Description:

Apollo XI


Buzz Aldrin Superb TLS with Original Piece of Kapton Foil from the Apollo XI Moon-Bound “Command Module”

 


1p TLS signed by American astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin (born 1930) as "Buzz Aldrin" in black felt-tip pen at lower left. A Kapton foil fragment is secured under a square of plastic film at center. On gilt embossed personal letterhead. In near fine condition. 8.5" x 11". Accompanied by a photocopy of the certificate of authenticity originally signed by North American Rockwell Apollo Launch Team commander Robert E. Miner.


Buzz Aldrin, the former pilot of the Apollo 11 lunar module, wrote:


"On July 20, 1969, mankind's eternal dream of standing on another world was realized as Neil Armstrong and I became the first two human beings in history to walk on the Moon, during the historic voyage of Apollo 11.


The spacecraft which carried Neil and me to the Moon was known at the 'Command Module' and bore the symbolic name Columbia. To protect our fragile craft from the extreme environment of deep space, a thin layer of material known as Kapton Foil, gold-colored on the front and with a silver backing, was attached to the outside skin of the Columbia. This delicate foil played a critical role by reflecting the sun's intense heat off the ship, helping us to maintain comfortable temperatures within. Because the foil was attached to the outside skin of the Columbia, its gold-colored side was directly exposed to deep space.


Due to the extremely fragile nature of the foil, most of it burned off the ship during our fiery 25,000 mph re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere on July 24, 1969. However, a small portion of it survived, salvaged by the North American Rockwell Recovery Team on board the aircraft carrier Hornet, and carefully preserved for posterity.


When reflecting on the epochal voyage of Apollo 11, I often think of the plaque left behind on the moon at Tranquility Base. It bears the inscription HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND. JULY 1969 AD. The voyage of Apollo 11 was a defining moment in human evolution, when mankind lifted itself from its Earthly cradle, and began its long journey into the universe."


Outstanding Apollo 11 content from one of America’s pioneering astronauts!

 



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS. ALSO, ALL PACKAGES SHIPPED FROM OUR OFFICES REQUIRE A DIRECT SIGNATURE UPON DELIVERY.*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000