Today's Word: Spacewalk

Get ready for an extraordinary term: *Spacewalk*! Pronounced as /ˈspeɪs.wɔːk/, this word describes an exhilarating experience unique to astronauts.

What Exactly is a Spacewalk?

A *spacewalk*, officially known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA), involves astronauts stepping outside their spacecraft while clad in specially designed suits. This brave venture allows them to undertake vital tasks, from repairing equipment to conducting groundbreaking scientific research, all in the mesmerizing vacuum of space.

The Origins of the Term 'Spacewalk'

Coined in the 1960s, the term 'spacewalk' beautifully marries the concepts of "space" and "walk." It inspired a vision of astronauts gliding through the cosmos, liberated from the heavy pull of gravity.

A Glance at Spacewalk Milestones

- **First Spacewalk**: On March 18, 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov marked history by performing the premier spacewalk during the Voskhod 2 mission, spending 12 minutes outside his spacecraft, despite facing challenges with his inflating suit.

- **First American Spacewalk**: Just months later, on June 3, 1965, NASA's Ed White became the first American to partake in this celestial activity during the Gemini 4 mission, utilizing a handheld propulsion device.

- **First Moonwalk**: Fast forward to July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin strolled on the Moon during Apollo 11. Armstrong's epic words, *“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,”* still resonate today.

- **Longest Spacewalk**: March 11, 2001, saw astronauts Susan Helms and James Voss break records with the longest spacewalk ever, stretching an impressive 8 hours and 56 minutes aboard the ISS during the STS-102 mission.

Spacewalks Today: A Routine Affair?

In contemporary space exploration, spacewalks have become routine aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts tackle crucial repairs, upgrades, and experiments in microgravity. These daring endeavors continue to push the boundaries of human capability.

Literary References to Spacewalks

In the world of literature, spacewalks have made their mark. For instance, in J.J. and Chris Grabenstein's *Shine!*, a character metaphorically compares their floating experience to being on a spacewalk. Similarly, Cory Doctorow's *Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom* paints a whimsical picture with a character exploring the surreal world during her spacewalk.