Strange Artifact NASA Hid After Apollo 11
From bizarre relics abandoned on the Moon to forgotten artifacts that even NASA overlooked, each Apollo mission has its own dedicated archive—some even get two! This list is bound to spark debate. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
45. The Secret Moon Rock Vault
Did you know there are two vaults dedicated to moon rocks? One remains completely sealed, holding untouched lunar samples, while the other contains specimens available for research. Access requires two-person authentication, ensuring that not just anyone can waltz in. What will become of these treasures in the future?
44. Searching for Life on the Moon
Would NASA really go to the Moon without checking for life? As part of the Apollo 11 mission, astronauts brought back samples to be examined for microbial life. NASA even set up a secret laboratory to study them. So far, they claim nothing has been found… but is that really the whole truth?
43. The Apollo 11 Command Module
The only part of Apollo 11’s spacecraft to return to Earth was the Command Module, which safely carried three astronauts home. Now a museum artifact, it bears visible wear and tear from re-entry. It’s a tangible piece of history, showcasing the immense forces of space travel.
42. Buzz Aldrin’s Helmet and Gloves
These aren’t just any space gloves and helmet—they’re the exact ones Buzz Aldrin wore while walking on the lunar surface. If you look closely, you can still see traces of lunar dust, preserved for decades!
41. A Camera That Survived Space
Before Apollo 11, NASA sent Surveyor 3 to the Moon, one of seven robotic landers. During Apollo 12, astronauts retrieved its camera—making it the only long-term lunar artifact brought back to Earth. Consider it a UFO of sorts… but one we actually understand!
40. Apollo 11 Space Food
Astronauts didn’t exactly dine in luxury. Among their meals? A package of pork with scalloped potatoes and a “bacon bar.” Stored in a museum today, these unappetizing rations give us a glimpse of the sacrifices astronauts made for space exploration. Would you try it?
39. Neil Armstrong’s Secret Souvenirs
Neil Armstrong secretly kept a bag of Apollo 11 artifacts—including lights, cables, and even a camera that captured some of the mission’s most famous images. NASA had no idea until after his passing, when his wife found the collection in a closet. The camera alone is worth over a million dollars!
38. Artifacts Left Behind on the Moon
Apollo astronauts left various objects on the lunar surface, including a metal plaque, mission patches, and even medals honoring Soviet astronauts. They also left a gold olive branch as a symbol of peace. But one lingering question remains—did extraterrestrials ever find them?
37. The Mysterious Lunar Reflectors
NASA didn’t just land on the Moon—they planted scientific instruments there too. One such experiment involved reflectors designed to bounce lasers back to Earth, allowing scientists to measure the Moon’s distance. Amazingly, this is the last functioning experiment from Apollo 11!
36. The Descent Stage Left Behind
Every Apollo mission left behind part of its lunar lander. Why? Because even a single extra pound could have jeopardized the astronauts’ return to Earth. This explains why the Moon is now littered with abandoned descent stages and other discarded equipment.
35. The Apollo Landing Sites Today
What do Apollo landing sites look like now? Satellite images reveal scattered debris, astronaut footprints, and even the tracks of lunar rovers. There’s even a designated “parking spot” for the moon buggy!
34. The Footprint That Will Outlive Us All
One of humanity’s most famous footprints remains untouched on the Moon’s surface. With no wind or water to erase it, this mark could last for millions of years—far outliving any of us! Meanwhile, the astronaut’s lunar boot sold at auction for $80,000.
33. The Time Capsule Sealed for 41 Years
When Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan returned to Earth, his life-support cover was sealed away. When it was finally opened decades later, specks of lunar dust were still perfectly preserved—like stepping back in time!
32. A Shoulder Strap Worth $30,000
Anything that carries lunar dust becomes a valuable artifact. This Apollo 12 shoulder strap, still embedded with moon dust, has become a prized collector’s item worth at least $30,000.
31. The Astronaut’s Checklist
Walking on the Moon was no easy task. To keep track of their mission objectives, Apollo astronauts wore checklists attached to their wrists. Charlie Duke’s Apollo 16 cuff checklist is now a museum relic, a reminder of the meticulous planning needed for lunar exploration.
30. The Asteroid Sample That Shocked Scientists
NASA recently retrieved a sample from an asteroid nearly 4.5 billion years old—the same age as Earth! Even more shocking? Scientists believe they found organic compounds within it, suggesting a link to the origins of life itself.
29. The Mysterious Apollo Tapes
During an Apollo mission, astronauts heard strange noises on the far side of the Moon. They described the sounds as eerie and unexplainable. Strangely, the tapes remained classified for years. What did they hear out there?
28. The Most Unexpected Space Artifact: A Hair Scrunchie
NASA’s Space Museum holds an unusual item—Pamela Melroy’s hair scrunchie. As the second woman to command a space shuttle, she donated it as a memento of her time in space. Surprisingly, managing long hair in zero gravity is more challenging than you’d think!
