LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Sept Grand Format Air & Space #669  / 

25263

Edward H. White Large Signed Spacewalk Photo

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Edward H. White Large Signed Spacewalk Photo
<B>Edward H. White II Large Signed Walk-In-Space Photograph,</B></I> 10.75" x 14" matted to 15.5" x 19.5", framed to 18.5" x 22.5". Pictured is astronaut Edward H. White II, Gemini 4 pilot, floating in zero gravity of space. This first-ever U.S. extravehicular activity (EVA) was performed during the third revolution of the Gemini 4 spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-foot umbilical line and a 23-foot tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. Inscribed on the matte "<I>To Nig-/ thank you for your/ help and support for/ Gemini IV/ Edward H. White II/ 3 June '65.</B></I>" ("Nig" was an affectionate nickname for Dr. Coons.) Gemini 4 was launched on June 3, 1965. NASA wasn't planning a spacewalk until Gemini 6, scheduled for late 1965, but after Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made the first EVA in March, it was decided that White would walk-in-space. Dr. Coons said the environmental control system that would deliver oxygen and maintain atmospheric pressure in the EVA astronaut's space suit was not ready and advised that a chest-mounted pressure controller be designed in-house, combined with an emergency source of oxygen. An umbilical line would be built that could be plugged into the spacecraft and plugged into the suit. It was done and Edward H. White II became the first American to walk in space. On January 27, 1967, White tragically died in the Apollo 1 space capsule fire. The photo is lightly faded but else fine. <I>From the estate of Dr. D. Owen Coons, Chief of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center Medical Office.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Framed - with Glass, Medium (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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