Spectacular complete ring-bound Lunar Module rendezvous chart book carried on the Apollo 15 mission, 8.5 x 10.5, nine double-sided light cardstock pages, signed and flight-certified on the front cover in blue felt tip, "Flown to the lunar surface aboard the Lunar Module 'Falcon' during Apollo 15, July 26-Aug 7, 1971, Dave Scott, Apollo 15 CDR." The front cover reads: "Apollo 15, LM Rendezvous Charts, Part No. SKB32100116-392, S/N 1001." Each of the checklist's pages are dated in the upper border, April 21, 1971, and tabbed with a descriptive label, including: "CSI Backup Nominal Ascent," "CDH Backup Nominal Ascent," "TPI Backup Direct Ascent," "TPI Backup Dir Asc Tweak," "Midcourse Logging," "First Midcourse," and "Second Midcourse." In fine condition. From the personal collection of Dave Scott.
Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Scott, in part: "I hereby certify that the 'LM Rendezvous Charts' book included with this letter was flown aboard the Lunar Module (LM) 'Falcon' during the first extended scientific exploration of the Moon, Apollo 15…This 18 page book contains detailed charts and graphs as backup calculations for both the 'Nominal Ascent' rendezvous maneuver sequence…and the 'Direct Ascent' maneuver sequence…each major maneuver is tabbed on the right edge of the checklist to enable rapid access. Rendezvous of the LM from the surface of the Moon to the Command and Service Module (CSM) in lunar orbit was essential for both mission success and crew return. These charts provide a third tier of rendezvous calculations as back up and/or replacement maneuvers in the event of failure of either or both the Primary Guidance, Navigation and Control Systems ('pings') or the Abort Guidance System (AGS). After LM launch from the surface, the Nominal Ascent sequence consisted of three major maneuvers to achieve a position of stationkeeping with the CSM ('CSI,' 'CDH,' and 'TPI'). As a result of experience during Gemini and Apollos 9-12 as well as many simulations, the shorter and more efficient Direct Ascent technique was used on Apollo 15. Direct Ascent eliminated both CSI and CDH, and proceed directly to the final TPI maneuver, thus reducing both the time and LM propellant required for rendezvous by 2 hours…and increased surface time by the 2 hours. However, should the Direct Ascent be unavailable for any reason, the charts would also provide backup calculations for the additional CSI and CDH maneuvers in the Nominal Ascent technique." A fantastic flown piece directly from the Apollo 15 commander's personal collection.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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