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Flown Apollo 16 “Purge Port” hatch label removed from the crew access hatch of the Command Module Casper after the capsule successfully returned to Earth on April 27, 1972. The label, 3.75 x 2.25, reads “Purge Port” with a right-facing arrow and is comprised of two layers: one of Kapton foil with gold side facing downwards, which is topped by a second later bearing the actual label. Presented in a museum-grade acrylic display case with engraved plate and mission patch to an overall size of 6 x 11. In very good to fine condition, with bubbling and burn marks resulting from re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Accompanied by a comprehensive booklet from The Space Collective detailing the authenticating factors, history, and relevance of the Apollo 16 Command Module primary access ‘Purge Port’ hatch decal, which includes ample photo-matching evidence.
The ‘Purge Port’ was essential for maintaining a safe and stable environment for the Apollo astronauts during their missions. The port, which released excess gas, such as carbon dioxide, from the cabin into space, helped regulate the atmospheric composition inside the spacecraft, ensuring the astronauts had a sufficient oxygen supply and preventing the buildup of harmful gases.
Approximately 10 minutes before re-entering the Earth's atmosphere on April 27, 1972, the Apollo 16 crew jettisoned the Service Module. About 24 minutes later, Command Module ‘Casper’ splashed down 189 nautical miles (350 km) southeast of the island of Kiritimati, where it and the crew were recovered by the USS Ticonderoga. During the subsequent deactivation/decontamination (D/D) of the Command Module, Charles ‘Chuck’ E. McKim, one of the Operational Team Leaders for D/D on all Apollo and Skylab missions, was tasked with recovering material from ‘Casper,’ including salvaging this ‘Purge Port’ decal from the primary access hatch.
After the Apollo 1 fire, NASA decided to change the makeup of the cabin atmosphere on the launchpad from 100% oxygen to a 60% oxygen 40% nitrogen mix. The pressure and makeup of the cabin's atmosphere on the launchpad were controlled by the ground crew through the Purge Port. During the mission, however, the atmosphere was pure oxygen kept at a pressure of 5 psi (pounds per square inch).
Ex. Charles 'Chuck' E. McKim, Operational Team Leader on the recovery and deactivation/decontamination team from North American Aviation (later North American Rockwell) for all Apollo missions.
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