Flown heel restraint carried on the Apollo 8 mission, consisting of a metal heel bracket with heavy duty brown Velcro stirrup straps. Signed on the bottom of the metal heel piece in black felt tip, “James Lovell, Apollo 8.” Includes the North American Rockwell Corporation parts removal tag, identifying the piece as: “Part Number BW-1053-001, Serial/Lot Number 1022, Authority APR 522804 TP5008, Rom #192” and “Model Number Hell Restraint, Serial Number S/C 103.” The tag is dated April 14, 1969, about four months after the Apollo 8 mission. In fine condition. These heel restraints locked the astronauts' feet in place for safety during liftoff of the Saturn V rocket from Earth. If the astronauts were not tightly restrained in their couches during the launch phase, the violent motion induced from extreme acceleration could result in injury. The Apollo 8 mission was extremely successful and of great historical importance as the first launch from the Kennedy Space Center, and its crew members were the first humans to witness the famous ‘Earthrise.’ An exceptionally desirable flown piece. Pre-certified Zarelli Space Authentication.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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