a15_v_bw_o_n (108-KSC-71-1976)
Documentation photo of interference between the Lunar Module Descent Engine (LMDE) skirt and S-IVB [stage] forward fuel dome.
Commencing with Apollo 15 - the first of the "J Missions" - the descent engine bell/skirt was extended by 10" to increase thrust, in order to accommodate the additional weight incurred with the extended-stay capability of these missions.
That additional length likely contributed to the close/closer tolerance evident. Note also the folded landing gear/footpad in the immediate background (with its retracted lunar surface sensing probe).
As might be expected, LMDE skirt extensions may have also impacted (no pun intended) landing dynamics. An interesting and informative discussion regarding such - and MANY others - is available at the following collectSPACE discussion thread:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001582-2.html
See also:
a15_v_bw_o_n (108-KSC-71-1976)
Documentation photo of interference between the Lunar Module Descent Engine (LMDE) skirt and S-IVB [stage] forward fuel dome.
Commencing with Apollo 15 - the first of the "J Missions" - the descent engine bell/skirt was extended by 10" to increase thrust, in order to accommodate the additional weight incurred with the extended-stay capability of these missions.
That additional length likely contributed to the close/closer tolerance evident. Note also the folded landing gear/footpad in the immediate background (with its retracted lunar surface sensing probe).
As might be expected, LMDE skirt extensions may have also impacted (no pun intended) landing dynamics. An interesting and informative discussion regarding such - and MANY others - is available at the following collectSPACE discussion thread:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001582-2.html
See also: