASA

NASA astronaut Ed White, pilot of the Gemini IV mission, floats in space on June 3, 1965, while performing the first spacewalk by an American. As White floated outside the spacecraft, he used a Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit, informally called a “zip gun.” The device, seen in White’s right hand in this image, expelled pressurized oxygen to provide thrust for controlling his movements outside the capsule.

“You look beautiful, Ed,” remarked fellow crew member astronaut James A. McDivitt, who remained inside the spacecraft, as he began taking pictures of White tumbling around outside his window. “I feel like a million dollars,” White said. “This is the greatest experience. It’s just tremendous.”

Watch video of the first American spacewalk.

Image credit: NASA

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Q. Who performed the first spacewalk by an American?

A. NASA astronaut Ed White.

Q. What was the name of the mission that Ed White piloted, which included the first spacewalk?

A. Gemini IV mission.

Q. What device did Ed White use to provide thrust for controlling his movements outside the capsule during the spacewalk?

A. Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit (informally called a “zip gun”).

Q. Who remained inside the spacecraft while Ed White performed the spacewalk?

A. Fellow crew member astronaut James A. McDivitt.

Q. What did James A. McDivitt remark to Ed White as he took pictures of him outside the window?

A. “You look beautiful, Ed.”

Q. How did Ed White feel about his experience during the spacewalk?

A. He felt like a million dollars and thought it was the greatest experience.

Q. When did Ed White perform the first American spacewalk?

A. On June 3, 1965.

Q. What was the occasion of Ed White’s spacewalk?

A. It was the first spacewalk by an American astronaut.

Q. Who took pictures of Ed White during his spacewalk?

A. Fellow crew member astronaut James A. McDivitt.

Q. How did Ed White describe his experience during the spacewalk?

A. He described it as “tremendous”.