Space Mission
Apollo 11, 16-24 July 1969
Photographer
NASA
Photo Description
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper, [NASA photo No AS11-37-5545], 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), with A KODAK PAPER watermarks on verso (NASA/North American Rockwell)
Essay
Surrounded by footprints left by the first men to walk upon the Moon, the American flag stands on the surface of the Sea of Tranquility, symbolizing the first conquest of another world by humans. In the far background is the deployed B&W lunar surface TV camera which televised the lunar surface extravehicular activity. The shadow on the right of the flag just below the LM thruster comes from the SWC (Solar Wind Collector) pole. (ALSJ caption for AS11-37-5545).
From the mission transcript during the EVA:
110:17:44 Armstrong:It’s a great honor and privilege for us to be here representing not only the United States but men of peace of all nations, and with interests and the curiosity and with the vision for the future. It’s an honor for us to be able to participate here today.