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The Apollo flag pole was specifically designed enable astronauts to plant a 3 x 5 ft. nylon U. S. flag on the Moon's surface. The flag pole consisted of a telescoping crossbar hinged to telescoping pole, all pieces made of anodized aluminum tubing of varying diameter. The thickest lower portion of the vertical pole was designed to be pushed (later hammered) into the lunar surface and the upper portion inserted into it after the crossbar with flag was snapped into its perpendicular position.

This item was one of several constructed in the workshop of the Manned Spaceflight Center in Houston and retained their for display in their visitor's center. Ownership was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1977.

 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-Miscellaneous Manufacturer NASA Manned Spacecraft Center
 Dimensions 3-D (Thick Steel Pole): 158.8 x 2.2cm (62 1/2 x 7/8 in.)
3-D (Aluminum Pole): 127.6 x 2.2cm (50 1/4 x 7/8 in.)
3-D (Thin Steel Pole): 153.7 x 1.6cm (60 1/2 x 5/8 in.)
Other: 4.3kg (9 3/8lb.)
 Materials Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Adhesive, Plastic, Lead, Copper
 Inventory Number A19770570000 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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