Dave Scott's flown "CSM Transearth Coast” star chart carried into lunar orbit aboard the Lunar Module Endeavour during the Apollo 15 mission. The start chart, identified near the lower left as “CSM Transearth Coast, Star Chart, July 26, 1971 Launch,” measures 15.75 x 7.75 and includes the names of all Apollo navigation stars as well as trace lines that form the constellations used to locate and identify the stars. The chart is designed with the constellations aligned on the ecliptic, with specific stars used for Apollo navigation identified, named, and numbered with a two-digit numerical code ranging 1 (Alpheratz) to 45 (Fomalhaut). The chart was used to identify and locate specific stars such that an onboard optical device, the Sextant, could be used to determine the orientation of the spacecraft relative to an onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU); the onboard computer (the Apollo Guidance Computer) would then calculate the location of the craft in inertial space. In fine condition, with a horizontal fold.
Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Scott, in part: “I hereby certify that the Apollo 15 ‘Trans Earth Star Chart’ included with this letter was used in the Command and Service Module (CSM), Endeavor, during the three-day return from the Moon to the Earth during Apollo 15, the first extended scientific exploration of the Moon, July 26-August 7, 1971…As the mission commander of Apollo 15, I was in charge of the handling, use and dissemination of the Flight Data File, as such, this Apollo 15 Trans Earth Star Chart has been in my personal collection since NASA presented it to me upon our return to Earth." Backed by rock solid provenance from history’s seventh moonwalker, this highly displayable star chart served as an integral resource for the safe return of Apollo 15. From the personal collection of Dave Scott.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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