---

Comments and Tags

Login/register to comment

---

Grand Rapids Public Museum ➔ Apollo Space Capsule

Identifier:

1986.37.1

Description:

This command module was used in training for recovery of Apollo astronauts returning from the moon. It was lost at sea in 1970, but was found by a Russian boat in Murmansk and returned that same year. According to Ed Cassidy, an American who was aboard the ship Southwind that brought the capsule back to America, this capsule almost washed overboard during a storm at sea on the return trip! 

The National Air and Space Museum loaned, and eventually gave, the module to the people of Grand Rapids for use as a time capsule. This capsule was dedicated to the City of Grand Rapids in 1976. It was sealed as a time capsule in the United State's Bicentennial (200th) year, to be opened July 4, 2076 during the country's Tricentennial, or 300th year anniversary.

Date:

1960

Dimensions:

132" h 18" w

Current Location Status:

In Storage

Collection Tier:

Tier 2

Source:

Gift Of Smithsonian Institute

Links:

http://astronautix.com/a/apollosovieapollocapsule.html

---

Exhibit/Program:

Virtual Science Scavenger Hunt (April 2020)
Use this scavenger hunt to explore artifacts and specimens in the GRPM’s digital Collections. Investigate a variety of science and technology-based objects, from the Museum’s most recognizable pieces to the ones tucked away in the Archives.

Related Entities:

National Aeronautics And Space Administration (creator) Smithsonian Institution (donor)
An Act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk on Aug. 10, 1846, established the Smithsonian Institution as a trust to be administered by a Board of Regents and a Secretary of the Smithsonian. Since its founding, more than 164 years ago, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums, the National Zoo, and nine research facilities.