Auction Date:2013 May 23 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, 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
Incredibly rare Lunar Module Translation Control Assembly. Assembly measures 7.75 x 8 x 5, and bears a Grumman Aircraft Eng. Corp label on the top, listing “Part No. LDW300-21800-3; Ser. No. 016; Model: LEM; Date: 1966.” Assembly consists of a T-handle hand controller, an external “Friction” knob which controlled the drag on the T-handle, and a vertical lever to select between “Throttle,” or “Jets.” Unit is unflown.
The Thrust Translation Control Assembly (TTCA) was used by the Apollo astronauts to control translation of the Lunar Module in any axis during missions to and from the lunar surface. Two TTCAs, each made for left-handed control, provided the LM astronauts with the capability to gently guide the LM on each axis and also provided a manual throttle mode to provide varying thrusts of the descent engine. A soft stop is designed at 53 degree deflection of the throttle handle, which allowed for command of 0-53 percent thrust of the descent engine when fine control was required during landing maneuvers. Beyond the soft stop were 10 degree of handle deflection for controlling 53-100 percent of descent-engine thrust. The importance of this controller cannot be over-emphasized. It was this control that enabled all the Apollo lunar landings to be successful, as the necessity for manual control in the final stages of landing were crucial. In the very first moon landing, Neil Armstrong was forced to take manual control of the LM when it was headed for a boulder-strewn area. With the important help of Buzz Aldrin, Armstrong was able to land the LM safely with less than 30 seconds of fuel available. All research indicates that there has never been another TTCA offered for sale at auction.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
Buyers Premium:
A buyer's premium of 20% will be added to all winning bids. RR Auction prefers cash, check, or wire payments. For winning bids of $5,000 or less, clients may choose to pay via credit card or PayPal for an additional 2.5% convenience fee. You are obligated to honor any bid(s) you make, and you authorize us to charge your credit card for any unpaid winnings. Your bid is a contract. Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 409 is due by Monday, June 3, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.