Rockwell Space Station Proposal Model

Model of Rockwell Space Station proposal found at the Bonhams Auction House web site.

URL: http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=USA&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo=4570361&iSaleNo=17778&iSaleSectionNo=1

Seller's description:

Lot No: 1135
PROPOSED ROCKWELL SPACE STATION.
Model of an early earth orbiting space station 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide made from wood and metal. Displayed on an 8 by 5½ inch wood base with a plaque that reads: "North American Rockwell Space Division Space Station 1/200 scale." The seven 2½ by 1 inch cylinder type modules are attached to a central core with a 10 by 3½ inch movable (and removable) solar panel array.

Several proposals throughout the late 1960s and 1970s were developed to create a permanently manned space station. North American Rockwell was aggressive in proposing a space station to keep their talented work force together as the Apollo Program funding was ending. A Nixon Administration decision to fund either a Space Station or Space Shuttle, but not both, was given to the space agency. NASA chose to develop a space shuttle, with Rockwell winning the contract. This space station design never had the funding to be developed. Presented to Dr. Faget.

Estimate: $1,500 - 2,000