Tongs were used to pick up individual rocks smaller than 10 cm. These so-called "short" tongs were used on the early Apollo missions (11-14) and were carried by the astronauts on fasteners attached to the waist of the lunar space suit. Later missions used longer, 32-inch tongs. This artifact was used during simulations and training.
Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1985.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Manufacturer
NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Dimensions
Overall: 3 15/16 in. wide x 2 ft. 2 3/8 in. long (10 x 67cm)
Materials
Aluminum
Ferrous Alloy
Plastic
Inventory Number
A19850611000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.