a17_v_bw_o_n (unnumbered, 108-KSC-72P-556 eq)
An dramatic view of the Apollo 17 Command Module as it made its splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean about 350 miles southeast of the Samoan Islands. This overhead view was taken from the recovery aircraft as the spacecraft hit the water. The splashdown occurred at 304:31:59 ground elapsed time, 1:24:59 p.m. (CST) December 19, 1972, at coordinates of 166 degrees 8 minutes west longitude and 27 degrees 53 minutes south latitude.
Probably as a result of the accuracy of the splashdown, what looks to be relatively calm weather/sea conditions, and pilot confidence, experience, complacence(?) and possibly as a LAST hurrah - this is indeed a spectacular shot - but it seems a little too close for comfort.
a17_v_bw_o_n (unnumbered, 108-KSC-72P-556 eq)
An dramatic view of the Apollo 17 Command Module as it made its splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean about 350 miles southeast of the Samoan Islands. This overhead view was taken from the recovery aircraft as the spacecraft hit the water. The splashdown occurred at 304:31:59 ground elapsed time, 1:24:59 p.m. (CST) December 19, 1972, at coordinates of 166 degrees 8 minutes west longitude and 27 degrees 53 minutes south latitude.
Probably as a result of the accuracy of the splashdown, what looks to be relatively calm weather/sea conditions, and pilot confidence, experience, complacence(?) and possibly as a LAST hurrah - this is indeed a spectacular shot - but it seems a little too close for comfort.