194. [Apollo 9] THE HISTORIC FIRST SPACEFLIGHT OF THE LUNAR MODULE: LM Spider separating from CSM Gumdrop in Earth orbit David Scott, 3-13 March 1969 Printed 1969. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS9-21-3179]. Numbered "NASA AS9-21-3179" in red in the top margin, with "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 Taken by David Scott with the Hasselblad 500C from the Command Module, this photograph showcases LM Spider separating with Russell Schweickart and James McDivitt aboard, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Earth. Its landing legs are extended, and the docking probe is clearly visible. This historic image marks the dawn of the final phase of Apollo's journey to the Moon, proving that the Lunar Module, designed exclusively for Moon landings, could operate independently in space. From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken: 092:39:36 Scott (Gumdrop): Okay. You're free. [...] 092:40:37 Schweickart (Spider): I'm keeping station on you now, so no sweat. 092:40:40 Scott (Gumdrop): Okay. 092:41:10 Scott (Gumdrop): Spider, I'm going to stay in plane and just follow you with the pitch.