Fascinating Apollo 11 manuals used by Flight Director Gene Kranz while at his console in Mission Control throughout the landmark mission, as (according to Kranz), “a primary resource for coordinating that mission and associated activities both during the flight or while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the lunar surface.” The first is a three-inch thick bound collection consisting of the final Apollo 11 flight plan, Abort from Lunar Powered Descent techniques, Powered Ascent techniques, Lunar Surface Phase techniques, Launch from the Lunar Surface, RCS Insertion, and a couple of manuals for contingency plans in case of an emergency. Kranz notated the flight plan as the mission was going on, crossing out several portions of procedures, re-organizing steps, and adding other notations.
On the opening page of the flight plan, Kranz has meticulously checked off the 35 changes listed, making the corrections on the corresponding pages. Changes include: “Sec Gly Loop,” 37 minutes after lift-off; “Maneuver to observe slingshot, R 3&4, P 3&4, Y ll,” at 4:50 after launch; and one correction to the page that indicates touchdown on the lunar surface, changing the “Dump DSE” command until after the ‘stay / no stay’ is given just minutes after landing on the moon.
Second manual is unbound, almost 3.5″ thick, and consists of various tabbed manuals (many photocopies), with multiple notations on the covers. Kranz has printed his last name on the cover of the Flight Crew G&N Dictionary, and made notations to a few of the pages included in this manual. Other manuals include: Flight Crew Abbreviated Checklist, Lunar Surface Checklist, and the aforementioned dictionary. This large collection of checklists and procedures is separated by tabbed dividers, labeled in another hand, including, “Descent,” “Emer L/O,” “LM Prep For EVA,” and “EVA Cards.”
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gene Kranz, certifying that these are from his personal collection and detailing the importance of this set of manuals to the mission, in part: “Contained within is a compilation of information for my personal use as Flight Director. The material included reflected what I determined most useful in order to efficiently and successfully manage those aspects of Apollo 11 that I was responsible for. Each ‘Flight Director’s Goody Book’ included material mirroring individual needs, as we each had our own diverse backgrounds and knowledge base….For my ease of use, this binder has been organized and tabbed to meet my specific needs.” In fine overall condition, with expected handling wear. Kranz served as Flight Director for the odd-numbered Apollo mission, including the first lunar landing, and was responsible for all mission decisions—from the all-important ‘go for landing’ to the crucial ‘stay / no stay’ call to begin lunar operations. Organized and notated by Kranz himself to ensure a successful mission, this is an absolutely remarkable set of manuals from the historic Apollo 11. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.
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