ALSRC, Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container

The ALSRC was an aluminum box with a triple seal. It was used on Apollo lunar landing missions to preserve a lunar-like vacuum around the samples and protect them from the shock environment of the earth return flight. An aluminum mesh liner helped absorb the shock impacts. Prior to flight, each box was loaded with sample container bags and other sample containment devices. On the Moon, while samples were being loaded, the seals were protected by a Teflon film and a cloth cover which were removed just prior to closing the box. Two ALSRC's were used on each mission.

This "flight qualified" Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container (ALSRC) was flown on Apollo 15 and used as a backup for the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. NASA transferred it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1974.