This 16mm data acquisition camera (DAC) was used to document the undocking of the Apollo 11 lunar module from the command module and its landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The camera was routinely mounted on a bracket in the right side window of the lunar module, and could continue to run during astronaut EVA activities.
Unlike many other Apollo missions, this lunar module DAC returned to Earth. Its return remained largely unknown until 2014 when it was found stored in Neil Armstrong's home. Because of strict weight restrictions in the command module during reentry, usually only magazines with exposed film were brought back to Earth. For reasons unknown, Amstrong and Aldrin put the camera in a bag nicknamed the "McDivitt Purse" with other random equipment.
Carol Armstrong, the widow of Neil Armstrong, donated this camera to the Museum in 2019.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Type
EQUIPMENT-Photographic
Manufacturer
J. A. Maurer, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D: 21 × 12.7 × 8.9cm, 0.9kg (8 1/4 × 5 × 3 1/2 in., 2lb.)
Materials
Non Magnetic White Metal Alloy, Steel, Paint, Glass, Plastic, Adhesive, Coated Fabric Tape
Inventory Number
A20190311000
Credit Line
Gift of Carol Armstrong
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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