Topic: Apollo lunar module footpads: foil coverage
Mike Dixon Member
Posts: 1428 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
posted 12-11-2015 03:19 AM
Were the entire four footpads of the Apollo lunar module covered in foil?
I've seen a lot that (at least to me) indicates many of them were not, as gaps exist in photos and I can't imagine a soft landing would have removed said foil.
Just me being being me. Always looking for answers near 50 years after the events.
rlobinske Member
Posts: 155 From: Crawfordville, FL Registered: Oct 2014
posted 12-11-2015 08:34 AM
The pads on LM-3 and LM-4 (Apollo 9 & 10) only had a small patch of thermal blankets on the inboard section. The remaining LMs had thermal blankets covering the entire area except the joint with the landing strut on the upper surface and the swivel bracket of the contact probe on the underside.
bunnkwio Member
Posts: 113 From: Naperville, IL USA Registered: Jul 2008
posted 12-11-2015 12:26 PM
There are a few great shots of the landing pads at the Project Apollo Archive on Flickr. This photo shows the uncovered joint and bracket.
Mike Dixon Member
Posts: 1428 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
posted 12-11-2015 04:24 PM
Thanks guys... much appreciated. Always had me thinking so great to get some answers.
LM-12 Member
Posts: 3324 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2010
posted 12-11-2015 09:03 PM
Photo AS11-44-6575 shows what the bottom of the footpads looked like.