A printed Apollo 11 Lunar Operations Plan, dated June 27, 1969, 8 x 10.5, staple-bound, providing a minute-by-minute plan for the time astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were to spend on the lunar surface. This plan was the personal copy of noted test pilot and friend of Neil Armstrong’s, Bob Rahn, who has written his name and department on the front cover. Rahn was hired by ABC News as an on-air expert during the Apollo missions. He was at the studio as Apollo 11 approached the first lunar landing and has made meticulous and fascinating notes on the pages with the time line for Armstrong and Aldrin’s walk on the moon as it actually occurred. Rahn’s notes begin at 22:54, just before Armstrong sets foot on the moon. His notes include “2256. Step off LM. 1st words. ‘One small step for man & one giant leap.’ Fine and powdery. Powdered charcoal. Go in approx 1/8 in. Can see footprints. No difficulty in moving. Easier than sim. No crater from descent eng.” At 1112, Rahn notes “Aldrin coming out,” and at 1148 “Pres. Nixon. 1150 Reply from crew to Pres.” Rahn also details the planting of the American flag on the surface at 1142: “Deployed flag—having trouble to get flag to stay upright. Have to be careful to have center of mass under you just like a football player.” In fine condition, with expected light handling wear, a few tears to cover, as well as a coffee ring. Accompanied by a hardcover copy of Rahn’s memoir, Tempting Fate. A unique firsthand account of arguably the most memorable historical event of the 20th century. RRAuction COA.
