For the Apollo 14 mission, a special instrument was provided that enabled the Lunar Module Pilot, Edgar Mitchell, to take rough measurements of the penetrability of the lunar surface. Referred to as the Apollo Simple Penetrometer (ASP), the shaft was provided with a conical tip and calibrated along its length with black and white markings. At three different locations, Mitchell, after attaching the shaft to an extension handle, first pressed it into the surface with one hand and called out how far it penetrated. He then pushed harder with two hands and reported the results.
This item was used for training and transferred to the Smithsonian in 1974.
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
Manufacturer
NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Dimensions
3-D: 76 × 12.5 × 2.5cm (29 15/16 × 4 15/16 × 1 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Paint
Inventory Number
A19750057000
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.