Buzz Aldrin Sells Felt-Tip Pen That Helped Launch Apollo 11 From the Moon

Sale called 'impressive' but fell short of auction records

Buzz Aldrin has sold the felt-tip pen he famously used to help launch the Apollo 11 lunar module off the moon's surface, according to Ars Technica.

The pen became part of space exploration lore after Aldrin used it in place of a broken switch to help get the spacecraft off the lunar surface, allowing the mission to return safely to Earth. The astronaut has now parted with the artifact along with the switch associated with the moment.

While the sale was described as impressive, it did not set a record for space memorabilia, Ars Technica reported. Items connected to the Apollo missions remain highly sought after by collectors, and pieces tied directly to pivotal moments of the missions routinely draw significant interest at auction.

— Compiled from reporting by Ars Technica.