Artifact: Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster "Remove Before Flight" banner
Date of use: anytime within 1981-2011
Manufacturer: Thiokol

Serial Number: 0007919

Part Number: IU50727-0107703
Spacecraft: Space Shuttle
Dimensions: 30.3 x 7.6 cm (banner) 16.1 cm (teather strap).
Weight: 10 gr
Program: Space Shuttle
Flown Status: unflown

Description: This banner was produced by the Thiokol's Wasatch division with the Serial number 0007919 and Item number IU50727-0107703 on the reverse side. It still has the tether strap attached.

This tag and others like it were used to mark support hardware, protective covers, and various items temporarily attached to the orbiter and/or its payloads that were not meant for flight. The red color helped engineers to easily spot and confirm that all equipment requiring removal was taken off before the shuttle launched into orbit.

Artifact: Apollo Remove Before Flight protective cover
Artifact Category: protective cover
Date of use: between 1969/1972
Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Part Number: LDW 420 P10119-9

Serial Number: LDW 420 10110-1 S/N4

NASA Contract Number: NAS9-1100
Spacecraft/Launch Systems: Lunar Module
Materials: Perspex, Velcro.
Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.5 cm
Weight: 5 gr.
Program: Apollo
Flown Status: unflown

Description: Apollo Lunar Module "Remove Before Flight" Protective Cover, Kennedy Space Center, Ground Support Equipment. This artifact was designed to protect critical Flight Hardware in the Apollo Lunar Module Astronaut Fight Deck. It would have been removed just prior to launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's prime Lunar Module spacecraft contractor, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, constructed this "Remove Before Flight" tag from clear Perspex material. A patch was affixed to the tag where it would have been attached to an Apollo Lunar Module Spacecraft (possibly Apollo 11 and others). Many of these tags were reused for several LM spacecraft. Cleanliness Level: "C".

This artifact was originally purchased at the Charles H. Bell estate auction in the year 2000 at his Titusville, Florida facility. A copy of the original NASA Manufacturer tag is included.

Artifact: Apollo Lunar Module Remove before flight switch cover
Date of use: between 1969 to 1972
Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation

Part number: LDW 420 M80029-1 / LDW 420-80026-1

NASA Contract Number: NAS9-1100

Markings: 1459 on the plastic plug, and 1610 on metal clip
Dimensions: 5 x 4.2 cm (plastic plug), aproximatly 60 cm (wire), 3 x 0.9 cm (metal clip).
Weight: 20 grs.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description: this is a plastic switch cover for the Apollo Lunar Module. Comes from Charlie Bell's collection of space artifacts.

This cover consists of two pieces of thick, patterned plastic held together with a retaining clip and a metal cable from which a Grumman / KSC quality control tag would hang. The only thing that remains from the quality control tag are a couple of eyelets attached to a thin metal wire.

Protective cover as installed in the Apollo 12 LM prior to flight. The photo shows the Panel 5 area below the Commander's window.Credit: Grumman.

Another view of the same area of Apollo 12 Lunar Module, before flight, this time with no protective covers. Source: Apollo Lunar Surface Journal.

I have another remove before flight cover, which according to documentation, was removed from the Apollo 15 LM. See here.

Artifact: Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzle cooling channels section.
Manufacturer: Rocketdyne.
Dimensions: 7 x 3.2 x 0.6 cm.
Weight: 20 gr.
Program: Space Shuttle
Flown Status: Unflown.

Description:

Section of cooling channels for the Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzle used for testing.

The nozzle is manufactured from 1,080 individual A-286 Stainless Steel coolant tubes. These tubes are thinwalled and roughly 1/4" (0.63 cm) in diameter brazed together and to the structural jacket.

The fuel is supplied to the nozzle from the high-pressure fuel turbopump at 6,000 psi. It enters the nozzle from the diffuser and is then routed through the downcomer lines into the aft manifold. The fuel is routed upwards in a single pass through the nozzle tubes to cool the inner wall of the nozzle increasing in temperature by 400°F (204°C) in ahout two milliseconds. The hydrogen collects in the forward manifold then onto the mixer bowl to combine with the bypass flow from the coolant control valve.

Space Shuttle Main Engine. The cooling tubes are visible on the interior wall of the nozzle. Credit: National Air and Space Museum - Smithsonian Institution.

Liquid Hydrogen at -423 °F (-252° C) was used during chill-down and was the propellant for the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) on the Shuttle Orbiter.

The Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25, also known as the SSME, is a liquid-fuel cryogenic rocket engine that was used on NASA's Space Shuttle and is currently used on the Space Launch System (SLS).

Item: Space Shuttle HSRI tile
Size: 15.2x15.2x9x10.9x8.8x7.4 cms.

Weight: 338 gr.

Serial number: VO-070-193004 -98 -008727.

Description: This thermal protection tile comes from the estate of a Lockheed Missile and Space Company Engineer who worked on the development of the Space Shuttle Tiles for NASA. The Company went on to make the tiles for NASA. This tile has the digitized serial numbering system NASA used for placement of each tile on the shuttle. This particular tile was to be located on the mid fuselage sides and lower area. On the back side it says: "VO-070-193004 -98", "53842", "8727", "SCRAP".

Artifact: Fit Check Tile of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Nomenclature:

VO70-391040-112
P1 099 ONLY
TY6317 4-82
H-13728 E07 14
OML

Orbiter: OV-099 Challenger

Location: forward fuselage.

Category: Thermal Protection System.

Period of use: 1982.

Manufacturer: Rockwell International / NASA

NASA contract number: N/A

Spacecraft/Launch Systems: Space Shuttle

Dimensions: 15.1 x 29.8, x 8.5 cm

Weight: 696 g.

Program: Space Shuttle

Flown status: unflown.

Description: Fit Check Tiles were used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter bodies to verify the fit before the actual tiles were fabricated and installed. Each Orbiter is covered with approxim ately 24,000 silica fiber compound tiles and they are all essentially different in size and shape. Based in the information printed on the tile, this particular example would fit on Challenger. The tile originally came from the Charlie Bell collection and is displayed on a Mahogany base with a metal descriptive plaque affixed to it.

Tile serial numbers normally consist of four segments, the first three separated by dashes. In this fit check tile, three numbers appear separated by dashes:

VO70-391040-112

The first two elements of the serial number are letters 'VT' or 'VO'. The 'V' is for Vehicle, the 'O' is orbiter.

The second set of six digits is the location on the orbiter. The following diagram provides a better understanding of tiles locations:

Credit: NASA

P1 099 ONLY means that it was used only on the Challenger Orbiter.

OML: Outer Mold Line.

Sources:

Tile serial numbers (NASA)

Shuttle Tile Maps

Artifact: ISS thermal protection blanket swatch on trading card
Dimensions: 6.4 x 8.9. (fragment: 2 x 0.9 cm).
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

ISS thermal protection blanket on trading card presentation.

The ISS insulation is a highly-reflective blanket called Multi-Layer Insulation (or MLI) made of Mylar and dacron.

The reflective silver mesh is aluminized Mylar. The copper-colored material is kapton, a heavier layer that protects the sheets of fragile Mylar, which are usually only 0.3 mil or 3/10000 of an inch thick. Layers of dacron fabric keep the Mylar sheets separated, which prevents heat from being conducted between layers," he continued. This ensures radiation will be the most dominant heat transfer method through the blanket.

More information:

NASA - Staying cool on the ISS

Artifact: Apollo 8 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem
Dimensions: 4½x4" / 115x100 mm.
Program: Apollo
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

AB Emblem patch sold as souvenir. It has a black outline around the Moon, Earth and the 8, which was not present in other patches.

Apollo 8

The Apollo 8 mission was a historic milestone in space exploration. Launched on December 21, 1968, it marked the first time humans traveled to the Moon.

The crew of Apollo 8 consisted of astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders. Their primary objective was to orbit the Moon and gather essential data to support future lunar landings. This mission was a crucial step towards fulfilling President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the 1960s.

Apollo 8 successfully entered lunar orbit on December 24, 1968. During their ten orbits around the Moon, the crew captured awe-inspiring images of the lunar surface, including the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, showcasing our planet rising above the Moon's horizon.

The astronauts also conducted various experiments and observations, studying the Moon's geological features and testing the spacecraft's systems. Their transmissions back to Earth, including a Christmas Eve broadcast featuring a reading from the Book of Genesis, captivated audiences worldwide and served as a unifying moment during a tumultuous year.

After completing their lunar orbit, Apollo 8 began its journey back to Earth and safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on December 27, 1968. The mission's success boosted confidence in NASA's capabilities and paved the way for the subsequent Apollo missions that ultimately led to the first Moon landing in 1969.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 8

Artifact: Apollo 7 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm high.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description: Apollo 7 mission AB Emblem patch also has quite different coloration to the crew version and a much skinnier "VII".

Apollo 7:

The Apollo 7 mission was a crucial milestone in the Apollo program and NASA's first manned mission following the tragic Apollo 1 fire. Launched on October 11, 1968, Apollo 7 aimed to thoroughly test the Command and Service Module (CSM) in Earth orbit.

The crew of Apollo 7 consisted of astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr., Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham. During the 11-day mission, the astronauts conducted numerous tests and experiments to evaluate the CSM's performance, life support systems, navigation, and communication capabilities.

Apollo 7 achieved several significant milestones. It was the first time a three-person crew flew aboard the Apollo spacecraft. The mission successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the newly redesigned Block II Apollo spacecraft, which had undergone significant safety enhancements following the Apollo 1 accident.

The crew carried out a range of activities, including testing the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking capabilities, evaluating the crew's ability to function in space, and conducting medical experiments to study the effects of weightlessness on the human body.

Despite some challenges, such as motion sickness experienced by the crew and disagreements with mission control, Apollo 7 achieved its objectives and paved the way for future manned Apollo missions. It provided valuable data and insights that helped NASA gain confidence in the spacecraft's systems and paved the way for subsequent Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing the following year.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 7

Artifact: Apollo 9 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

AB Emblem version of the Apollo 9, easily recognised by the short and squat Saturn V rocket.

Apollo 9:
The Apollo 9 mission was a pivotal mission in NASA's Apollo program, primarily focused on testing the Lunar Module (LM) in Earth orbit. Launched on March 3, 1969, it was the first mission to feature the complete Apollo spacecraft, including the Command Module (CM), Lunar Module, and Service Module.

The crew of Apollo 9 consisted of astronauts James McDivitt, David Scott, and Russell Schweickart. Their main objective was to test the Lunar Module in space, ensuring its capabilities for future lunar landings.

During the 10-day mission, Apollo 9 performed several critical tests and maneuvers. The crew conducted a "Spider" LM extraction, where the Lunar Module was separated from the Command Module and flown independently. This maneuver validated the LM's ability to operate and rendezvous with the Command Module in space.

The astronauts also executed spacewalks, or Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), to test the LM's docking and navigation systems. Schweickart performed a spacewalk, known as the "EVA-1," to evaluate the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and test astronaut mobility outside the spacecraft.

Additionally, the mission focused on various scientific experiments and systems checks. The crew conducted photography and mapping tasks, gathered data on the Earth's surface, and studied the effects of space travel on the human body.

Apollo 9's success demonstrated the operational capabilities of both the Command and Lunar Modules and provided critical insights into their performance and functionality. The mission's accomplishments and lessons learned were instrumental in paving the way for the upcoming lunar missions, ultimately leading to the successful Apollo 11 Moon landing.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 9

Artifact: Apollo 11 25th anniversary patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.4 cm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 11 25th Anniversary Patch issued by AB Emblem in 1994 to commemorate 25 years since the first lunar landing by Apollo 11.

Artifact: Apollo 1 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 3½" / 88 mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:
AB Emblem patch sold as souvenir. The vintage AB Emblem Apollo 1 patch is very close in design to the Crew Patch, but the grey moon, fuller stars, and distinctive angle and style of the fill thread in the seas on the Crew Patch helps differentiate it from the AB Emblem version.

Apollo 1

The Apollo 1 mission, also known as Apollo/Saturn 204, was intended to be the first manned mission of NASA's Apollo program, which aimed to land astronauts on the Moon. However, tragically, the mission never reached space due to a devastating fire that occurred during a pre-launch test.

On January 27, 1967, astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee were inside the Apollo Command Module, designated as Apollo 1, at Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral), Florida. They were participating in a "plugs-out" test, simulating the spacecraft's operations without it being connected to ground power. The purpose was to identify and resolve any potential issues prior to the planned launch.

A combination of flammable materials, faulty wiring, and a high-oxygen environment inside the capsule created a disastrous situation. A spark ignited a fire, spreading rapidly within the pure oxygen atmosphere. The crew was unable to escape due to difficulties with the hatch, inadequate safety measures, and the intensity of the fire.

All three astronauts lost their lives within minutes of the fire starting. The event shocked the nation and had a profound impact on NASA, leading to a thorough review of safety protocols and spacecraft design. The Apollo 1 accident prompted significant changes that improved astronaut safety and ultimately contributed to the success of the Apollo program, including the eventual Moon landings.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 1

Artifact: Apollo 11 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 103mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 11 AB Emblem sold as souvenir.

Apollo 11:
Apollo 11 was the historic mission that achieved the first manned Moon landing. Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module, named "Eagle." Armstrong famously stepped out first, proclaiming, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." They conducted experiments, collected samples, and planted the American flag.

Meanwhile, Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module, named "Columbia." After spending about 21 hours on the lunar surface, Armstrong and Aldrin rejoined Collins, and the crew returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 11

Artifact: Apollo 12 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 12 mission AB Emblen patch. This version is very close to the design worn by the crew. The most obvious diference is the pattern of the four stars.

Apollo 12:

Apollo 12 was the sixth manned mission of NASA's Apollo program and the second mission to land astronauts on the Moon. Launched on November 14, 1969, it carried astronauts Charles "Pete" Conrad, Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Alan L. Bean.

The mission's primary objective was to explore the lunar surface in the Ocean of Storms region, specifically the target area of the Surveyor 3 robotic probe that landed two and a half years earlier.

The Apollo 12 Lunar Module, named "Intrepid," successfully landed within walking distance of the Surveyor 3 spacecraft. Conrad and Bean conducted two moonwalks, collecting lunar samples and deploying scientific instruments. They also retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 for analysis back on Earth.

During the mission, the crew faced a significant event known as the "lightning strike." A lightning bolt struck the Saturn V rocket during launch, causing temporary power outages and malfunctions in the Command Module systems. However, the crew and ground control quickly resolved the issues, allowing the mission to continue.

Apollo 12 returned to Earth on November 24, 1969, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean. The mission achieved its scientific goals and contributed valuable data on lunar geology and surface exploration techniques.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 12

Artifact: Apollo 10 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4 x 4½" / 100 x 112mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

This patch was sealed in Cape Kennedy Medals packaging. It is very similar to the AB Emblem design, including the spanner-shaped antennae on the LEM, although this example has dark blue thread for the inner border and background rather than black, and grey thread for the names. The stitching also appears somewhat finer than on the AB example.

Apollo 10:

The Apollo 10 mission was a pivotal mission in NASA's Apollo program, often referred to as a "dress rehearsal" for the first Moon landing. Launched on May 18, 1969, it was the fourth manned mission of the Apollo program and the second to orbit the Moon.

The crew of Apollo 10 consisted of astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan. Their primary objective was to perform a complete lunar module rehearsal without actually landing on the Moon.

Apollo 10 followed a trajectory that took it to the Moon and entered lunar orbit. The mission tested various aspects critical to a successful Moon landing, including the performance of the lunar module during descent and ascent, as well as lunar rendezvous and docking procedures.

The lunar module, named "Snoopy," separated from the command module, nicknamed "Charlie Brown," and descended to within 9.6 miles (15.6 kilometers) of the lunar surface. The crew evaluated the landing site, documented lunar landmarks, and tested the module's navigation and guidance systems.

After completing the lunar module operations, the crew re-docked with the command module and returned to Earth, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean on May 26, 1969.

Apollo 10 provided critical validation of the Apollo spacecraft and procedures necessary for a lunar landing. The mission helped fine-tune the techniques and systems required for a successful Moon landing, setting the stage for the historic Apollo 11 mission that followed just two months later, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 10

Artifact: Apollo 16 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 16 AB Emblen patch. This patch is very similar to the one worn by the crew but uses a lighter grey thread in the background giving much less contrast in the crater details.

Apollo 16:

Apollo 16 was the tenth manned mission of NASA's Apollo program and the fifth mission to successfully land astronauts on the Moon. Launched on April 16, 1972, it aimed to explore the lunar highlands and conduct scientific investigations.

The crew of Apollo 16 included astronauts John W. Young, Thomas K. Mattingly II, and Charles M. Duke Jr. Mattingly played a critical role as the Command Module Pilot, while Young and Duke descended to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module, named "Orion."

The Lunar Module landed in the Descartes Highlands on April 20, 1972. Young and Duke conducted three moonwalks, spending a total of 20 hours outside the spacecraft. They collected samples of rocks and soil, deployed scientific experiments, and explored the hilly and rugged terrain of the region.

One of the significant achievements of Apollo 16 was the deployment of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), allowing the astronauts to cover larger distances and collect samples from different locations. They traveled a total of 27.9 kilometers (17.3 miles) during their moonwalks.

The crew conducted various experiments related to geology, seismic activity, magnetism, and lunar surface photography. They also collected valuable samples, including a "genesis rock" believed to be among the oldest lunar materials ever found.

After completing their lunar activities, the crew returned to the Command Module and safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 27, 1972. They were recovered by the USS Ticonderoga.

More information:
Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 16

Artifact: Apollo 14 mission patch.

Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4½" / 112mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 14 AB Emblem patch. This version has a light gold colored border area with horizontal stitching.

Apollo 14:
Apollo 14 was the eighth manned mission of NASA's Apollo program and the third mission to successfully land astronauts on the Moon. Launched on January 31, 1971, it aimed to explore the Fra Mauro highlands, a region rich in geological significance.

The crew of Apollo 14 included astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell. Shepard, who had previously flown on the suborbital Mercury-Redstone 3 mission (Freedom 7), became the first American to walk on the Moon during this mission.

The Lunar Module, named "Antares," landed safely on the lunar surface on February 5, 1971. Shepard and Mitchell conducted two moonwalks, spending a total of nine hours exploring the Fra Mauro formation, collecting rock and soil samples, and setting up scientific experiments.

One of the mission's notable accomplishments was the successful deployment of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP), a suite of scientific instruments designed to collect data on the Moon's geology, atmosphere, and seismic activity.

After completing their lunar activities, the crew returned to the Command Module, named "Kitty Hawk," and safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. They were recovered by the USS New Orleans.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 14

Artifact: Apollo 15 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 15 AB Emblem patch design as the one worn by the crew on their post-flight recovery suits but because it is not particularly rare it is not really considered as a Crew Patch. The AB Emblem patch was also used by NASA on the certificates of appreciation distributed to employees after the mission.

Apollo 15:

Apollo 15 was the ninth manned mission of NASA's Apollo program and the fourth mission to successfully land astronauts on the Moon. Launched on July 26, 1971, it was a significant step forward in lunar exploration and scientific research.

The crew of Apollo 15 included astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred M. Worden, and James B. Irwin. It was the first mission to utilize the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), a lunar surface transportation vehicle, enabling the astronauts to cover greater distances and explore more extensive areas.

The Lunar Module, named "Falcon," landed in the Hadley-Apennine region of the Moon on July 30, 1971. Scott and Irwin conducted three moonwalks, spending a total of 18 hours outside the spacecraft. They conducted various experiments, collected rock and soil samples from the lunar surface, and studied the area's geological features.

Apollo 15's scientific objectives were extensive, including the deployment of a lunar surface drill, known as the Deep Drill, to obtain core samples from beneath the Moon's surface. The crew also conducted experiments related to geophysics, lunar surface photography, and the study of lunar dust and particles.

Meanwhile, Worden remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module, named "Endeavour," conducting observations and mapping activities using advanced scientific instruments.

After completing their lunar activities, the crew returned to the Command Module and safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on August 7, 1971. They were recovered by the USS Okinawa.

More information:
Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 15

Artifact: Apollo 13 mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 4" / 101mm.
Program: Apollo.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

Apollo 13 AB Emblem patch. This patch is very different to the design worn by the crew, with multi-colored horses and no craters on the lunar surface. It exists in two main variants, one embroidered on a black velvety background (as the one I have) and the other on black twill. The velvet version appears to be slightly more common than the twill version.

Apollo 13:

Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission of NASA's Apollo program, originally intended to be the third mission to land astronauts on the Moon. Launched on April 11, 1970, it encountered a critical failure that transformed the mission into a dramatic story of survival in space.

The crew of Apollo 13 included astronauts James A. Lovell Jr., John L. Swigert Jr., and Fred W. Haise Jr. Approximately 56 hours into the mission, while en route to the Moon, an oxygen tank in the service module exploded, causing a catastrophic failure.

The explosion severely damaged the service module, depriving the Command Module, named "Odyssey," of crucial life-support systems and power. The lunar landing was immediately aborted, and the focus shifted to getting the crew safely back to Earth.

Working together with mission control, the crew improvised solutions to stabilize the spacecraft and conserve resources, such as oxygen and power. They used the Lunar Module, named "Aquarius," originally intended for lunar landing, as a "lifeboat" to sustain them during the return journey.

Through remarkable ingenuity and teamwork, the crew managed to navigate a critical course correction using the Lunar Module's descent engine and successfully reentered Earth's atmosphere. Despite the tremendous challenges, Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: Apollo 13

Artifact: Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission patch.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem.
Dimensions: 12.1 cm.
Program: Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
Flown Status: unflown.

Description:

This is the regular AB Emblem patch which can be distinguished from the 'crew' version by the absence of a gap between the blue and red thread blocks surrounding the stars and the outer red border. Vintage versions of these patches with bare cloth backs are quite rare to find, as the ASTP flight occurred in 1975, and AB Emblem transitioned to coated backs just a few years later in the late 70s.

It is important to note that there are noticeable variations in certain embroidery details of AB's vintage Apollo-Soyuz patches. Some feature an orange-thread sun with a gold center, while others have the reverse color scheme. Additionally, the color fill areas on the front of the command module may vary, with some patches using dark blue thread above pale blue and others following the opposite arrangement. These differences likely stem from variations between production runs, as the patches are otherwise too similar to be attributed to different manufacturers.

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) was a joint space mission conducted by the United States and the Soviet Union in 1975. It marked the first time that American and Soviet spacecraft docked in space. The mission aimed to test the compatibility and procedures for future international space missions.

More information:

Crew Patch Reference Guide: ASTP