Bruce McCandless II

In this mind-blowing photograph, taken 12 February 1984, Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II, is seen further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut had ever been. This ‘space first’ was made possible by the Manned Maneuvering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack.

After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger’s payload bay, McCandless went free-flying to a distance of 320 feet (97.5 m) away from the Orbiter.

This stunning orbital panorama view shows McCandless out there amongst the black and blue of Earth and space.