The Beauty of Space: Vintage NASA Photos
Description:
William Anders (American, b. 1933)
Two images showing the separation during trans-lunar travel and jettison of the expanded Saturn rocket's third stage, Apollo 8, December 1968. Vintage chromogenic prints on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image sizes to 7 5/8 x 9 1/2 in. (19.2 x 24.0 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Good.
N.B. After trans-lunar injection, the Command Module separated from the empty S-IVB third stage engine (first image). Attached to the S-IVB is the Lunar Module Test Article (LTA) which simulated the mass of a Lunar Module (LM) on the Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. The 29-foot panels of the Spacecraft LM Adapter which enclosed the LTA during launch have already been jettisoned and are out of view. Sunlight reflected from small particles shows the "firefly" phenomenon which was first reported by astronaut John Glenn. While the third stage engine was drifting through space (second image),the crew still had to cross the vast trans-lunar gulf for 66 hours. "We were there. I mean, if things didn't work going to the Moon, we were going to get a free ride home, on a free-return trajectory,' noted William Anders. 'Maybe the reentry wouldn't be perfect, but at least we'd have a shot at it. Once that rocket worked and got us to lunar orbit, then it had to work again, or we were stuck" (Chaikin, Voices, p. 42). The NASA negative numbers are AS8-14-2583 and AS8-14-2584.
Estimate $400-600
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Kodak, John Glenn, William AndersRobin S.R. Starr
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