[Gemini IV] LAUNCH OF THE FIRST US SPACEWALK MISSION NASA, 3 June 1965

[Gemini IV] LAUNCH OF THE FIRST US SPACEWALK MISSION NASA, 3 June 1965 Printed 1965. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-29639]. Numbered 'NASA S-65-29639' in red in the top margin, with 'James McDivitt photograph collection' stamp and 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This photograph captures the dramatic launch of Gemini IV from Pad 19 at Cape Kennedy, Florida, on June 3, 1965, carrying astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White on a four-day, 62-revolution mission. The distinctive two-stage Gemini-Titan II rocket is surrounded by a massive plume of golden-yellow smoke and fiery exhaust as it rises steadily against a clear sky. This historic mission included the first U.S. spacewalk, a major milestone in space exploration that helped close the gap with the Soviet Union's first spacewalk, conducted just ten weeks earlier. Footnotes: Building on the success of Gemini III, Gemini IV was NASA's most ambitious mission to date. Unlike the Redstone or Atlas rockets of Project Mercury, the Gemini Titan rocket functioned as two rockets in one: the first stage lifted the spacecraft to an altitude of 64 km (40 miles) before separating, allowing the second stage to propel it into orbit. For the first time, two astronauts spent four days in orbit, with one performing America's inaugural spacewalk. Since the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, the United States had been striving to catch up in the Space Race. With Gemini IV, NASA demonstrated it was rapidly closing the gap. The mission showcased the rapid technological advancements that were unlocking new frontiers in human space exploration. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing