Huge spherical titanium Apollo CSM helium tank, measuring approximately 40˝ in diameter, used to pressurize the propellants for the Apollo Service Module Propulsion System (SPS) engine. The tank is marked on the top, "NAA Part Number V17-347002-31, Serial Number 00407-ABB0012, Mfg. Date 5/14/64, Helium Receiver, U.S. NAS 9-150," and bears several inspection labels. The tank is built to carry 19.6 cubic feet of helium gas, pressurized at 3600 psi. Centrally located within the CSM, two tanks were used to 'pump' fuel and oxygen for the SPS engine by injecting inert helium gas.
North American Aviation built the Apollo CSM, and burst-tested the first SPS helium tank in November 1963; this example dates to a year later. Following its service in developing the spacecraft for the Apollo program, this tank was featured in the music video for 'One Way Ticket to the Moon' by Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame). To our knowledge, this is the first time an Apollo CSM SPS helium tank has been publicly offered at auction.
This piece will be crated and shipped from California; the buyer is responsible for all associated costs.
