124. [Gemini XII] BUZZ ALDRIN PERFORMING THE FIRST FLAWLESS SPACEWALK IN HISTORY NASA, 11-15 November 1966 NASA, 11-15 November 1966 Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image NASA S-66-62938]. Numbered "NASA S-66-62938" in red 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 stunning image, capturing Buzz Aldrin at the Agena work station during Gemini XII, marks the first fully successful spacewalk, an undeniable triumph in human space exploration. His flawless execution validated critical techniques for all subsequent extravehicular activities (EVAs), setting the foundation for future space operations. The picture was recorded by a 16mm Maurer camera, which Aldrin himself mounted on the exterior of the spacecraft docked to the Agena target vehicle. In the foreground, the spacecraft's open hatch and Aldrin's 9-metre umbilical EVA cord are visible, emphasizing his tethered yet daring manoeuvring in the weightlessness of space. Aldrin conducted three spacewalks during Gemini 12. The first and third were stand-up EVAs, but this second, more complex EVA involved extensive movement and manual tasks. He first worked near the hatch and nose area before following a handrail he had installed to reach the adapter section. There, using foot restraints and tethers, he positioned himself before a work panel and successfully completed 17 manual tasks. Moving to the target vehicle adapter area, he performed a series of exercises, including the use of a torque wrench while securely tethered. He also attached a 30-metre-long tether stowed in the Gemini-Agena Target Vehicle (GATV) adapter to the Gemini adapter bar. Unlike previous EVAs, which left astronauts exhausted, Aldrin's included scheduled two-minute rest periods to manage fatigue, demonstrating a new approach to spacewalk efficiency. After successfully completing all assigned tasks, he re-entered the capsule and secured the hatch. His total EVA time was 2 hours and 6 minutes. (SOURCE:NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Details)