Velcro Collection

Penetrometer, Lunar Self Recording (LSRP), Apollo, 1970s. Creator: NASA
The Self-Recording Penetrometer was a device used on Apollo 15 and 16 to measure some mechanical properties of the lunar soil

Camera, Stereo 35mm, Lunar Surface, Apollo, 1970s. Creator: Kodak
This Eastman Kodak 35mm camera is the same as the ones used to take pairs of close-up photographs of the lunar surface. When the cameras base was placed on the Moons surface

Hooks and loops fastener, SEM C015 / 5175
Hooks and loops fastener, coloured environmental scanning electron micrograph (ESEM). This device consists of two different parts, upper and lower

Hounds tongue fruits (Cynoglossum columnae). This plant is a member of the borage family. These are its unripe nutlets which usually occur in groups of four

Velcro
A trademarked name for a fastening tape made up of a strip of nylon with a surface of minute hooks, that fasten to another strip with a surface of uncut pile. A SEM image

SEM of part of hooks and loops fastener
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM), coloured gold, of the hooked surface of a hooks and loops fastener. A common fastener, it is made of a nylon material manufactured in two separate pieces

Goosegrass bur tangled in wool
False-colour scanning electron micrograph of a hooked fruit of cleavers or goosegrass, Galium aparine, entangled in Shetland wool. Commonly known as a burr, the fruit contains a single seed

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"Velcro: The Ingenious Invention that Revolutionized Fastening Systems" In the vast realm of scientific discoveries, few inventions have had such a profound impact on our daily lives as Velcro. Developed by NASA in the 1970s, this remarkable creation has become synonymous with convenience and efficiency. One of the key tools utilized during its development was the Penetrometer, an instrument used to measure adhesive strength. By meticulously analyzing various materials and their bonding capabilities, scientists were able to unlock the secrets behind Velcro's incredible gripping power. Another crucial component in understanding Velcro's potential was the Lunar Self Recording (LSRP) camera used during Apollo missions. This state-of-the-art device captured stunning images of astronauts effortlessly maneuvering on the lunar surface while wearing suits equipped with Velcro fasteners. These visuals not only showcased its reliability but also solidified its reputation as a game-changer for space exploration. Kodak's Stereo 35mm camera played an equally vital role in documenting Velcro's journey into history. Its lens immortalized those iconic moments when astronauts seamlessly attached equipment using this innovative fastening system—a testament to both Kodak's craftsmanship and NASA's groundbreaking invention. At its core, Velcro is composed of hooks and loops fasteners—tiny elements that interlock with one another to create a secure bond. SEM C015 / 5175 provided scientists with unprecedented microscopic views of these intricate structures, revealing their extraordinary design and functionality. Interestingly enough, nature itself served as inspiration for this ingenious invention. Hounds tongue fruit—a plant notorious for sticking to animal fur—inspired engineers at NASA who sought to replicate this natural phenomenon through man-made means. Through countless experiments and refinements, they succeeded in developing a reliable synthetic alternative—the now-famous hooks and loops fastener we know today as Velcro. SEM imagery further unveiled mesmerizing details about these tiny marvels.