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Lot 71
[Gemini IV] FIRST U.S. SPACE WALK: Ed White floating in space over South California James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €1,920 inc. premium
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[Gemini IV] FIRST U.S. SPACE WALK: Ed White floating in space over South California
James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965
Printed 1965.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-30430].
Numbered "NASA S-65-30430" 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 magnificent photograph of Ed White during the first U.S. spacewalk created a sensation and remains among the most compelling images produced in space. The vibrant blue curve of Earth's atmosphere sweeps diagonally across the frame, contrasting with the vast darkness of space above. Swirling clouds highlight the breathtaking view of the planet, while White's gleaming spacesuit emphasizes both the fragility and resilience of humanity in space. James McDivitt's composition lyrically portrays the expansive freedom of man in space, making it easy to understand why Ed White exclaimed, "This is the greatest experience I've ..... it's just tremendous!"
Printed 1965.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-30430].
Numbered "NASA S-65-30430" 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 magnificent photograph of Ed White during the first U.S. spacewalk created a sensation and remains among the most compelling images produced in space. The vibrant blue curve of Earth's atmosphere sweeps diagonally across the frame, contrasting with the vast darkness of space above. Swirling clouds highlight the breathtaking view of the planet, while White's gleaming spacesuit emphasizes both the fragility and resilience of humanity in space. James McDivitt's composition lyrically portrays the expansive freedom of man in space, making it easy to understand why Ed White exclaimed, "This is the greatest experience I've ..... it's just tremendous!"
Footnotes
McDivitt took this photograph from his Command Pilot left seat of the capsule with a Hasselblad model 500 C (NASA modified) and 70mm Eastman Kodak Ektachrome MS film. Ed white was spacewalking over South California.
From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken (at T+ 004:37:09 after launch):
004:35:10 White: Capcom, it's very easy to manoeuvre with the gun. The only problem I have is that I haven't got enough fuel. I've exhausted the fuel now and I was able to manoeuvre myself around the front of the spacecraft, back, and manoeuvre right up to the top of the adapter. Just about ..... came back into Jim's view. The only thing I wish is that I had more. This is the greatest experience I've ..... it's just tremendous! Right now I'm standing on my head, and I'm looking right down, and it looks like we're coming up on the coast of California. I'm going into a slow rotation to the right. There is absolutely no disorientation associated with it.
004:35:42 McDivitt: One thing about it, when Ed gets out there and starts wiggling around, it sure makes the spacecraft tough to control.
004:36:02 White: I feel just about like a ..... commercial.
004:36:03 Capcom (Mission Control): Is he taking pictures?
004:36:11 Capcom: Take some pictures.
004:36:12 White: Okay. I'm going to work on getting some pictures, Jim.
004:36:14 McDivitt: Okay. Get out in front where I can see you again.
004:36:16 White: Yes.
004:36:18 McDivitt: I've only got about three (photos) on the Hasselblad.
004:36:20 White: Okay.
004:36:22 McDivitt: Where are you?
004:36:24 White: Right out in front now. I don't have the control I had any more without that gun.
Watch more
CLICK HERE: Gemini 4 | NASAs First Ever Space Walk - Narrated By Ed White
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