NASA Apollo 16 mission item hits auction market, expected to go for nearly $750K

A key tool used in the successful Apollo 16 mission is up for grabs in a new auction. 

The moon scoop that successfully collected samples of rock from the moon in 1972 can finally be yours. 

Boston-based RR Auction has listed the moon scoop from the Apollo 16 mission with a current highest bid of over $60,000.

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The scoop was used by NASA lunar module pilot (LMP) Charles Duke and commander John Young during their 11-day trip to the moon, according to RR Auction. 

The men used the scoop to collect over 200 pounds of rock sample, which was successfully brought back to Earth. 

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RR Auction said in the auction listing that the scoop was used by Duke to support himself while he was collecting lunar samples on the moon.

This scoop is “one of the most important items ever returned from the lunar surface.”

Duke spoke with RR Auction about the mission — and how he used the scoop to his advantage. 

“I had to pick up a rock that was probably the size of a watermelon, and I could not pick it up with one hand,” he said. 

“So, I put the shovel down and leaned toward it, and rolled this rock up my side with my right hand and was able to roll it up my left and cradle it like a little baby.”

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He also mentioned the scoop was used to collect the “rare” sample called “Shadow Rock.”

RR Auction executive vice president Bobby Livingston told Fox News Digital that this scoop is “one of the most important items ever returned from the lunar surface.”

“That shovel not only spent all that time on the lunar surface, but it also spent time three feet inside the lunar surface — which makes it an exceptional collectible,” he noted. 

The scoop up for grabs is 13.75″ by 4.5″ by 2″ and has two large, spring-loaded buttons that enable the scoop’s head to rotate, according to RR Auction. 

The one-of-a-kind auction item was also photographed many times throughout the three-day stay on the moon. 

The scoop has been in Duke’s possession since he returned to Earth in 1972.

It is officially up for grabs to the highest bidder — which is expected to be for over $750,000.

The auction officially closes on October 19. 

For more information on the one-of-a-kind scoop, visit rrauction.com. 

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