[Apollo 16] CHARLES DUKE SALUTING THE U.S. FLAG AT DESCARTES LANDING SITE John Young, 16-27 Apri...

[Apollo 16] CHARLES DUKE SALUTING THE U.S. FLAG AT DESCARTES LANDING SITE John Young, 16-27 April 1972, EVA 1 Printed 1972. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS16-113-18342]. With NASA caption and 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse, numbered 'NASA AS16-113-18342' in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context The image embodies the human spirit of discovery and the symbolic importance of planting the American flag on another celestial body, marking the U.S.'s achievement in space exploration. The LMP Charles Duke honours the flag, the Nation, and the American people in this salute to the Stars and Stripes. Stone Mountain, 5 km in the distance and approximately 500 m higher than the landing site, forms the skyline behind the astronaut. The Lunar Rover is parked near the LM. The far- UV camera/spectrograph sits on a tripod partially shaded by the shadow of the LM. (Apollo 16 Preliminary Science Report, NASA SP-315, p. 4.9) For Duke and Young, this moment was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a personal tribute to their journey and the pioneering spirit of those who made it possible. Their exchange, captured in the mission transcript, highlights their pride and camaraderie: 120:26:05 Young: I'd like to see an Air Force salute, Charlie, but I don't think they salute in the Air Force. 120:26:08 Duke: Yes, sir; we do. 120:26:09 Young: (Laughing) 120:26:10 Duke: And fly high and straight and land soft. 120:26:13 Young: Okay, Charlie, say when. 120:26:15 Duke: Here we go. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing