One Giant Leap for Mankind: Vintage Photographs from the Victor Martin-Malburet Collection 
28 October 2022
, First photograph of an unmanned satellite from space: the Agena over the Earth, David Scott [Gemini VIII], 16-17 March 1966 - Image 1 of 2
, First photograph of an unmanned satellite from space: the Agena over the Earth, David Scott [Gemini VIII], 16-17 March 1966 - Image 2 of 2
One Giant Leap for Mankind: Vintage Photographs from the Victor Martin-Malburet Collection 
, First photograph of an unmanned satellite from space: the Agena over the Earth, David Scott [Gemini VIII], 16-17 March 1966 - Image 1 of 2
, First photograph of an unmanned satellite from space: the Agena over the Earth, David Scott [Gemini VIII], 16-17 March 1966 - Image 2 of 2
135

First photograph of an unmanned satellite from space: the Agena over the Earth, David Scott [Gemini VIII], 16-17 March 1966

printed 1966
vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper 10 h × 8 w in (25 × 20 cm)
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $875
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While Armstrong piloted the spacecraft, David Scott took this superb photograph of the Agena at a range of 190 feet, with its motor end turned 45° toward Gemini VIII and the Pacific Ocean and clouds in the background.
Numbered to upper margin 'NASA S-66-25780' with NASA MSC caption and 'A Kodak Paper' watermarks to verso.

print

While Armstrong piloted the spacecraft, David Scott took this superb photograph of the Agena at a range of 190 feet, with its motor end turned 45° toward Gemini VIII and the Pacific Ocean and clouds in the background. An eight-foot L-band radar antenna rises just aft of the docking cone, which is fitted to receive Gemini VIII’s nose. 

The photograph was shot with the Hasselblad 500C and Eastman Kodak Ektachrome, MS (S.0. 217).

“This Agena target vehicle was the first unmanned satellite successfully photographed from space. It clearly indicates the detail in which one satellite can be observed from another. The photographs are a particularly good replica of the actual view seen with the eye, with the exception of the brilliance of the white and metallic parts of the Agena, never yet captured on film.

—Neil Armstrong (Cortright, pg. 172)

From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken:

005:53:56 Scott: Boy:

Look at that sucker!

005:54:06 Scott:

That’s beautiful!

005:54:07 Armstrong:

See the dipole?

005:54:08 Scott:

Do I ever: I’ll say I see everything on that fellow!

005:56:23 Armstrong:

Flight Houston, this is Gemini VIII. We’re Station-keeping on the Agena at about 150 feet.

005:56:35 Scott:

Yaw left ... That’s good.

005:56:42 Scott:

Right. Now I’ll get a better picture.

005:56:47 Scott:

Got the Spot Meter over there anywhere handy?

005:56:50 Armstrong:

... It’s supposed to be at the back of the box here.

005:56:57 Scott:

Okay. Stay on the Agena. Don’t sweat this one. We’ll be around for a long time yet.

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