The Apollo 15 mission is remembered not only for its scientific achievements but also for a controversy that emerged after the mission's completion. This controversy involved unauthorized postal covers that were carried to the Moon and later sold by a German stamp dealer. The incident led to a reprimand for the astronauts and had lasting implications for their careers. This article explores the details of the postal covers incident and its impact
on the Apollo 15 crew.
The Unauthorized Postal Covers
Before the launch of Apollo 15, the crew, consisting of Commander David Scott, Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden, and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin, agreed to carry approximately 400 postal covers to the Moon. These covers were not included on the official list of personal items approved by NASA. The covers were intended to be sold by a West German stamp dealer, Hermann Sieger, with the astronauts receiving a portion of the proceeds.
The covers were postmarked on the day of the Apollo 15 launch, July 26, 1971, and again on the day of splashdown, August 7, 1971. After the mission, 100 of these covers were sent to Sieger, who sold them at high prices. The remaining covers were divided among the astronauts. The arrangement was made without the knowledge or approval of NASA, leading to significant controversy when it became public.
The Fallout and Repercussions
The unauthorized sale of the postal covers came to light in June 1972, leading to widespread media coverage and public criticism. The astronauts were called before a closed session of a Senate committee to explain their actions. Although they returned the money they had received, the incident resulted in a reprimand from NASA for poor judgment.
As a consequence of the controversy, the Apollo 15 crew members were removed from the backup crew for Apollo 17 and did not fly in space again. The incident tarnished their reputations and had lasting effects on their careers. The astronauts expressed regret over their actions, acknowledging that they had broken an unspoken trust with NASA and the public.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
The Apollo 15 postal covers incident highlighted the challenges of managing personal items and souvenirs in space missions. It underscored the importance of transparency and adherence to NASA's regulations regarding personal items carried into space. The incident also led to changes in NASA's policies to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Despite the controversy, the Apollo 15 mission remains a significant achievement in the history of space exploration. The scientific discoveries and technological advancements made during the mission continue to be celebrated. However, the postal covers incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by astronauts and the importance of maintaining integrity and trust in the space program.
The Apollo 15 postal covers incident is a notable chapter in the history of space exploration, illustrating the human side of space missions and the potential for controversy even in the pursuit of scientific advancement. It serves as a lesson for future missions and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the privilege of exploring the final frontier.
