[Gemini VIII] First photograph of an unmanned satellite in space: Agena orbiting...

[Gemini VIII] First photograph of an unmanned satellite in space: Agena orbiting the Earth before the first docking in space. Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-66–25780]. 20.3×25.4 cm (8×10 in), numbered “NASA S-66–25780” in red top margin, with NASA caption and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso (NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas).

The first docking in space performed by Neil Armstrong on Gemini VIII with the Agena target vehicle allowed his crewmate David Scott to capture the first incredible photographs of an unmanned satellite in space. While Armstrong piloted the spacecraft for the first docking to be performed in space, David Scott took this superb photograph of the Agena at a range of 190 feet, with its motor end turned 45° toward Gemini VIII and the Pacific Ocean, clouds, limb in the background. An eight-foot L-band radar antenna rises just aft of the docking cone, which is fitted to receive Gemini VIII’s nose. The photograph was shot with the Hasselblad 500C and Eastman Kodak Ektachrome, MS (S.0. 217). Shortly after, the crew of Gemini VIII was the first to link two spacecraft together in Earth orbit. This great milestone would prove vital to the success of future Moon landing missions. But the triumph quickly became an in-flight emergency, testing NASA’s quick thinking skills to bring the astronauts safely home. While the spacecraft was docked to the Agena, a critical failure of the spacecraft threatened the lives of the astronauts and required immediate undocking, abort of the mission and emergency landing.

“This Agena target vehicle was the first unmanned satellite successfully photographed from space. It clearly indicates the detail in which one satellite can be observed from another. The photographs are a particularly good replica of the actual view seen with the eye, with the exception of the brilliance of the white and metallic parts of the Agena, never yet captured on film.” Neil Armstrong (Cortright, p. 172).

From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken: 005:53:56 Scott: Boy: Look at that sucker! 005:54:06 Scott: That’s beautiful! 005:54:07 Armstrong: See the dipole? 005:54:08 Scott: Do I ever: I’ll say I see everything on that fellow! 005:56:23 Armstrong: Flight Houston, this is Gemini VIII. We’re Station-keeping on the Agena at about 150 feet. 005:56:35 Scott: Yaw left ... That’s good. 005:56:42 Scott: Right. Now I’ll get a better picture. 005:56:47 Scott: Got the Spot Meter over there anywhere handy? 005:56:50 Armstrong: ... It’s supposed to be at the back of the box here. 005:56:57 Scott: Okay. Stay on the Agena. Don’t sweat this one. We’ll be around for a long time yet.

Condition Report:Excellent condition.

Category:Photos ▸ Vintage photographs