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Image description: On February 12, 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut had ever been. This was made possible by a nitrogen jet propelled backpack.
After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger’s payload bay, McCandless went “free-flying” to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. This stunning orbital panorama view shows McCandless amongst the black and blue of Earth and space.
Photo by NASA

Image description: On February 12, 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut had ever been. This was made possible by a nitrogen jet propelled backpack.

After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger’s payload bay, McCandless went “free-flying” to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. This stunning orbital panorama view shows McCandless amongst the black and blue of Earth and space.

Photo by NASA

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