Large cross-section segment of heatshield from the Apollo 6 'Sideburns Experiment,' a test of various ablative materials to determine how effective each was for thermal protection during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The segment measures approximately 12.25″ x 1″ x .5″, and is encased in a 14″ x 1.5″ x 1.5″ acrylic block, engraved with black text, "Apollo 6 Sideburns Experiment, April 2, 1968." The three ablative materials include polyurethane foam, balsa wood, and Avco honeycomb heat shield with holes drilled for weight savings. In fine condition.
An unmanned test of the Saturn V and Apollo Command/Service Module, Apollo 6 was the final unmanned Apollo test mission and launched from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 on April 4, 1968. Despite engine failures at multiple stages, the test provided NASA with enough confidence to pursue manned flight with Apollo 7. A rare, large piece of early Apollo history.
