BOSTON, MASS.- A backpack strap used on the lunar surface by Edgar Mitchell during the Apollo 14 mission sold for $41,806, according to Massachusetts-based RR Auction.

The fabric strap, made of beta cloth and has a metal hook at one end – its primary function to securely hold in place the primary life support backpack worn by Mitchell as he walked on the moon.

The Primary Life Support System (PLSS) was a critical component that enabled astronauts to conduct extra-vehicular activities without being tethered to the life support systems of the spacecraft, allowing for complete freedom of movement.

To save weight and accommodate for the return of moon rocks, the PLSS backpacks were left behind on the moon, the straps were brought back by astronauts as souvenirs of their missions. The suit worn by Mitchell is currently on display at The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Apollo 14 was the first lunar landing devoted primarily to scientific exploration, and completed two periods of surface exploration, each exceeding four and one-half hours. The first was devoted to setting up and activating a telemetry station. The second period of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) was devoted to collecting documented soil and rock samples from nearby Cone Crater.

During the mission Mitchell would spend a cumulative time of 9 hours and 23 minutes on the lunar surface.

“It's extremely gratifying to know that the early history of space exploration continues to be recognized and honored in this way, so that future generations can appreciate the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women who risked everything to expand the technological boundaries of science and engineering,” Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “This event far exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled at the results.”

Highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

• Gene Cernan’s Apollo 17 Flown EVA/EXP Checklist, sold for $48,644.

• Jim McDivitt’s Apollo 9 Flown Crew Log Book, sold for $36,546.

• An Apollo Command Module rotation hand controller, sold for $74,357.

• A Block II Apollo Command Module Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), sold for $65,362.

• An original Block II Apollo Guidance computer display and keyboard (DSKY), sold for $65,189.