Back to photostream

a16_v_c_o_GAF (MSFC photo, neg. no. 021102, poss. Boeing photo no. 1-4081, 7-1-71)

“LRV-2 Deploy from LM Simulator using FLT no. 3 SSE. REF. no. Boeing 1-4081.”

 

What’s SSE you ask? Even if you didn’t:

 

“1.9. SPACE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (SSE)

The Space Support Equipment (SSE) consists of two basic subsystems of hardware, the structural support subsystem and the deployment hardware subsystem. The function of the structural support subsystem is to structurally support the LRV in the LM during launch boost, earth-lunar transit and landing. The function of the deployment hardware subsystems is to deploy the LRV from the LM to the lunar surface after landing.”

 

Above per/at:

 

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/LRV_OpsNAS8-25145Pt1.pdf

Credit: ALSJ website

 

And, based on the above, one can deduce that - despite being MSFC issued - the photograph was taken at the Boeing Company’s Kent, WA facility, prior to shipment to KSC. That’s the only place the SSE associated with “FLT no. 3”, aka LRV-3/Apollo 17, would be “externally/pre-installation” available

 

Also, check out the deformed front left wheel…damn…along with the cool shadow cast by the left rear wheel on the wall/partition. A great visual demonstrating its ingenious “transparent” mesh design. Finally, the sequence of previous? LRV deployment photos posted, visible on the far left. Now, if I could only identify the Great American in the image.

13,267 views
97 faves
17 comments
Uploaded on December 21, 2021
Taken on December 21, 2021