a_v_c_o_AKP (ca. 1961-63, unnumbered NASA photo)
Upon first glance, to some, this might appear to be a generic “Apollo” artist’s concept.
Au contraire mon ami/amie. Or so I think.
A few of my pointless observations, as follows: Obviously an early (ca. 1961-63) design/configuration, based on the lack of windows visible on the Command Module (CM), due to the extendable/retractable covers/panels shielding them. The CM actually being labeled “APOLLO”, it being unfamiliar & freshly named as of this time. The “vertically” oriented pitch thrusters on the CM, indicative of the initial Block I design, although this probably even predates such terminology. The seriously protruding, turnstile-like appearance of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters on the Service Module (SM). The SM itself looks to be somewhat truncated. Also, the exposed nature of the umbilicals between the CM & SM, with no fairing…although there does appear to be a door which is possibly closed upon severing the connections prior to reentry. Finally, the CSM is separating from what appears to be a straight cylindrical stage, having no conical shape to it, i.e. “non-SLA” looking, and it's empty, at least from this perspective. All of which I associate with the outward appearance of a Saturn C-5 or Nova launch vehicle. This/These being commensurate with the time period. Oh, and the ubiquitous circumferential red stripe.
So, this would still be while Direct Ascent was pretty much the de facto consideration for a lunar landing. Or maybe Earth Orbit Rendezvous? I’m clueless on which might be depicted here, if either. Maybe neither…just artistic license?
Although no signature is visible, I feel like I should be able to take a guess on who. Albert Lane? Grant Lathe? Jerry Lyons? Chuck Biggs?
See the “NASA Direct/July 1961” version:
www.astronautix.com/a/apollolunarlanding.html
Credit: Astronautix website
a_v_c_o_AKP (ca. 1961-63, unnumbered NASA photo)
Upon first glance, to some, this might appear to be a generic “Apollo” artist’s concept.
Au contraire mon ami/amie. Or so I think.
A few of my pointless observations, as follows: Obviously an early (ca. 1961-63) design/configuration, based on the lack of windows visible on the Command Module (CM), due to the extendable/retractable covers/panels shielding them. The CM actually being labeled “APOLLO”, it being unfamiliar & freshly named as of this time. The “vertically” oriented pitch thrusters on the CM, indicative of the initial Block I design, although this probably even predates such terminology. The seriously protruding, turnstile-like appearance of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters on the Service Module (SM). The SM itself looks to be somewhat truncated. Also, the exposed nature of the umbilicals between the CM & SM, with no fairing…although there does appear to be a door which is possibly closed upon severing the connections prior to reentry. Finally, the CSM is separating from what appears to be a straight cylindrical stage, having no conical shape to it, i.e. “non-SLA” looking, and it's empty, at least from this perspective. All of which I associate with the outward appearance of a Saturn C-5 or Nova launch vehicle. This/These being commensurate with the time period. Oh, and the ubiquitous circumferential red stripe.
So, this would still be while Direct Ascent was pretty much the de facto consideration for a lunar landing. Or maybe Earth Orbit Rendezvous? I’m clueless on which might be depicted here, if either. Maybe neither…just artistic license?
Although no signature is visible, I feel like I should be able to take a guess on who. Albert Lane? Grant Lathe? Jerry Lyons? Chuck Biggs?
See the “NASA Direct/July 1961” version:
www.astronautix.com/a/apollolunarlanding.html
Credit: Astronautix website