Apollo 15 '8 Ball' navigation instrument sells for $375,000

At a recent Space Exploration and Aviation auction held by Boston's RR Auction, a navigation instrument from the Apollo 15 Command Module, known as the Flight Director Attitude Indicator (FDAI) or “8 Ball,” fetched $375,000. This device, which was mounted on Panel 2 of the Apollo 15 Command Module Endeavour above the DSKY interface of the Apollo Guidance Computer, retains its original setup, complete with cabling and inspection marks that verify its use on the spacecraft. It provided the crew with a crucial visual reference for spacecraft orientation, displaying pitch, yaw, and roll in a unified spherical format. Notably, it was present during Al Worden’s spacewalk on the journey back to Earth.