An original 8x10" vintage TYPE 1 photo from a large collection of original, official NASA mission photographs from the estate of NASA's Clark C. McClelland (1936-2021).

McClelland worked as an ScO ("Ground Astronaut") on hundreds of manned and unmanned U.S. space missions during his 34 years (1958-1992) with NASA at Cape Canaveral in Florida and was a member of the Mercury, Gemini, Skylab, and Apollo teams. Some of the photos from this collection have never appeared at auction. Professionally packaged in a rigid mailer for safe delivery.

Photo Overview

Apollo 11 astronauts Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A. Armstrong, and Michael Collins are seen exiting a recovery helicopter and approaching the Mobile Quarantine Facility aboard the USS Hornet after their successful Moon landing mission. The image captures a moment in space exploration history as the astronauts, donned in biological isolation garments, are greeted by personnel on the aircraft carrier.

Apollo 11 marked the first time humans landed and walked on the Moon, a pivotal achievement in space exploration. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made the historic first steps on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, while Michael Collins orbited above. This mission symbolized technological prowess and remains a testament to human determination and ingenuity.

Text Present

FOR RELEASE JULY 24, 1969
PHOTO NO. 108-KSC-69P-651
69-H-1189
ABOARD THE USS HORNET— Apollo 11 astronauts, left to right, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., Neil A. Armstrong and Michael Collins, wave as they walk a short distance from their recovery helicopter to the Mobile Quarantine Facility aboard the USS Hornet. They splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 12:50 p.m. EDT July 24, 1969, 900 miles southwest of Hawaii.
Photo Credit - NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Condition: Good to excellent vintage condition. These appear to have been acquired the day they were released, placed in a safe storage area, and forgotten for over 50 years. Please see photos for scans of the surface. Photo may have natural curling from age.

Browse our complete Apollo 11 photograph collection.