LM-1 Apollo 5

"LM-1 was the first Lunar Module to be flown in space, launched on the uncrewed Apollo 5 mission on January 22, 1968 by a Saturn IB rocket. Extensive tests of the spacecraft's systems were controlled from the ground.

One of the key tests performed was a simulation of a landing abort, in which the ascent stage engine was ignited while still attached to the descent stage. This "fire in the hole" test is depicted on the mission patch.

The original artwork is not easy to reproduce but the 4⅛" (104mm) fully-embroidered patch shown above represents what I believe to be the most accurate replica of the original patch design produced to-date."

Chris Spain