Dave Scott's ring-bound Command Service Module entry checklist carried aboard the CSM Endeavor during Apollo 15, measures 6 x 8, 44 pages, signed and flight-certified on the front cover in blue felt tip, "Flown aboard the CSM 'Endeavor,' Apollo 15, July 26-Aug 7, 1971, Dave Scott, Apollo 15 CDR." The checklist is identified on the front cover with part number "SKB32100115-305" and serial number "1002," and is divided into two major sections: 22 pages of normal procedures on white cardstock, and 22 pages of emergency procedures on red cardstock. The normal procedures can be separated into two subsections whereby the first contains handwritten entries and the second begins at the point where atmospheric forces are increasing and all cabin objects have been stowed in anticipation of forthcoming 'Hi-G' forces. The first 12 pages of the checklist feature numerous handwritten check marks, notes, and number entries made by the crew prior to the 'Entry Interface,' the point the spacecraft enters the Earth's atmosphere. In fine condition, with some marks to covers, interior pages remain clean.
Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Scott, in part: “I hereby certify that the 'CSM Entry Checklist' included with this letter was used to prepare the Apollo 15 Command Module Endeavor for reentry into the Earth's atmosphere after having flown in lunar orbit for six days during Apollo 15…Entry (reentry) is the final and irreversible phase of Apollo lunar missions—there are no aborts, additional orbits, or alternative missions—this phase must be completed at exactly the correct time and the precise attitude relative to the Earth or the spacecraft (and crew) will not survive. Therefore, each step and procedure contained in the Entry Checklist must be completed in the sequence presented. Further, any spacecraft anomalies or failures must be corrected immediately and thoroughly, often with no time for analysis by Mission Control. The Apollo 15 Entry Checklist was designed to achieve these results…[and] is the key to both a successful mission and survival of the crew…This Apollo 15 'CSM Entry Checklist' has been in my personal collection [since] we returned from the Moon."
After spending two days and 18 hours on the lunar surface, Commander Scott and Lunar Module Pilot Jim Irwin lifted off from the Hadley-Apennine region and rendezvoused with Command Module Pilot Al Worden on August 2, 1971. After jettisoning the LM, the reunited crew spent another full day in lunar orbit before heading back to Earth, a return trip that included Worden’s historic first deep-space EVA. With the planet fast approaching, the crew of Apollo 15 stowed and secured all items and equipment in preparation for the integral separation from the service module. When the capsule splashed down into the Pacific Ocean just north of Hawaii on August 7, all reentry objectives had been perfectly executed, with the lone exception being that one of the three CM parachutes failed to properly deploy; only two were required for a safe landing. A fascinating lunar flown checklist from the personal collection of the mission commander.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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