Each spacecraft was equipped with removable window shades which were secured in place with hook and loop closure, and prevented the sun shining inside. Without the "safety layer" of Earth's atmosphere, the sun's light is strong and periodically required blocking (for sleeping, etc.).
This shade was used in Command Module "Columbia's" right side rendezvous window during the historical Apollo 11 first lunar-landing mission. It was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1970.
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Manufacturer: Unknown
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Overall: 14 in. wide (35.6cm)
Other (top edge of trapezoid): 8 in. wide (20.3cm)
Other (bottom edge of trapezoid): 14in. wide (35.6cm)
Materials:
Alumuminum sheet
Inventory number: A19791579000
This artifact is on display in the Human Spaceflight exhibit of the Udvar-Hazy Center.
