Thomas Stafford or Eugene Cernan

The Angry Alligator in orbit

June 3-6, 1966

Vintage photograph with red NASA MSC number “S-66-37970” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso.
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

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Lot Essay

The Augmented Target Docking Adaptor (ATDA) was launched atop an Atlas rocket on June 1, 1966 and reached an orbit of 161 miles above the Earth. However, the nosecone shroud did not separate which meant that docking would be impossible.

“We were hoping not to see that shroud at all. Every time we activated that docking target, the collar that we were to dock with, it would relieve tension on that band and the jaws would open and close.”
Eugene Cernan (Schick and Van Haaften, p. 61)