The Apollo Lunar Surface Drill (ALSD) was deployed on Apollo 15, 16, and 17. It consisted of a cordless, battery-operated motor with specialized drill bits and modular core stems. The system was designed to extract soil column samples and to create holes for emplacement of two heat flow probes into the lunar surface. Each core stem segment was a rigid but hollow tube measuring about 40 cm. (16 in.) in length. Joined together and driven into the surface, they enabled astronauts to drill as deep as 10 ft into the lunar soil.
This drill was used for training. It was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1976.
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
Martin Marietta Aerospace
Dimensions
Overall: 1ft 10in. x 10in. x 7in., 29.5lb. (55.88 x 25.4 x 17.78cm, 13.4kg)
Materials
Bore stems: epoxy fiberglass, glass, boron; drill stems: titanium; drill bit: steel; cutting tips: tungsten carbide; power head: magnesium; battery: silver oxide-zinc
Inventory Number
A19761095000
Credit Line
Transferred from the NASA- Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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