Original Vintage NASA Chromogenic Print on Kodak Watermarked Paper
A stunning and rare vintage photograph of Earth taken during the historic Apollo 11 mission by command module pilot Michael Collins. The image captures the planet bathed in the golden light of sunrise as the spacecraft prepared to leave Earth orbit on its journey to the Moon.
A vast swirling weather system spreads across the illuminated face of the Earth, while the curvature of the planet fades into the blackness of space above. Few photographs capture the fragile beauty of our world with such quiet poetry.
Photographic Details
Vintage Kodak Paper
This photograph is printed on authentic Kodak resin-coated photographic paper bearing the watermark “THIS PAPER MANUFACTURED BY KODAK” visible on the reverse.
This watermark was used on Kodak photographic paper produced during the mid-1970s, confirming that the print is a genuine vintage darkroom print rather than a modern reproduction. Such Kodak watermarked paper is widely regarded by collectors as one of the clearest indicators of authentic period NASA photographic printing.
The presence of the watermark firmly places the production of this print within the era when NASA distributed official photographs through archival and press channels following the Apollo missions.
Mission Context
Apollo 11 entered near-circular Earth orbit approximately twelve minutes after launch on July 16, 1969. After completing one and a half orbits, the spacecraft executed the trans-lunar injection burn at 16:22:13 UTC, propelling the astronauts toward the Moon.
This photograph was taken during that brief transitional moment before departure — one of the final glimpses of Earth before humanity’s first voyage to another world.
Condition
Near fine condition. Colours remain crisp and vibrant with attractive surface gloss. Very lightly handled overall with only faint age toning to the white margin. The Kodak watermark is clearly visible on the reverse.
Notes
Michael Collins was the only member of Apollo 11 who did not set foot on the Moon, remaining in orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the lunar surface. Yet from that solitary vantage point he produced some of the most evocative photographs of Earth ever taken.
A powerful artistic and historical image — and a striking example of a genuine vintage NASA print from the Apollo era.