Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Astronauts complete first untethered spacewalk in history

2/7/2025

28 6

Summary

Story summary

On February 7, 1984, during NASA's STS-41-B mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart made history by completing the first untethered spacewalk. This groundbreaking extravehicular activity showcased the capabilities of the Manned Maneuvering Unit, allowing astronauts to navigate freely in space.

1 of 1

Story summary

On February 7, 1984, during NASA's STS-41-B mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart made history by completing the first untethered spacewalk. This groundbreaking extravehicular activity showcased the capabilities of the Manned Maneuvering Unit, allowing astronauts to navigate freely in space.