In the event the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia splashed down beyond the recovery force helicopter range, a recovery aircraft was prepared to drop a sea anchor device, consisting of two sea anchors at the ends of a 600-foot floating line. The astronaut crew was to deploy a snagging line hook through the side hatch pressure equalization valve port after removing the valve. The hookwould then drift over the sea anchor line, snagging the line and retarding the drift speed of the command module while it awaited rescue and recovery.
The Apollo 11 snag line was stowed in this bag in a locker beneath the astronaut couches. The bag was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1970.
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-Miscellaneous
Dimensions
3-D: 20.3 x 15.2cm (8 x 6 in.)
Materials
Beta Cloth
Nylon
Cotton Duck
Aluminum
Ink
Inventory Number
A19791710000
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.