Gemini 5 log book provides rare glimpse of life in space

A Gemini 5 log book is expected to draw strong interest from space collectors on May 17

A log book from the historic Gemini 5 mission is expected to draw strong interest from space collectors in a May 17-23 auction. 

The log book from the Gemini 5 spaceflight

The book was flown aboard the 1965 Gemini 5 spaceflight, which was just the 19th manned mission in history. The Gemini 5 was the first time an American manned flight had held the world record for duration, beating the Russian record set two years before by Vostok 5.

The duration of the flight was crucial to the historic moon landings as it took eight days, the exact length of time it would take to reach the moon and return safely in Apollo 11.

The book, which is signed by Charles Conrad Jr. and Gordon Cooper, provides collectors with a rare insight into the reality of spaceflight, although it may put a few wannabe astronauts off.

One of the more candid sections of the book reads: "Defecation: one hell of a messy job! Comd pilot lucked out—It was firm and relatively easy to manage although great care has to be taken to assure each step of the procedure is done correctly! Recommend putting on urine device at the same time!"

The majority of the log book's descriptions continue in the playful fashion of the previous note, with another section featuring the lyrics to a song the astronauts came up with during their isolation.

No estimates have been set by the auction house, but the Gemini 5 log book could provide great value with a minimum bid of just $1,000. A log book from the Apollo 8 mission sold for $56,762 in October 2009.

Two rare Robbins medals from the Apollo 11 mission will also star in the sale.

PFC Auctions has a superb selection of space memorabilia in its auction, which runs until May 24. This lunar landing photograph is signed by all of the Apollo moonwalkers.

Recent and related articles

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·  Top 5 most expensive items of space memorabilia | 28 March 2012

·  Flown MIR Zero Gravity Space Suit floated in Astronaut charity auction | 7 March 2012

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Images: RR Auction