Lot 17: Apollo 12 FLOWN Snap End Data Retention Spring
From the personal collection of Charles "Pete" Conrad, this Snap End Data Retention Spring flew to the Moon aboard Apollo 12's Command Module (CM), Yankee Clipper, as a crew support device. The spring was one of about six bungee-like straps on board during the mission and was used by the astronauts to tie down items, such as checklists, food packages, etc. The device was designed so both ends could snap to a wall or other attach point, and the tension of the spring could act as a rubber band, holding down whatever the astronauts didn't want to float away.
Apollo 12 was the second manned lunar landing mission. The late Conrad and Alan Bean lived on the Moon for 31 hours and 31 minutes while Richard Gordon orbited the Moon inside the Command Module.
This piece measures 14 1/4" (the spring extends to 34") long and is stamped with NASA part number V36.60117041. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the piece. The gold plate reads "Snap End Data Retention Spring Flown To The Moon Aboard Apollo XII On November 14-24, 1969".
ASF reserves the right to disqualify the high bidder, to reject the high bid, and to accept a bid from a lower bidder, for any reason within their discretion, which shall be exercised in good faith.
The auction concluded on April 18, 2009 at 5:00 pm EDT.
Bids: 74 Winning Bid: $4650 Bidder: 119