Rare Apollo Lunar Radioisotopic Heater canister, measuring 3″ tall and 3″ in diameter, mounted on a wooden 6 x 6 base, bearing a label reading, "Apollo Lunar Radioisotopic Heater," with the logos of Monsanto and United States Atomic Energy Commission. Includes a packet of internal paperwork related to the device, including a 1968 NASA memo, a 1969 Sandia Laboratories drop test report, a 1969 Apollo Lunar Radioisotopic Heater Program weekly status report, two blueprint diagrams for the Apollo Lunar Radioisotopic Heater shipping can, an official 1969 document outlining procedures for handling the SNAP-27 Fuel Capsule, three Monsanto press releases, and a summary report on the SNAP-27. In very good to fine condition. Radioisotope heater units (RHUs) provide heat through radioactive decay and are critical components to most space probes. The seismometer package deployed during Apollo 11 utilized an RHU to protect the seismic recorder during frigid lunar nights, and the current Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity likewise feature RHUs. Extremely rare, this is believed to be the only one of its kind ever seen in a space auction. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte.
