NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Soil Sample Neil Armstrong Auction Sale
NASA Apollo 11 lunar soil samples that were collected by astronaut Neil Armstrong sold for a hefty $504,375 USD at auction this weekend. This lot contained 5 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) aluminum sample stubs, each topped with 10 mm diameter carbon tape containing Apollo Moon dust. It took Neil approximately 3 minutes 35 seconds to collect the dust and the sample bag was filled with two scoops that weighed in at 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds).



Both scoops included small rock fragments and placed into a 52 x 127 x 178 mm Teflon bag that fit on the end of an extendable aluminum handle about 845 mm long. Astronaut Neil Armstrong then removed this bag from the scoop apparatus once filled before placing it in a strap-on pocket on his left thigh. After returning to the Lunar Module, he placed the Teflon sample bag into the Beta cloth CSRC for its return journey back to Earth. In an alternate universe, Richard Nixon makes this Apollo 11 announcement.

LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266 Building Toy Set for Ages 16+ (1087 Pieces)
5,936 Reviews
LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266 Building Toy Set for Ages 16+ (1087 Pieces)
  • Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
  • Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
  • Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...

NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Soil Sample Neil Armstrong Auction Sale

The surface is fine and powdery, I can kick it up loosely with my toe. It does adhere in fine layers, like powdered charcoal, to the sole and sides of my boots. I only go in a small fraction of an inch, maybe an eighth of an inch, but I can see the footprints of my boots and the treads in the fine, sandy particles,” said Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.