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Lot 36: Flown Astronaut Space Suit Radio Cable

Owning this rare segment of flown coaxial radio cable from astronaut George "Pinky" Nelson's private collection will remind you of just how important the smallest things can be.

At around 8'' in length, this bit of space technology comes from the radio in the backpack of the space suit, or EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit), worn by mission specialist Nelson during STS- 41-C (Challenger). It features brass connectors, part number 8785000-502 S/N 1012, and minor wear-and-tear that speaks to both its age and the adventure on which it's been.

This cable transmitted vital communications among Nelson, fellow crewmates inside the orbiter and mission control during two spacewalks, one of which was an exhilarating un- tethered flight with the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) from the Challenger's payload bay to the Solar Maximum satellite. Nelson says his radio communications were "scratchy" during the mission.

The issue, as Nelson later learned, was due to a small short in this cable, which was identified post-flight. Recalls Nelson: "Walt Guy, chief of the Crew Systems Division, gave it to me with the explanation of the problem shortly after the mission."

This small cable with a big story comes with an autographed photograph of Nelson during one of his STS-41-C spacewalks, both items framed and matted with archival methods. The lot includes a certificate of authenticity, also signed by Nelson.

STS-41-C was Nelson's first spaceflight and the fifth mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Highlights of the seven-day mission (April 6-13, 1984) included the deployment of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) and the retrieval, repair and redeployment of the Solar Maximum satellite.

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.

Bid History

Bidding on this lot concluded on March 15, 2013 at 10:00 PM EDT.

Bidders: 14 Bids: 41 Winning Bid: $1988

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