[Gemini IV] COVER OF LIFE: the first U.S. space walk by Ed White James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965

[Gemini IV] COVER OF LIFE: the first U.S. space walk by Ed White James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965 Printed 1965. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-30428]. Numbered 'NASA S-65-30428' in red in the top margin, with NASA caption 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 striking photograph, unmatched in its drama and power, graced the cover of LIFE magazine on June 18, 1965, becoming one of the most iconic images in the history of photography. Ed White is truly 'walking in space' above the blue Earth over Texas, tethered to the orbiting Gemini capsule. Footnotes: James McDivitt captured this historic photograph using a NASA-modified Hasselblad 500C camera loaded with 70mm Eastman Kodak Ektachrome MS film. From the cramped confines of the Gemini capsule, McDivitt relied on both instinct and precision to frame this extraordinary image. Reflecting on the challenges of photographing in space, he later recounted: 'I took most of these photographs without being able to see what I was shooting at. I'd take the camera down and look to see where Ed was, and then put the camera up, point in that direction, and take the picture. I'm a good pistol and rifle shot. Maybe that helped.' (Schick and Van Haaften, p. 33) White's EVA (extravehicular activity) was a groundbreaking success for the American space program, with Gemini 4 marking a pivotal moment in the space race against the Soviets. Within days of splashdown, McDivitt's stunning images of the EVA appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide, highlighting the transformative role photography played in shaping public perception of manned space exploration: 'I wasn't the only one who felt the power of those images from space. Countless people saw them and understood their basic message: this was the edge of human experience', reflected space historian Andrew Chaikin. (Chaikin, Space, p. 12) NASA caption for the photograph: GT 4 EVA: Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space mission, floats in space during the third revolution of the earth by the Gemini spacecraft. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line. Both lines are wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand, he carries a Hand-Held Self-Manoeuvring Unit to aid in controlling his movements in space. The visor of his space helmet is gold-plated to protect him from unfiltered rays of the sun. A portion of the Gemini-4 spacecraft can be seen across the bottom of the picture. White spent 21 minutes in the zero-gravity of space. Watch more CLICK HERE: Gemini 4 | NASAs First Ever Space Walk - Narrated By Ed White For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing