Lot #2089

Apollo 13 Alignment Optical Telescope Movie Prop

Description

Heavy duty Alignment Optical Telescope prop from Ron Howard's Apollo 13

Outstanding screen-used Lunar Module Alignment Optical Telescope (AOT) prop from the Oscar-winning 1995 film Apollo 13, standing approximately 18″ in height and weighing 17 pounds. The periscope-type device is made of aluminum, brass, resin, and steel, and is signed on the gray base pole in silver ink, "Fred Haise, Apollo 13 LMP, Aquarius, LM7, Apollo 11 BU LMP, Apollo 16 BU CDR." In fine condition. The AOT was a periscope-type optical device that protruded through the top of the Lunar Module. Astronauts used the AOT to make direct visual sightings and record precise angular measurements of pairs of celestial objects. This information was transferred to the Module's guidance computer, which determined the spacecraft's attitude and permitted the alignment of its inertial guidance system. Accompanied by images of the prop as seen in the film, as well as a signed letter of authenticity from spaceflight historian and author Lora Johnson, which reads, in part: "This screen-used item was part of the lunar module interior set during production of the Tom Hanks film Apollo 13. When the set later was refurbished for use in the HBO mini-series From the Earth to the Moon, many original components that had been broken or worn were removed and replaced. This heavily built…(AOT) was replaced by one of lighter construction…After filming wrapped, it was given to [Johnson] by Go Flight, Inc., and the FTETTM art department as a thank you for her assistance as design consultant."

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Science & Technology and Space Exploration
• Dates: #588 - Ended July 16, 2020

This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for (inquire for price)

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.