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Backpacking
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Backpacking
Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut ever has. This space first was made possible by the Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack. After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challengers payload bay, McCandless went " free-flying" to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. The MMU is controled by joy sticks positioned at the end of the arm rests. Moving the joy sticks left or right or by pulling them fires nitrogen jet thrusters propelling McCandless in any direction he chooses. A still camera is mounted on the upper right portion of the MMU. This stunning view shows McCandless with the MMU out there amongst the black and blue of Earth and space
Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery
Media ID 635368
© NASA
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Venturing into the Vast Unknown - Astronaut Bruce McCandless Breaks Barriers with MMU
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this awe-inspiring photo print, we witness a historic moment as Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II fearlessly pushes the boundaries of space exploration. With his trusty Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) strapped to his back, McCandless embarks on an extraordinary journey that no astronaut has ever dared before. Leaving behind the safety and confines of his spacecraft, McCandless takes "backpacking" to a whole new level. Powered by nitrogen jet thrusters controlled by joy sticks at the end of his arm rests, he defies gravity and propels himself further away from the Orbiter than anyone could have imagined - an astonishing 320 feet! Captured in this breathtaking image is McCandless floating amidst the vast expanse of Earth and space. The contrasting hues of black and blue serve as a stark reminder of both our planet's beauty and its boundlessness. The MMU not only grants him unparalleled freedom but also enables him to capture these remarkable moments through a still camera mounted on its upper right portion. This photograph stands as proof that humanity's thirst for discovery knows no bounds. McCandless' daring feat embodies mankind's relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond our terrestrial realm. His courage serves as an inspiration for future generations who will continue pushing the frontiers of space exploration, armed with innovation and unwavering determination.
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