FLOWN PLSS Strap with Lunar Dust

Sale 2001 - Lot 174

Unsold

Estimate: $ 50,000 - $ 60,000

FLOWN "PLSS" Strap with Lunar Dust. The lower right Portable Life Support System (PLSS) beta cloth covered support strap used by Edgar Mitchell during the two Apollo 14 lunar surface EVAs. The strap is over 18 inches long and varies from 2 to 3 inches wide. There is stainless steel clip visible at one end with a second clip recessed in a pocket opening at the opposite end. That recessed clip has four inspection stamps and a part number that reads: "SV723617-1" with serial number "S/N 401." On that same end, a tag reads: "E. M. - R," which stands for "Edgar Mitchell - Right" (side lower strap). There are traces of lunar dust along the stitched areas of the strap. NASA/MSC, 1970

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The PLSS was the large "backpack" worn by all Apollo Astronauts during lunar surface EVAs. The unit was secured to the space suit by a dual shoulder strap assembly and a left and a right lower side strap. This strap was on the Moon for over 33 hours. It was exposed to the lunar environment for 4 hours and 50 minutes during the first EVA and again for 4 hours 35 minutes during the second EVA. That second EVA included the longest lunar surface walking traverse of the Apollo Program as Mitchell and Alan Shepard climbed along the rim of Cone crater.