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Author
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Topic: Apollo Lunar Module hatch during moonwalks
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Max Q
Member Posts: 399
From: Whyalla South Australia
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 08-15-2012 07:58 AM
   
I am reading Buzz Aldrin's "Magnificent Desolation." He makes mention that his cuff check list reminds him to pull the Lunar Module door part way closed. He also mentions that he didn't know why. I was hoping somebody here could shed some light on why it would matter if the door was left fully open. |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1624
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 08-15-2012 09:07 AM
My only guess is that they thought it would have less stress on the hinges. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 43576
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-15-2012 09:20 AM
Eric Jones, editor of the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal, offers this: The hatch can be opened from the outside, if necessary. The reason for almost closing the hatch is, I believe, to prevent radiative cooling of the cabin. Neither Neil or Buzz remembered any specific reason. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3160
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-15-2012 11:41 AM
At some point, when asked this, Neil Armstrong responded along the lines that you shouldn't leave doors or gates (or hatches) open because someone would ask: "Were you born in a field?". |
Gonzo
Member Posts: 596
From: Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 08-15-2012 01:06 PM
But then again, it's not like anyone ELSE would invite themselves in!  Radiative cooling makes the most sense. Either that or to help keep any kicked up dust out. |
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