Lunar module weight limits and Apollo LRV

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Topic: Lunar module weight limits and Apollo LRV

damnyankee36
Member

Posts: 37
From: Alamogordo, NM USA
Registered: Aug 2017

posted 08-16-2017 01:11 PM

It's common knowledge that the weight of the H mission lunar modules was critical. I always assumed it was the total package of the Saturn Vs and/or the LMs performance that dictated the weight.

On the J missions how did they compensate for the extra weight the rover added with a system that was already at the limit before, (besides starting PDI at 50,000')? It also seems like the extended stay capability also added a fair amount of weight. Was it an improved performance of the Saturn V and LM that contributed to the allowance of the additional weight?

David C
Member

Posts: 1039
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012

posted 08-16-2017 03:44 PM

PDI always nominally occured at around 50,000 feet, I think you mean combining the LOI-2/DOI burns, this had actually been planned from Apollo 13 onwards.

Both the J mission CSM and LM were significantly heavier. This was enabled through a combination of Saturn V and LM technical changes together with operational changes. Some of the changes were:

Increased Saturn V thrust.
Reduced Saturn V dry weight.
Increased LM DPS thrust.
Increased LM descent stage propellant.
Lower Earth parking orbit.
Trans lunar trajectory changes.
Reduced propellant reserves.

A good basic reference is the Apollo 15 press kit.

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