NASA Mobile Quarantine Facility (photo)

This Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) was one of four built by NASA for astronauts returning from the Moon. Its purpose was to prevent the unlikely spread of lunar contagions by isolating the astronauts from contact with other people. A converted Airstream trailer, the MQF contained living and sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Quarantine was assured by keeping the air pressure inside lower than the pressure outside and by filtering the air vented from the facility. This MQF was used by Apollo 11 astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins immediately after their return to Earth. They remained in it for 88 hours, while the MQF was flown from the aircraft carrier Hornet to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. They were allowed to emerge once scientists were sure they were not infected with "moon germs." NASA transferred the MQF to the Smithsonian Institution in 1974. Overall: 8 ft. 7 in. tall x 9 ft. wide x 35 ft. deep, 12499.9 lb. (261.62 x 274.32 x 1066.8cm, 5669.9kg)