This type of 2-cm diameter core tube was used on Apollo missions 11, 12, and 14. Each core tube had a bit on one end and an adapter screw on the other end. The astronaut attached an extension handle to the adapter, placed the core tube on the soil, and drove it into the soil by hitting the top of the handle with a hammer. Once pulled from the soil, the bit was replaced by a cap. Two tubes could be screwed together to make a longer tube. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1975.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Dimensions
3-D: 40.6 × 3.2 × 3.2cm, 0.2kg (1 ft. 4 in. × 1 1/4 in. × 1 1/4 in., 0.5lb.)
Materials
Aluminum alloy 6061-T6
Steel
Inventory Number
A19810881000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.