If you’re a space fan and are in Ohio, stop by the Museum of the U.S. Air Force to see the Apollo Fifteen Command Module. It’s on loan from the Smithsonian and is by far one of the coolest things on display right now.
Apollo Fifteen was our fourth successful moon landing and the first to use a lunar rover so this mission was special back in 1971.
Made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium, the command module carried three astronauts. It was named for the ship Endeavour that carried Captain James Cook on his famed 18th century scientific expedition.
It’s funny because it looks both modern and ancient like some kind of time machine meant to carry brave humans across both time and space. Something about the patina makes it appear even more unusual.
I like it.
Incidentally, we knew to look for it because we asked a docent about his favorite thing in that building. He said it was hard to choose as he pointed to an airplane down the way. He had flown one just like it for thirty years. Then he directed us to this piece of history, calling it “something special to see.”
Something special indeed.
If you haven’t been to this museum, it’s a good one and admission is free. I was there last Saturday and have written a series about it each day this week. Use their website to plan your visit. Here are links to the other stories this week.