7 OUT OF THIS WORLD NASA ITEMS | Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars・2 minutes read

A space jet pack prototype from the Gemini program is authenticated, while a flag possibly flown to the moon is confirmed by a handwriting expert. Various space artifacts, including a meteorite and a NASA space shuttle toilet seat, are valued and negotiated at a pawn shop.

Insights

  • The space jet pack from the Gemini program, signed by astronauts like Buzz Aldrin and Gene Cernan, remains a valuable prototype despite never flying due to missing batteries and condition issues.
  • The design and development of space toilets, including NASA's zero gravity toilet seat, were intricate processes that required engineers to create foam cores and vinyl coverings, with measurements of astronauts' backsides being crucial for design accuracy.

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Recent questions

  • What was the purpose of the Gemini space jet pack?

    The Gemini space jet pack was designed in the 60s for use in space with a tether initially, allowing astronauts to move in all directions.

  • How did astronauts enhance the value of the Gemini space jet pack?

    Astronauts like Buzz Aldrin and Gene Cernan signed the Gemini space jet pack, increasing its value due to their association with it.

  • What material was used for propulsion in the Gemini space jet pack?

    Hydrogen peroxide was utilized for propulsion in the Gemini space jet pack, enabling movement through jet nozzles in various directions.

  • How were early space toilets designed for astronauts?

    Engineers at Anderson Plumbing Products developed foam core covered with vinyl for space toilets, ensuring a proper seal underneath the user, with measurements of astronauts' backsides being crucial for design.

  • What was the significance of space toilets for astronauts on the space shuttle?

    Space toilets were essential for astronauts' daily life on the space shuttle, with specially designed seats that were replaced every three flights, featuring a titanium insert on the underside for durability.

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Summary

00:00

Rare space artifacts valued and authenticated.

  • The space jet pack is from the Gemini program in the 60s, designed to work in space with a tether initially.
  • The jet pack used hydrogen peroxide for propulsion, with jet nozzles allowing movement in all directions.
  • Astronauts signed the jet pack, including Buzz Aldrin and Gene Cernan, enhancing its value.
  • The jet pack is a prototype that never flew, missing batteries and with condition issues.
  • Authentication of a flag possibly flown to the moon on Apollo 16 was confirmed by a handwriting expert.
  • The flag was valued at $4,000, with signatures worth around $500, based on previous auction prices.
  • A meteorite, likely from Argentina, was tested and valued at around $10,000 based on its iron and nickel content.
  • The meteorite owner settled for $7,000 after initially asking for $24,000, pleased with the authenticity.
  • A NASA space shuttle toilet seat, designed for zero gravity, was shown and valued at $400.
  • An aerospace museum expert confirmed the authenticity of the space shuttle toilet seat, leading to further negotiations on its price.

15:30

Space Toilets and Apollo 13 Artifacts

  • Engineers at Anderson Plumbing Products developed a foam core covered with vinyl for space toilets to seal underneath the user.
  • Measurements of astronauts' backsides were necessary for designing space toilets.
  • Early space toilet designs featured a tube with a condom-like end.
  • Space toilets were crucial for astronauts' daily life on the space shuttle.
  • Space toilet seats were replaced every three flights, with a titanium insert on the underside.
  • A piece of Apollo 13 heat shield was brought to a pawn shop for evaluation.
  • The heat shield was part of the Apollo 13 mission, crucial for surviving re-entry.
  • The heat shield was likely not from Apollo 13, as there was no definitive proof.
  • Food bags from Apollo 11, made of aluminum foil with a mylar coating, were sold for $100 each at a pawn shop.
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