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Capsule used in Chile miner rescue goes on world tour

Capsule used in Chile miner rescue goes on world tour, Reuters reports.

Federal News Network Staff

October 15, 2010 4:10 pm

< a min read

By Jolie Lee,
Federal News Radio

The “Phoenix” capsule used to rescue the 33 miners in Chile is now going on a world tour, becoming a celebrity in its own right, Reuters reports.

“They’ve asked us to take the capsule on a world tour as part of an exhibition, with a video,” Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter said in the Reuters article.

“Phoenix” hauled the 33 miners and six rescue workers through 2,050 feet of rock. Chilean engineers received input on the design of the capsule from NASA engineers.

Painted in red, white and blue — the colors of Chile’s national flag — the capsule looks like a miniature space rocket, just wider than a man’s shoulders. The capsule was equipped with communications equipment and oxygen tanks.