Title:
Apollo 11 Flown Kapton Polyimide Foil Display – Command Module “Columbia” Thermal Material – Certified by The Right Stuff Space

Description:
Offered here is an Apollo 11 flown Kapton polyimide foil display, featuring authentic fragments of thermal insulation material from the Command Module Columbia. The display is centered around a vivid recovery image of the Apollo 11 Command Module being hoisted aboard the USS Hornet following splashdown.

Encased within a circular inset at the lower center are two small fragments of Kapton foil—one gold-toned and one silver-toned—representing layers of the spacecraft’s thermal protection system. The printed text beneath the image explains that the silver side faced outward toward deep space, while the gold backing adhered to the spacecraft structure.

The display further notes that this Kapton material originated from Command Module #107 (Columbia), which carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their historic July 1969 mission. The material is described as having protected the crew during their approximately 953,000-mile journey to the Moon and back, and was removed following splashdown.

The piece is signed and certified by Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space, with the signature appearing at the bottom of the display. Condition is excellent, with strong color, clean presentation, and minimal signs of handling.

Historical Context:
Apollo 11 (July 16–24, 1969) marked humanity’s first successful manned Moon landing, a defining achievement of the 20th century. Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the lunar surface, followed by Buzz Aldrin, while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module Columbia.

The mission represented the culmination of the United States’ efforts in the Space Race and fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the 1960s. The Command Module Columbia served as the crew’s primary spacecraft for the majority of the mission, enduring the harsh environment of space and the intense heat of reentry.

Kapton polyimide film was a critical component in spacecraft engineering, valued for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation. Flown examples from Apollo 11 are especially significant, as they directly relate to the first lunar landing mission—one of the most important achievements in human history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified by Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space, whose signature appears on the display, confirming the authenticity and Apollo 11 origin of the Kapton fragments. The piece is not slabbed but is presented as a complete certified display.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This exceptional Apollo 11 artifact offers a rare opportunity to own genuine flown material from the first Moon landing mission. Combining strong visual presentation with authentic spacecraft components, it provides a direct and tangible connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements—making it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any advanced space collection.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.