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Lot #9577
Letters from Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, and James Lovell

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Three TLSs from legendary Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, and James Lovell, each addressed to Scott MacLeod, assistant director at the Energy Research Institute, who was organizing a 10-year reunion to honor the success of Apollo 11.

Armstrong’s letter, signed “Neil,” one page, 8.5 x 11, University of Cincinnati letterhead, May 2, 1979. In full: "Thanks for the note and the thought. As you may know, NASA is sponsoring a full day’s activities on July 20th, and I am committed to supporting their effort. Hope our paths cross again one day soon. All the best.” The letterhead lists Armstrong as “Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics.”

Cernan’s letter, signed “Gene,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal 'Apollo 17' letterhead, May 7, 1979. In full: “Thanks for the letter on the proposed group grope this July. I think it’s a great idea, but although the date is a significant one, it would be a tough one to commit to. It might be better to wait until later this summer when the heat’s off, so that we could enjoy a more leisurely reunion. Just an idea—let me know what happens.”

Lovell’s letter, signed “Jim,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, May 3, 1979. In full: “I was pleased to hear from you and learn you are planning a celebration in honor of our first landing on the moon. As you probably know, several groups are planning reunion parties at that time, including quite a few right here in Houston. I am already committed to one of these get togethers on July 20, and I must decline your offer to participate in your party. I do wish you the best of luck with your plans.” In overall fine condition, with a few small spots of foxing to the Lovell letter.

A former Navy fighter pilot, Scott MacLeod worked with NASA's Apollo astronauts to develop and test the lunar module at Grumman's Bethpage facility in New York. And, if you were among the millions who tuned in for CBS's live coverage of NASA's moon missions from 1969 through 1972, you no doubt saw MacLeod, clad in a spacesuit and standing inside a lunar module simulator, providing Walter Cronkite with play-by-play descriptions of every move the real astronauts were making.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space Exploration and Aviation
  • Dates: #664 - Ended April 20, 2023





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