Description:

Apollo 9 Hardware
n.p., ca. 1969
Original Apollo CM & LM Handrail System for Emergency Inflight EVA
Relic

A handrail system prototype which was designed ca. 1969 to be installed on both the Command Module (CM) and Lunar Module (LM) to provide an emergency path during an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) while in lunar orbit. During an inflight EVA, the hardware used for docking the CM and LM would need to be removed from the tunnel connecting the two aircrafts after the docking; this would permit two astronauts to move from the LM back into the CM for the ride home. Should the astronauts be trapped inside and not removable by the crew, it would be necessary for them to go outside and make their return to the CM by performing an EVA while floating in space. Handles such as these would allow astronauts to accomplish life-saving task. In addition to handle prototypes, this lot also includes a prototype for a special tool used to unlock the hatch, and a prototype for foot restraints to stabilize an astronaut during an EVA in lunar orbit. Offered with files regarding the design and construction of the handrail system, which include original NASA publications and photographs, and accompanied by 21 desirable NASA red number photos. Also included are schematics and plans for the handrail system. Condition is overall very good, although some photos show water damage.

The LM handrail ran from the front of the LM hatch to its interface with the CM. The CM was also fitted with several shorter rails to provide a secure hold to lead the crew to the open hatch. In the event that the third astronaut was incapacitated, the LM crew could open the hatch from the outside using a special tool to open the lock. To stabilize the astronaut while he used the tool to twist the lock open in zero gravity, special foot restraints were installed on the Service Module in which the astronaut could step to prevent his body itself from twisting while he opened the hatch.

This movement from the LM to CM was tested in earth orbit on the Apollo 9 mission, in which LM pilot Rusty Schweickart performed the EVA maneuver while CM pilot Dave Scott opened the CM hatch, thus verifying the ability to perform the emergency EVA should it be necessary. Apollo 9 successfully tested all functionality of the Lunar Module before the Apollo 11 mission a few months later.

This group is comprised of the following:

1. A very early test hatch opening tool, 6" x 6" with a 1" diameter ring at one end, to be used to open the CM hatch from the outside should the CM pilot be incapacitated. It was made available, but was never used as the docking systems for the LM and CM were performed nominally in each Apollo mission.

2. A very early rail design for CM inflight EVA evacuation, 6.75" long with 2.5" x 2" mounts and a rubberized grip.

3. A later rail design for CM inflight EVA evacuation, 19.5" long with 3" x 3.75" mounts. This model was ultimately manufactured. Angled metal sections from the mount to the handrail were added to assure no parachute shrouds would be caught.

A copy of a NASA photograph from 1967 included in this lot shows astronaut John Young evaluating this equipment at the Rockwell Facility in Downey, CA. Two other photographs show astronaut Dave Scott on Apollo 9 in the CM open hatch, waiting for Rusty Schweickart to make the EVA transfer from the LM. The third photograph shows Apollo 11 with the EVA rails which returned to earth undamaged. Copies of these photos are also included.

4. An EVA foot restraint model, 12" x 9", which would be used to stabilize the astronaut in the event that he needed to open the CM hatch from the outside using the tool created from the mockup included in this lot. Numbered on bottom "52 87926 14 224 P 839." Composed of painted metal, fiberglass or some form of resin - we are not sure. A schematic showing the positioning of the foot restraints on the Service Module and the handrails of the CM is included.

5. An extensive file on the development of the CM handrail system, complete with 16 photographs and color copies of photographs showing the development and testing of the system.

6. A second file on the LM handrail system with many NASA b/w and color photographs including 21 red number examples. It also includes notes transcribed from questions directed to Buzz Aldrin and Ken Mattingly about the project.

7. Two official NASA publications: a manual for "Apollo Training CSM/LM Docking and Crew Transfer" (February 7, 1967) with diagrams showing the docking process; and a technical paper titled "Inflight EVA for Mainline Apollo Missions" published for the Second Annual Conference on EVA and Space Maintenance, August 6-8, 1968.

Please view out terms regarding lots with five or more items.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 12" x 9" and 19.5" x 3.75"
  • Medium: Relic

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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