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Unknown photographer: A b/w Soviet press photograph showing the construction of a rocket head for the Vostok-rocket (Voskhod 2 Mission), which on March 18th 1965 made the cosmonaut general Aleksei Leonov (1934–2019) the first man to walk in space. His walk lasted 12 minutes and 9 seconds. Front with red cropping instructions. Back with news telegram, tape strips, UPI stamp and publication and filing date (May 12th 1965, May 14th 1965). Photo size 18×23 cm. Frame size 33×43 cm.

The cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov had a hard time getting back to his craft when his space walk was over. This was caused by the fact that his suit during the minutes in space had expanded more than expected. He did, however, eventually manage to reduce the pressure. Later on other problems occured, among these difficulties with sealing the craft's door. Also the landing would prove being challenging. By mistake the space capsule splashed down in an inaccessible part of the Urals, where the cosmonauts were forced to spend a night in the company of wolves! The next day paramedics came to the men's rescue.

Condition

This is an original b/w press photograph from 1965, which shows normal signs of age and handling.

Auction

Art, antiques & collector's items, 17 September 2020