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Apollo 11: Rare Large Section of Apollo 11 Command Module Flown Kapton Foil, with Heritage & Goldberg Provenance and a Letter ...
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Sold on Dec 6, 2024 for:
$937.50
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Description
Apollo 11: Rare Large Section of Apollo 11 Command Module Flown Kapton Foil, with Heritage & Goldberg Provenance and a Letter of Authenticity from Apollospace. A nice-sized section, measuring approximately 1.5" x 0.56 overall, of the delicate Kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia. Due to its fragile nature most of it burned off the ship but small pieces survived and were salvaged. This actually flew to the moon and back as a part of the legendary Apollo 11 spacecraft. A great memento from one of mankind's "Giant Leaps." Often sold in tiny fragments, scarce in this size. Included with this lot is a copy of LOA from Goldberg Auctioneers signed by Sandy Clarkson and a signed LOA from Apollospace. This is a portion of a piece sold by Heritage Auctions in 2021 (Auction 6238, Lot 50254). Fine.Kapton, developed by DuPont in the late 1960s, was revolutionary due to its exceptional thermal stability and electrical insulation properties. Kapton's resistance to radiation damage made it ideal for use in the harsh environment of space. It maintained its flexibility and didn't become brittle, even under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation and charged particles. The material's low outgassing properties were another crucial factor. In the vacuum of space, many materials release gases that can contaminate sensitive equipment or cloud optical surfaces. Kapton's stability in this regard made it safe for use around precision instruments and windows.
Kapton foil was crucial for the Apollo Command Modules as it provided thermal protection by reflecting intense thermal radiation from the Sun and space, ensuring the spacecraft's integrity in the harsh environment of deep space. The foil's multi-layered design, with aluminized surfaces, effectively insulated the module against extreme temperatures, safeguarding the astronauts inside. Additionally, Kapton's durability and resistance to high temperatures made it an ideal material for maintaining the spacecraft's structural integrity during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Auction Info
2024 December 6 - 7 Space Exploration Signature® Auction #6304 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 311
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