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Writer's pictureAero in
23 hours ago2 min read

A Piece of History: The Story Behind the Apollo 11-Inspired Wedding Ring

A Wedding Band That’s Out of This World


For better or worse, Jon Mesick now possesses a unique connection to space history, encapsulated in his custom wedding band. This ring, made by Honest Hands Rings Co., features a strip of golden thermal polyimide tape flown on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, alongside lunar meteorite fragments. The ring’s creation is a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and a profound love for the cosmos.


The Apollo 11 Connection


The thermal tape used in Mesick’s ring once adorned the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia, which carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon. Designed to reflect sunlight and expel radiation, the tape regulated the spacecraft's temperature during its historic journey. Though much of the tape burned away during reentry or was removed during post-flight inspections, pieces like this one became rare mementos of space exploration history.


From Space to Symbol


Mesick, a planning manager at Lockheed Martin working on NASA’s Artemis program, acquired the flown-to-the-moon tape at an auction. Its origins trace back to a NASA production control engineer who prepared artifacts for museums and employees. Mesick chose to preserve this extraordinary relic by integrating it into his wedding band, turning it into a personal symbol of his passion for aerospace.


Crafting a One-of-a-Kind Ring


The process of creating the ring was both meticulous and nerve-wracking for Honest Hands Rings Co. The zirconium band was carefully crafted to include an interior channel, which was filled with crushed lunar meteorite fragments. The lunar rocks, collected naturally as meteorites, added another celestial dimension to the ring. The Apollo 11 tape, lightweight yet invaluable, was sliced with extreme care and inlaid into the band, marking the highlight of its design.


Preserving History


This wedding ring is more than jewelry; it’s a tangible piece of space history. As Honest Hands owner Ben Bosworth noted, the tape is irreplaceable—a reminder of humanity’s first steps on the moon. Mesick plans to frame the remaining piece of the tape in his home, cherishing its significance for years to come.


The Legacy of Apollo 11


The story of this wedding ring underscores the enduring impact of Apollo 11. Over half a century after the mission, artifacts like this continue to inspire and remind us of what humanity can achieve when we reach for the stars. Mesick’s ring is not just a tribute to his love of space exploration but a celebration of the pioneering spirit that took us to the moon.


Beyond the Ring


While Honest Hands has crafted rings from unusual materials like vinyl records and baseball field dirt, the Apollo 11-inspired band stands out as a testament to the fusion of history, science, and personal passion. For Mesick, it’s a lifelong reminder of the celestial journey that shaped modern exploration.


This extraordinary wedding band is a perfect blend of love, legacy, and the limitless possibilities of human ambition.


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