July 20, 2009: ALSRC -04

Continuing in yesterday's space theme...

Most of the pieces of equipment used by the astronauts are pretty smart.
I mean even the hand tools have microprocessors that make them damn near as smart as your computer.

But the ALSRC -04 is as dumb as a box of rocks.



That's because it is a box of rocks... moon rocks.

ALSRC -04 (Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container - 04) was used by Apollo 11 to bring back rock and soil samples from the Moon.

I mean c'mon, they couldn't very well just stick that stuff in their pockets, or use a recycled grocery bag, could they?

The Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container (ALSRC) was an aluminum box with a triple seal manufactured by the Nuclear Division of Union Carbide. It was used on Apollo lunar landing missions to preserve a lunar-like vacuum around the samples and protect them from the shock environment of the return flight to earth. An aluminum mesh liner helped absorb impacts. Prior to flight, each box was loaded with sample container bags and other sample containment devices. The "rock box" was then closed under vacuum so that it would not contain pressure greater than the lunar ambient pressure. On the moon, while samples were being loaded, the seals were protected by a Teflon film and a cloth cover which were removed just prior to closing the box.
(from here...http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/apollo...d=A19710814000


I think a Halliburton case would have served just as well as this one. Imagine the savings, $200.00 vs $20,000.00

I doubt a Zero, or Halliburton, case would have survived with a vacuum inside.

Imagine trying to open that with a vacuum inside.. About 10,000lbsf holding it shut. 24" x 16" x 2 x 14.7psi ~ 11,000lbsf.

Oh wait! You mean a v a c u u m! Whadayah think? Like a Kirby? or maybe a Vacuum Queen?

With that much vacuum, this thing really sucks.

Imagine trying to take that on an aeroplane.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUCK Imagine trying to open that with a vacuum inside.. About 10,000lbsf holding it shut. 24" x 16" x 2 x 14.7psi ~ 11,000lbsf. Oh wait! You mean a v a c u u m! Whadayah think? Like a Kirby? or maybe a Vacuum Queen?

I remember the lunar landing well. I still get goosebumps when I hear "Tranquility Base here."
I love the engineering complexity of the box, but the nasm link leads to a picture of the Apollo 11 box sent to the Smithsonian and it is ALSRC-03, not -04.
Hmm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diaphone Jim I remember the lunar landing well. I still get goosebumps when I hear "Tranquility Base here."

A genuine piece of a real hoax...

..originally an Onion piece.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/rlongpre01/moon.html

If "ya'll" had been watching the History Chn. last few days???? Oh-Well

and remember they were so concerned about "contamination" -- they put the astronauts in isolation at first to make sure they didn't bring back any looney bugs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diaphone Jim I remember the lunar landing well. I still get goosebumps when I hear "Tranquility Base here." I love the engineering complexity of the box, but the nasm link leads to a picture of the Apollo 11 box sent to the Smithsonian and it is ALSRC-03, not -04. Hmm.

Bruce asked "Does that tell you something?"
I am afraid not. What?

They brought back more than one box of rocks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce They brought back more than one box that rocks.

Yep. That's what Ken said.

Except with a lisp.

Huh?

Except with a lisp.