Organic Sample Monitors in the form of clean, thin aluminum mesh were carried inside of the Apollo Sample Return Containers on the Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 missions. After the mission, organic compound contamination of the mesh could be compared to contamination of the lunar samples to indicate if the source was the astronauts and spacecraft during the mission or of lunar origin. The mesh was inserted inside cylindrical teflon bags.

These three examples (with no mesh inserted) are unflown. They were transferred to the Smithsonian in 1974.

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

Union Carbide, Nuclear Division

Dimensions

Overall (Bag): 4 3/4in. in. wide x 1ft 4 9/16 in. long, 0.2 lb. (12 x 42cm, 0.1kg)

Materials

Bag: teflon
Closure: Aluminum

Inventory Number

A19790807000

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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