Space Exploration

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Lot 98
  • 98

Apollo 11 - step by step plans for surface exploration

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • includes the procedure to collect the first lunar soil sample
  • paper, ink
Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Operations Plan, Final Edition. Houston, TX: NASA/MSC, June 27, 1969. vii, 184 pp. Diagrams and charts with 4 folded tables. 10 ½ by 8 inches. Card stock covers, punched, staples removed.

Catalogue Note

BOLDLY SIGNED and INSCRIBED: “BUZZ ALDRIN, Apollo XI LMP” on the front cover.

NASA planning left nothing to chance. This is particularly true as to the execution of lunar surface exploration. This document details not only the nominal (expected) procedures for man’s first moonwalk (Extra Vehicular Activity or EVA), but such contingencies as if only one astronaut could perform the exploration, for either a full 2 hours and 40 minutes or only a 49 minute minimum time period. If communication difficulties occurred, deployment of special equipment could be performed, but that would reduce the time for lunar sample collection and experiment deployment. Some 60 pages and two fold-out tables cover the nominal EVA, with some 25 pages and two additional fold-out tables scripting the other possibilities. Tasks such as physical movement on the surface (yes, there were uncertainties), television deployment, photography, spacecraft inspection, lunar geology, experiment deployment, and EVA termination are extensively described.

Most important from a science and human perspective was return of lunar material. The exact description is as follows: “The nominal plan is to conduct three sample collections of lunar surface material. They are, in order of priority, the contingency, the bulk, and the documented sample collection. The contingency sample… will assure the return of a small sample in a contingency situation where a crewman may remain on the surface for only a short period of time. One to two kilograms of loose material will be collected near the LM ladder and the sample bag restowed in the suit pocket to be carried into the ascent stage when the crewman ingresses.”

The step by step process is described: “Remain within a few feet of ladder, remove the CSC (Contingency Sample Container) from (space) suit pocket (located on leg). Deploy the CSC handle and pull strap at base of bag to open. Collect sample, in undisturbed area. Pull locking pin on handle release lever. Press release lever and separate handle from lip/bag assembly. Discard handle under or away from LM. Detach bag from lip assembly. Discard lip assembly under or away from LM. Seal sample bag. Restow and secure bag in (space) suit pocket.

This was how Man’s first sample of lunar soil was collected for return to Earth.

Related lots: 97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103