Harrison Schmitt

Eugene Cernan on the Lunar Rover by the Lunar Module Challenger, the South Massif beyond

Apollo 17, December 7-19, 1972, EVA 1, 117:49:17 GET

Vintage photograph with red NASA MSC number “AS17-147-22527” and “This Paper Manufactured By Kodak” 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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Lot Essay

“Shortly after deployment, Cernan drove the LRV through a series of maneuvers to check out the performance of the vehicle. The LRV would then loaded with tools, experiment hardware, a TV camera, and antennas. South Massif, the crest of which is 2,500 meters above the valley floor, forms the skyline 5 kilometers behind the LM. The bands of dark gray are LRV tracks; bootprints in the lunar surface are visible near the right margin of the photograph” (NASA SP-330, p. 4.13).

Schmitt also tried to frame the Earth in this beautiful picture of the arrival of the crew at Taurus-Littrow; but it was too high in the lunar sky over the South Massif to fit in the image.

117:49:00 Schmitt: Let me move back. Okay?
117:49:06 Cernan: How’s the timeline, Bob?
117:49:11 Parker (Mission Control): As far as I can tell, you guys are right on within a minute or two.
117:49:17 Schmitt: The Earth’s just a little high for me, Geno.
117:49:19 Cernan: Okay.
117:49:21 Schmitt: I’m not sure I can get it without getting way away.
117:49:23 Cernan: Okay. Don’t worry.
117:49:26 Schmitt: Somebody said it (Earth) was going to be just behind the South Massif. (Laughs)