The Missions
A-9 Collection
|

|
|
Photo Credit and
Image Copyright: EarthToTheMoon.com
|
Lunar Module
Photo Credit : NASA
|
|

|

|
LM Descent
Engine Model
|
Cut Away
Drawing Of Lunar Module Systems
|
The descent engine
on the Lunar Module has been called the "the
biggest challenge and the most outstanding
technical development of Apollo". The proposed
engine was required to be throttleable.
Never before had this was this requirement
placed on a manned spacecraft. The engine
was designed and manufactured by Space
Technology Laboratories, Incorporated. (STL).
The Lunar
Module and its decent engine were first tested
in space by a manned crew during the Apollo 9
mission. This shake down cruise was an
Earth orbital mission. Astronaut James
McDivitt was the Commander of the mission and
flew the Lunar Module. Rusty Schweickart
was his Lunar Module Pilot. The call sign
for the Lunar Module was "Spider" in reference
to it's spindly legs.
The model of the descent engine shown here was
constructed in the Grumman model shop in
Bethpage, New York on Long Island during the mid
1960s. It is approximately 1/10th
scale. It was hand built and hand painted
in the Grumman model shop. Only four
models like this were constructed. This is
NOT a desk top model.
The model is constructed out of mahogany and
brass. The engine rests on a walnut base
and is attached to a tapered brass rod.
The original Grumman brass plaque is affixed to
the base. The model is 8 3/4 inches
high. The diameter of the base of the
nozzle is 5 3/4 inches. The diameter of
the top of the engine is 2 inches.
The Earth To The Moon Air & Space Museum
acquired this artifact in an eBay auction.
Only one
other time have we seen a model like this.
That sighting was made on an episode of the
television show, I Dream Of Jeanie. In
one episode a model exactly like this one is
seen in Major Nelson's office. When one
considers that only four of these models were
constructed, it is surprising that one made it
on the set of the 60s television show.
|
|
|
|
UPDATED : March 29, 2008
© 2003-2009 EarthToTheMoon.com All
rights reserved.
E-mail
|
|
|
|
|
|