Working in a space suit is difficult because it reduces the dexterity of its wearer, so specialized tools were developed for Apollo astronauts to use in gathering rock and dust specimens. The grip attainable with spacesuit gloves was restricted and fatiguing for the hands, so all tools were designed with large-diameter, textured grips. Because astronauts could not bend over in their space suits, tools either had a long handle or were attached to an extension handle.

Specimen-Collection Tools

Tongs or a rake were used to collect rocks that were fist-sized or smaller. By raking a large area, an astronaut could quickly gather many walnut-sized rocks free of soil. The goal was to collect many small diverse rock specimens, rather than a few large ones. In contrast, dust samples were acquired by scooping. As astronauts learned about the behavior of the Moon's very...