During Falcon's initial descent, Mission Control learned that tracking data indicated they were going to land 3000 feet south of the targeted landing site. Although at first they had decided not to tell the crew, they were later convinced otherwise.
Using scribe marks on the window and angles read to him by Irwin, Scott found where the computer was predicting the landing site to be and then used the hand controller— flying manually, to the correct location.
“While risking their lives during the most critical and historic phases of their mission, these are the items that the astronauts personally selected to retain as mementos from arguably the greatest technological and engineering achievement of the 20th Century,” says Bobby Livingston, VP at RR Auction.
Located on the left side of the cabin interior, this controller was used by Commander Scott during the landing of the Lunar Module, as well as piloting the ascent stage to rendezvous with Command Module for their trip home.
The spring-loaded hand controller remains quite tight and returns to neutral, and was used to control pitch, roll, and yaw while maneuvering to and from the lunar surface. The communications trigger switch is also present, and a screw on the front of the housing retains one of its wax tamper seals.
“Objects coming directly from Moon walkers and that have been in their private collections since returning to Earth— are unquestionably the most sought after” said Livingston. Bidding is expected to reach as much as $300,000.
Also featured from the Apollo 15 Mission: A flown Crewman Optical Alignment Sight from the Falcon, that was used by Commander Scott, for rendezvous, docking, star sightings, and horizon alignment during the Lunar Module phases of the mission.
Among other historic museum quality pieces to be featured:
Buzz Aldrin Apollo 11, NASA-issued lunar ‘comfort’ glove worn at Tranquility Base during the first lunar landing.
Lunar Rover electrical schematic which spent over 20 hours on the lunar surface.
One-of-a-kind St. Christopher statute carried to the lunar surface and a Jerusalem tile flown in lunar orbit.
America’s crowning achievement—the Declaration of Independence, flown to the moon onboard Apollo 11, by Michael Collins. Flown printed miniature reproduction of the Declaration of Independence on parchment paper.
A backpack strap from Charles Conrad’s PLSS (Personal Life Support System), used on the lunar surface during both of his moonwalks during the Apollo 12 mission.
In addition this special offering features a unique blend of signed material and flight-flown objects—a dazzling array of over 600 items – from maps and patches, to autographed photos, documentation, and even full space suits.
“Our space and aviation auctions have consistently set world record prices in many categories of the genre,” added Livingston. “Also included are quintessential pieces for anyone seeking to build a space history collection.”
For more information on these items, visit the official RRAuction website.