Artist impression map of the Moon with concept artwork and mission trajectory diagram illustrating each step from launch to rendezvous, moon landing and return.

The map was published by Hammond Inc for Esso Standard Oil and in collaboration with the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (and USAF).



With the growing road network across North America and more of the population owning cars, it became commonplace for companies such as Esso Standard to produce and cheaply sell maps at their gas stations. These would be updated, replaced and thrown away as required.



But as interest in the Space Race between the Russian and the U. S. grew in the late 1950s, particularly after the Russians launched artificial satellite Sputnik I in 1957, Standard Oil, and others, recognised an advertising opportunity and 'did not want to be left behind on Earth' on this extra-terrestrial journey.



One of the fascinating things about ephemera like this is that it was only printed on on one side, which unlike a great deal of promotional material given out suggests it was meant to be kept and displayed.



Printed colour. Backed on archival linen. SL. [CELEST1183]