Lot #5195

Apollo 11 Kapton Foil [Attested to as Flown by Sandy Clarkson]

Description

Large swatch of Kapton foil attested to as being flown and removed from the thermal protection system of the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, approximately measuring 16˝ x 4.5˝. In fine condition, with a slightly tacky quality to the gold side.

Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space, who writes: “This Kapton foil is from the Apollo 11 Command Module, ‘Columbia.’ Kapton foil provided thermal protection for the CM and upon return to Earth was easily removed from the spacecraft. The foil was often used for presentation purposes and was given to Bill Whipkey, a NASA employee in 1969. Bill prepared numerous presentations/displays and these Kapton pieces remained unused. Bill identified this Kapton foil to me as part of the Apollo 11 Command Module and sold it to me in 2014. A copy of the note which accompanied the foil -- handwritten by Bill is attached.”

Whipkey was a NASA Production Control Engineer and a skilled woodworker who created many displays and presentation pieces for the astronauts and often received flown mementos and autographed photos in recognition of his dedicated service. Among his other duties, Whipkey was responsible for purchasing the items that were carried on the Apollo missions, including flags foreign and domestic.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Space Exploration, Aviation, and Meteorites
• Dates:
  Starts:

  03/27/2026
  Ends:

  04/23/2026