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 2) carried mock-ups of several of the central components and experiments to be deployed by the Apollo 17 astronauts and was used by the astronauts during the months of training leading up to launch. Included on this package is the Radioisotope Thermal Generator (RTG), the power source which provided 70 Watts and portions of the Heat Flow Experiment.
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: 81.3 × 68.6 × 62.2cm, 78kg (2 ft. 8 in. × 2 ft. 3 in. × 2 ft. 1/2 in., 172lb.)
Approximate (Aluminum Pallet Storage): 121.9 × 121.9 × 77.5cm, 78kg (4 ft. × 4 ft. × 2 ft. 6 1/2 in., 172lb.)
Materials
HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Ferrous Alloy
Aluminum Alloy
Uncharacterized Foil
Paints
Velcro
Electronic components
White Metal Plating (Chrome or Nickel)
Adhesive Tape
Plastics
Adhesive
Rubber
Uncharacterized Metals
Cardboard
Ink
Inventory Number
A19750024000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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