[Apollo 11] The CSM Columbia orbiting right over Tranquility Base, from the...

[Apollo 11] The CSM Columbia orbiting right over Tranquility Base, from the LM Eagle about to descend to the lunar surface. Buzz Aldrin, 16–24 July 1969. Printed 1969. Vintage chromogenic print on heavy fiber-based GAF paper [NASA image AS11–37-5447]. 25.4 × 20.3 cm (10×8in), blank on the verso, numbered “NASA AS11–37-5447” in blue in top margin (NASA / United States Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona).

Buzz Aldrin took the photograph on orbit 13 from Eagle after undocking from the CSM Columbia through the 80mm lens as both spacecraft were stationkeeping over the Sea of Tranquillity (latitude / longitude: 1.0N / 38.0E) right over the area of the landing site, and just before Eagle’s descent to the lunar surface.

While Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface aboard the LM, Collins was left on a 22-hour solo voyage to orbit the Moon alone in Columbia, and part of his responsibility during those orbits was to take photographs of the Moon and with any luck identify Tranquillity Base).

“I guess the question that everyone has in the back of his mind is how do I feel about having to leave them on the lunar surface?... They know and I know, and Mission Control knows, that there are certain categories of malfunction where I just simply light the motor and come home without them.” Michael Collins (Life magazine, July 4, 1969).

From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken:

00:41:16 Public Affairs Officer (Mission Control): This is Apollo Control. That separation maneuver was performed as scheduled, giving the Command Module a Delta-V of about 2.5 feet per second, which should give a separation to the two vehicles of about 1,100 feet at the beginning of the Descent Orbit Insertion maneuver. 100:43:00 Armstrong: You're going right down US-1 (a lunar formation near Tranquility Base well visible from orbit), Mike.

Condition Report:Excellent condition.

Category:Photos ▸ Vintage photographs