Apollo Artifacts

Apollo Operations Handbook / Lunar Module for LM-5 (Apollo 11)

This is basically the owners' manual for Lunar Module Eagle.

This original and complete Apollo Operations Handbook / Lunar Module for LM-5 Apollo 11 is 1,000 pages or more and weighs 7 pounds.

It is in great condition and seemingly never used. The three-ring binder seems original and includes a LM-5 sticker. The date stamp on the first page is really cool (June 27, 1969 - less than a month before launch). The manual contains many dozens of fold out schematics and other documentation.

Launch Mission Rules for Apollo 11

This is rare original NASA manual contains the full mission rules for Apollo 11 (SA-506/CSM-107/LM-5). It is marked FOR NASA/DOD INTERNAL USE ONLY (INCLUDING APPROPRIATE CONTRACTORS). This copy was issued to Grumman (manufacturer of the LEM) and has a Grumman cover.

It is really fun to page through this is a massive 4 lb, 2 inch thick volume. Each page is dated as of update status and almost all are dated either June 2, 1969; June 20, 1969; or June 26, 1969. In addition to the very complete and specific itemized Mission Launch Rules, it details communication, aborts, redlines, crew equip and most systems and operations; extensive CSM 107 and  LM-5 sections; charts & ids of  individual switches, tanks, electrical items, and operation, environmental control, propulsion, crew duties, and activities and operational procedures.

Contractor press kits relating to the Apollo 11 mission

 

I've worked in marketing and PR my entire career and am fascinated by the press kits put out by NASA and by the contractors. I was fortunate to have acquired a set of complete press kits used by a journalist while covering the Apollo 11 mission. Included are press kits from IBM (Computer systems), North American Rockwell (Command Module), Grumman (Lunar Module), TRW (Engines), and several other kits not pictured here.

Apollo 11 Parkway Viewing Site Vehicle Permit

Were you there? Alas, I was not.

10:56:20 PM EDT 7/20/69 CBS News book

This awkwardly titled book is a limited edition that was produced by CBS News for distribution to VIPs, advertisers, and affiliate executives. It provides an excellent overview of the historic conquest of the moon as reported to the American people by CBS News over the CBS Television Network. The images are all television screens and the text is all on-air dialog from Walter Cronkite, Roger Mudd, Mike Wallace, Dan Rather, special correspondent Wally Schirra and many others.

Inside the book is the business card of Frank Stanton, President of CBS and a personal note "This limited edition is the record of how CBS News met the most demanding challenge yet put to electronic journalism. We publish it with pride—in the accomplishment of Apollo 11 that we share with all Americans and the pride of achievement that we at CBS count among the great chapters in our history."

Of a Fire on the Moon

Of a Fire on the Moon is a fascinating synthesis of science and literature about the flight of Apollo 11 written from the unique vantage point of one of America’s premier literary journalists. This is a signed first edition, Little Brown, 1970. Mailer hung around Houston and the Cape for months to do his original reporting. Some may feel the book lacks depth or is overly cynical. But I really like Mailer’s wit, penetrating insight and philosophical scope.

Apollo 11 Mylar Command Module Thermal Coating in Lucite

I had always wanted an interesting flown item from Apollo 11, the first lunar landing mission. This one inch square of Mylar encased in Lucite, would have been created by NASA as mementos for VIPs and people who worked on the mission.

Apollo 11 beta cloth patch Owens Corning commemorative lucite

A section of beta cloth with an Apollo 11 mission emblem encased in lucite. It reads: "Man's greatest adventure. July 20, 1969 First men set foot on the moon. Fire-safe Fiberglass Beta yarns, originated and developed by Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, were used in the space suits worn by the Apollo astronauts. This Apollo mission emblem is also printed on Beta fabric."

First Man on the Moon pennant

After the Apollo 11 astronauts returned to earth in July 1969, the whole of America (and the world) went moon crazy. Souvenirs of all kinds were created. I like this pennant—it’s classic of the time period.

Telegram to Buzz Aldrin's family from US Senator Ralph W Yarborough

I really like this little piece of history. As the Apollo 11 crew was heading back to earth after the successful first lunar landing mission, US Senator Ralph W Yarborough of Texas sent a telegram to the wife and family of his constituent Buzz Aldrin.

"Congratulations to all of you as you await the return of Astronaut Aldrin to earth after being part of the first team of men to walk on the surface of the moon. You have helped make this dream come true for all humanity by your patience, your understanding, and your fortitude."

In an age of email and instant messaging, we sometimes forget the power of the telegram. The NASA Manned Spacecraft Center mailroom stamp with the date and time plus Buzz Aldrin’s signature makes this special.