An original 10x8" vintage TYPE 1 photo from a large collection of original, official NASA mission photographs from the estate of NASA's Clark C. McClelland (1936-2021).

McClelland worked as an ScO ("Ground Astronaut") on hundreds of manned and unmanned U.S. space missions during his 34 years (1958-1992) with NASA at Cape Canaveral in Florida and was a member of the Mercury, Gemini, Skylab, and Apollo teams.

This photo was acquired by McClelland at the time of the mission and stored carefully ever since. Professionally packaged in a rigid mailer for safe delivery.

Photo Overview

The photograph showcases the recovery of the Gemini IV spacecraft being lifted aboard the USS Wasp after completing a 62-revolution orbit around Earth. The scene is bustling with activity as crew members stand on deck and watch the spacecraft hoisted from the ocean. The image captures a pivotal moment of the Gemini IV mission, which was manned by astronauts James A. McDivitt and Edward H. White II. This meticulous recovery operation took place on June 7, 1965, off the eastern coast of Florida.

The Gemini IV mission was historic as it marked the first American spacewalk conducted by Edward H. White II. White's spacewalk, which lasted 23 minutes, was a significant achievement in the space race, showcasing NASA's capabilities in extravehicular activity. The mission's success contributed to NASA's growing confidence in manned spaceflight, setting the stage for future Apollo missions to the moon. It captured the imagination of a global audience and proved critical in advancing human space exploration.

Text Present

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
CAPE KENNEDY, FLORIDA

NASA Photo No. 65-H-945
FOR RELEASE: June 7, 1965

ABOARD THE USS WASP—The Gemini IV spacecraft is lifted aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp after completing a 62 revolution flight around the Earth in 97 hours and 56 minutes. The spacecraft piloted by Astronauts James A. McDivitt and Edward H. White II landed about 48 miles short of its target and some 400 miles east of Cape Kennedy at 12:12 P.m., EST, June 7. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Gemini IV mission covered over 1,600,000 miles on this the longest multimanned space flight ever flown.

Condition: Good to excellent vintage condition. Please see photos for scans of the surface. Photo may have natural curling from age.