The Beauty of Space: Vintage NASA Photos
Description:
David Scott (American, b. 1932)
Two photographs depicting the rendezvous and first docking of two spacecrafts before the first in-space system failure in the U.S. program, Gemini 8, March 1966. The first numbered 'NASA S-66-25781' in red on the recto u.l. margin, NASA MSC caption on the verso; the second stamped "D4C 34895" on the verso u.r., McDonnell Aircraft stamp on the verso u.l. Vintage chromogenic prints on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image sizes to 7 1/4 x 9 1/2 in. (18.3 x 24.0 cm),unmatted.
Condition: The first print with subtle circular matte areas at center, minor cracks at lower sheet corners of the second.
N.B. Highlighted by the Sun, the unmanned Agena target vehicle seems to hang motionless above the clouds of Earth just before docking (first image). An eight-foot radar antenna rises just aft of the docking cone, which is fitted to receive Gemini 8's nose (second image) (Mason, p. 111). 'Flight, we are docked! Yes, it's really a smoothie,' Scott radioed to Mission Control prematurely, before the mission suffered the first critical in-space system failure of a U.S. spacecraft that threatened the lives of the astronauts and required immediate undocking and abort of the mission. The crew was returned to Earth safely.
Literature: Hope, p. 68 (first image).
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, David Scott, United StatesRobin S.R. Starr
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