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Lot #3176
Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 Flown Lunar Module Activation Checklist

Important flown double-sided page from the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Activation Checklist, detailing initial steps taken to prepare for lunar landing

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Description

Important flown double-sided page from the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Activation Checklist, detailing initial steps taken to prepare for lunar landing

Important flown double-sided page from the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Activation Checklist, 8 x 6, signed and flight-certified on in blue ballpoint, "Carried in Eagle to the Lunar Surface on Apollo XI, Buzz Aldrin"; also signed on the opposite side, "Buzz Aldrin." The page details some initial steps taken to activate the LM for lunar landing, including the configuration of the hi-gain antenna, drogue and probe installation, hatch closure, helmet donning, and ascent battery activation. In fine condition.

Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance signed by Buzz Aldrin, in part: "Enclosed with this letter is a sheet numbered ACT-35 and ACT-36 from the Apollo 11 LM Activation Checklist. The entire checklist was carried to the Moon on the flight of Apollo 11…Side ACT-35 lists the initial steps to begin activation of Eagle, some 5 hours before Neil Armstrong and myself became the first humans to land on the Moon. At 97 hours and 31 minutes into the mission, I configured the Hi Gain Antenna, set panel 16 CB (Circuit Breaker) for communications to open, then connected the oxygen suit hoses and communications umbilical to my space suit.

By this time Neil had joined me in the LM and we began the Drogue and Probe installation steps at about 97 hours and 35 minutes into the mission. We verified that both electrical umbilicals were disconnected and secured, that the Drogue lock lever was set with three capture latches engaged and locked, and that the hatch insulation and flaps were secure. We then checked our 'dipstick' status and closed the panel 16 circuit breaker for the LCG pump of the Environmental Control Subsystem. The final step on this side was to don our space suit helmets.

Side ACT-36 has the procedures to close and secure the LM docking hatch with the corresponding LM cabin atmosphere and space suit settings. The final steps on this side have to do with the Ascent Battery status. again, we closed the proper circuit breaker and verified the battery currents. This activity was done out of contact from Mission Control while we were on the far side. The complete checklist was an important document to the success of our mission. It provided steps to properly activate Eagle in preparation for the first lunar landing."

Side ACT-35 has a line of multiple typed stars “***” which boldly denote the time of LOS (Loss of Signal with Mission Control) at 97 hours and 34 minutes into the mission. Side ACT-36 uses this same format to identify SR (Sun Rise during lunar orbit) relative to the Lunar Module at 97 hours and 44 minutes and UD (UnDocking) in just 2 hours and 30 minutes at this point during the activation steps.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space
  • Dates: #607 - Ended April 22, 2021