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

The Contingency Soil Sampler was a device which allowed the astronauts to quickly take a soil sample soon after they stepped onto the lunar surface. The sample was taken to the Lunar Module and stored for ascent to insure that some lunar soil would be returned to Earth even in the event of an emergency that forced early termination of the mission. Contingency samplers were taken on Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15.

This item was used for training and was 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.

Destination Moon
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Lunar Manufacturer Union Carbide, Nuclear Division
 Dimensions Overall: 3ft 1in. x 4in. x 1in., 2.6lb. (94 x 10.2 x 2.5cm, 1.2kg)
A19740860000A: (Bag) 7in. x 5in. x 3 5/8in. (17.78 x 12.7 x 9.21cm) (Approximate)
A19740860000A: (Ring) 5 5/8in. x 4 3/4in. x 1 1/4in. (14.29 x 12.07 x 3.18cm) (Approximate)
 Materials Aluminum handle, Teflon bag
 Inventory Number A19740860000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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