When it comes to space exploration, few missions are as iconic as Apollo 11. This ground-breaking mission saw astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins journey from Earth to the Moon and back, achieving what was once thought impossible. At Diatom Watches, we are honoured to incorporate a genuine fragment of this historic mission into our timepieces. Here’s the story behind this extraordinary material.
The Apollo 11 Command Module Foil
The material we use is a mission-flown fragment of Kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module, Columbia. This thin layer of aluminized polyimide film played a crucial role in protecting the spacecraft and its crew during their incredible journey. The Kapton foil served as a key component of the spacecraft's thermal protection system, applied in 12 layers to shield the crew and onboard electronics from the intense solar radiation encountered in deep space. One side of the foil featured a gold coating, while the exterior-facing side was silver. Upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, much of the foil was burned away, with remaining fragments being removed during post-flight operations and restoration.
A Unique Piece of History
The specific piece of Kapton foil in our possession was salvaged from Columbia after its splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. It was originally part of the external conical heat shield that endured the intense re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The material comes from the collection of O.W. Nasse, a veteran of the Rockwell Space Division and a member of the post-flight safety recovery crew. After its recovery, this piece of foil became a rare and precious artifact, representing one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Why Kapton Foil?
Kapton foil was selected by NASA for its unique properties. It was used on both the Lunar Module (LM) and the Command Module (CM) to provide thermal control and protect the spacecraft from the extreme temperatures of space. The foil was applied over the entire external surface of the Command Module, with its outer layers reflecting radiation and maintaining the integrity of the spacecraft throughout its mission.
A Collector’s Treasure
This piece of history is a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of the Apollo 11 astronauts and the thousands of people who worked behind the scenes to make the mission a success. We have carefully forged the Kapton foil with aerospace grade aluminium alloy to improve its stability and created a beautiful circular dish to represent the journey of the command module over the lunar surface.
A Journey Unlike Any Other
The Apollo 11 mission launched on July 16, 1969, landed on the Moon on July 20, and returned safely to Earth on July 24. The mission covered a total distance of 953,054 miles, bringing humanity closer to the stars than ever before. The inclusion of this mission-flown Kapton foil in our watches allows you to carry a piece of this extraordinary journey with you, a constant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to reach beyond the ordinary.
By incorporating this historic material into our watches, we aim to honour the legacy of Apollo 11 and the countless innovations it spurred. Each timepiece is not just a watch but a connection to one of the greatest achievements in human history. Experience this legacy for yourself and own a piece of the story that continues to inspire generations.
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