[Apollo 15] DOCKING OF LM FALCON WITH SPACE FIREFLIES EN ROUTE TO THE MOON James Irwin, 26 July...

[Apollo 15] DOCKING OF LM FALCON WITH SPACE FIREFLIES EN ROUTE TO THE MOON James Irwin, 26 July - 7 August 1971 Printed 1971. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS15-91-12334]. Numbered 'NASA AS15-91-12334' in red in the top margin, with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context Docking with the Lunar Module and the 'fireflies' of space This stunning image captures the Lunar Module Falcon still attached to the S-IVB third stage of the Saturn V rocket, as seen from the Command and Service Module Endeavour during the docking manoeuvre. Roughly 30 minutes after the translunar injection burn, the CSM separated from the LM-S-IVB and manoeuvred to inspect the LM before docking. The top hatch of the LM—used for docking—is clearly visible, along with its rendezvous window. Tiny particles released during separation from the launch vehicle create the striking 'firefly' effect, a phenomenon frequently observed in spaceflight. Part of the Saturn V's S-IVB third stage can be seen in the background, providing a stark reminder of the immense machinery required to propel humans toward the Moon. From the mission transcript as the CSM approached for docking: 003:28:29 Irwin: There's sure a lot of crap flying out... 003:30:35 Scott: Okay. I would say we were - what, Jim? 20 feet? 15? 10? 003:30:40 Irwin: I have 15 feet on the camera. 003:30:54 Worden: Okay. We're sliding in there, David. 003:30:56 Scott: Okay. I think we're about a couple feet away. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing