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NASA Lunar Orbiter III Photographic Mosaics - Frames 181 through 212 (Complete Sequence) Photographed February 22, 1967, Trans...
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$2,750.00
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Description
NASA Lunar Orbiter III Photographic Mosaics - Frames 181 through 212 (Complete Sequence) Photographed February 22, 1967, Transmitted February 23-25, and Reassembled March 17, 1967, by U.S. Army Map Service. A complete run of 32 sequential photographic frames (182-211) from NASA's Lunar Orbiter III mission taken of Sites P-12-A through P-12-C. Each frame consists of three mosaic images bearing extensive technical notations and reassembled by the Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers, for scientific and cartographic use. These high-resolution (down to one meter) images depict the heavily cratered lunar surface in remarkable detail and were instrumental in evaluating potential Surveyor and Apollo landing sites.Each 20" x 24" silver print is captioned with: Spacecraft frame number and site coordinates; Exposure and shutter data; Precise date/time of capture and readout; and Assembly attribution to the Army Map Service with reassembly date.
Lunar Orbiter III was launched in February 1967 to conduct detailed photographic reconnaissance of the moon's near side. Unlike its predecessors, Mission III prioritized precision imaging to assist with Apollo mission landing site selection. These mosaics, produced from dual-lens film readouts onboard the orbiter, were critical in identifying flat, obstruction-free zones within scientifically valuable regions.
Significance: A complete, contiguous photographic dataset from a cornerstone mission of the pre-Apollo lunar reconnaissance program. Rarely encountered in such an unbroken run, these 32 frames (three prints each) represent both a scientific milestone and a visually compelling artifact of the space race.
Provenance: Originally compiled by the U.S. Army Map Service from raw Lunar Orbiter data for topographic and navigational analysis by NASA divisions and affiliated agencies. This particular set was obtained from an engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Condition: Overall fine, with moderate curling and handling wear. The top (181) and bottom (212) sequences (of three) have somewhat serious water damage at the margins though the images are generally useable. The original printed captions at bottom all remain intact, providing critical mission and image metadata. Originally three-hole bound in pressboard covers, now disbound.
These photographic prints are superb and extremely rare surviving examples of early lunar cartography generated by the Lunar Orbiter program. Each image is truly a piece of Space Art, suitable for framing and displaying in a home, office, or gallery.
Auction Info
2025 December 11 - 12 Space Exploration Signature® Auction #6326 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
11th-12th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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