[Gemini IV] THE GLORIOUS RETURN OF THE FIRST US SPACEWALKER NASA, 7 June 1965

[Gemini IV] THE GLORIOUS RETURN OF THE FIRST US SPACEWALKER NASA, 7 June 1965 Printed 1965. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-29688]. With 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse, numbered 'NASA S-65-29688' in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context Gemini 4 splashed down in the western Atlantic, approximately 400 miles east of Cape Kennedy, after completing a record-breaking 62-revolution, 97-hour, and 56-minute flight, including Ed White's historic first U.S. spacewalk. White (left) and James McDivitt (right) were recovered by helicopter and flown to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, where they received a hero's red-carpet welcome. 'I was the happiest man in the world that day', said McDivitt, 'except possibly for Ed.' White added, 'I felt so good I didn't know whether to hop, skip, jump, or walk on my hands' (National Geographic, September 1965, p. 447). The image reflects the profound national pride and support for space exploration during the 1960s at the height of the Space Race. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing