MOL_v_bw (Nov. 6, 1964 Time mag., LM&SC ad, pg. 77)
“Design for a manned orbiting laboratory
Does man have a military mission in space? Are there jobs that he can do more effectively and more economically than the most elaborately instrumented unmanned satellite – or that he alone can do? Lockheed believes there are.
But while some of these missions can be simulated on the ground, others must actually be demonstrated in space.
During the past seven years, Lockheed Missiles & Space Company has worked steadily toward the goal of a practical earth-orbiting laboratory for this purpose. Practical because it would carry all the men, instruments, and supplies required for extended experiments in space. Practical because – in keeping with government policy – it would utilize an existing launch vehicle and return capsule.
The design shown above – one of the more recent evolutions of Lockheed’s concept for such a manned earth-orbiting laboratory – would be boosted into orbit by the Titan III-C and carry a Gemini capsule for return to earth.
Lockheed’s competence in the design and building of reliable spacecraft was established by the Agena, world’s only standard production-line space vehicle, which is now used in major military and civilian programs. Today Lockheed’s Man-in-Space organization is also making important contributions in bioastronautics, nuclear-powered space flight, and interplanetary vehicles.”
So, this being an "eye in the sky", I'm assuming the aft radial/peripheral apertures of the spacecraft, along with the large 'telescope-like' shaft extending from the aft, are to all facilitate observation/photography. The shape of the pod-like object within the aft base possibly a return capsule, if/as/when needed to return exposed film? I also assume the two - what look to be pivoting mirrors - permit observation/photography from the aforementioned peripheral/radial windows/viewports? Or are they also camera assemblies?
~8" x 11". The “brushed-nickel” sheen & shading of the metal surfaces has a Ludwik Źiemba look & feel to me. Actually, so does the earth, especially the land masses. How cool would that be? The time period and being Lockheed-produced would support such also.
I’m calling it - it’s The Maestro. Or maybe even one of his protégés, Anthony Saporito or William Collopy.
MOL_v_bw (Nov. 6, 1964 Time mag., LM&SC ad, pg. 77)
“Design for a manned orbiting laboratory
Does man have a military mission in space? Are there jobs that he can do more effectively and more economically than the most elaborately instrumented unmanned satellite – or that he alone can do? Lockheed believes there are.
But while some of these missions can be simulated on the ground, others must actually be demonstrated in space.
During the past seven years, Lockheed Missiles & Space Company has worked steadily toward the goal of a practical earth-orbiting laboratory for this purpose. Practical because it would carry all the men, instruments, and supplies required for extended experiments in space. Practical because – in keeping with government policy – it would utilize an existing launch vehicle and return capsule.
The design shown above – one of the more recent evolutions of Lockheed’s concept for such a manned earth-orbiting laboratory – would be boosted into orbit by the Titan III-C and carry a Gemini capsule for return to earth.
Lockheed’s competence in the design and building of reliable spacecraft was established by the Agena, world’s only standard production-line space vehicle, which is now used in major military and civilian programs. Today Lockheed’s Man-in-Space organization is also making important contributions in bioastronautics, nuclear-powered space flight, and interplanetary vehicles.”
So, this being an "eye in the sky", I'm assuming the aft radial/peripheral apertures of the spacecraft, along with the large 'telescope-like' shaft extending from the aft, are to all facilitate observation/photography. The shape of the pod-like object within the aft base possibly a return capsule, if/as/when needed to return exposed film? I also assume the two - what look to be pivoting mirrors - permit observation/photography from the aforementioned peripheral/radial windows/viewports? Or are they also camera assemblies?
~8" x 11". The “brushed-nickel” sheen & shading of the metal surfaces has a Ludwik Źiemba look & feel to me. Actually, so does the earth, especially the land masses. How cool would that be? The time period and being Lockheed-produced would support such also.
I’m calling it - it’s The Maestro. Or maybe even one of his protégés, Anthony Saporito or William Collopy.