STSprog-fut_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1971, NAR photo no. 11LE4012)

“NEW SATELLITES WILL BE DESIGNED FOR EASE OF MAINTENANCE & REPAIR”

 

I used to think the orbiter depicted was a possible high cross-range McDonnell Douglas Corporation “Phase-B” orbiter configuration, possibly the “-176 C”. That based on what I gleaned from the following sites:

 

Thanks to user flateric’s June 4, 2007 post, as extracted from AIAA paper 78-1469, “Space Shuttle Orbiter Configuration Case History”, presented at the AIAA AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE, Los Angeles, California, August 21-23, 1978. At:

 

www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/us-space-shuttle-project...

 

And/or:

 

space.nss.org/the-space-shuttle-decision-chapter-8/

 

Specifically:

 

space.nss.org/wp-content/uploads/p335-mcdonnel-douglas-de...

Both above credit: National Space Society website

 

However, the ‘redacted’ white block obfuscates the “Space Shuttle Program” logo used by North American Rockwell during at least Phase-B” (double prime) of the shuttle developmental program, visible in the last photo linked to below.

 

Finally, the satellite is like nothing I’ve seen before, with that basket-like lampshade thing. Although the octagonal bus to me suggests that it’s a ‘Mariner’. Finally, note that the tether is only for conveyance of the package, and neither of the Astronauts’ PLSS appear to be capable of propulsion. Pretty cavalier ‘spacewalking’.

 

Unfortunately, the artist remains unknown. Whoever it is, I believe it’s the same person’s works I’ve linked to below.

Done