Problem How to Mount Apollo 13 Mylar

[Dostie Bros.]

Customer brought in 2 ablative plugs and a piece of mission flown mylar from the Apollo 13 Mission. The ablative plugs have holes so easy to sew mount, but looking for ideas on how to mount this odd shaped mylar foil?

 

[wpfay]

Mylar/Melinex encapsulation maybe.

 

[David Hewitt]

What is its depth at the thickest part?
How stable is it, can it support itself standing vertical?
Is the very top a rolled material, or a rod of some sort?

 

[Dostie Bros.]

It's very brittle, almost like tin foil. The top is just rolled upon itself. It's quite thin and can not support itself.

 

[wpfay]

You might want to consult with an objects conservator on this one.
My next suggestion was going to be a rare earth magnet support of some king, but if it is that fragile, maybe not.

 

[Lafontsee]

If it were me, I'd be considering some thin clear mylar straps. Maybe one across the top right below the rolled bit and one around each of the bottom corners?

James

 

[David Hewitt]

You might want to consult with an objects conservator on this one.
My next suggestion was going to be a rare earth magnet support of some king, but if it is that fragile, maybe not.

I agree with Wally, its dimensional and fragile. As said, the magnet theory is good, but the forces to firmly hold, would be too much for a fragile object.
One option to consider may be a fine mesh overlay, Stabilatex type of product or a very fine wedding veil material.

 

[framah]

Sandwich between 2 pieces of plexi, letting the static hold it.
It looks like how hard it would be to mount a sheet of gold.

 

[Dostie Bros.]

Thanks for the ideas, the magnets may work, not sure why I didn't think of that, after all the Mylar did survive a tumultuous trip to space and back.

 

[Jim Miller]

It's very brittle, almost like tin foil.... It's quite thin and can not support itself.

Thanks for the ideas, the magnets may work, not sure why I didn't think of that, after all the Mylar did survive a tumultuous trip to space and back.

If the piece of material is brittle and will not support its own weight, then small points of attachment using magnets could cause damage. Perhaps a couple of clear film straps, under the rolled top portion and near the bottom, could provide adequate support without risk of harm, but I agree with the others...consult a conservator.

These objects could eventually become important historical artifacts, so use care and caution to assure long-term stability with minimal intrusion or potential for harm.

 

[Shayla]

I really love the dimensionality of the mylar. How about scanning/photographing it in it's rumpled shape, then making a high quality print of that? The print would be flat, but it would look like the piece itself. That might be better than flattening the original. It would only work if it captures the light and sheen of the mylar, though, and such images can't always do it. Worth checking out, though. As Jim said, it's possible this could gain value as a historical artifact. Perhaps storing the original is a good idea. I'm having fun wondering whether these would look better on a white background, black, or something like brushed steel. Another thing you might try is contacting a space museum (she writes....as if there's one on every block), and talking with their curator*.

* I really like the idea that someone out there might have this job. Bob: 'I'm a plumber, how 'bout you?' Fred: 'Space museum curator'.