Walking in Space
Explanation:
Pictured
above is the
first
american astronaut to walk in space:
Edward
White. White is seen floating outside the
Gemini 4 capsule in
1965. The term "spacewalk" is deceiving since astronauts do not actually
walk - they float - usually without their feet touching anything solid.
White was connected to the spaceship only by a thick tether. He carried a
Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit which expelled gas allowing him to move
around. A maneuvering device is necessary in the
free-fall
of space since there is nothing (besides the spacecraft) to push off of to
guide movements.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
