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Still-sealed Apollo Contingency Soil Sampler by Union Carbide, measuring 6˝ x 5˝ x 1.75˝ in its original packaging, labeled: "Union Carbide Corp., Nuclear Division, Y-12 Plant…Oak Ridge, Tennesseee…Contingency Sampler-Inbound Configuration, Drawing No. M-11329-EK-004-D, Item 9, Serial No. B-03." In fine condition.
The 'Contingency Soil Sampler'—essentially a teflon bag on a rigid ring at the end of an extendable, folding rod—was developed to allow astronauts to quickly collect a sample of lunar soil upon stepping onto the lunar surface. Taken in the immediate vicinity of the Lunar Module, the sample would be stored for ascent to ensure the return of a small amount of lunar material in the case of emergency. Contingency samplers were carried on Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15.
