a+_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1963-64, poss. nuc. LM&SC lunar proposal, verso hand annotated G798)
Based on other similar depictions and the paltry documentation available, as part of a nuclear/‘S-N’ Apollo-like configuration, a lunar landing craft is depicted firing its engines to slow the vehicle, in order to place it into lunar orbit prior to landing. The engine is part of the “propulsion module”, which will be jettisoned after orbit has been achieved. The separation plane with it is visible immediately aft of the lander’s landing strut attachment points & reaction control system thrusters. Note also the naval vessel-like hatch & handle of the lander, with the step-rung/handrail combination down its side.
I believe this vehicle to be unmanned...there appear to be no windows. I think Astronauts using a Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) will land near it & then utilize it as a base for extended lunar surface operations. The presence of the solar panels atop the lander would seem to support this. I suppose it could also be a logistics/supply vehicle. But then the solar panels would seem to be unnecessary. That is, unless it would/could subsequently serve as a power augmentation/generation facility? Who knows, who cares…right?
8.5" x 11".
Another stunning Ludwik Źiemba influenced work by what I believe are protégés A. Saporito & J. Kramer, on behalf of the Lockheed Missiles & Space Company. Can you imagine if the other masterpieces in this series (and/or any others) somehow miraculously survived…somewhere.
What a gallery that would be.
One can dream.
a+_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1963-64, poss. nuc. LM&SC lunar proposal, verso hand annotated G798)
Based on other similar depictions and the paltry documentation available, as part of a nuclear/‘S-N’ Apollo-like configuration, a lunar landing craft is depicted firing its engines to slow the vehicle, in order to place it into lunar orbit prior to landing. The engine is part of the “propulsion module”, which will be jettisoned after orbit has been achieved. The separation plane with it is visible immediately aft of the lander’s landing strut attachment points & reaction control system thrusters. Note also the naval vessel-like hatch & handle of the lander, with the step-rung/handrail combination down its side.
I believe this vehicle to be unmanned...there appear to be no windows. I think Astronauts using a Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) will land near it & then utilize it as a base for extended lunar surface operations. The presence of the solar panels atop the lander would seem to support this. I suppose it could also be a logistics/supply vehicle. But then the solar panels would seem to be unnecessary. That is, unless it would/could subsequently serve as a power augmentation/generation facility? Who knows, who cares…right?
8.5" x 11".
Another stunning Ludwik Źiemba influenced work by what I believe are protégés A. Saporito & J. Kramer, on behalf of the Lockheed Missiles & Space Company. Can you imagine if the other masterpieces in this series (and/or any others) somehow miraculously survived…somewhere.
What a gallery that would be.
One can dream.