Gemini 4 (1965)

Gemini 4 was the second manned space flight in NASA's Gemini program, occurring in June 1965. It was the tenth manned American spaceflight (including two X-15 flights at altitudes exceeding 100 kilometres)

Astronauts James McDivitt and Edward H. White, II circled the Earth 66 times in four days, making it the first US flight to approach the five-day flight of the Soviet Vostok 5. The highlight of the mission was the first space-walk by an American, during which White floated free outside the spacecraft, tethered to it, for approximately 20 minutes. Both of these accomplishments helped the United States overcome the Soviet Union's early lead in the Space Race

On June 3, 1965 Edward H. White II stepped outside his spacecraft and let go, effectively setting himself adrift in the zero gravity of space. White floated and maneuvered himself around the Gemini spacecraft while logging 6500 miles during his orbital stroll. He was attached to the spacecraft by a 25 foot umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) which is used to move about the weightless environment of space. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun

 

And here's a better look at that G4C spacesuit updating the G3C for the purpose of all those extravehicular activities. Photo from May 1965, prior to Gemini 4 mission

 

 

Steve

Gemini 3 (1965)

It's been a while since we looked at anything real-world and factual so lets start here and see where it leads us.

Gemini 3 was the first manned mission in NASA's Gemini program, the second of America's manned space programs.

On March 23, 1965, the spacecraft, nicknamed Molly Brown, performed the seventh manned US spaceflight, and the 17th manned spaceflight overall (including X-15 flights over 100 kilometres).

The crew of Gemini 3 were Virgil I 'Gus' Grissom and John W Young. Their primary goal was to test the new, manoeuvrable Gemini spacecraft and during the mission they fired thrusters to change the shape of their orbit, shift their orbital plane slightly and drop to a lower altitude

This is the Gemini G3C spacesuit as worn by both Grissom and Young on that mission alone before being replaced by the G4C - more of which later.

 

Steve

Mercury 3 - Alan Shepard (1961)

Alan Shepard first American in Space,  May 1961.

When Shepard was asked why he thought he had been selected for this historical flight, he grinned and said: “I guess they just ran out of monkeys!”

 

 

Steve