116. [Gemini XI] RICHARD GORDON RETURNING TO THE SPACECRAFT HATCH AFTER A GRUELING SPACEWALK NASA, 12-15 September 1966 Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image NASA S-66-54454]. Numbered "NASA S-66-54454" in red in the top margin, with NASA caption and "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This striking image, captured by a 16 mm movie camera, shows astronaut Richard Gordon in outer space at the end of an arduous and exhausting spacewalk. During the mission, Gordon faced significant challenges while attempting to attach a tether between the spacecraft and the Agena target vehicle, orbiting 160 nautical miles above the Atlantic Ocean. Physical exhaustion and sweat blinding his right eye forced him to cut the EVA short. Here, he is seen approaching the hatch, with the stunning blue curvature of Earth in the background. Part of NASA's early exploration of EVA feasibility, Gemini XI demonstrated strides in spacewalking technology and procedures, but the mission also underscored the immense difficulty of working in zero gravity. Despite prior warnings from astronauts Gene Cernan and Michael Collins, Gordon later reflected, "I knew it was going to be harder, but I had no idea of the magnitude." Engineers, too, had underestimated the challenges, as crews were still without adequate restraints to assist them.