EVA Tethers and Safety Lines
Copyright 2017 by Eric M. Jones. All rights reserved.
Last revised 4 June 2017.
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Apollo 11 EVA Tether
Photograph courtesy of National Air and Space Museum Conservation.
Introduction
Four different types of tethers/safety lines were flown on Apollo for use on the lunar surface and/or EVA transfer from the LM to the Command Module. Each consisted of a strap of some length with a snap-hook attached at each end.These were (1) the EVA waist tethers flown on Apollos 11, 12 (0.6 kg each), 13 (0.5 kg each), 14 (0.6 kg each), 15 (0.6 kg each), 16 (0.6 kg each), 17 (0.6 kg each); (2) Life Line flown on Apollo 11, 12 (0.3 kg), 13 (0.5 kg), 14 (0.3 kg), 15 (0.3 kg), 16 (0.3 kg), 17 (0.3 kg); (3) BSLSS (Buddy Secondary Life Support System) Tether flown on all the landing missions; and (4) Lunar Surface Safety Line flown on Apollos 12 (30 ft; 0.7 kg; MESA), 13 (100ft; 1.3 kg; MESA), and 14 (100ft; 1.3 kg; MESA), 15 (100 ft; 1.3 kg; Q3B?); 16 ?. Lift Line, Lunar Equip, 15?, 16?, 17 (0.6 kg) What were the tethers they used in the cabin during flight?