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Author
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Topic: Apollo 9: Lunar Module "Spider" differences
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alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 09-16-2012 07:04 PM
   
Can anyone point me in the direction of where I might find a list of external differences between the Apollo 9 lunar module (LM) "Spider" and the H mission lunar modules?I have checked Paul Pjeld's web site and it gives some excellent information regarding the Descent stage but not much on the Ascent stage. I have a copy of Virtual LM but there is not much information on Spider. Aside from difference in pattern of foil kapton, lack of thruster deflector shields, no foil on the landing pads and four contact probes rather than three on later missions. I also notice the ascent stage seems to have sheet metal on the lower front panels rather than greenish zinc colour on Eagle. But I was wondering if anyone could point me towards an additional source of on Spider. I have searched through photos but not found that many. Any help is appreciated. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2516
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 09-17-2012 06:07 AM
The other assent stage difference that I have always noticed is the crescent moon shaped antenna as seen in photo AS09-20-3071. |
tetrox
Member Posts: 142
From: London England
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 09-17-2012 10:46 AM
A very good reference giving external Lunar Module differences is by Space In Miniature, part of a series popular within the space modeller community. I don't have a copy at hand at the moment but off the top of my head as I recall the unique features of the Apollo 9 lunar module were: I'm sure others can give a more exhaustive list. |
space1
Member Posts: 861
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 09-17-2012 04:39 PM
quote:
Originally posted by tetrox:
The porch outside of the forward hatch was an open lattice structure as opposed to a closed structure on later flights...
The Apollo 9 porch was solid, as can be seen in this pre-flight photo taken 2/27/69. Perhaps a porch for use in neutral buoyancy (underwater) training would have holes.  It was designed with a pattern of raised ridges. You can see a number of rivets in places, but no holes. I believe this is the same as later porches (but without the slippers). ------------------
John Fongheiser
Historic Space Systems |
tetrox
Member Posts: 142
From: London England
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 09-17-2012 06:07 PM
Thank you for correcting me on that John, my apologies.The photo you posted is a very nice unusual view, thanks. |
sev8n
Member Posts: 236
From: Dallas TX USA
Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 09-18-2012 01:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
The other assent stage difference that I have always noticed is the crescent moon shaped antenna as seen in photo AS09-20-3071.
I've seen this photo many times but only now did I notice you can see one of the astronauts inside the CM with the view reflected in his visor. I assume this is David Scott, the CM pilot? |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 09-18-2012 02:21 PM
Correct, it's Dave Scott. People often wonder about the red helmets that Scott and Schweikart wore. They are essentially the same A7L Lunar EVA helmet as worn on Apollo 11, minus layers of white Beta cloth.There's a lesser-known photo of Dave Scott in the hatch, taken by McDivitt through the LM docking window. |
APG85
Member Posts: 307
From:
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 09-18-2012 03:30 PM
Where is that red helmet now? Storage at the Smithsonian? |
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