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In the event of an emergency landing or mission abort of the Apollo spacecraft, the astronauts could possibly have been subjected to cold temperatures or a lack of shade. This emergency blanket, included in the survival rucksack is made of ripstop nylon with an aluminized foil backing.

The blanket would provide warmth, and its reflective covering would have protected the astronauts from the sun. The bright color would have enabled a rescue team to spot the astronauts more easily.

This blanket was flown on Apollo 15, in July/August 1971, and carried in the survival rucksack #1. It was transferred to the Smithsonian from NASA in 1978.

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-Survival

Dimensions

2-D - Unframed (H x W): 147.3 x 88.9cm (58 x 35 in.)

Materials

Ripstop nylon; foil backing.

Inventory Number

A19781452004

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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