Did you know? The first American spacewalk was guided from Houston.
On June 3, 1965, Gemini IV launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida—but history was made in Houston. This mission was the first U.S. spaceflight controlled by NASA’s brand-new Mission Control Center, now the Johnson Space Center.
Over four days in orbit, astronauts James McDivitt and Ed White circled Earth 62 times. During that flight, Ed White stepped outside the spacecraft and floated freely in space for 23 minutes, marking the first American spacewalk. Tethered to the Gemini IV capsule, White’s pioneering moment opened the door for future extravehicular activities and deeper space exploration.
Beyond the spacewalk, Gemini IV pushed boundaries:
- It tested how humans perform during long-duration spaceflight (98 hours).
- It attempted a complex space rendezvous (though ultimately aborted).
- It carried out 11 scientific experiments, from Earth photography to radiation studies.
- Gemini IV was a turning point, proving that human spaceflight wasn’t just possible; it was evolving. And with Houston at the helm, a new era had begun.
Want to see a piece of that history up close?
At Space Center Houston, guests can view an actual spacesuit in our Starship Gallery, just like the one worn by Ed White during his iconic spacewalk—the first by an American. You can also explore exhibits that highlight Houston’s pivotal role in spaceflight history, including the legacy of Mission Control. Don’t just read about it—step into the story.
