Ed White
Gemini 4 astronaut and first American to walk in space, who reported “sparkles” during the flight
| Ed White | |
| Born | November 14, 1930, San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|
| Died | January 27, 1967 |
| Nationality | American |
| Category | Astronaut |
| Roles | Gemini 4 pilot (first U.S. spacewalk, 1965); Apollo 1 crew |
| Notable claim | Reported “sparkles” during Gemini 4 |
| Status | Historical |
| Historical | |
Edward Higgins White II (1930–1967) was an Air Force test pilot who made the first American spacewalk on Gemini 4 on June 3, 1965. He died with Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee in the Apollo 1 launch-pad fire on January 27, 1967.[1]
In the Gemini 4 debriefing aboard the recovery ship USS Wasp, White recounted seeing “sparkles” during the flight, and with commander James McDivitt described other visual sightings. These transcripts were released in PURSUE Release 03.[2]
Assessment
“Sparkles” near the spacecraft are consistent with ice particles and debris reflecting sunlight, the same effect earlier reported on Mercury flights.
See also
References
- ^ NASA, Gemini 4 mission records, June 1965.
- ^ U.S. Department of War (2026). PURSUE Release 03, NASA-UAP-D016 to D018.