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The Apollo 11 Command Module docking target.

Picture 2 of 2.

Strictly speaking, this is a "Lunar Module active docking target."

Normally, it was the Command Module which actively maneuvered to rendezvous with the Lunar Module; the LM had a docking target on its forward face and the Command Module pilot would use his Crew Optical Alignment Sight (COAS) to align the two spacecraft for docking.

If, for some reason, the Command Module was unable to perform this function, the CMP would install a docking target such as this in one of the CM rendezvous windows and the mission commander in the LM would use his COAS and align the two spacecraft for docking. I do not believe the LM ever played an active role during any lunar rendezvous.

The sign which accompanied it read

Command/Service Module Docking Target

This target and another mounted on the Apollo 11 Lunar Module were used to align the Apollo 11 spacecraft during docking maneuvers.

The cable which loops around the docking target here would have connected to the cleverly-named "Docking Target" receptacle in the small panel in the upper right of the Command Module's main display.

This item is Smithsonian collections ID #A19980056000.