The Apollo astronauts were provided a small rake that could be used to gather and collect pebbles larger than 1 cm in diameter from the lunar regolith. The rake head (this object) was attached to a handle, which while on the lunar surface was designed to attach to a standard extension handle. Lunar rakes were employed on Apollo 15-17, from July 1971 to December 1972. This artifact was used for training.

This was transferred to the Museum in 1978 from NASA.

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

NASA - Johnson Space Center

Dimensions

Approximate: 11 9/16 in. long x 11 9/16 in. wide x 4 1/8 in. tall, 3.3 lb. (29.4 x 29.4 x 10.4cm, 1.5kg)
Other (tine separation): 3/8 in. (1cm)
Other (handle length): 8 3/4 in. long (22.3cm)
Other (tines): 1/16 in. diameter (0.16cm)

Materials

Handle, basket sidewalls: aluminum
Tines: stainless steel

Inventory Number

A19781497000

Credit Line

Transferred from the NASA - Johnson Space Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.