129. [Gemini XII] BUZZ ALDRIN'S TRAILBLAZING SPACEWALK: the first flawless EVA in space history James Lovell, 11-15 November 1966 Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image NASA S-66-62782]. Numbered "NASA S-66-62782" 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 incredible photograph shows Buzz Aldrin working like a "human fly" outside the spacecraft during his spacewalk. The L-band antenna of the Agena and Aldrin's umbilical cord are visible above him as he carefully manoeuvres in microgravity. In his right hand, he grips a Velcro handhold—one of the innovative tools that enabled him to move effortlessly along the spacecraft. The success of Aldrin's spacewalk laid the groundwork for the Apollo program, ensuring that future astronauts could confidently work outside their spacecraft—an essential capability for the upcoming Moon landings. During Gemini XII, Aldrin completed three EVAs (Extravehicular Activities)—two stand-up EVAs from the open hatch and this more complex excursion outside the spacecraft. Aldrin demonstrated that spacewalking could be methodical and efficient. He attached a 30-meter tether to the Agena for a two-vehicle rotation manoeuvre, used foot restraints and tethers for stability, and performed 17 manual tasks—including the use of a torque wrench—all while managing scheduled rest periods to avoid exhaustion. His flawless execution, totalling 2 hours and 6 minutes, proved that astronauts could work effectively in space, overcoming the challenges that had plagued earlier EVAs. James Lovell captured the photograph with the Maurer space camera through the left-hand window of Gemini XII. "The whole purpose of Buzz Aldrin's Extravehicular Activity was to see how well you can work in space. You can operate very nicely out there if you know what you're doing and just slow down. You have to let zero gravity work for you, not against you." —James Lovell (Schick and Van Haaften, p. 59) Literature LIFE, 2 December 1966, p. 41 Exploring space with a camera (NASA SP-168), Cortright, ed., p. 183 The View from Space: American Astronaut Photography, 1962–1972, Schick and Van Haaften, p. 59 LIFE in space, Mason, pp. 120-21 Apollo: the epic journey to the Moon, Reynolds, p. 51