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Lot 79
[Gemini IV] FIRST U.S. SPACE WALK: Ed White's free-falling around Earth above Lower California James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €1,664 inc. premium
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[Gemini IV] FIRST U.S. SPACE WALK: Ed White's free-falling around Earth above Lower California
James McDivitt, 3-7 June 1965
Printed 1965.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-34642].
Numbered "NASA S-65-30428" in red in the top margin, with "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 final photograph taken by James McDivitt during Ed White's historic spacewalk is the most dramatic of the series. It is extremely rare and was exclusively published in National Geographic after the mission.
White appears as if falling toward Earth's vibrant blue surface, which stretches out below in stunning detail. Tethered to the spacecraft by a golden umbilical cord looping gracefully through the frame, White's connection to the technology sustaining his life in the harsh vacuum of space is poignantly visualized, reflecting a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity and the planet.
The photograph evokes a profound sense of awe, freedom, and isolation, emotions captured in the mission transcript. It is easy to understand why Edward White had to be coaxed back into the confines of his spacecraft. "Listen, you could almost not drag me in, but I'm coming," he said. The image also underscores the dual role of astronauts as explorers and storytellers, documenting not just the technical achievements of their missions but also the emotional and philosophical significance of venturing into the unknown.
Printed 1965.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65-34642].
Numbered "NASA S-65-30428" in red in the top margin, with "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 final photograph taken by James McDivitt during Ed White's historic spacewalk is the most dramatic of the series. It is extremely rare and was exclusively published in National Geographic after the mission.
White appears as if falling toward Earth's vibrant blue surface, which stretches out below in stunning detail. Tethered to the spacecraft by a golden umbilical cord looping gracefully through the frame, White's connection to the technology sustaining his life in the harsh vacuum of space is poignantly visualized, reflecting a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity and the planet.
The photograph evokes a profound sense of awe, freedom, and isolation, emotions captured in the mission transcript. It is easy to understand why Edward White had to be coaxed back into the confines of his spacecraft. "Listen, you could almost not drag me in, but I'm coming," he said. The image also underscores the dual role of astronauts as explorers and storytellers, documenting not just the technical achievements of their missions but also the emotional and philosophical significance of venturing into the unknown.
Footnotes
From the mission transcript during the EVA:
004:44:53 White: Okay. I'm going to let myself go out now.
004:44:59 Capcom (Mission Control): Gemini 4, Houston.
004:45:12 McDivitt: You know, Ed, this thing about the reference we were talking about looks like it was sure right.
004:49:17 White: Out here you don't even need one.
004:45:18 McDivitt: Yes.
004:45:24 Capcom: Gemini 4, Houston.
004:45:25 Mcdivitt: I'm going out to PUSH-T0-TALK and see what the Flight Director has got to say.
004:45:33 McDivitt: Gus, this is Jim. Got any message for us?
004:45:35 Capcom: Gemini 4, get back in!
004:45:36 McDivitt: Okay.
004:45:41 White: One, what are we over now, Jim?
004:45:45 McDivitt: I don't know. We're coming over the West now, and they want you to come back in now.
004:45:47 White: Back in?
004:45:48 McDivitt: Back in.
004:45:50 Capcom: Roger, we've been trying to talk to you for a while here.
004:45:50 White: Aw, Cape, let me just find a few pictures.
004:45:51 McDivitt: No, back in. Come on.
004:45:54 White: Coming in. Listen, you could almost not drag me in, but I'm coming.
Literature
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, September 1965, pp. 444-445
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