ULTRA RARE NASA APOLLO LUNAR MODULE HARDWARE Docking Window Protective Cover. Ultra Rare NASA Apollo Lunar Module Hardware Docking Window, Clear Polycarbonate Protective Cover, Kennedy Space Center. Was specifically designed and fabricated by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation to protect the Apollo Lunar Module docking window. It remained attached to the LM from the completion of its construction at the Grumman facility in Bethpage, NY, through transport. To the Kennedy Space Center and up until preparations for launch into space. Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation was the prime contractor for the Apollo Lunar Module. Approximate dimensions: 15.75 inches x 8.75 inches. The last twelve images are for reference only, including diagrams showing the location of the docking window in the Lunar Module and the protective window cover (highlighted in yellow), as well as photos of the LM docking window. This LM docking window cover originally belonged to a NASA KSC Apollo engineer and famous spaceflight hardware collector, Charles H. An extraordinary Moonship artifact, once attached to an Apollo Lunar Module, and possibly… The Apollo 11 Lunar Module! Lunar Module Docking Window. An overhead docking window is located on the left side of the vehicle directly over the commander’s head. The window provides the commander with the required visibility during the initial phase of the descent to the lunar surface and during the final phase of the docking maneuver. The docking window has approximately 65 square inches (5 by 13 inches) of viewing area. The construction of this rectangular window, shown in figure 8, was similar to that of the forward windows. One exception was that its inner structural pane was not floating; it was bolted to the cabin skin by a metallic edge member bonded to the chemically tempered glass. An additional difference was that the inner pane of the docking window was curved to match the 92-inch diameter of the cabin instead of being flat as the forward windows are. The forward windows are floating and carry only pressure loads. The forward windows were designed to support the cabin pressure as a plate. The docking window is integral to the cabin structure and is therefore subjected to all loads supported by the cabin in addition to the pressure loads. The docking window was designed to support the cabin loads as a membrane. However, the cabin loads in the vicinity of the window (because of other applied loads) are small when compared to the pressure load. As the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing is fast approaching, spaceflight missions grow farther reaching and ever bold, while we begin to experience a renaissance of international interest in spaceflight endeavors and technology. Still, only a few know about the possibility of collecting such historically significant artifacts, as these from the Space Programs, but that is beginning to change, in light of these events. Over time, spaceflight artifacts are increasingly difficult to acquire and the value of these rare collectibles is very likely to rise dramatically. If you are a collector that is new to the niche of spaceflight hardware and seeking to diversify your portfolio, this is an excellent way to accomplish that with a unique and sound investment. These are heirlooms that will inspire and be admired by many generations to come. Thank you, and welcome to Space Mission Market! Write in anytime with all other questions or special artifact requests. We will try to locate any specific type of spaceflight hardware that you are interested in purchasing. Artifact Provenance: Artifacts that include provenance (or any documents, original receipts, part tags, certificate of authenticity / COA, etc) in the sale will have that stated in the listing and shown in the listing photos. If any of this type of provenance / paperwork is not shown in the photos and specified as “included” in the listing, then it is not available or included in the sale. Artifact Flight Status: FLOWN = Spacecraft hardware / components, crew equipment, scientific instruments or other items / materials that have been flown. FLIGHT = Spacecraft flight qualified spares or backup hardware / components and engineering test articles made of the same components as the flight article. These are items that could have flown, but were not flown. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) = Non-flight space program hardware, equipment and scientific Instruments used in direct association with the spacecraft, spacecraft engineers and technicians. These are items that were used and made for ground support that may or may not have been in direct contact with the spacecraft prior to launch. Note: FAQ & Terms of Sale may be updated periodically. Listing and template services provided by inkFrog. The item “ULTRA RARE NASA APOLLO LUNAR MODULE HARDWARE Docking Window Protective Cover” is in sale since Saturday, December 15, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Historical Memorabilia\Astronauts & Space Travel\Exploration Missions\Apollo”. The seller is “rocket-broker” and is located in Winter Park, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.