Spacewalks, also known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), are among the most awe-inspiring feats of human exploration. Here are the top 10 most iconic spacewalks that shaped our understanding of space and pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
1. Alexei Leonov – The First Spacewalk (1965)
- Mission: Voskhod 2 (USSR)
- Duration: 12 minutes
- Details: On March 18, 1965, Alexei Leonov made history as the first human to leave a spacecraft and float in the vacuum of space. His suit, however, swelled in the vacuum, making it dangerously stiff and hard to maneuver. To return to the airlock, he had to bleed off oxygen, risking decompression sickness. Despite these challenges, this bold step marked the dawn of extravehicular activity and cemented Leonov’s place as a pioneer of space exploration.
2. Ed White – First American Spacewalk (1965)
- Mission: Gemini 4 (USA)
- Duration: 23 minutes
- Details: On June 3, 1965, Ed White became the first American to conduct a spacewalk. Equipped with a handheld maneuvering gun (a small jet of compressed gas for control), White marveled at Earth’s beauty from orbit, describing it as the “greatest experience of his life.” His spacewalk demonstrated NASA’s capability to keep up with Soviet advancements, further igniting the Space Race.
3. Buzz Aldrin – First EVA on the Moon (1969)
- Mission: Apollo 11 (USA)
- Duration: 2 hours, 31 minutes
- Details: On July 20, 1969, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to set foot on another celestial body. During their Moonwalk, they conducted scientific experiments, collected lunar samples, and planted the American flag. Buzz’s calm professionalism complemented Armstrong’s historic first step, and their iconic photos became symbols of human achievement.
4. Bruce McCandless II – First Untethered Spacewalk (1984)
- Mission: STS-41-B (USA)
- Duration: 6 hours, 17 minutes
- Details: Bruce McCandless performed the first untethered spacewalk on February 7, 1984, using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). This backpack-like device allowed him to float freely in space without any physical connection to the shuttle. Drifting more than 300 feet from the spacecraft, McCandless appeared as if he was flying in the vast emptiness of space, an image that has become iconic.
5. Repairing the Hubble Space Telescope (1993)
- Mission: STS-61 (USA)
- Duration: Multiple EVAs (35+ hours total)
- Details: After the Hubble Space Telescope’s launch in 1990, a flawed mirror caused blurry images, jeopardizing its mission. In December 1993, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour conducted five complex EVAs to install corrective optics and instruments. This repair mission was a triumph, saving Hubble and enabling it to produce breathtaking images of the universe, including the Pillars of Creation.
6. Svetlana Savitskaya – First Female Spacewalk (1984)
- Mission: Soyuz T-12 (USSR)
- Duration: 3 hours, 35 minutes
- Details: On July 25, 1984, Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to perform a spacewalk outside the Salyut 7 space station. She tested new welding tools and techniques for in-space construction. Her EVA not only showcased female contributions to space exploration but also underscored the expanding role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
7. Peggy Whitson – Record-Breaking Spacewalker (2017)
- Mission: ISS Expedition 50/51 (USA)
- Duration: 60+ hours across 10 EVAs
- Details: Peggy Whitson broke records as the most experienced female spacewalker during her illustrious NASA career. On March 30, 2017, she completed her eighth EVA, setting a new record for cumulative EVA time by a woman. Her dedication and skill inspired countless young women to pursue STEM careers.
8. Spacewalk to Save Skylab (1973)
- Mission: Skylab 2 (USA)
- Duration: 3+ hours
- Details: America’s first space station, Skylab, was severely damaged during launch in May 1973, losing critical insulation and a solar panel. Astronauts Pete Conrad and Joe Kerwin conducted a daring EVA to deploy a sunshade and free the jammed solar array. Their work saved the mission and demonstrated the importance of spacewalks for station repairs and maintenance.
9. First Chinese Spacewalk – Zhai Zhigang (2008)
- Mission: Shenzhou 7 (China)
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Details: On September 27, 2008, Zhai Zhigang performed China’s first spacewalk, symbolizing the nation’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight. Wearing a Chinese-made Feitian spacesuit, Zhai floated outside the spacecraft and waved the Chinese flag. This milestone marked China’s entry into the exclusive club of nations mastering spacewalking technology.
10. First All-Woman Spacewalk (2019)
- Mission: ISS Expedition 61 (USA)
- Duration: 7 hours, 17 minutes
- Details: On October 18, 2019, Jessica Meir and Christina Koch conducted the first all-female spacewalk. Tasked with replacing a battery charge-discharge unit on the ISS, their EVA highlighted the growing diversity in space exploration. It was a symbolic and historic moment, celebrated worldwide as a step toward greater gender equality in space.
Conclusion
These iconic spacewalks are milestones in humanity’s journey into the cosmos, showcasing innovation, bravery, and teamwork. They not only advanced scientific discovery but also inspired millions to dream of exploring the final frontier. 🌌
