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Author
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Topic: Space artifact and hardware collection finds
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-15-2008 01:41 PM
   
As I was updating my own collection inventory earlier this week, it got me to thinking what have others found and added to their space artifact or hardware collections recently? |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 05-15-2008 06:30 PM
A few new items are on my site.I picked up Gene Cernan's Apollo 17 lunar surface flown Astronaut Preference Kit. But then, in a strange twist of fate, the original release paperwork transferring the APK to Cernan after the flight was available at another auction a few months later, so I grabbed that too. They make a terrific set. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-15-2008 07:51 PM
Received a Lunar Rover High Gain Antenna/S-Band Array (or if inverted what appears to be a pretty effective pool skimmer); and a companion LR-101 Vernier Gimbal for the Atlas launch vehicle (unit in foreground of last image is the recent addition). Click image for larger resolution picture. 
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spacekid2
Member Posts: 199
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 05-15-2008 10:34 PM
All I can say is WOW! Between Scott and Dave, we have a museum that would rival any in the country.Scott, you continue to amaze me at what you find... probably just laying around. As I stated before I am glad that someone like you has the resources to save these artifacts for future generations. If only there could be a way to display all of our collections. I just purchased two shuttle blankets. One large 24x27" Silver Teflon found inside the shuttle bay doors. And the other is a standard white blanket cover for inside the shuttle bay. No pictures yet but both have paperwork describing their status as obsolete. |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-16-2008 03:50 AM
Scott, out of interest what is the poster you have on the wall in the background? |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 05-16-2008 09:04 AM
Today I received my latest eBay win, a complete Apollo 13 flight plan, the revision A for the flight plan, an Apollo 13 Lunar Surface Procedures manual and most of the Apollo 13 commentary.Only two other people bid on it so I got it for £102 which I was pleased about. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-16-2008 10:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by gliderpilotuk:
Out of interest what is the poster you have on the wall in the background?
It's a poster issued by the U.S. Government Printing office during the program which depicts the mission phases. They still pop up periodically on eBay... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-16-2008 10:44 AM
Here's a larger view of the same poster as Scott's. |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 05-16-2008 02:30 PM
Nice fuel cells also, Scott!There once was a time that I would trip over those things all over the Los Angeles and Downey areas. Now - Pfft! I did recently find an X-10 stand model for our collection here at the Downey site. We do get a lot of walk ups though. Last week a guy walked up to me at a school lecture, with about 20 old 16MM films of X-15, XB-70 and Apollo tests from North American Aviation. Many people have said to me in the past that if I wanted to create a great history center - I would have to do it myself. That's what we are trying to do here at Aerospace Legacy Foundation. |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-17-2008 02:09 AM
quote:
Originally posted by nasamad:
Today I received my latest eBay win, a complete Apollo 13 flight plan
That is a great win, Adam - well done. I recently picked up an original Apollo 8 flight plan signed by Borman and the full mission commentary in NASA binding. Also, an Apollo 13 translunar/transearth plotting chart. |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 05-17-2008 12:50 PM
Nice one Paul, and signed as well, brilliant! Were they eBay wins as well? |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
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posted 05-18-2008 02:08 AM
All suit related as usual - another set of Apollo A6L suit trousers, Apollo A7L leg and scissor pocket, a sweat band and spare ear-cups for the Snoopy Cap.Highlight is a complete Gemini suit electrical harness - comms harness, med harness, signal conditioners and electrodes. More than complete really - there's probably about two harnesses worth of electrodes and signal conditioners. The design places it as an early Gemini mission configuration, and some intriguing but circumstantial evidence suggests a link with Ed White and GTIV. Time to get researching. |
Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 05-18-2008 07:43 PM
Matt, can you post a picture of the A7L scissor pocket? I would be interested in looking at it. |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 07-26-2008 05:01 AM
I just acquired my very own Lunar Module panel 8. Panel 8 - located on the commander's left - had switches responsible for activating many of the explosive devices, including such important functions as deploying the landing gear, separating the Ascent and Descent stages, enabling the descent to and ascent from the Moon. Panel 8 also includes the TV jack as well as audio controls for contact between the astronauts in the LM with the CMP and earth. Comparing the switch configuration on my panel with that of LM-3 / Apollo 9 / Spider would indicate that my example was produced prior to the first manned LM flight.
This panel is in rather used condition, indicating that it may have been used in training? Or perhaps it was installed in one of the LTA's? Does anyone have any ideas? On the front is a small sticker inspection sticker with the following date: 5-14-66. Here are some part numbers I have found: - LDW340-10101-15
- LDW340-10026-15
- LDW340-10097-13
 
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-26-2008 08:21 AM
Houston we have a winner! Beautiful acquisition David and I concur - likely affiliated with a Lunar Test Article (LTA). This is a very important piece in several respects - it helps place into context the evolution of the LM operator interface as the design/build phase of the spacecraft progressed. I also understand that a lot of the panels in the remaining LTA's have been removed which makes this find even more extraordinary if indeed confirmed as an LTA affiliated artifact. For comparison, here are diagrams extracted from an early 66 LM training handbook, LM 6 (Apollo 12) and LM11 (Apollo 16) - the configuration changes and differences between the panels (as well as yours) are evident...  
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-07-2008 08:43 PM
A mostly complete TD-339 Surveyor Lunar Lander Vernier rocket engine (produced by Reaction Motors) and Rocketdyne RS-34 roll control thruster have been recently added to the collection - images of the engines and background have been uploaded to my website within the OTHER US PROGRAMS page - scroll down the page immediately past the Viking Orbiter Insertion Engine. (You may need to refresh your cache if the page was recently visited).The TD-339 is significantly the first engine to facilitate a touchdown and ascent from the lunar surface; elements of the RS-34 system have been adopted to the Constellation program (Ares I-X will employ the RS-34 Axial engine for roll control of the upper stage). |
space1
Member Posts: 853
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 08-08-2008 08:18 AM
At the opposite end of the spectrum from Scott's fantastic group of powerful rocket engines are two Mercury thrusters I got at the last Regency Superior auction. They look like a couple of pipe fittings, but they are actual Mercury thrusters. I am particularly pleased getting these as they are my first Mercury spacecraft artifacts. |
Apollo-Soyuz
Member Posts: 1205
From: Shady Side, Md
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 08-08-2008 08:42 AM
Back in 1994, I sent an autograph request to LITE Program Manager at Langley Research Center, John Rogers. LITE was the primary payload aboard STS-64. When the autograph request was returned, the covers I sent were signed and along with the covers, he sent two LITE patches and said they were flown on STS-64. In an email communications from him in reply to an inquiry, Rogers stated the LITE patches were flown in the aft flight deck of the shuttle.
Unfortunately he did not know how many were flown, a number were given to him for distribution to the LITE Team and he had a few extras and sent these two to me. If I get any more information, I will post it here.I filed a Freedom of Information request for a copy of the STS-64 Official Flight Kit (OFK) and as far as I can determine 400 LITE patches were carried on STS-64. |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 08-08-2008 03:38 PM
I should have gone more into what artifacts we found here in Downey - after the place had been closed in 1999: - An Apollo service module shipping container that had been made into an awning for the lunch area
- Some Apollo wiring harnesses
- Orbiter tiles: both flown and unflown
- Shuttle wing leading edge panels from Columbia (unflown)
- Dozens of photo panels celebrating missions and shuttle events
- Photo books and journals
- Blueprints and engineering drawings
- Shuttle rudder assembly with leads for testing
- An old NAA symbol that once was mounted to a building (we think)
This is all held for the city of Downey and the new Columbia Memorial Center and will be open this winter(08). The Aerospace Legacy Foundation is collecting these for the City. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-08-2008 07:24 PM
Here's an item that departs from my standard criteria established for adding to the collection (not an actual flight vehicle component) but because of its artistic merit and function it gets an honorable mention. First individual who correctly identifies on forum what this is AND where it specifically belongs/precise application on the affiliated equipment it supports wins a free latch release designed for the Manned Maneuvering Unit.  
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mikej
Member Posts: 481
From: Germantown, WI USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 08-08-2008 08:29 PM
I'm going to go with a LOX inlet cover for an F-1 engine. I took a picture of one on the USSRC's F-1 from their propulsion exhibit, but no where on the web to host the pic right now.But, NASA does host an image of where it would go. And, if you have second thoughts about adding it to your collection, I have just the perfect place for it.  |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-08-2008 08:46 PM
Great Job Mike... you have a pristine MMU Release Lever headed your way (once you pass your address). The release is actually visible at the 9 o'clock position in the first photo above.The 20" LOX inlet cover's size on the propellant manifold places into perspective the volume of fluid (400 plus gallons a second) flowing into the F-1 engine's injector...  |
davidcwagner
Member Posts: 798
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 08-08-2008 08:52 PM
The item is a remove before flight item. I believe it is the protective shipping cover for the lunar module ascent engine. The grey gasket assembly (bottom photo) faces up and mates to the ascent engine.See here for the part in place under the ascent engine. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-31-2008 09:06 AM
Rocketdyne SE 7-1 thrust chamber (shown next to its previously acquired smaller cousin - an SE 6). Engine is unfired; they were produced in a range of thrust outputs - 25, 85 and 100 pounds for the Gemini spacecraft OAMS system and also a 72 pound derivative installed on the Saturn V as an Ullage motor. I believe this variant is the 72 pound Saturn Ullage engine (used on the S-IVB Aux Propulsion System to support stage restart capability). 
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-31-2008 11:07 AM
Four Memory Module Assemblies and four Page Assembly cards. These items collectively comprised the "guts" of the Saturn V Launch Vehicle Digital Computer (LVDC). Page cards performed the logic functions of the computer and the handwoven ferrite core memory modules provided storage. The LVDC executed pre-launch checkout, guidance from launch to parking orbit, and orbital checkout of the Saturn V.I have not been able to locate an internal image of the LVDC which show these components in their installed environment, if anyone has a picture would be greatful if you could post or send to me for upload to this thread.  
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-01-2008 08:00 PM
Three Lunar Module Control panels (Panels 5, 8 and 12). Sadly they have been heavily raided for switches (something which I hope to remedy if surplus switches come to market) but have mostly intact beta cloth and fireproofed wiring harnesses. There are also thermocouple leads on the front with affiliated epoxy - debating the merits of their removal as part of the restoration effort. These panels augment Panel 3 which was previously assessed into the collection and can be seen on the shelf in the rear of the first photograph. Panels 8 and 12 are installed in the LM to the left and right respectively of panel 3.  
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capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 09-02-2008 07:15 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceAholic:
Three Lunar Module Control panels (Panels 5, 8 and 12).
So, when does your CDDT start? I assume you are close to having a complete spacecraft built... |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 09-02-2008 07:44 AM
Holy cow, Scott. You'll need a bigger home soon... Congratulations. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 09-02-2008 11:55 AM
Reminds me of that old TV show "Salvage 1".Scott is going to build his own Apollo from scrap, then head to the moon and grab some flown items! Awesome collection of goodies, I'm jealous! |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-02-2008 01:52 PM
Certainly hope others will post their new found material here and that its not just becoming a "Scott" thread... think the subject of this thread (sharing finds) represents the essence of what cS is all about. |
Aztecdoug
Member Posts: 1405
From: Huntington Beach
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 09-02-2008 03:40 PM
Scott, I get the strange feeling that if I wait long enough, you will start posting pictures of parts from a Lockheed Electra NR16020 that you picked up somewhere out there... |
Lunar rock nut
Member Posts: 911
From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A.
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 09-23-2008 10:55 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceAholic:
Certainly hope others will post their new found material here
Scott I know you had to see the Apollo 8 flown scorched kapton with great provenance from a North American Rockwell inspector that spent 30 minutes alone sitting in the middle seat and was allowed to remove a bolt, some wire clamps and that nice piece of kapton while preparing it to be sent to the Smithsonian on A-mart right next to your ad in antiques and collectibles. Last night I won that auction partnered with Jerry Czubinski. Jerry and I were on the phone while I was bidding. Jerry will have it in time for the upcoming 40th Anniversary. This was a nice find in an odd place. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-23-2008 11:33 PM
Terry, you are referring to this Astromart Auction I talked with the seller last week (he also has an ablator plug, unsealed he may make available). It's a huge piece of flown kapton with outstanding provenance. Congrats on the win! |
Lunar rock nut
Member Posts: 911
From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A.
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 09-24-2008 09:48 AM
Thanks! That is obviously the one. Mr. Chilton is an outstanding gentleman and very pleasing to talk to providing insight from the events of that time. |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 01-11-2009 07:42 PM
I just added some of the pieces I acquired in 2008 to my site. |
music_space
Member Posts: 1179
From: Canada
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 02-24-2009 12:25 PM
A Vostok-Voskod landing in Montreal!...or so it would appear if you look at the way I set this Globus "Astronavigator" which I acquired last December at Regency-Superior. More info on this thread.  |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-24-2009 02:30 PM
What a great find François... imagine if you had acquired the Mercury Orbit indicator (as you discussed in an earlier thread) and were able to concurrently display them along side each other - they hail from approximately the same vintage: |
music_space
Member Posts: 1179
From: Canada
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 02-24-2009 04:43 PM
We'll get there, Scott! When I missed upon the Mercury item, Robert consoled me by saying: "These things come back around eventually...". |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 03-22-2009 04:36 PM
This Apollo Command Module Main Control Panel 2F controls the Cryogenics and Environmental System controls and is positioned in front of the CM pilot and LM pilot. The panel contains cryogenic tank indicators, cabin fan switches, H2 and O2 heaters, O2 pressure, H2 and O2 fans, cabin temperature, and much more. This panel is block I, but shares many similarities with the Block II version. I particularly like this because it is known to many people because of its role in Apollo 13. The "stir the tank" switch and "are we dead yet due to CO2" readout are on this panel. Even people who are not space collectors get excited about this because it is familiar from the Apollo 13 movie, so it is be fun to show to people and point out the bits from the film. This panel is in great condition. It is clearly flight quality as all the switches and displays are definitely the real thing. The size is approximately 18" x 16" x 20 pounds. The wood is a case I made so it can stand up and I can carry it.  
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-22-2009 05:04 PM
A real gem David...It looks like you are using Zinc/galvanically coated fasteners to attach the panel to the wood...recommend pulling those and going with stainless/aerospace grade to avoid a risk of bi-metallic corrosion. |
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