posted 04-17-2015 06:22 PM               

I've handled surface beta cloth items and they all have an ingrained colour from the lunar regolith that is missing from this piece.

The serial number will probably shed more light on its use. I do wonder how would Scott have used the scissors while on the surface? I wouldn't have thought the pressurised EVA glove would have afforded him the dexterity to use them.

There are some great pieces up for grabs; I suspect the DSKY has a long way to go yet.

posted 04-17-2015 07:56 PM               

I know on Apollo 16 they flew a backup that remained in the lunar module. I know because I owned it for a brief time. It was initially mistaken as an unflown backup and then as the worn-on-the-surface pocket. Maybe something similar is happening here?

posted 04-18-2015 03:49 AM               

Although I haven't had time to investigate in detail it seems clear that the pockets worn on the lunar EVAs were distinct from the standard sets that I cover on my site.

As far as I can see the EVA pockets did not have scissor pockets attached and they are easily differentiated from the normal pockets by the fact that they had velcro strips on the outside of the pocket flaps which were used to secure the open flap to matching velcro strips on the EVA suit upper leg.

At a quick glance I don't think any EVA pockets have been sold at auction so it may be that they were considered part of the suits and retained by NASA.

Below are some close-ups from the Apollo 15 walkout showing Scott (left), and Scott and Irwin (right), wearing both sets of pockets.

The standard sets (including those Scott is selling at RR) are attached to the lower leg and the EVA pockets (with extra velcro) around the upper leg.

posted 04-18-2015 04:08 AM               

I concur with Robert. In all likelihood the lot in question was carried in the LM... but not used on the surface.

Yes, suit items were cleaned post-flight but I don't recall seeing anything that dirty come up that clean.

Unfortunately, the loss of PPKs belonging to Scott and Irwin when inadvertently jettisoned along with the LM Falcon has tainted the provenance of some Apollo 15 surface flown items.

posted 04-18-2015 09:42 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
Unfortunately, the loss of PPKs belonging to Scott and Irwin when inadvertently jettisoned along with the LM Falcon has tainted the provenance of some Apollo 15 surface flown items.

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posted 04-18-2015 01:21 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
The pockets have part and serial numbers that can be used to independently verify their flight status. In that sense, Scott's letter of authenticity and inscriptions on the pocket and sheath are superfluous.

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posted 04-19-2015 02:43 AM               

I understand the appeal of having a descriptive inscription and signature directly on the item (although you could argue the serial numbers alone should be enough to identify such items) but personally I would much rather this was done discretely on the reverse or interior.

To my mind important historical items like these should be kept as close as possible to their original appearance and this kind of bold inscription permanently, and dramatically, alters their appearance.

posted 04-19-2015 05:40 PM               

It's one thing to sign a flag, but I prefer any provenance on a flown artifact to be made on the reverse side of the piece in an medium that won't penetrate the surface of the object. As as example, the reverse of an LRV map is the best place to state the map was on the Moon.

posted 04-19-2015 05:57 PM               

On the given example of a traverse map, the astronaut can use a pencil rather than a pen. (As an added benefit, graphite doesn't bleed or fade.)

For something like the pocket, it might be better to inscribe a label that can be affixed to the artifact (maybe inside the pocket) using an adhesive that is safe to the fabric (if such exists).

posted 04-21-2015 12:49 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
The DSKY has gone orbital already at $17K

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In the 1960s, Massachusetts Institute of Technology computer scientist Margaret Hamilton was in charge of developing the Apollo flight software. Now, technology that used the software — the Block II Apollo Guidance computer display and keyboard unit — is up for auction until Thursday. The device, one of about 75 manufactured, was obtained by RR Auction from a New Jersey collector who purchased it from a government surplus sale 25 years ago.

posted 04-21-2015 02:57 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by spaced out:
...personally I would much rather this was done discretely on the reverse or interior.

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posted 04-24-2015 06:21 PM               

Backpack strap used by Moonwalker Edgar Mitchell sold for more than $41k at auction

Used for a cumulative time of 9 hours and 23 minutes on the lunar surface

A backpack strap used on the lunar surface by Edgar Mitchell during the Apollo 14 mission sold for $41,806, according to Massachusetts-based RR Auction.

The fabric strap, made of beta cloth and has a metal hook at one end — its primary function to securely hold in place the primary life support backpack worn by Mitchell as he walked on the moon.

The Primary Life Support System (PLSS) was a critical component that enabled astronauts to conduct extra-vehicular activities without being tethered to the life support systems of the spacecraft, allowing for complete freedom of movement.

To save weight and accommodate for the return of moon rocks, the PLSS backpacks were left behind on the moon, the straps were brought back by astronauts as souvenirs of their missions. The suit worn by Mitchell is currently on display at The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Apollo 14 was the first lunar landing devoted primarily to scientific exploration, and completed two periods of surface exploration, each exceeding four and one-half hours. The first was devoted to setting up and activating a telemetry station. The second period of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) was devoted to collecting documented soil and rock samples from nearby Cone Crater.

During the mission Mitchell would spend a cumulative time of 9 hours and 23 minutes on the lunar surface.

"It's extremely gratifying to know that the early history of space exploration continues to be recognized and honored in this way, so that future generations can appreciate the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women who risked everything to expand the technological boundaries of science and engineering," Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. "This event far exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled at the results."

Highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

• Gene Cernan's Apollo 17 Flown EVA/EXP Checklist, sold for $48,644.
  
• Jim McDivitt's Apollo 9 Flown Crew Log Book, sold for $36,546.
  
• An Apollo Command Module rotation hand controller, sold for $74,357.
  
• A Block II Apollo Command Module Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), sold for $65,362.
  
• An original Block II Apollo Guidance computer display and keyboard (DSKY), sold for $65,189.

Online bidding for the Space Exploration Sale from RR Auction began on April 16 and concluded on April 23. More details, including results can be found online.

posted 04-30-2015 05:01 AM               

Photos of artifacts that were used on the moons surface and returned are extremely rare pieces indeed.

I love the contrast between all the cutting edge technology that was used to get to the moons surface and the hand drawn sketches (showing how to sample boulders for example) that appear on the checklist pages.