NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless made history on February 7, 1984, by becoming the first person to perform a tetherless spacewalk.

His daring venture exemplified the courage and pioneering spirit of early NASA astronauts.

Equipped with a manned maneuvering unit he helped design, McCandless ventured into the void of space, with only the Earth and the vast expanse of space as his backdrop. McCandless's untethered spacewalk marked a significant milestone in human space exploration. Prior to his mission, astronauts relied on tethers to remain connected to their spacecraft during extravehicular activities (EVAs). His innovative maneuvering unit allowed him to navigate freely, expanding the possibilities for future spacewalks and opening new avenues for scientific exploration.

The images captured during McCandless's spacewalk are iconic, depicting him floating gracefully against the backdrop of Earth's radiant blue surface and the deep darkness of space. It was a moment of awe and inspiration, showcasing humanity's ability to push the boundaries of exploration and achievement.

Before embarking on his historic spacewalk, McCandless uttered words that would echo through history: "It may be a small step for Neil, but it's a big step for us." This playful nod to Neil Armstrong's famous quote from the Apollo 11 moon landing encapsulated the significance of McCandless's groundbreaking achievement.

A seasoned astronaut and trained engineer, McCandless devoted his career to advancing the capabilities of manned maneuvering devices. His expertise and dedication paved the way for future generations of astronauts to explore the cosmos with greater freedom and mobility.

Accompanying McCandless on his pioneering spacewalk was astronaut Robert Stewart. Together, they ventured away from the safety of their space shuttle, floating approximately 90 meters from their spacecraft. Their actions demonstrated the remarkable progress made in spaceflight technology since NASA's first spacewalk in 1965, when astronaut Edward H. White II ventured outside his spacecraft while tethered to it. McCandless's untethered spacewalk represented a leap forward in human space exploration. NASA continued to build upon this achievement, conducting untethered spacewalks on three shuttle missions in 1984. However, the practice was discontinued two years later due to safety concerns.

In 1994, NASA tested a new propulsion backpack system designed for use in situations where astronauts needed to maneuver independently during spacewalks. This innovation reflected NASA's ongoing commitment to advancing space exploration and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its astronauts.

McCandless's contributions to space exploration extended far beyond his historic spacewalk. He was a member of NASA's astronaut corps from 1966 to 1990, playing a key role in numerous missions and advancements in space technology. His passing on December 21, 2017, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars and pursue the wonders of space exploration.

Bruce McCandless's untethered spacewalk not only showcased the ingenuity and bravery of NASA astronauts but also inspired a new generation of space explorers. His groundbreaking achievement challenged the limits of human capability and demonstrated the potential for humans to thrive in the harsh environment of space. McCandless's legacy lives on in the continued exploration of the cosmos, with NASA's Artemis mission aiming to return astronauts to the moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars.