Apollo VII–XVII: Revised and Extended Edition — A collection of photographs taken by NASA’s Apollo program astronauts, 1968–1972
Apollo VII–XVII: Revised and Extended Edition is a landmark visual chronicle of one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the exploration of space through NASA’s Apollo missions. This newly expanded edition presents 255 powerful, often never-before-seen images, carefully curated from over 27,000 photographs taken by the astronauts themselves between 1968 and 1972.
Photography has always played a vital role in documenting human history, and few chapters are as visually compelling as the Apollo era. Fortunately, a small, daring group of astronauts, trained not only as explorers but also as photographers, captured these journeys with clarity, courage, and a distinct artistic sensibility. They brought back images that reshaped how we see ourselves: fragile lifeforms on a small, blue planet, adrift in the vast black void of space.
First published in 2018, Apollo VII–XVII was the first book to make use of NASA’s newly available high-resolution scans of the original 70mm film. For this revised edition, the authors have returned to the archive to rework many of the images, add new discoveries, and further refine the visual narrative.
Every frame has been re-evaluated, digitally corrected, and meticulously restored to preserve the authenticity of the source material while enhancing its visual impact. The result is a rich, immediate encounter with the Apollo archive, restoring its full emotional and technical power.
The new edition offers an immersive visual experience that reveals more detail and depth than ever before. Thanks to high-end production values and luxurious heavier paper stock, the print quality allows the images to be reproduced with exceptional sharpness and tonal richness. It presents the Apollo archive with a level of craftsmanship that surpasses previous publications.
You’ll also find newly unearthed panoramic shots, rare astronaut portraits, and a dedicated chapter on the specialized cameras and rigorous photography training developed for space—making it a treasure for both photography enthusiasts and space aficionados.
Adding further insight, two exclusive contributions from Apollo astronauts deepen the narrative. Walter Cunningham’s in-depth essay, written before his passing in 2023, shares his personal story of photographing Earth from orbit aboard Apollo 7—a unique first-hand account of space photography in its earliest form. And new to this edition, Rusty Schweickart reflects on his dual role as astronaut and image-maker aboard Apollo 9, exploring the creative and philosophical dimensions of photographing space.
More than a coffee table book, this volume is a cultural artifact, a photographic record, and a tribute to one of the most transformative efforts in human history. Whether you’re passionate about space, photography, design, or exploration, Apollo VII–XVII offers an unforgettable glimpse into the moment humanity first left Earth, and looked back.
