Recorded by a P-3 Camera Aboard the Ranger 7 Spacecraft

Description:

Recorded by a P-3 Camera Aboard the Ranger 7 Spacecraft
The final photograph transmitted before impact by the first probe to send closeup pictures of the Moon, Ranger 7, July 31, 1964. NASA HQ caption on the verso. Vintage gelatin silver print, image size 9 1/2 x 7 5/8 in. (24.0 x 19.2 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Scattered minor handling creases.

N.B. NASA's lunar assault began with a spectacular breakthrough: the "crashlander" Ranger 7 was the first space probe to send close-up pictures of the Moon until three seconds before it impacted on the lunar surface. The spacecraft was destroyed while transmitting, resulting in the receiver noise pattern. Astronomers were delighted at the clarity of the images which confirmed that there were lunar areas topographically suitable for manned landing sites (Cortright, p. 46).
Estimate $400-600


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