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Object #: 2485
Object Name: Command Service Module Transearth Coast Star Chart
Place or Origin: United States
Date of Origin: 1970
Dimensions: 16" x 8"
Source: Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
Description: Rectangular sheet of black polymer with white markings that show the location of the Sun and planets along the ecliptic, and the relative position of stars and constellations. The chart is divided into a quadrant grid. In the upper right corner, in white text, is the phrase “September 30, 1970”. Approximately three-quarters to the left on the bottom is the phrase, in white text: “CSM Transearth Coast Star Chart Jan. 31, 1971 Launch”. The constellations Cygnus, Virgo, Boötes and Hydra, among others are shown.
Historical Notes: This star chart was used by astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Paul Weitz and Joseph P. Kerwin on their return, inside a Command/Service Module, from the Skylab space station. Skylab was launched on May 14, 1973, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first manned mission to the station, Skylab 2, was launched on a Saturn 1B rocket on May 25, 1973. The three man crew was responsible for the repair of the station’s Sun and meteorite shield and solar array, both of which had been damaged during launch. In addition to repairs, the crew was responsible for performing scientific experiments, at least one of which confirmed the existence of holes in the Sun’s corona. In total, the Skylab 2 mission lasted 28 days, and was the first successful return to Earth of astronauts from a space station. |
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