This is a 1:1 scale replica of NASA's Apollo 15 Lunar Sample #15415 "Genesis Rock."  A simple display case is included free, as a rudimentary starter.

This high work intensive piece is made using actual terrestrial anorthosite and is not painted.  The gray area is a coating of actual, genuine NASA produced, lunar soil/Moon dust replicant.  The moon soil replicant was commissioned by NASA for test and development of new equipment and vehicles for the new Constellation/Orion Lunar exploration program, to send humans back to the surface of the Moon.  NASA ordered that the Lunar dust be of exact composition, texture and color of that which was brought back during the Apollo missions.  This is the substance which encrusts the gray areas of this replica. 

NASA employees, researchers, educators and public displayers may submit an offer, explaining request criterion or contact HoustonFlight@sbcglobal.net.   No charge for Apollo astronauts or back-up crews.

The actual Genesis Rock itself was composed of unbrecciated anorthosite, and was just what Astronauts James B. Irwin and David R. Scott (Command Module Pilot Al Worden) were looking for along Hadley Rille as they traversed the Lunar surface in their Lunar Roving Vehicle.  It was named Genesis Rock by the press, as it is among the oldest rock samples ever discovered anywhere, dating back to the origins of the solar system.  It was deemed a significant find, as there are no samples of similar age on the Earth, due to geologic and weather forces.  The 2 colors that sample #15415 displayed were due to it having been embedded half way into the Lunar surface.  The white area was beneath the surface and the gray area was exposed and caked with lunar dust.  Small areas of the dust had been rubbed off and the white area had gloved, dust prints due to handling by the astronauts.

The Genesis Rock Replica is  hand created by  professional artist David R. Maier, and is the result of many hours of research and sculpting.  Cast using actual terrestrial unbrecciated anorthosite, the outer 5 to 15 mm of its surface is composed of a +- 80% anorthosite/20% Hydrocal amalgam, both substances being rich in calcium.  The inner fill is Hydrocal, a high tensile strength, calcium based casting medium.   While the lunar dust replicant has been bonded to the anorthosite amalgam surface, handling the piece should be minimized.  If at any time the replica might need servicing, a dust refreshing, repair or replacement accessories, contact HoustonFlight@sbcglobal.net for full support.

Included, to capture the familiar environs of the original Lunar Sample as it was most prominently photographed are:  

• A printed graphic paper insert for the display case base, depicting the Lunar Receiving Lab's Non-Sterile Nitrogen Processing Line (NNPL) examination platter.  A full size, un-cropped examination platter graphic with longitude degrees graphics is available upon request (for larger display options).
• A 1" scale cube paper model matching that shown in NASA photographs. 
• An actual anorthosite fragment and granules are included (as pictured).
• A rudimentary 8"x 4"x 4" display case is included free, to start you off.

Also included are:

• 1 metallic gold nomenclature plate paper sticker.  The sticker comes un-mounted, so it may be affixed however you decide to display the replica.  Inscription reads, "APOLLO 15 "GENESIS ROCK" NASA LUNAR SAMPLE #15415 MOON ROCK REPLICA, UNBRECCIATED ANORTHOSITE, DISCOVERED AT HADLEY RILLE/APENNINES AUGUST 1ST, 1971"
• 1 Information sheet.
• 1 Paper parts sheet with instructions.

Suggested display options are pictured below.  Interesting to note that Apollo landing sites in fact read in Apollo survey photographs, as lighter areas of disturbed lunar soil.  Shown, is an actual composite photograph, showing the landing site and wide field view of survey area.

NASA's Lunar sample replicas cost +- $400, or $1600 for a set.

This was created as an homage to NASA's Apollo manned Lunar Space exploration program, all current programs and the heroic astronauts who put their lives on the line in arguably, the most inspired chapter of human exploration.

An excellent educational show piece, sure to spur your students to discussion and inspire interest in science.  A must addition to your Apollo spacecraft model display! 

It's why we went...

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Please note... I make it to the post office about once a week so delivery time will be reflected accordingly.   Shipping costs reflect required time, resources, packing material and not postage fees only.  Paypal is required unless arrangements are made prior to auction end. S/H quite a bit more for international buyer due to additional supplies, resources and time for aforementioned reasons. Customs rules will be adhered to.  And be sure to read description carefully or email questions if you have any concerns at all, as this item is sold with money back guarantee on purchase price only.

Be sure to stop by my other auctions. Lots of fun and interesting items! Have a great day!

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