a_v_bw_o_n (S-62-8622)
“Artist’s concept of Apollo Astronaut descending from LEM.”
Early versions of the Lunar Excursion Module lacked a ladder. Initially, a rope was to be the means to egress/ingress.
Excellent:
www.fastcompany.com/90358794/the-design-decision-that-wou...
Credit: Fast Company website
A variant can be viewed here, on a later version (TM-1) LEM training model design. Note however, the ladder brackets/attach points are clearly visible on the descent stage:
www.alternatewars.com/SpaceRace/SP-4205/images/c153a.jpg
twitter.com/pilliarscreatio/status/1283060155723251713/ph...
Credit: Twitter/Gavin Price
An interesting extract from "Chariots for Apollo: A History of Manned Lunar Spacecraft", by Courtney G. Brooks. James M. Grimwood and Loyd S. Swenson, Jr. addresses the dilemma:
"By spring 1964, NASA and Grumman engineers were thinking of deleting the front docking procedure and adding a small window above the lunar module commander's head. This overhead window might add seven kilograms weight and some extra thermal burden, but cabin redesign would be minimal. The added weight would be offset by eliminating the front tunnel and the extra structural strength needed to withstand impact loads in two areas. Eliminating forward docking had another advantage. The hatches could now be designed for a single purpose - access to the command module through one hatch and to the lunar surface through the other - which certainly simplified the design of the forward hatch. NASA directed Grumman to remove the forward docking interface but to leave the hatch for the astronauts to use as a door while on the moon.16
Once the location of the hatches was settled, getting the astronauts out and onto the lunar surface had to be investigated. Using a cable contraption called a "Peter Pan rig" to simulate the moon's gravity, Grumman technicians looked into ways for the crews to lower themselves to the lunar surface and to climb back into the spacecraft. When astronaut Edward White, among others, scrambled around a mockup of the lander, using a block and tackle arrangement and a simple knotted rope, he found that both were impractical. In mid-1964 a porch, or ledge, was installed outside the hatch and a ladder and handrail on the forward landing gear leg. When the astronauts discovered they had trouble squeezing through the round hatch in their pressurized suits and wearing the bulky backpads, the hatch was squared off to permit easier passage."
Finally, I’m going to go out on a limb that no one gives a rat’s ass about...so I’m safe...that this is the work of Otto Kuhni. The very same Otto Kuhni of latter Hot Wheels artwork fame! To me, the style and medium used(?), let alone the subject matter (in this particular instance), strongly supports my assertion:
www.hotwheelsonline.com/aviation.html
Credit: Hot Wheels Online website
Is that an absolutely amazing body of work or what?!?!?!
Who knew?!
I didn’t!
Did you???
a_v_bw_o_n (S-62-8622)
“Artist’s concept of Apollo Astronaut descending from LEM.”
Early versions of the Lunar Excursion Module lacked a ladder. Initially, a rope was to be the means to egress/ingress.
Excellent:
www.fastcompany.com/90358794/the-design-decision-that-wou...
Credit: Fast Company website
A variant can be viewed here, on a later version (TM-1) LEM training model design. Note however, the ladder brackets/attach points are clearly visible on the descent stage:
www.alternatewars.com/SpaceRace/SP-4205/images/c153a.jpg
twitter.com/pilliarscreatio/status/1283060155723251713/ph...
Credit: Twitter/Gavin Price
An interesting extract from "Chariots for Apollo: A History of Manned Lunar Spacecraft", by Courtney G. Brooks. James M. Grimwood and Loyd S. Swenson, Jr. addresses the dilemma:
"By spring 1964, NASA and Grumman engineers were thinking of deleting the front docking procedure and adding a small window above the lunar module commander's head. This overhead window might add seven kilograms weight and some extra thermal burden, but cabin redesign would be minimal. The added weight would be offset by eliminating the front tunnel and the extra structural strength needed to withstand impact loads in two areas. Eliminating forward docking had another advantage. The hatches could now be designed for a single purpose - access to the command module through one hatch and to the lunar surface through the other - which certainly simplified the design of the forward hatch. NASA directed Grumman to remove the forward docking interface but to leave the hatch for the astronauts to use as a door while on the moon.16
Once the location of the hatches was settled, getting the astronauts out and onto the lunar surface had to be investigated. Using a cable contraption called a "Peter Pan rig" to simulate the moon's gravity, Grumman technicians looked into ways for the crews to lower themselves to the lunar surface and to climb back into the spacecraft. When astronaut Edward White, among others, scrambled around a mockup of the lander, using a block and tackle arrangement and a simple knotted rope, he found that both were impractical. In mid-1964 a porch, or ledge, was installed outside the hatch and a ladder and handrail on the forward landing gear leg. When the astronauts discovered they had trouble squeezing through the round hatch in their pressurized suits and wearing the bulky backpads, the hatch was squared off to permit easier passage."
Finally, I’m going to go out on a limb that no one gives a rat’s ass about...so I’m safe...that this is the work of Otto Kuhni. The very same Otto Kuhni of latter Hot Wheels artwork fame! To me, the style and medium used(?), let alone the subject matter (in this particular instance), strongly supports my assertion:
www.hotwheelsonline.com/aviation.html
Credit: Hot Wheels Online website
Is that an absolutely amazing body of work or what?!?!?!
Who knew?!
I didn’t!
Did you???