a (Boeing MOLAB)_v_bw_o_n (unnumbered, 1965 press photo, prob. derived fm Boeing Co. photo)
“A LOOK AT A LUNAR LAB--This is a rear view of Boeing’s full-scale wooden mockup of MOLAB (mobile lunar laboratory) showing astronaut in pressurized, Apollo-type space suit entering cabin’s main hatch. The six-wheeled vehicle will be used to trundle astronauts over moon’s surface. Birdcage-like, circular structures in left foreground represent cryogenic fuel tanks.”
Per usual, my driveling:
- Extrapolating from a previous related photo I've posted, the ‘astronaut’ may be Haydon Grubbs. Note also his closed visor and what appears to be connected oxygen/life support umbilical, amongst other connections. So, I’m assuming the photograph was taken during actual evaluations/training. However, if you “train as you fight”, there really shouldn’t be a wooden step stool, regardless of whether stepping onto or off it. Unless…maybe the ‘flight version’ rungs/steps had yet to be fabricated.
- Note also the pronounced scuffing off his helmet & exposed/uncovered PLSS oxygen(?) tank, due to the close tolerances of the hatch opening I presume. It does look cramped.
- Additionally, the sort of cylindrical boom at the upper left, to which the upper cyrogenic tank is attached, is labeled “WATER TANK”. If not for that, I would’ve assumed it, along with the other stuff behind & to the left of the tanks to NOT have been part of the vehicle. The rarity of other photos or diagrams of this vehicle make it difficult to ascertain its external configuration.
- Finally, the snazzy, yet understated NASA hubcaps really complete the look. I believe they were only available either at the MSFC or KSC VAB parts counters.
One of the very few images - that I’ve seen - of the overall Boeing MOLAB design:
www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/boeing-molab-model-photo...
Credit: Donald McKelvy/aka user “Triton”, Sep. 10, 2012 post/SECRET PROJECTS Forum website
Regarding the suit being worn:
www.facebook.com/share/p/xxYnuMXrFcANijZY/?mibextid=K35XfP
Credit: Ken Thomas/Facebook
a (Boeing MOLAB)_v_bw_o_n (unnumbered, 1965 press photo, prob. derived fm Boeing Co. photo)
“A LOOK AT A LUNAR LAB--This is a rear view of Boeing’s full-scale wooden mockup of MOLAB (mobile lunar laboratory) showing astronaut in pressurized, Apollo-type space suit entering cabin’s main hatch. The six-wheeled vehicle will be used to trundle astronauts over moon’s surface. Birdcage-like, circular structures in left foreground represent cryogenic fuel tanks.”
Per usual, my driveling:
- Extrapolating from a previous related photo I've posted, the ‘astronaut’ may be Haydon Grubbs. Note also his closed visor and what appears to be connected oxygen/life support umbilical, amongst other connections. So, I’m assuming the photograph was taken during actual evaluations/training. However, if you “train as you fight”, there really shouldn’t be a wooden step stool, regardless of whether stepping onto or off it. Unless…maybe the ‘flight version’ rungs/steps had yet to be fabricated.
- Note also the pronounced scuffing off his helmet & exposed/uncovered PLSS oxygen(?) tank, due to the close tolerances of the hatch opening I presume. It does look cramped.
- Additionally, the sort of cylindrical boom at the upper left, to which the upper cyrogenic tank is attached, is labeled “WATER TANK”. If not for that, I would’ve assumed it, along with the other stuff behind & to the left of the tanks to NOT have been part of the vehicle. The rarity of other photos or diagrams of this vehicle make it difficult to ascertain its external configuration.
- Finally, the snazzy, yet understated NASA hubcaps really complete the look. I believe they were only available either at the MSFC or KSC VAB parts counters.
One of the very few images - that I’ve seen - of the overall Boeing MOLAB design:
www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/boeing-molab-model-photo...
Credit: Donald McKelvy/aka user “Triton”, Sep. 10, 2012 post/SECRET PROJECTS Forum website
Regarding the suit being worn:
www.facebook.com/share/p/xxYnuMXrFcANijZY/?mibextid=K35XfP
Credit: Ken Thomas/Facebook