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Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container (ALSRC) built by the Union Carbide Corp., Nuclear Division, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, measuring approximately 19˝ x 11.5˝ x 8˝, marked on the top in red, "For Fit Check and LM-Qual," and on the front: "ALSRC-L-FC-2, ALSRC FC-2, EM 64416/X-00." Also stenciled on the front are instructions for the orientation of the container: "LM A/S Up ↑, CM FWD ↑, LM D/S Up →."
This 'fit check' version of the ALSRC lacks the internal seal and metallic mesh lining of the flight version; it also has a matte finish, where the flight version was polished to a shine. The heavy duty, secure box features two toggle lever latches on springy metal straps, secured by swiveling handle keepers and a pin-latch mechanism with T-bar handle. In very good to fine condition, with some scattered scuffing and one of the Teflon strap guides broken.
Each Apollo mission carried two ALSRCs: these aluminum 'rock boxes' were designed to carry lunar soil specimens back to Earth, protecting their scientific integrity by preserving them from contamination in a lunar-like vacuum. Upon arrival at NASA’s Lunar Receiving Laboratory, scientists carefully opened the container in a controlled environment to prevent exposure to moisture and air. The contents were then examined, cataloged, and stored for research, providing invaluable insights into the moon’s composition and history.
