ASF Lucite’s2009 Space Artifact Series Apollo 9 Insulation
Acquired from Craig Forbes
Date acquired 6th March 2019
Collection Number #TSM18A
This piece of Insulation was removed from the top hatch of the Lunar Module “Spider” as astronaut Rusty Schweickart was making preparations to abandon the vehicle after the successful test flight. The Lunar module was designed to only operate in the vacuum of space and the 1-6th gravity of the moon. This meant that after its maiden test voyage in earth orbit abandoning it to eventually re-enter the earth’s atmosphere to burn up was the only available option. The samples authenticity is confirmed by Rusty the astronaut who removed it
The sample is encased in Lucite and is one of a set of three that were produced by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Information about the Foundation is located further down this page
A description of the mission can be found on the page before this one, or follow the link below
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts.
History
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created in 1984 by: the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts (Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton); Betty Grissom (widow of the seventh astronaut, Virgil “Gus” Grissom); William Douglas, M.D. (The Project Mercury flight surgeon); and Henri Landwirth (Orlando businessman and friend). Together they represented a wealth of collective influence which was particularly suited to encouraging university students pursuing scientific excellence. Their mission was to ensure the United States would be the global leader in technology for decades to come.
Since that time, astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs have also embraced this noble mission. ASF can partners with industry leaders, universities and individual donors to reward the best and brightest university students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with substantial scholarships.