2312/​8026

[Gemini IV] The first human-taken photograph from outer space: nose and window of Gemini IV seen by Ed White during the first US spacewalk. Ed White [Gemini IV], 3–7 June 1965. Printed 1965. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-65–30550]. 20.3×25.4 cm (8×10 in), numbered “NASA S-65–30550” in red top margin, with NASA caption and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso (NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas).

On June 3, 1965 Ed White became the first human being to take photographs from outer space as he was conducting the first US spacewalk outside the Gemini spacecraft. Three years earlier on 20 February 1962 John Glenn had become the first human being to take photographs from space from inside the Friendship 7 capsule. This photograph is also the first showing a spacecraft in space.

In addition to the Hasselblads, on the second Gemini mission, history was made when the first picture of a spacecraft in orbit was taken by astronaut Ed White as he floated outside his spacecraft. He used a Zeiss Contarex 35mm camera mounted atop his gas-powered maneuvering gun. (https://history.nasa.gov/apollo_photo.html)

The nose of the spacecraft and the Command Pilot left window (through which McDivitt took the photographs of Ed White’s spacewalk) are visible.

From the mission transcript during the EVA:

004:37:47 McDivitt: Okay, do you want me to maneuver for you now, Ed? 004:37:50 White: No, I think you’re doing fine. What I’d like to do is get all the way out, Jim, and get a picture of the whole spacecraft. I don’t seem to be doing that. 004:38:00 McDivitt: Yes, I noticed that. You can’t seem to get far enough away. [...] 004:41:10 White: Okay, I’m going to free drift a little bit, and see if I can drift into some good picture taking position. 004:41:16 McDivitt: Okay. Here, let me control the spacecraft .....

Condition

Excellent condition.

Auction

Man & Space, 23 March 2023

Category
Estimate

20,000–30,000 DKK

Price realised

Not sold