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

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 near the Lunar Module and stored for ascent to insure that some lunar soil would be returned to Earth in the event of an emergency. A contingency sampler was taken on Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15.

This unit was among the items used by the Union Carbide Company operated Y-12 plant to prepare the Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container system for NASA. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1974 for display at the Y-12 facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and accessioned 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-Lunar Manufacturer Union Carbide, Nuclear Division
 Dimensions Overall: 1 in. tall x 37 in. long, 2.6 lb. (2.5 x 93.98cm, 1.2kg)
Other (bag): 4 in. diameter (10.16cm)
 Materials Aluminum handle, Teflon bag
 Inventory Number A19770253000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.