Back to photostream

a07_v_bw_o_n (107-KSC-68PC-187, 68-HC-642)

“A C-135 aircraft flying at more than 35,000 feet photographed today’s launch of the Apollo 7 space vehicle carrying astronauts Walter M. Schirra, Jr. Donn F. Eisele and Walter Cunningham.”

 

Multiple minor handling defects do not detract, with the photo still having retained nice gloss.

 

Due to the amazing perspective, the following interesting discussions are available:

 

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum24/HTML/009143.html

 

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum27/HTML/001430.html

Both above credit: collectSPACE website

 

www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/alsj/a410/...

Credit: J.L. Pickering/Project Apollo Archive website

 

And, last, but not least:

 

“This photograph of the Apollo 7 launch was taken from the perspective of a Boeing NKC-135 flying at more than 35,000 feet (11,000 m) and carrying an Airborne Lightweight Optical Tracking System camera pod. This extreme angle makes it appear as if the Saturn IB rocket has launched from beside the Vehicle Assembly Building, while its actual launch was from LC-34, 7 miles (11 km) to the southeast. The aircraft which took this photograph was a support aircraft in the ARIA fleet; it is a Boeing NKC-135A-BN, USAF registration number 55-3123, construction number 17239.”

 

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ALOTS-AP7-enh.jpg

Credit: Wikipedia

 

Although not mentioned in any of the above linked discussions, note the parked crawler transporter, visible between the VAB and ascending Saturn IB.

 

Last, but not least:

 

youtu.be/WIH5PjZMSVw?si=rrnYkrFCuGZPVINX

Credit: Retro Space HD (J. L. Pickering)/YouTube

10,007 views
112 faves
24 comments
Uploaded on March 8, 2024