Apollo Artifacts

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.

Chariots for Apollo: A history of manned lunar space missions

Chariots for Apollo: A history of manned lunar space missions (by Courtney G. Brooks, James M. Grimwood, and Loyd S. Swenson, Jr., NASA History Series SP-4205, first edition, 1979) is the definitive NASA account of the Apollo program.

This was the personal copy of Laurence K. Loftin, Jr. In 1970 Loftin held the position of Director for Aeronautics at the Langley Research Center and he was chief Aeronautical Engineer at Langley from July 1972 until his retirement from NASA in December 1973.

NASA books

The official NASA publications are a great resource. Some have become quite rare.