+ 1970 News Releases (7.6 Mb PDF file) - NASA

,.'I 'A' [4 mi =
TIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
MANNEDSPACECRA
Houston
_CENT[R 1, _exas
458-5111 January 16, 1970
MSC lO-lO
Houston_ Texas --- Surveyor III spacecraft parts_ returned to
earth by _SA Auollo 12 astronauts_ were released toda' from the 9_C
Lunar Receiving Laboratory here for detailed study to determine effects
of _ years of exposure to the environment of the moon.
Scientists and engineers at JPL_ Pasadena_ California_ and Hughes
Aircraft Comnany_ Culver City, California_ and other institutions will
stud2 vhe effects of prolonged exposure to radiation_ thermal cycling_
vacaum environment, and micrometeorites on the moon.
AFter the initial surve,/ of the samples is complete, system
performance tests of the electrical and mechanical parts of the Surveyo_ -,
ITI TV camera will be conducted. If the electrical systems are opera_ion-_l,_
the circuits will be examined for physical or electrical performance _ _
changes.
The microcircuitry will be examined by Hughes Aircraft for evl_nce
of change in color_ electrical performance_ and corrosion. Tf electrical
systems are not operational_ the specific failures will be identified. [;
This task will be performed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Soil
'
mechanics tests will also he conducted.
Both metallic and nonmetallic materials will be investigated to :i_ _
determine what changes have taken place during the 2_ years exposure to,_
the lunar environment. Metallic and nonmetallic materials will be _n- · _'
vestigated to determine the source (radiation, heat, vacuum, or a '_-*_
comsination) of changes_ if any_and the mechanisms by which it occurred. _'