Lot 101
  • 101

Apollo lunar sample collection bag

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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Description

  • the typed used on several apollo lunar landing missions
  • teflon, aluminum
Lunar Sample Collection Bag constructed from Teflon and aluminum. An identification ID of “8H” is stenciled in silver near the middle of the bag. Cylindrical in shape, 5 inches tall and 3 ¼ inches in diameter with an aluminum top ring with handle tab to assist closure once the lunar material was collected.

Catalogue Note

This bag is very similar to the type placed at the end of the contingency soil sampler device used by Neil Armstrong to collect the first sample of the Moon. It was designed to be closed easily by a pressurized space suit glove while in the lunar environment (total airless vacuum). The aluminum tab and ring allowed the lunar material to be secured when bent closed. Refinement of lunar sample collection methods established an identification system of individual bags. This allowed each sample collection to be “documented” by means of an astronaut communicating where a particular sample was obtained giving the associated bag number. Additionally, surface photographs taken before and after the sampling process allowed scientists to locate exactly where the sample was taken relative to other lunar surface features. For Apollos 12 and 14, bags of this type were placed on a tool carrier and filled by the astronaut’s hand while using a lunar scoop.

Related lots: 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103