123. [Gemini XII] THE AGENA WITH U.S. FLAG ABOVE THE BLUE EARTH Buzz Aldrin or James Lovell, 11-15 November 1966 Printed 1966. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image S-66-63393]. With "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context A breathtaking view of the Agena Target Vehicle station-keeping at approximately 50 feet from the Gemini capsule over Borneo, Sibutu Passage, Sulu Archipelago, and the Philippine Islands during the third orbit of Earth. An eight-foot L-band radar antenna rises just behind the docking cone, which is designed to receive Gemini XII's nose. The American flag is prominently visible on the Agena. Both astronauts were thrilled by the view, with Buzz Aldrin capturing the scene and Jim Lovell remarking, "Oh, we're taking pictures of the beautiful Agena here." This stunning photograph was taken by Buzz Aldrin using the Hasselblad Super Wide camera equipped with a 38mm lens and Kodak Ektachrome SO-368 medium-speed film, as the spacecraft performed station-keeping manoeuvres prior to docking. From the mission transcript during the photograph's capture: 004:08:26 Lovell: At 25 feet. 004:08:28 Lovell: That's pretty good. Hey, take some stills, Buzz. Stills are the thing. These movies don't come out at all. Just keep taking shots. 004:08:38 Lovell: Movies aren't worth a darn. That's a beautiful shot right there, 25 feet. That's f:11, 1/250th. 004:08:43 Aldrin: Right on it. 004:08:55 Lovell: Oh, we're taking pictures of the beautiful Agena here. Everything's okay. 004:09:52 Capcom: We're giving you a GO for Docking.