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Author
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Topic: Lunar Receiving Lab Hardware
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-09-2007 10:50 PM
   
This recently acquired device was evidently utilized by the Lunar Receiving Laboratory as a part of their specimen transport system but I am seeking additional information from anybody on forum who may have access to LRL reference material ( have conducted an exhaustive search of the web and can only find documents detailing tools used for specimen collection, but not LRL transport and storage devices). The sequence of images show a Varian gate being opened (the gate comprises part of a sealed airlock) and the specimen cup being exposed/extended (there are two separate knobs which regulate this). Prior to extension the flange would have been mated to the analysis tool (scanning electron microscope or perhaps an energy dispersive spectrascope). The Teflon specimen cup has a ground wire which is likely to support the SEM analysis.A separate LRL stowage canister is placed in the rear for scale. The specimen cup shows residual dark staining, there is not evidence that the transport device has been cleaned so possibly lunar material?  
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fuzzfoot
Member Posts: 177
From:
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 03-13-2007 07:39 PM
Outstanding acquisition! My second favorite artifact in your collection.The staining is probably lunar dust, but it would be interesting to look at and photograph it under a special microscope for solid objects. Can the sample cup be detached without damaging the piece? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-13-2007 10:08 PM
Thanks Mike... may take a swab of the interior chamber which also has some residue. My first inclination however is to leave it be. Rob provided me with contact info to the Lunar Curator - sent him a note asking if they could assist with confirming history of the piece... hope to hear something back from them. | |
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