Ten most expensive items of space memorabilia On the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to journey into outer space, Wikicollecting.org takes a look at the 10 most expensive items of space memorabilia...
The navigational chart was used by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, just after their landing on the Moon, to determine their exact position on the lunar surface.
The chart, signed by Aldrin, was sold by Bonhams in New York in 2009 for a world record price of $218,000.
2) Falcon lunar module's Attitude Control joystick from Apollo 15 - $206,000
This joystick was used to activate the four sets of four 100 pound Marquardt rocket engines, working with the semi-automatic onboard computers’ steering calculations and engine thrust-on commands.
The joystick, which was on the Moon’s surface inside Falcon for over 66 hours, was sold by Bonhams in July 2009 for $206,000.
3) Charles Duke Jr’s Apollo 16 wrist mounted checklist - $206,000
This metal bound booklet was strapped to the wrist of Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke Jr’s space suit. It covers procedures such as climbing down to the Moon’s surface.
One page in the booklet features a hand drawn astronaut in the arms of a naked woman. The astronaut says: "Happy Birthday Whatever Your Name Is."
The checklist was sold for $206,000 at a Bonhams auction in 2009.
4) Alan Shepard’s Gemini space suit – $187,500
In 2010, the Gemini space suit designed for Alan Shepard was sold by Regency Superior for $187,000.
The suit, which came complete with helmet, gloves and boots, was not actually flown.
The suit was made for the specifications of Alan Shepard, who would later become the fifth moonwalker - and first moongolfer - as part of the Apollo 14 mission.
5) Apollo 11 flight plan - $152,000
The Apollo 11 flight plan covered the preparations for man’s first step on the Moon. It is a minute by minute time line of the mission crew’s activities.
The document is made up of many sections such as a “detailed timeline” which shows what the astronauts should be doing at any given times and “detailed test objectives” which explain the mission’s objectives.
The flight plan, inscribed with the words "One small step for a man—one giant leap for mankind" sold for $152,000 at a Bonhams auction in 2010.
6) Rolex watch worn aboard Apollo 17 - $131,450
A Rolex watch worn to the Moon by Apollo 17 astronaut Ron Evans was sold at a Heritage Auction Galleries sale in October 2009.
During the mission, Evans left the watch in his Personal Preference Kit which was taken to the Moon’s surface by his crewmates.
The watch was on the Moon’s surface for 72 hours.
7) Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 patch - $85,400
Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 patch, signed by Collins, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the astronauts aboard the mission, sold for $85,400 – more than double the $40,000 guide price at an auction held by Bonhams in April 2010.
The patch was designed, in part, by the crew members of the mission. Michael Collins said that the Apollo 11 crew wished to keep their names off
