Apollo 13 training used starchart – Lovell + Haise

A rare and historically important training-used Apollo lunar navigation chart, associated with the dramatic and legendary Apollo 13, and hand signed and certified on the reverse by astronauts James Lovell and Fred Haise.

This chart was used in connection with the Alignment Optical Telescope (AOT) aboard the Apollo Lunar Module. The AOT was a critical navigation instrument that allowed astronauts to visually align the spacecraft’s guidance system using known stars and lunar surface landmarks. By referencing special lunar charts such as this one, crews could confirm their orientation and maintain accurate navigation during lunar orbit and descent operations.

Charts like this were extensively used during simulations and mission training, allowing astronauts to rehearse the complex procedures required for lunar landing missions. Each map shows carefully prepared reference points on the Moon’s surface that could be observed through the AOT to verify spacecraft attitude and guidance system alignment.

The Apollo 13 mission, launched in April 1970, became one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of human spaceflight. After an oxygen tank exploded in the Service Module, Lovell, Haise, and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert were forced to abort the planned lunar landing. The crew used the Lunar Module Aquarius as a lifeboat and, through extraordinary teamwork between astronauts and mission controllers at NASA, safely returned to Earth after a tense four-day struggle for survival.

Item Highlights

• Apollo-era AOT (Alignment Optical Telescope) Lunar Chart

• Training-used example

• Hand signed and certified on the reverse by Jim Lovell and Fred Haise

• Directly connected to the historic Apollo 13 mission

• Important navigation reference used during Apollo lunar mission simulations

• Condition: Excellent

Artifacts connected to Apollo navigation and training are exceptionally collectible, as they illustrate the technical precision and preparation required for lunar exploration. Signed by two members of the Apollo 13 crew, this chart represents a tangible link to one of the most famous missions in the history of spaceflight.