Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage conditions may apply

When an Apollo command module landed in the ocean, it could settle into one of two stable positions: nose-up or nose-down. If it was nose-down, its recovery antennas would be underwater, and it increased the possibility that the spacecraft might flood. To turn the command module upright, three floatable bags were installed in a forward compartment. Astronauts could right the spacecraft by inflating the bags using two air compressors located in the aft (blunt) end of the spacecraft, which were connected to the bags with tubing.

This is one of three flotation bags used on Apollo 11 at the end of its historic lunar landing mission on July 24, 1969. The astronauts deployed it after the command module settled nose down, enabling the spacecraft to right itself about six and half minutes after splashdown.

This object was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1973.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Human Spaceflight
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components Manufacturer North American Rockwell
 Dimensions Overall: 3 ft. 8 in. diameter (111.76cm)
 Materials Rubberized fabric
 Alternate Name Apollo 11 Flotation Bag Inventory Number A19740502000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, through Rockwell International. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.