NASA 'meatball' Beta cloth patch, 5 x 5, removed from Neil Armstrong's PLSS thermal cover in June 1969 following the final checkout of the flight hardware before the Apollo 11 mission. In very good to fine condition, with wear consistent with use and removal. Accompanied by a photo diagram showing the location of the patch on Armstrong's PLSS during checkout on June 21, 1969. Dan Schaiewitz notes that during the checkout exercise, Chief of MSC Crew Systems Division Robert Smylie suggested that the NASA label sewn to Armstrong's PLSS thermal cover was discolored and should be replaced. This is the label that was removed—remarkable prestige for an unflown patch. From the collection of Dan Schaiewitz, who worked as Extravehicular Crew Training Engineer at KSC. View Dan's many Collect Space posts here. Engineer Dan Schaiewitz gives us a fascinating firsthand glimpse into his experiences on the cutting edge of space exploration during the Apollo missions, in this podcast.
