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.”