104. [Gemini X] THE FIRST-EVER PHOTOGRAPH OF A MANNED SPACECRAFT BOOSTING IN SPACE Michael Collins, 18-21 July 1966 Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-66-46249]. Numbered "NASA S-66-46249" in red in the top margin, with NASA caption and "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This historic photograph captured by Michael Collins in Earth orbit is the first-ever image of a spacecraft with its engine firing. After docking with Agena 10, the Gemini X crew ignited the Agena's powerful 16,000-pound-thrust engine, boosting the combined vehicles to a record-breaking apogee of 413 nautical miles—the highest altitude ever achieved in manned spaceflight at the time. This milestone demonstrated the Gemini program's ability to perform precise orbital manoeuvres and execute high-altitude missions, paving the way for the Apollo Moon landings. The photograph symbolizes both an engineering triumph and humanity's progress toward reaching another world.