The felt-tip pen Buzz Aldrin used to fix a broken circuit-breaker and escape from the moon in 1969 has sold at auction in New York for more than $850,000. This remarkable piece of space history highlights the ingenuity required during the Apollo 11 mission.
The Historic Apollo 11 Mission and the Broken Switch
Armstrong and Aldrin had landed on the lunar surface in July 1969 and were preparing to sleep after their first moon walk when Aldrin noticed a small black switch on the floor. As he writes in his autobiography, the broken switch had snapped off from the engine-arm circuit breaker, the one vital breaker needed to send power to the ascent engine. Without it, the astronauts risked being stranded on the moon forever.
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How a Pen Became a Lifesaver
Using the felt-tip pen from his pocket, Aldrin inserted the tip into the tiny hole where the switch had been, effectively bypassing the broken circuit. This quick thinking allowed them to fire the ascent engine and return to Earth. The pen, a dented silver plastic Duro Rocket model, sold for $857,600 at Sotheby's, exceeding initial estimates.
| Item | Estimated Value | Final Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Buzz Aldrin's Felt-Tip Pen | $800,000 - $1.2 million | $857,600 |
| Broken Circuit Breaker Piece | Included in lot | Included in lot |
Key Takeaways from the Auction
- The pen and broken circuit breaker came from Aldrin's personal collection.
- Five bidders competed for the lot, driving the price to over $850,000.
- The sale underscores the enduring value of Apollo-era memorabilia.
Why This Pen Matters to Collectors
Space memorabilia has become a lucrative investment, with items like this felt-tip pen fetching premium prices. The story of its use—saving the astronauts from being stuck on the moon—adds immense historical and emotional value. Collectors view such artifacts as tangible links to humanity's greatest achievements.
FAQ
What did Buzz Aldrin use the pen for?
Aldrin used the felt-tip pen to fix a broken circuit breaker on the Apollo 11 lunar module, enabling the ascent engine to fire and allowing the astronauts to leave the moon.
How much did the pen sell for?
The pen sold for $857,600 at Sotheby's, surpassing its estimated range of $800,000 to $1.2 million.
Who bought the pen?
The buyer's identity was not disclosed, but the lot was pursued by five bidders before the sale was finalized.
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