dsce1345.jpg

View of the Lunar Surface Contingency Soil Sampler.

Picture 2 of 3.

A Lunar Sample Bag would be inserted in the collection basket and the sampler would be mounted on the end of a handle, the astronaut would scoop up some soil, and then place it in a leg pocket shortly after descending to the lunar surface. This ensures that, in the event of an emergency requiring an immediate return to the Lunar Module, some lunar material from the landing site could be returned to Earth.

Additional information on this tool can be found on page 8 of the Catalog of Apollo Lunar Surface Geological Sampling Tools and Containers.