AS11-40-5875 (Buzz Aldrin and the U.S. Flag), Space Edition

On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to land on the moon. AS11-40-5875 shows Aldrin in salute surrounded by the distinct bootprints of his first steps, with the Lunar Module to the left. As instructed by then-President Richard Nixon, the two planted a U.S. flag to honor American taxpayers, all of whom contributed to this monumental achievement.

The flag itself soon became a favorite source of skepticism amongst conspiracy theorists as it appears to blow in the wind (an element the moon’s atmosphere lacks). However, the flag’s folds instead are an indicator not of a lunar breeze but of the moon’s gravitational force. As Aldrin and Armstrong wriggled the pole back and forth into the lunar soil, the motion created a ripple effect, and due to the unique atmosphere the fabric kept its bent shape.

The eye follows a trail of footprints from the rightmost corner of the frame to where they encircle the flagpole, the linear impression of the boot soles standing in stark contrast to the untouched lunar soil. It’s a symbolic scene that underscores the unfathomable consequence of the endeavor. The flag is rippled under the Moon’s gravitational force. (Sorry, conspiracy theorists—science explains that one.) The flag-planting performance is familiarly human and yet utterly otherworldly, the inky depths of space sharply swallowing the lunar horizon, the flag almost two-dimensional against the darkness. Aldrin faces toward the stars and stripes, at once emblematic of mankind and utterly companionless in the nothingness ... Read more on the blog!

+ Limited-edition, exclusive to 20x200
+ Museum quality: archival inks, 100% cotton rag paper unless noted
+ Handcrafted custom-framing is available

Our quoted dimensions are for the size of paper containing the images, not the printed image itself. We do not alter the aspect ratio, nor do we crop or resize the artists’ originals. All of our prints have a minimum border of .5 inches to allow for framing.

Innova FibaPrint Warm Cotton Gloss

We're into outer space: romantic notions of the great unknown, iconic and uplifting moments in history, how it all shapes our vision of the future. These special editions are at the intersection of art and science, sourced straight from NASA archives.

Sign up for our newsletter to get first access to new editions, catch the freshest commentary + features, and snag a special discount.

AS11-40-5875 (Buzz Aldrin and the U.S. Flag)

Space Editions

Join our mailing list for 15% off