Lot #6127

Apollo 11 Kapton Foil [Attested to as Flown by Sandy Clarkson]

Description

Large swatch of Kapton foil, approximately 10˝ x 2.75˝, attested to as being flown and removed from the thermal protection system of the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia. In fine condition. Accompanied by two signed letters of authenticity from Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space, who states that the foil came from the collection of NASA engineer Bill Whipkey, who identified it as part of the Apollo 11 CM. One letter reads, in part: “This Kapton Mylar foil is from the Apollo 11 Command Module, ‘Columbia.’ Kapton foil provided thermal protection for the CM and upon return to Earth was easily removed from the spacecraft. The foil was often used for presentation purposes and was given to Bill Whipkey, a NASA employee in 1969. Bill prepared numerous presentations/displays and these Kapton pieces remained unused. It was in his possession until his death in 2015.”

Whipkey was a NASA Production Control Engineer and a skilled woodworker who created many displays and presentation pieces for the astronauts and often received flown mementos and autographed photos in recognition of his dedicated service. Among his other duties, Whipkey was responsible for purchasing the items that were carried on the Apollo missions, including flags foreign and domestic.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Space
• Dates: #702 - Ended October 24, 2024