Flown lunar orbital map carried to the lunar surface aboard the LM Orion during the Apollo 16 mission. Map measures 10.5 x 7.75, is labeled “17” in the upper right, and covers longitudes 32E to 36E, with the flight trajectory in the center. This portion shows an area east of their landing site that included part of the Sea of Nectar and the Crater Isidorus. Map is signed in blue felt tip, “This map was used aboard the lunar module ‘Orion’ during our landing on the moon. It then remained in the ‘Orion,’ on the moon, for nearly 72 hours. Charles M. Duke, Jr., Apollo 16 moonwalker.” Duke has also added “flight trajectory” along one of the vertical lines of the map. Map is housed in a sleeve with Duke’s signed personal lunar surface artifact certification label, with a smaller “Flight-Recovered” label initialed by Duke. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a handwritten letter of certification by Duke, which reads, in part: “This lunar map labeled number 17 was used by the crew of Apollo 16 during our lunar orbits prior to our descent and landing on the Descartes Highlands. We used this chart to monitor our orbital position prior to landing…This map remained in the LM ‘Orion’ during our stay on the lunar surface. It was exposed to the lunar vacuum during our three EVA’s. It was transferred back to the CM ‘Casper’ for the return to earth. This map has remained a part of my personal collection since our splashdown on April 27, 1972. Display this map with pride as a remembrance of Apollo where man first ventured beyond earth orbit.” Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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