Stunning complete roll of 109 first-generation color positive 70mm transparencies taken by the Gemini 7 crew, including images of Earth, the moon, and the Gemini 6A capsule. In fine condition, with exceptional crystal-clear images as taken by the crew’s Hasselblad camera. The primary objectives of the Gemini 7 mission were twofold—one was to evaluate the effects of extended spaceflight on the human body, and the other was to complete a successful rendezvous with the capsule on the Gemini 6 mission, which was sent into orbit a week after the Gemini 7 launch. These goals were accomplished with great success—the Gemini 6A pilot, Wally Schirra, was able to maneuver his capsule to within one foot of the Gemini 7 capsule, which had Tom Stafford and James Lovell on board. This was the very first space rendezvous, after a previous attempt during Gemini 4, with these images showing the groundbreaking event in progress—one of the photographs is cataloged as S65-64040 in the Johnson Space Center’s digital image collection, and described as showing the Gemini 6 spacecraft at a distance of just 38 feet on December 15, 1965. Another image present on this roll that is in this collection is identified as S65-63873, and is a wonderful view of the earth’s surface with the moon just above the horizon. This is a scarce complete roll from an early and important mission, ideal in its variety of subjects. RR Auction COA.
