Bag, Sample Collection

Sample Collection Bags were used on the later, J missions, to the lunar surface. They were relatively large rectangular bags supported by lightweight metallic frames designed to fit snugly into the Apollo Lunar Surface Return Containers (ALSRCs) once they were filled with rocks and samples collected in document sample bags. The bags, with both a large flap and a slit opening, were carried either attached to the astronaut suits or the tool carrier on the back of the Lunar Rover. This type of Sample Collection Bag also had various pockets both inside and outside to hold drive tubes and other sampling equipment. Two such bags were included on each mission, one for each of the ALSRC's. This unit was used for training and was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1974.