STS-51-A / Unidentified photographer

Dale Gardner securing the Palapa to its “parking place” in Discovery’s cargo bay

November 12, 1984

Vintage photograph with red NASA MSC number “S19-41-058” with “This Paper Manufactured By Kodak” watermarks on the verso and NASA MSC caption.
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.
-

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Astronaut Joseph P. Allen IV appears to be lifting weights Astronaut Dale A. Gardner holding on. Actually, Dr. Allen is the sole anchor for the top portion (and most of) the captured Palapa B-2 communications satellite during the Nov. 12 retrieval extravehicular activity (EVA) of the two mission specialists. This scene came near the end of the long duration task. Gardner used a torque wrench to tighten clamps on an adapter used to secure the Palapa to its “parking place” in Discovery’s cargo bay. Note the difference between the two stinger devices stowed on Challenger’s port side (right side of frame). The one nearer the spacecraft’s vertical stabiliser is spent, having been inserted by Allen earlier in the day to stabilise the communications satellite. The one nearer the camera awaited duty in two days when it would aid in the capture of the Westar VI satellite.

From NASA caption.