Extraordinary Apollo Command Module LiOH Filter Assembly signed by 19 Apollo astronauts, measuring 7.25" x 7.25" x 5.25", bearing an affixed Airesearch label on the side, reading: "Absorber Element CO2, Part 813540-3-1, Serial 30-688, Order NAS-9-150, NASA 004000030688, Ref Spec ME901-0218-0061." The side is date-stamped November 1970. Remarkably, the canister has been signed on the sides in silver ink by 19 Apollo astronauts, all adding their missions. Signers are: Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Alan Bean, Richard Gordon, Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, Edgar Mitchell, Dave Scott, Al Worden, John Young, Charlie Duke, Gene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, Frank Borman, Jim McDivitt, Tom Stafford, Rusty Schweickart, Wally Schirra, and Walt Cunningham. In fine condition, with light overall wear and some irregular ink adhesion to signatures. Accompanied by original paperwork for the LiOH filter, including acceptance test data sheets and identification/packaging cards.
This lithium hydroxide canister was designed to maintain a pure-oxygen environment within the Apollo spacecraft; utilized as part of the Environmental Control Unit (ECU), this assembly used LiOH to absorb carbon dioxide and a filter to trap particulate matter in the circulating air. A square CO2 scrubber cartridge like this one was the focal point of a key part of the Apollo 13 drama, using duct tape and spare materials to get it operating in the Lunar Module.
