Tongs, Long

Tongs were used for collecting small rocks (less than 6-10 in. in diameter). Their reach compensated for the difficulty posed by the inflexibility of the astronauts' space suit in bending over to pick up samples. The 32-inch tongs (which replaced a shorter model used on Apollo 11 - 14) were stored in the large tool carrier on the lunar rover. This artifact was used for training.

These were transferred to the Museum in 1978 from NASA.

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Inventory Number

A19781499000

Credit Line

Transferred from the NASA - Johnson Space Center

Manufacturer

NASA - Johnson Space Center

Country of Origin

United States of America

Materials

stainless steel (tines), aluminum (handle)

Dimensions

Overall: 32 in. long, 0.5 lb. (81.28cm, 0.2kg)

Other (t-handle): 4 3/4 in. long (12cm)

Other (tines): 1/8 in. diameter (0.3cm)

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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

Type

EQUIPMENT-Lunar