Lot 449
Apollo 8, 1968, Command Module "TV Camera" Prototype (1.5x7.3") This gray-painted wooden prototype of a handheld TV camera has red "RCA" decals on both sides and, in addition has decals on one side that read: "Item Name: Apolo Comand Module TV Camera / MFR'S Part No. ????493 / NASA Serial No. 011 / MFR's Serial No. 011 / Contract No. NAS 9-7436" and "This Equipment contains Time Sensitive Components Must be Exercised every Three Months". In addition, the camera is autographed: "Bill Anders" in black Sharpie on the top. All the decals show the ravages of time and poor storage and the gray paint has lifted in many places. This is still an important piece of history. The RCA "slow scan" TV camera was used on Apollo 7 and 8 only. A similar Westinghouse camera was used on Apollo 9, 11, 13-15. ALSO included is an original, notated March 27, 1968 telegram from Paul Haney, Public Affairs Officer, Houston to NASA Headquarters in Washington requesting questions being asked by reporters. Among the questions is: "When was the RCA camera ruled out as a flight article? The answer given was: "October 1967. However, its use will be continued in monitering certain spacecraft tests". A hand-notation attributed to George Mueller says that "No decision to remove camera from 101" (Apollo 7) is dated 3/29/68. An additional photocopied document, dated Dec 9, 1968, says that the RCA camera, identical to that used on Apollo 7, will be used on Apollo 8. The camera, and these behind-the-scenes documents are important pieces of space history.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500,
Ex. the Paul Haney Estate collection,
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| Realized $900 |
