# Bruce McCandless II

> American astronaut (1937–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q433608](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q433608)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_McCandless_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bruce-mccandless-ii

## Summary
Bruce McCandless II was an American astronaut and engineer who served as a naval aviator and NASA astronaut. He is best known for conducting the first untethered spacewalk in 1984 during the STS-41-B mission. McCandless died in 2017 at the age of 80.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 8, 1937
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: 
  - United States Naval Academy
  - Stanford University
  - University of Houston–Clear Lake
- **Known for**: First untethered spacewalk
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - United States Navy
  - NASA
- **Field(s)**: Aerospace engineering, astronautics

## Contributions
- **First Untethered Spacewalk (1984)**: McCandless performed the first free-flying spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) during the STS-41-B mission, demonstrating the feasibility of independent astronaut mobility in space.
- **NASA Astronaut Group 5**: Selected as part of NASA's fifth astronaut group in 1967, contributing to multiple spaceflight programs.
- **Technical Leadership**: Served as a technical assistant to the director of the NASA Johnson Space Center and supported the development of the Space Shuttle program.

## FAQs
**Q: What was Bruce McCandless II's most notable achievement?**  
A: He conducted the first untethered spacewalk in 1984 using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) during the STS-41-B mission.

**Q: Where did Bruce McCandless II work before joining NASA?**  
A: He served as a naval aviator in the United States Navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy.

**Q: What educational institutions did Bruce McCandless II attend?**  
A: He attended the United States Naval Academy, Stanford University, and the University of Houston–Clear Lake.

**Q: What awards did Bruce McCandless II receive?**  
A: He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal, and Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

## Why They Matter
Bruce McCandless II's pioneering spacewalk marked a significant milestone in space exploration, advancing the capability for astronauts to maneuver independently in space. His contributions to the Space Shuttle program and technical leadership at NASA influenced the development of subsequent space missions and technologies. Without his work, the evolution of extravehicular activity (EVA) and spacewalking techniques might have progressed more slowly.

## Notable For
- **First Untethered Spacewalk (1984)**: Pioneered the use of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).
- **NASA Astronaut Group 5**: Selected in 1967 as part of NASA's fifth astronaut group.
- **Military Service**: Served as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy.
- **Awards and Honors**: Recipient of multiple NASA and military awards, including induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Bruce McCandless II was born on June 8, 1937. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and later attended Stanford University and the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where he pursued studies in aerospace engineering.

### Military Career
Before joining NASA, McCandless served as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, contributing to his later selection as an astronaut.

### NASA Career
- **Astronaut Selection**: McCandless was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5 in 1967.
- **Technical Roles**: He served as a technical assistant to the director of the NASA Johnson Space Center and supported the development of the Space Shuttle program.
- **STS-41-B Mission**: On February 7, 1984, McCandless performed the first untethered spacewalk using the MMU, a historic moment in space exploration.

### Legacy
McCandless's achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. His work laid the foundation for future spacewalk procedures and mobility systems, ensuring his lasting impact on the field of astronautics.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/bruce-mccandless-ii/)
3. [Kentucky Astronaut to be Honored. The Courier-Journal. 1995](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29989668/the_courierjournal/)
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
6. [Bruce McCandless, iconic spacewalker, dies at 80](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bruce-mccandless-iconic-spacewalker-dies-at-80/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013