Lot 342
Mercury Program, 1959, Deke Slayton's "Langley Field" Training Notebook. This 150/250 page original, three-ring notebook was used by Deke Slayton (one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts) while at Langley Field, VA where the Mercury Seven astronauts were sent after being selected to learn how to be astronauts. You may remember we originally offered this notebook a year or so ago when it was in its original, flood-stained condition. We withdrew the notebook from the sale as nobody- liked our negative-condition lot description. We couldn't blame them. We have since had the notebook professionally restored, cleaned, acidified and restored to the best condition possible - which is pretty good, considering. We strongly recommend paying attention to this lot as the combination of NASA issued printed pages and Deke's handwritten (pencil) notes in most areas gives a graphic picture of all that the Mercury astronauts had to absorb in the beginning.
We now are able to note pages/sections of the notebook devoted to Survival Training, "First Months Program for Astronauts", "Ground Support Tests", "Crew Space", "Control System", "Restraint Harness" (with diagrams of spinal injuries from a hard landing), "Communications", "Instrumentation", "Radiation", and even "Some observations on the Personality Structure of Military Personnel Engaged in Unusual Missions". There is even a handwritten review that Deke wrote outlining his selection process from February to April 1959 and all that he went through.
There are still faults and defects, but, considering how badly the notebook was originally, it is amazing how well it has been restored and repaired. It is definitely worth adding to any collection how. A unique piece of history.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000.
Ex the astronaut Donald K. "Deke" Slayton Family collection.
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