Flight-flown heat shield segment encased within a 3-inch diameter Lucite disc. The heat shield segment is from Apollo Command Module 009, a Block I CM launched onboard SA-201 on February 26, 1966. Imprinted within the Lucite is the identifying statement: “APOLLO Saturn 201, 18,000 mph re-entry, 26 Feb, 1966.” A primary objective of this very abbreviated suborbital flight was to test the effectiveness of this material. Apollo Saturn 201 was not only the first flight of the Saturn IB rocket but the first real flight of a production Command and Service Module (CSM-009). It was a Block I version though, whereas all manned missions would end up using the Block II. RRAuction COA.
