Spaceship joystick used on historic Apollo 11 mission up for auction

By Dean Murray via SWNS

The spaceship joystick used by astronauts on the historic Apollo 11 mission is up for auction.

The hand controller grip operated the Command Module on the journey that saw humans first walk on the Moon in July 1969.

Boston-based RR Auction expect the 11cm-tall piece of hardware to achieve over £238k ($300k).

RR Auction say: "This awe-inspiring artifact, used aboard the 'Columbia' during the historic Apollo 11 mission, provided control to all members of the Apollo 11 crew—Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins—throughout various stages of the mission"

Utilizing the grip within the Command Module, the astronauts could precisely control the spacecraft's rotation in all three axes, which is crucial for maneuvers such as adjusting yaw, pitch, and roll.

RR Auction say the control handle is one of only three tangible pieces of hardware known to exist in private hands that were used to fly the Apollo 11 spacecraft.

They say: "The other rotational attitude controller grip, and the translational hand controller grip, were all retained by NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey and subsequently sold at auction.

"Besides these grips and an exterior EVA handle, there are no other known pieces of critical Apollo 11 hardware in public hands."

Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction, says: "This Apollo 11 control handle was utilized by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins at different times during the flight.

"Not only does this artifact represent a significant milestone in space exploration, but it also serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the astronauts who participated in the historic Apollo 11 mission."

The RR Auction Space and Aviation sale ends on 26 April.