Eugene Cernan or Harrison Schmitt

The Command Module America before docking with the LM Challenger in lunar orbit

Apollo 17, December 7-19, 1972, orbit 52, 189:55:00 GET

Vintage photograph with red NASA MSC number “AS17-145-22254” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso.
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

James HyslopHead of Department, Science & Natural History

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jhyslop@christies.com +44 (0) 20 7752 3205

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Lot Essay

From the LM Challenger, the last men on the Moon Cernan and Schmitt could inspect and photograph the Command Module including its SIM Bay with the 60mm lens before docking for the homeward journey to Earth.
The 33-km Crater Auzout is in the foreground and the 48-km Crater Condorcet P is in the background 110 km below. Latitude / longitude: 11°N 64.5° E.

Eugene Cernan described his feelings: “When we got back in that Command Module, we were home. Never mind that we were in lunar orbit, it was home” (Chaikin, Voices, p. 117).

189:55:00 Mission Control: Challenger, America, that’s good on the inspection from questions from here, anyway. Clear to continue and proceed with docking.
189:55:12 Evans: Okay.