There’s a terrifying true story behind what many consider the scariest space photo ever taken. Space exploration is a remarkable but dangerous endeavor. While only a few people will ever travel beyond Earth, astronauts face extreme risks every time they launch into the unknown. Among the most iconic and chilling images from space is a photo of astronaut Bruce McCandless II, completely alone, floating freely above Earth.
Bruce McCandless and the First Untethered Spacewalk
In 1984, Bruce McCandless II made history by becoming the first astronaut to perform an untethered spacewalk. Using a Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) — essentially a space jetpack — he drifted 100 meters away from the Space Shuttle Challenger, with no tether connecting him to the spacecraft. He was completely alone, surrounded by the vast emptiness of space. The moment was captured in a photo that would later be called the scariest space photo ever taken. It’s a haunting image of isolation, bravery, and technological achievement.
The Story Shared by YouTuber Thomas Mulligan
YouTuber Thomas Mulligan brought renewed attention to this story in a video shared with his viewers. He emphasized how insane and dangerous the mission was, noting that McCandless was “floating in space with nothing but a jetpack and hope.” Mulligan reminded viewers just how vulnerable McCandless was in that moment.
Viewer Reactions to the Scariest Space Photo
The photo continues to stun viewers. One YouTube commenter wrote, “That man has nerves of steel.” Another said, “If that jetpack had failed, he would’ve drifted into space forever.” A third added, “He floated between nothing and everything that mattered to him. Poetic.” The image remains a powerful symbol of human courage and the vast unknown.