Object Details
Manufacturer
NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Summary
Contact Soil Sampling Devices (2) were flown on Apollo 16 only. Their purpose was to collect special samples of the uppermost layers of lunar regolith. One device had a sampling pad covered with beta cloth and the other had a velvet-covered pad. To sample regolith undisturbed by the descent engine on the lunar lander or dirt scattered by human activities, the astronaut cautiously approached a large boulder far away from the lander. The sampler was carefully extended down to the protected surface on the farside of the boulder using the long handle. This particular unit was not actually flown on the mission.
It was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1974.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19750040000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Materials
Aluminum - box and pad support, Silicon rubber - seal
Adhesives, Beta Cloth and White Nylon Velvet
Dimensions
3-D: 16 × 21 × 70.5cm (6 5/16 × 8 1/4 × 27 3/4 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19750040000