[Apollo 14] EDGAR MITCHELL RETURNING TO THE LM ANTARES AFTER COMPLETING SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS A...

[Apollo 14] EDGAR MITCHELL RETURNING TO THE LM ANTARES AFTER COMPLETING SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS Alan Shepard, 31 January - 9 February 1971, EVA 1 Printed 1971. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS14-67-9389]. With NASA caption and 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse, numbered 'NASA AS14-67-9389' 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 A lone explorer retraces his steps—Apollo 14 at Fra Mauro. In this superb photograph taken by Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell is seen making his way back toward the Lunar Module Antares from the scientific site, carrying the extension handle used during their geologic sampling. The long shadow of Shepard dominates the foreground, adding depth to the image as it stretches across the rugged lunar terrain. As Mitchell moves across the stark, rolling landscape of Fra Mauro, his footprints—etched in the powdery lunar regolith—serve as a reminder of humanity's brief but historic presence on this alien world. Originally designated as the landing site for Apollo 13, Fra Mauro remained unexplored until Apollo 14 finally unveiled its secrets. Footnotes: This image originally served as a 'locator shot'—documenting the position of the 'comprehensive sample' collected on their return journey from the ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package) deployment site, visible in the background. The ALSEP instruments, including a Seismometer to detect moonquakes and a Lunar Surface Magnetometer, were left behind to transmit invaluable scientific data back to Earth. From the mission transcript (photograph taken at T+117:42:26 after launch): 117:42:26 Shepard: And I've photographically documented this location with a 'locator' shot back to the LM and to the ALSEP. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing