Lot 143
Apollo 15, 1971, Manned Flight Awareness "Microfilm" Container (1x5") This aluminum, two-part machined container contains a long strip of microfilm listing the names of all 790 Manned Flight Awareness honorees who contributed to the success of Apollo Program missions from the beginning through Apollo 11. The names were published as part of an Apollo 11 booklet published after the flight and it was this booklet, in microfilm form, that was left on the lunar surface by Apollo 15 astronaut Jim Irwin.
Only 30 canisters, in two slightly different sizes and at two different times, were produced at the McDonnell Douglas machine shop at the Cape. They were made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a threaded cap. One film and capsule set is in the Smithsonian. About six examples were flown on the aborted Apollo 13 and it is believed that a copy was flown on Apollo 14 but, for an unknown reason, was not left on the lunar surface. Finally, one capsule WAS left on the lunar surface by Irwin. The remaining 28 film and capsules, both flown and unflown, are believed to all be in private hands. Copies of correspondence and a detailed 11 page, 1976 report by Jerry Lipman to D. Kent Evans about the film and capsules are included with the lot. We can't say that this film and capsule have been flown, but we can say that this is the first time in over 15 years that this writer has ever seen one of these capsules. It will be an important part of any collection.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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