Credit: © Mark Wade. 1,341 bytes. 159 x 121 pixels.
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| Apollo Lunar Module - Credit: © Mark Wade. 1,341 bytes. 159 x 121 pixels. |
Essentially the basic Apollo LM modified for extended lunar surface stays. This was forseen to be the workhorse of both Apollo Applications Extended Lunar Surface Missions beginning in 1970 and still be used to shuttle crews to the surface to larger LESA (Lunar Exploration System for Apollo) in the mid- to late- 1970's. Changes included additional water, oxygen, LH2, and Lox tankage in the descent stage in the payload bays; fuel cells in the ascent stage; a redundance Lox tank in the ascent stage over the back of the LM; and additonal micrometeorite and radiation shielding. This would permit the LM to accomodate a crew of three with the capability for a 14-day quiescent (inactive) lunar stay time, in addition to 3 days (active) operational time. The LM Taxi would land near the previously-landed LM Shelter or LESA Shelter, where the crew would spend most of its time during surface explorations lasting from 14 days to three months.
Craft.Crew Size: 3. Design Life: 14 days. Total Length: 6.4 m. Maximum Diameter: 4.3 m. Total Habitable Volume: 6.65 m3. Total Mass: 14,700 kg. Total Propellants: 10,500 kg. Primary Engine Thrust: 4,491 kgf. Main Engine Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. Main Engine Isp: 311 sec. Total spacecraft delta v: 3,700 m/s. Electrical System: Fuel Cells.
 | Lunar Module 3 view Credit: © Mark Wade. 10,188 bytes. 586 x 444 pixels. |
MSFC Director Wernher von Braun described to Apollo Spacecraft Program Manager Joseph F. Shea a possible extension of Apollo systems to permit more extensive exploration of the lunar surface. Huntsville's concept, called the Integrated Lunar Exploration System, involved a dual Saturn V mission (with rendezvous in lunar orbit) to deliver an integrated lunar taxi/shelter spacecraft to the Moon's surface. Additional Details: Extension of Apollo systems to permit more extensive exploration of the lunar surface..
 | Lunar Exploration - Lunar Exploration Plans Credit: © Mark Wade. 15,347 bytes. 635 x 472 pixels. |
(As a result of the 13-15 August Lake Logan meeting, Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., had designated MSC the lead Center for lunar science.) von Braun proposed that planning for AAP-type lunar traverses and a wide variety of lunar scientific experiments (including a scientific package of experiments to he emplaced near landing sites) be transferred to Houston. On the other hand, he believed that lunar roving and flying devices, the AAP lunar drill, and the lunar surveying system should be retained at Huntsville, saying that these projects were of an engineering rather than a scientific nature and that, with MSFC's in-house capability for engineering work of this type, his Center could make substantial-and cost- effective-contributions to lunar exploration.
 | Post-Apollo lunar - Comparison of American post-Apollo lunar spacecraft. Credit: © Mark Wade. 12,347 bytes. 557 x 467 pixels. |
These modified craft took the form of a LM taxi, ferry and logistics craft, a LM shelter, and an 'augmented' LM. Disher authorized MSC to extend its engineering studies contract with Grumman to further define such modified LM configurations. He also asked MSFC to try to increase the Saturn V's translunar injection capability to 46 720 kg. These actions, he explained, afforded an opportunity to pursue any of several alternatives once future landing levels were known.
 | Post-Apollo lunar - Comparison of American post-Apollo lunar spacecraft. Credit: © Mark Wade. 7,240 bytes. 737 x 249 pixels. |