DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, no date. Aldrin details the Apollo 11 mission and describes the thin protectant material on the ship, in part: “To protect our fragile craft from the extreme environment of deep space, a thin layer of material known as Kapton Foil, gold-colored on the front and with a silver backing, was attached to the outside skin of the Columbia. This delicate foil played a critical role by deflecting the sun’s intense heat off the ship, helping us maintain comfortable temperatures within…Due to the extremely fragile nature of the foil, most of it burned off the ship during our fiery 25,000 mph re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere on July 24, 1969. However, a small portion of it survived; salvaged by the North American Rockwell Recovery Team on board the aircraft carrier Hornet, and carefully preserved for posterity.” A small piece of the Kapton Foil is affixed to the document, and Aldrin signs at the conclusion. In fine condition, with a small area of discoloration along top edge. R&R COA.
