Lot 450
Apollo 8, 1968, Lunar "Darkside" Tracking Chart (9x19") This thick card, double-sided, multicolor chart was issued for the 21 December 1968 use of the astronauts to communicate back to earth as they made man's first ever trip across the dark (far) side of the moon. One side of the chart has over 35 different black ID names hand- printed designating darkside lunar craters on the chart (Houston, Collins, Basset, Borman, Anders, Lovell, See, Haise, Aldrin, Armstrong, Carr, Slayton, Grissom, White, etc on one side and von Braun, Freeman, Shea, Debus, Williams, Gilruth, Schmitt on the other.) along with the disclaimer: "Farside communications designators are for operational use only are not intended to be official". The consignor has added a cryptic label: "Dec. 1968: Christmas-Eve Flight / Apollo VIII. This map was used by Astronaut Jack Schmitt to identify lunar features to Paul (Haney) during the first lunar fly-by". There appear to be two large red marker notations on one side that have extensively faded out over the years. Other than having been folded horizontally across the center, cracking the thick card of the chart, and a puncture hole at top, this chart is both a mystery and a fascinating addition to any lunar collection. Probably unique.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500,
Ex. the Paul Haney Estate collection,
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| Realized $1,260 |
