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Detail of a capture latch. There are three capture latches on the probe head.

The probe head is guided by the funnel-like drogue on the lunar module to the receiving hole in the drogue. The latches slip into and automatically engage the hole, effecting "capture."

The button in the center of the probe head allows astronauts in the Lunar Module to disengage the capture latches (e.g., in an emergency situation, when the Command Module Pilot is not able to do so from inside the CM).

 
Docking latch on Apollo Docking Probe at U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Time picture taken Fri Jun 20 16:37:37 2003
Location picture taken West Mezzanine
"Old" Museum
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL
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