[1] Thomas Stafford
First rendezvous in space, at 17,000 mph
Gemini VI-A, December 15-16, 1965, orbit 5, 007:52:00 GET
Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper, with red NASA MSC number “S-65-63169” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso.

[2] Thomas Stafford
Gemini VII over the Earth horizon
Gemini VI-A, December 15-16, 1965, orbit 5, 008:03:00 GET
Vintage photograph with red NASA MSC number “S-65-63188” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso.

[3] Thomas Stafford
Gemini VII spacecraft station keeping with Gemini VI-A over the Earth
Gemini VI-A, December 15-16, 1965, orbit 6, 008:07:00 GET
Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper, with red NASA MSC number “S-65-63194” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso with NASA MSC caption.
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

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Lot Essay

[1] History’s first space rendezvous, a crucial milestone for the planned lunar missions of Project Apollo, was accomplished by Walter Schirra and Tom Stafford in Gemini VI-A, who chased down the orbiting Gemini VII. About six hours after liftoff, while passing over the Hawaii tracking station on Gemini VI-A’s fourth orbit, Schirra reported that he and Stafford had caught up with Borman and Lovell. The photograph was taken from Gemini VI-A of the nose of Gemini Vll while they were about 13 feet apart.
“The ability to take this photo was very gratifying after the numerous delays we encountered in performing the world’s first rendezvous mission. The Gemini VI-A spacecraft was launched on the third attempt to perform the rendezvous and performed it flawlessly. After the hard work and effort of over a year, we finally achieved the key step that will lead us to the lunar-landing mission,” said Thomas Stafford (Cortright, p. 165).

[2] “As Gemini VI-A approached its target, the Gemini VII spacecraft, Schirra piloted while Stafford photographed, creating the first pictures of another vehicle in space made with a hand-held camera. His images of the rendezvous describe a graceful dance performed by two small spacecraft in orbit around the Earth” (Schick and Van Haaften, p. 48). The two spacecraft are approximately 43 feet apart. In the nose of Gemini VIA, two circular radar receivers and a larger, round parachute installation are visible. 008:08:09 Schirra: We’re looking right at your vehicle now.

[3] A superb side view of Gemini VII, about 35 feet away, with part of adapter hidden by nose of Gemini VI-A, taken through the hatch window of the Gemini VI-A spacecraft during rendezvous and station keeping maneuvers at an altitude of approximately 160 miles. “One of the tasks of Gemini VI-A was to inspect the condition of Gemini VII after 12 days of space flight. The photograph shows the operation being conducted along the right side of Gemini VII. Clearly visible are the atmospheric heating effects in the paint of the words ‘United States’ and in the U.S. flag,” said James Lovell (Cortright, p. 165). From the mission transcript during the rendezvous: 006:08:21 Lovell: The flag or the letters are ... Looks like they’re seared as much at launch as they are when you come back from reentry.