Now At: $2,988 (23 bids)
Next Bid: $3,287
The 30 Minute Rule begins April 17 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By April 17 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT
Important flown single-sided page from the Apollo 11 LM Lunar Surface Checklist carried to the moon on the Lunar Module 'Eagle,' 5.5 x 8, signed and flight-certified in black felt tip, "LM Lunar Surface Checklist, One Man EVA, Flown to the Moon on Apollo XI, Buzz Aldrin." Numbered "SUR-41" at the head, the yellow page details procedures necessary for either crewman to prepare for a one-man EVA, a contingency that was not carried out on the Apollo 11 mission. The steps listed outline preparation for cabin depressurization, highlighted by the donning and locking of gloves and helmet, and verification of Portable Life Support System (PLSS). In very fine condition.
The Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Operations Plan acknowledges that 'for various reasons, on the first lunar landing mission only a very limited time may be available to accomplish the EVA,' and presents two alternative timelines for a one-man EVA: a 'minimum-time, one-man EVA' and a 'one-man, two-hour EVA.' In the 'minimum-time' scenario, the plan notes that either crewman 'should be equally capable of conducting the desired tasks and contributing to the data returned,' to include environmental familiarization on the lunar surface, contingency sample collection, a brief investigation of the astronaut's capabilities in the lunar environment, photography activities, and a limited LM inspection.
Under the 'one-man, two-hour' timeline—to be undertaken in the event of the failure of one PLSS, an LM subsystem malfunction requiring continuous monitoring, or other unanticipated eventuality—most of the nominal activities of the standard two-man EVA were expected to be accomplished.
Ultimately, the Apollo 11 crew was able to conduct the two-man EVA as planned. CDR Neil Armstrong was the first to descend to the lunar surface, uttering his famous remark: 'That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.' Aldrin soon followed, and the two spent about two-and-a-half hours exploring the lunar surface.
