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Apollo LM MESA Locking and Deployment Mechanism

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Space Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Apollo LM MESA Locking and Deployment Mechanism

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Auction Date:2017 Oct 19 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
The two main parts of the Apollo Lunar Module Modular Equipment Storage Assembly (MESA) locking and deployment mechanism. The locking and deployment mechanism measure approximately 12 x 6.5 x 3.5 and bears part numbers in orange-red text on the base, "Lot 3, LDW 280M17816, E0A6, MRR106498." The cable arm assembly measures approximately 10.5 x 7.25 x 3, and bears a faint part number that appears to begin, "LTM280M506." This part is missing a cam, otherwise the mechanism is complete. In very good to fine condition.

The MESA was located in Quad 4 of the Lunar Module Descent Stage. It lowered like a drawbridge when deployed by an astronaut by pulling the MESA deployment actuating handle located on the egress platform. As the cable pulled the cam, the cam disengaged a lock pin from a pivot arm. A key prevented the lock pin from interfering with its own disengagement from a locking post on the MESA. Once this was done, lunar gravity took over and deployed the MESA. Once deployed, the MESA served as a work station for the astronauts. In the earlier lunar landing missions (Apollo 11–14), the MESA was packed with equipment needed to explore and study the lunar surface. In the later 'J' scientific missions (Apollo 15–17), it also carried parts of the Lunar Roving Vehicle as well as supplies for the extended lunar stay time.