Lot 371
Mercury Program, c1960s, "Deke Slayton's "Astro Affairs" Notebook, This stenographer's, spiral bound, notebook has about 20 pages of handwritten pencil notes made by Deke, part "musings" and part an initial attempt to organize the original Astronaut Office. The cover of the notebook is labeled: "Astro Affairs / Organization of 1st Astronaut Office". Some of the notations are organizational and relatively mundain such as: "Philosophy - 1) No training which is primarily using troops as experimental subjects. 2) Concentrate on Operations - systems will come from associating with hardware designs…". Others are more illuminating such as: "Major Project Areas requiring pilot coverage, a) Apollo - generally - Al, b)Gemini - generally - Gus, 3) Systems Integration / Cockpit Layout - all - John, d) Boosters - all - Wally, e) Mercury - generally - Gordo, f) Guidance & Nav - all - Scott, g) Ops. Coord - Deke, etc."Some other notations include: "Desired additions by completion of MA-8 & prior to new troops arriving - 1) Adequate Office Space with desks, chairs,…4) Policy decision on public appearances. Personally believe all should be as grp except for current flt crew…". Although containing nothing concerning the astronauts directly, this notebook is a very important document that allows the reader to look over the shoulder of the man who literally created the shape and form of the Astronaut Office and the Astronaut Corps. Excellent overall condition.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500,
Ex. The astronaut Donald "Deke" Slayton Family collection,
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| Realized $5,040 |
