Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart floated freely above Earth

1984 Event

Astronauts Fly Free: First Untethered Spacewalk

Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart floated freely above Earth using the Manned Maneuvering Unit, becoming the first humans to perform an untethered spacewalk. McCandless drifted 320 feet from the shuttle — farther than any astronaut had ever ventured alone — proving that jetpack-style propulsion could enable independent satellite servicing and repair.

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February 7, 1984

42 years ago

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Astronauts Fly Free: First Untethered Spacewalk

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