The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) was a collection of scientific instruments folded up and stowed on pallets during transport to the lunar surface. During EVA, the astronauts removed and transported the various "sub-packages" to selected sites near the Lunar Module and deployed the instruments on the lunar surface. Each experiment was electrically connected to the Central Station of the ALSEP. An antenna on the Central Station allowed communication with Earth. The experiments varied for each Apollo mission.
This particular package (ALSEP deployable subpackage 1) carried mock-ups of several of the experiments to be deployed by the Apollo 17 astronauts, including the Lunar Surface Gravimeter and Lunar Ejecta and Meteorites Experiment and was used by the astronauts during the months of training leading up to launch. NASA declared the training devices surplus in June 1973 and transferred them to the Museum in 1975.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Manufacturer
Bendix Aerospace Systems
Dimensions
3-D (Orange Foil Sheets): 65.4 × 65.4 × 2.5cm (2 ft. 1 3/4 in. × 2 ft. 1 3/4 in. × 1 in.)
3-D (Reel): 1.6 × 15.2cm (5/8 in. × 6 in.)
3-D (White Component): 27.9 × 17.8 × 12.7cm (11 × 7 × 5 in.)
3-D (Main Body): 66 × 59.7 × 50.8cm (2 ft. 2 in. × 1 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 8 in.)
Materials
HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Aluminum Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Synthetic Fiber Thread
Paint
Velcro
Foam
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive
Rubber
Electronic Components
Plastic Tape
Metallic Foil
Plastic
Inventory Number
A19750023000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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