All subsequent lunar Module on Apollo 12-17 were equipped with a specially designed lunar hammock for rest periods based on their expertise.
During Apollo 9 and 10, astronauts utilized the Lunar Module as sleeping quarters. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin, the first American astronauts to sleep in a Lunar Module on the Moon, awoke to find themselves resting on the chilly floor. All subsequent Lunar Modules on Apollo 12-17 were carried specially-designed lunar hammocks for rest periods based on their past experiences. These makeshift beds, which hung from the ceiling, were a welcome respite for the astronauts after a hard day’s work on the Moon.
According to the Apollo 11 astronaut’s experience, who rested on the lunar module floor during their rest periods, hammock intended to be attached to the interior of the LM ascent stage were provided for lunar module crewmembers from Apollo 12 on. The hammocks, made of beta cloth and adjustable with straps, assisted in minimizing the cooling effects of contact with the cabin floor (the Apollo 11 astronauts had complained about being too chilly to sleep) as well as softer support.
In 1975, two un-flown hammocks (S/N 0004 and S/N 0006) were sent to the Smithsonian from the Kennedy Space Center.
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Inventory Number
A19760745000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA – Kennedy Space Center
Manufacturer
Grumman Aerospace Corporation
Country of Origin
United States of America
Materials
White beta cloth; one side is rubberized.
Dimensions
3-D: 172.7 x 53.3cm (68 x 21 in.)
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous
Other Related Articles:
Best Hammock Chairs for Outdoors
Best Hammocks Comparison in 2021
An Ultimate Buyers Guide to Hammock
Comments are closed.