XRH1720065: 03/06/65 On June 3, 1965 Edward H. White II became the first American to step outside his spacecraft and let go, effectively setting himself adrift in the zero gravity of space. For 23 minutes White floated and maneuvered himself around the Gemini spacecraft while logging 6500 miles during his orbital stroll. White was attached to the spacecraft by a 25 foot umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) which is used to move about the weightless environment of space. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. / Bridgeman Images
XRH1720081: 01/09/61 As crew members secure the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft after a research flight, the B-52 mothership used for launching this unique aircraft does a low fly-by overhead. The X-15s made a total of 199 flights over a period of nearly 10 years from 1959 to 1968, and set unofficial world speed and altitude records of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7) and 354,200 feet. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo piloted spaceflight programs, and also the Space Shuttle program. / Bridgeman Images
XRH1720291: Receptions of RAF veterans at the Royal Palace in Brussels on September 25, 1969 from left to right Major God the Wing Commander Kingaby Air Marshall Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris Air Chief Marshall Sir John Grandy Colonel Leroy du Vivier and Lieutenant Colonel Malengrau in the center King Baudoin / Bridgeman Images