One Giant Leap for Mankind: Vintage Photographs from the Victor Martin-Malburet Collection 
28 October 2022
One Giant Leap for Mankind: Vintage Photographs from the Victor Martin-Malburet Collection 
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First rendezvous in space, at 17,000 mph: Gemini VII spacecraft orbiting the Earth (large format), Thomas Stafford [Gemini VI-A], 15-16 December 1965

printed 1965
large format vintage chromogenic print on textured fiber-based paper, flush-mounted to original NASA board image: 10⅞ h × 13⅞ w in (28 × 35 cm) card: 16 h × 20 w in (41 × 51 cm)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $1,250
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This amazing photograph of Gemini VII above the Earth horizon was taken from Gemini VI-A while the spacecraft were about 43 feet apart. In the nose of Gemini VI-A, two circular radar receivers and a larger, round parachute installation are visible.
Inscribed by James Lovell to mounting 'Gemini Seven Dec. 15 1965 _ To ‘Uncle’ Baldwin Allen _ Best Wishes _ James Lovell'. [NASA image S-65-63188]

note: Media visuals referencing the original NASA photograph(s) not included.
literature: LIFE, 7 January 1966, ppg. 26-27 Time, 24 December 1965, pg. 32D

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This amazing photograph of Gemini VII above the Earth horizon was taken from Gemini VI-A while the spacecraft were about 43 feet apart. In the nose of Gemini VI-A, two circular radar receivers and a larger, round parachute installation are visible.

LIFE, 7 January 1966, ppg. 26-27

“We finally achieved the key step that will lead us to the lunar landing mission. [...] The sight was utterly fantastic to fly in close formation as we have done for many years in fighter aircraft. But at 17,000 miles an hour. The photo illustrates that man can control a space vehicle with preciseness in close vicinity to another space vehicle.”

—Thomas Stafford (Cortright, pg. 165)

“Our intent was to photograph what a spacecraft looked like in orbit, separate from its reentry condition.”

—Walter Schirra (Schick and Van Haaften, pg. 50)

From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken:

008:08:09 Schirra:

We’re looking right at your vehicle now.

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