LOT #58093 |
Sold on Mar 25, 2008 for: Not Sold
Apollo 12 Flown Command CSM Lunar Orbit Chart A, Signed by Richard Gordon. ...
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Description
A rare once-in-a-lifetime offering of a complete Lunar Orbital Chart flown on Apollo 12.
Apollo 12 Flown Command CSM Lunar Orbit Chart A, Signed by Richard Gordon. This unusual and extremely rare lunar map was used during the Apollo 12 mission to identify specific lunar craters, control points, landing sites, survey sites, and so on.Compiled from nearly 4000 photographs taken from lunar orbit by the Ranger and the Lunar Orbiter, this map is one of only two that were used on the Apollo 12 mission. The Ranger and Lunar Orbiter programs were a series of unmanned space missions in the 1960s whose objective was to obtain close-up images of the lunar surface to create a comprehensive photo-map for use during the Apollo Moon landings. As a result of the Ranger and Lunar Orbiter programs, 99% of the Moon's surface was photographed and charted.
Comprised of twelve two-sided leaves, each measuring approximately 10.5 x 7.5", the map has been folded and taped into book form making map reading quicker and less cumbersome in crowded space conditions. The map has been inscribed and signed by command module pilot Richard Gordon in blue ink: "Flown to the Moon on Apollo XII. Richard Gordon, CMP." The map shows minor wear at edges and folds, but is clean, bright and generally in fine condition.
Accompanying the map is a one-page handwritten letter of authenticity by Apollo 12 command module pilot Richard Gordon. The letter is penned in blue ink on Apollo XII letterhead which bears a full-color depiction of the Apollo 12 logo/patch at the upper edge. The letter reads in full:
This Apollo XII Command and Service Module Lunar Orbit Chart A is one of two (A & B). It shows early orbit ground tracks of revolutions 4, 12, 19, 29, & 38 over the surface of the moon. It also depicts related features such as Control Points, Ground Tracks, Initial Point, Landing Sites, Surveyor, Terminators, and much more. Each page is approximately 10 ½ inches by 7 ½ inches.
It is comprised of 12 leaves, providing 24 pages that were taped together - designed to be a book that the crew could use for lunar navigation. A voluminous number of photos taken from lunar orbit by either Ranger (1700 photos) or Lunar Orbiter (2000 photos) were used to make this book of maps.
Richard Gordon
Apollo XII CMP
A key item during the Apollo 12 lunar mission, this wonderful and unusual map was integral in enabling the pilots and crew to fulfill their mission directives and return to Earth successfully. Please note that these charts are seldom seen by collectors in their complete state. Usually, the individual pages are sold separately. As such, it is the ultimate space collectible and will surely garner great interest among space enthusiasts. From the collection of Richard Gordon.
Auction Info
2008 March Grand Format Air & Space Auction #6000 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2008
25th
Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 4,749
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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