David Scott’s Flown Apollo 9 Scissors

Tested for EVA Emergency Procedures on Apollo 9.

On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 9 mission, the first flight of the Lunar Module and the first EVA in the Apollo program, I thought I would share some Apollo 9 artifacts. Also, Future Ventures is a proud sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration with the entire Apollo 9 crew in San Diego.

The letter below from Dave Scott reads, in part: “I hereby certify that the Apollo 9 CMP surgical scissors included with this letter are from my personal collection and were flown aboard Apollo 9, March 3-13, 1969…During ingress into the CM [from an EVA space transfer from the LM], the CMP scissors were [the] only instrument (tool) available to cut any straps or connectors that might inhibit, preclude, or delay the ingress of either the CDR or LMP [each of whom had only 30 minutes of oxygen for survival during the transfer]…Fortunately, the scissors were not needed for these emergencies during any of the eight LM/CM Apollo missions—but the capability was successfully demonstrated during Apollo 9. Although they could have many other contingency uses during a flight, the key role of these scissors on Apollo missions was to open plastic spoon-bowl food pouches. During launch and EVAs, the scissors were stowed in a dedicated pocket strapped to the leg of the crew’s spacesuit. Each pair of scissors included a lanyard attached to the flap of the scissors pocket. The lanyard prevented the heavy scissors from being lost during EVAs and from becoming free-flying hazard in the spacecraft interior while being readily available…These scissors have been in my personal possession since the mission.”

The scissors were manufactured by Weck, with the part number “SDB42100059-202,” and serial number “S/N 1006,” printed near the hinge on one side, and “Weck U.S.A. Stainless,” and “Wexteel” markings engraved on the handle.