It's Ed White Day...The Speedmaster 105.003 becomes an icon.

Four years before the Speedmaster goes to the Moon Ed White and Jim McDivitt put the Speedmaster on the map. With a string of iconic images taken by Gemini 4 Command Pilot Jim McDivitt showing White wearing two Speedmaster strapped over his left arm the Speedmaster 105.003 becomes a legend.

57 years ago today Ed White made the United States' first spacewalk on June 3, 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission. The extra-vehicular activity (EVA) started on the third orbit when White opened his hatch and used the hand-held maneuvering oxygen-jet gun to push himself out of the capsule. The EVA started over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii and lasted 23 minutes, ending over the Gulf of Mexico. Initially, White propelled himself to the end of the 8 meter tether and back to the spacecraft three times using the hand-held gun. After the first three minutes the fuel ran out and White maneuvered by twisting his body and pulling on the tether.

The first photograph of the EVA as Ed White backs away from the Gemini 4 spacecraft over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Hawaii is captured at 19:45 UT by Command Pilot McDivitt.


CREDIT - NASA IMAGE S65-30431

My short tribute to that historic moment in time....


Well done Command Pilot McDivitt and happy anniversary.



Anyone care to share their 105.003, Gemini 4 LE, or any other Gemini 4 memorabilia join me today and post away below.

Happy Anniversary. That watch (modern Ed White) is top of my wish / wait list :0)
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Happy Anniversary from Denmark. My Ed White is a 105.003-63 - and it´s one of my favorites

This was my effort from a couple of years back… probably best with the sound off :0).
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As an interesting side note. After McDivvit saw the video we produced his feedback included how much he did not like the official Gemini 4 mission patch and that he preferred his original patch design with the eagle and Gemini 4 capsule.

I have to say, I agree.

The NEW321 next to the 321

My one and only vintage Speedy. I don't wear it too often but this thread is a good reminder to get it on my wrist for a few days.

Great stuff so far. Thanks for sharing!!

Dang! I missed it! Happy belated anniversary! I was [and still am] at the office…so I’ll post some file pics of my birth year 1964 105.003…which is currently in the safety deposit box at the bank BUT will get flown at some point in the near future. Thanks for the thread, @TLIGuy ! 👍