This microfilmed copy of the Bible was flown to the Moon aboard Apollo 13 from April 11-17, 1970. After it was returned to Earth and mounted on a piece of stationery from NASA, all three astronauts (James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise) signed it to certify its authenticity. Then United Nations ambassador George H. W. Bush presented the flown Bible to Michael Collins, Apollo 11 command module pilot and director of the National Air and Space Museum. Bush had been present in Houston when the microfilmed Bibles were given to the Apollo 13 crew to include on their flight.
The effort to fly copies of the Bible to the lunar surface was inititated by the Apollo Prayer League, directed by Rev. John Stout of Houston, Texas. Because the Apollo 13 mission never landed on the Moon, this Bible is certified as having been to the Moon, not to the lunar surface. The first Bible carried to the lunar surface was done so by Apollo 14 and is not in the Smithsonian Institution's national collection.
The space-flown microform Bible was given to the Museum by the Apollo Prayer League in 1971.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Personal Items
Manufacturer
Apollo Prayer League
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W) (Paper): 25.4 x 20.3cm (10 x 8 in.)
2-D - Unframed (H x W) (Microfilm): 3.7 x 3.3cm (1 7/16 x 1 5/16 in.)
Materials
Paper
Ink
Plastic
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A19720199000
Credit Line
Gift of the Apollo Prayer League
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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