sur +_v_bw_o_n (original 1964 press photo)
“…The component[s] of a complete sampling-and-return vehicle are numerous and complex. To begin, the lunar vehicle must be similar to the Surveyor which will touch down with a moderate speed. It will carry a collection sphere containing a drill to sample the lunar surface. It must possess a position-location communications system and provisions for lunar-launch support.
When the vehicle similar to the Surveyor lands on the moon, a ramp will extend from the Surveyor and the collection sphere will roll down the incline to get away from the parent vehicle onto the lunar surface without damage to its components. Once free of the mother vehicle, the sphere can be erected to a vertical attitude by means of a plumb-bob, after which legs will be extended to lift the sphere off the surface.
Then a high-speed, small-bore drill will collect material while a small, low-speed material conveyor will collect dust. The high-speed drill can reach a depth of one foot and can cope with material of considerable hardness…”
Who knew?! Did you? I didn't! And as if that wasn’t enough - it’s by John Gorsuch!
sur +_v_bw_o_n (original 1964 press photo)
“…The component[s] of a complete sampling-and-return vehicle are numerous and complex. To begin, the lunar vehicle must be similar to the Surveyor which will touch down with a moderate speed. It will carry a collection sphere containing a drill to sample the lunar surface. It must possess a position-location communications system and provisions for lunar-launch support.
When the vehicle similar to the Surveyor lands on the moon, a ramp will extend from the Surveyor and the collection sphere will roll down the incline to get away from the parent vehicle onto the lunar surface without damage to its components. Once free of the mother vehicle, the sphere can be erected to a vertical attitude by means of a plumb-bob, after which legs will be extended to lift the sphere off the surface.
Then a high-speed, small-bore drill will collect material while a small, low-speed material conveyor will collect dust. The high-speed drill can reach a depth of one foot and can cope with material of considerable hardness…”
Who knew?! Did you? I didn't! And as if that wasn’t enough - it’s by John Gorsuch!