310. [Apollo 12] THE ROBOTIC FOOTPRINT ON THE MOON: left by Surveyor III on the Ocean of Storms Alan Bean, 14-24 November 1969, EVA 2 Printed 1969. Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper [NASA image AS12-48-7110]. With NASA caption numbered "69-H-1982" on the reverse (issued by NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context The Robotic Footprint on the Moon, precursor to the iconic human footprint on the Moon photographed by Buzz Aldrin during Apollo 11. This striking photograph captures the landing footpad of Surveyor III, imprinted in the lunar soil of the Ocean of Storms. A robotic precursor to Apollo, Surveyor III touched down on the Moon on April 20, 1967, paving the way for human exploration. More than two years later, during Apollo 12's mission, Pete Conrad and Alan Bean visited the unmanned spacecraft, studying the effects of prolonged exposure to the lunar environment. This image, taken by the astronauts, shows the footpad's lasting impression alongside the disturbance in the soil caused by its landing impact. Surveyor III's successful soft landing and detailed surface analysis were critical steps toward achieving the Apollo Moon landings, making its robotic "footprint" a symbol of humanity's first steps toward deep space exploration.