Biological Isolation Garment, Apollo 11
The Biological Isolation Garment was designed to prevent the spread of any alien organisms the astronauts might have acquired during their journey or while on the Moon. The suits were donned after splashdown and worn until the astronauts arrived at the Mobile Quarantine Facility aboard the recovery aircraft carrier. With the astronauts isolated inside, the facility was flown to Ellington Air Force Base. The astronauts were required to stay inside the facility in medical isolation for 21 days. These extraordinary measures were a precaution against an uncertain threat of contagion. The Moon proved to be barren of life and this post-flight procedure was dropped after the Apollo 14 mission.
Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., wore this garment.

The Apollo 11 crew, still under a 21-day quarantine, are greeted by their spouses after arrival at Ellington Air Force Base. The astronauts are looking through the window of the Mobile Quarantine Facility. Left to right are Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins. The spouses, left to right, are Pat Collins, Jan Armstrong, and Jean Aldrin.



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Racing to Space
The Moon decision
To reach the moon
Apollo 11
Later Apollo missions
What we learned about the Moon
After the Apollo Program


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Created: 7/99