This terrifying 1984 photograph showing an astronaut's untethered spacewalk is still considered one of the most iconic space photos ever
Published on Feb 12, 2026 at 11:02 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Feb 12, 2026 at 1:17 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
In one of the most iconic space photos of all time, astronaut Bruce McCandless II performs an untethered spacewalk that looks as unreal today as it did in 1984.
The image immediately became a sensation because it shows a human completely detached from their spacecraft, floating alone against the curve of Earth.
It’s a striking reminder of how boldly humans can push the boundaries of exploration.
Decades later, the photo still makes viewers gasp, laugh, marvel, and even quip about how it doesn’t look claustrophobic at all.
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He’s not actually floating in space
On February 7, 1984, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II made history aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger during the STS-41B mission.
For the first time ever, a human ventured into space without a safety tether.
He relied entirely on a jet-powered backpack called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) to fly.
The MMU used small thrusters and compressed nitrogen to let McCandless move freely in microgravity, effectively letting him pilot himself in orbit.
It was a breathtaking moment, and the photograph captured by astronaut Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson remains etched in space lore.
Even years after, the image of the first untethered spacewalk remains one of the most powerful photos of all time.
McCandless appears to hang effortlessly, yet he was actually racing around Earth at over 17,500 mph.
As one Reddit commenter put it: “He wasn’t floating, he was FLYING.”
Another likened it to the opposite of claustrophobia; a vastness of immense that even freedom feels intimidating.
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The first untethered spacewalk was a huge leap for mankind
The MMU was a marvel of engineering for its era, giving astronauts unprecedented ability to work outside their spacecraft.
Before this, spacewalks always kept explorers attached by tethers for safety.
However, McCandless stepped beyond that constraint and demonstrated a new kind of autonomy.
While NASA eventually retired the MMU for operational reasons, its legacy lives on in the iconic photograph that so powerfully captures humanity’s reach into space.
More than just a technical achievement, the image symbolizes human daring and curiosity.
As McCandless himself put it: “It may have been one small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me.”
If you ever though something was impossible, look at this photo, and think again.
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Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer. As part of the growing editorial team working in Australia, and in synergy with team members in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere in the world, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy and energy into every shift.
