Lunar Orbiter IV Photo Index Lithograph outlets Near Side 1969 1967 Orbit

This Lunar Orbiter IV Photo Index was lithographed by ACIC in April of 1969. From August 10, 1966 to August 1, 1967, there were five Lunar Orbiter missions. These missions were designed to provide detailed photographs of the lunar surface to facilitate the selection of landing sites for future missions, including the manned Apollo missions. In addition to the primary mission of lunar surface photography, the orbiters also carried instrumentation to detect and record micrometeoroid impacts and measure radiation, both important to the manned missions that were being planned. Lunar Orbiter 4 was launched on May 4, 1967, entering a near-polar lunar orbit on May 8 and commencing photography on May 11. Unfortunately, the mission was plagued by mechanical problems. As photography started, it was discovered that the camera's thermal door was responding poorly to commands. Fearing that it may become stuck in the closed position, the decision was made to leave it open. This required an increase in attitude control maneuvers to prevent light leakage, but on May 13 it was found that light leakage was nonetheless occurring. Problems with the readout drive mechanism led to the decision to terminate the photographic portion of the mission on May 26. Despite the problems, all of the exposed film was read and transmitted resulting in a total of 419 high-resolution photos and 127 medium-resolution photos. After data transmission ended, the orbit was lowered to gather data for the upcoming Lunar Orbiter 5 mission. The natural decay of this orbit led to the destruction of the spacecraft as it struck the lunar surface on October 31, 1967.

The lithograph was prepared under the direction of the Department of Defense by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center, United States Air Force for NASA.

These lithographs were mailed by an astronomer working at Kitt Peak National Observatory to a youngster who was enthusiastic about rockets and astronomy. They were received by the youngster very shortly after the astronomer received them in 1969.

Please carefully view the photos as they are an integral part of this description.

This Lunar Orbiter IV Photo Index of the near side of the moon is in excellent condition. It is a tiny bit yellowed from age but other than that it is great in great condition.

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