Posted by Doug on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Lunar-Module-questions-to-ponder-tp1503132.html

One of my favorite vehicle(s) is the Lunar Module and Carrier.

Seems that Derek Meddings based these vehicles on rough concepts that
were created by NASA in the '60s. The idea of launching a space
vehicle from a conventional aircraft is something that is quite
practical and economically feasible even by today's standards.

However, some of the depictions of the Lunar Module in 'UFO' leaves
one to scratch the head....here are my observations on the Lunar
Module:

(1) Although the model of the Lunar Module clearly shows a cockpit,
the full-scale mockup indicates that there is no viewport forward of
the astronauts. I would assume this was a cost-cutting measure
because the scenes would require process photography.

(2) Why does the Lunar Module land on it's exhaust cone? Interesting
that the entire weight of the vehicle can be supported by it (yes, I
understand the lowered gravity of the moon, etc., but landing gear
would have made more sense).

(3) Isn't it dangerous for a vehicle like the LM to land atop one of
the enviro-domes? A more reasonable landing site would be off to the
side of the Moonbase complex (with some kind of retractable,
pressurized walkway leading to the LM landing site from the Control
Sphere).

(4) How do the passengers gain entry/exit from the Lunar Module?
Remember that it lands vertically onto Moonbase where everyone inside
would be seated at 90 degree angles from level ground). Also, keep in
mind that no one wears pressurized suits while on board the LM. BTW,
Straker, Freeman and Paul Roper seem to be the only SHADO personnel
exempt from wearing the silver spacesuits when riding aboard the
Lunar Module.

Thoughts would be appreciated...

Doug