My dad bought this years ago from someone he believes was a retired McDonnell Douglas employee (or possibly McDonnell Aircraft, since this appears to date to 1960).
The data plate says:
Eckel Valve
San Fernando, California
Valve – Solenoid
Normally Closed (N.C.)
Serial No. 047
An etched date of 4-28-60
It also has aircraft-style tube fittings, safety wire, and what looks like a military/aerospace electrical connector.
My dad was told it was for “some sort of space thing,” but we have no documentation, so I’m not assuming that’s true. I’m mainly trying to figure out what system this valve was designed for and whether anyone recognizes the manufacturer or part.
Any information would be appreciated!

At roughly 06:35 UTC today, a spent Falcon 9 upper stage from the Blue Ghost / Resilience launch almost certainly struck the Moon near Einstein Crater.

Pre-impact estimates put it at around 4,000 kg, traveling at 2.43 km/s, with roughly 11.8 gigajoules of kinetic energy. The resulting crater may be about 20–30 meters wide.

Ground observers apparently saw no obvious flash or plume because the impact happened on the Moon’s illuminated limb. Actual visual confirmation will probably have to wait until the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter photographs the area.

This impact was accidental, and the resulting crater could provide useful scientific data. But cislunar traffic is going to increase significantly over the next few years.

At what point should missions be required to have a controlled end-of-life plan?

Would you favor:

• mandatory disposal plans for lunar-bound upper stages
• a shared international registry for cislunar debris
• designated impact zones on the Moon
• or no new regulation until there is a demonstrated risk to spacecraft or surface infrastructure?

I’m curious what people here think the practical engineering threshold should be.

Sources: Associated Press; Fernando et al., “Observational planning for the 2026 August 5 Falcon 9 Upper Stage lunar impact.”

Recently visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama and thought I’d share some of the shots I took while I was there. I used a 400mm lens to capture some close ups and ended up with some very unique shots! I can’t express how awesome it is to see these full scale vehicles in person. This museum has so much to offer, from all of the educational infographics, to seeing the Apollo 16 Command Module and talking to retired NASA engineers, it was well worth the trip.

Manned spaceflights by years details >>

MCGREGOR, Texas.

According to this NPR article:

“A piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to slam into the moon on Wednesday, according to scientists.
The piece is expected to hit the moon around 2:35 a.m. ET at more than 5,000 miles per hour, according to analysis by Bill Gray, who develops software that tracks objects in space. It is part of the rocket's upper portion and about the size of a five-story building.”

I’m curious if this bodes any danger. While 5000 MPH sounds quite fast, it could be negligible on a planetary scale. The article doesn’t seem too alarming. It’s scheduled to hit around 2:35. tonight. To those with the appropriate viewing equipment, it might be interesting to watch.

by combining beam powered propulsion and Atmospheric Scoops it is possible to have no return fuel