Flight ready lunar module RCS (Reaction Control System) thruster plume deflector. Deflector measures 46″ high, with its curved base measuring approximately 24″ across. Outside of the plume bears two parts numbers including, “LDW280-66535-1-1.” Deflector is constructed of layers of 0.00125” thick Inconel 600 foil, 0.0005” thick annealed bright rolled nickel foil, and Inconel knit wire. Part is then finished with black Pyromark paint on front, and aluminum pigmented Sicon on back. Several pins are present on the back as well for connecting to the module. Plume deflectors were added to the Apollo 11 lunar module, as well as the remaining Apollo modules due to scorching of the descent stage by the downward-facing RCS thruster as observed by the Apollo 9 astronauts. Provenance: Charles Bell collection. RR Auction COA.
