Lunar Escape Devices

[Graham1973]

I was looking through the NTRS recently and found an early (1963) lunar escape study by Convair which proposed supplying the Astronauts with a kit which they could use to partially dismantle the LM to build the escape device. The attached illustration shows the one-man version.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19640057979_1964057979.pdf

 

[Pem Tech]

Very interesting...
Thanks for sharing.

 

[SAustin16]

I notice the poor LMP standing by the wrecked LM eating an egg salad sandwich and drinking Tang...wishing he'd won the coin toss...


Very interesting concepts. This is a good find.

 

[Graham1973]

1970's proposals, no more dismantling the LM, just syphon the fuel from the LM and away you go...

Lunar Escape Systems (LESS) Feasibility Study — Summary Report

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19700022470_1970022470.pdf

Lunar Escape Systems (LESS) Feasibility Study — Final Technical Report

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19700031448_1970031448.pdf

Oh, and about the design in the OP, here are the one & two-man launchers.

 

[athpilot]

...some additional artwork of LED (by Nick Stevens).
Enjoy!
Athpilot

 

[Graham1973]

Impressive, I look forward to seeing what the artist will make of the 1970's designs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Escape_Systems

 

[athpilot]

Thanx, at the end of the wiki article are some interesting contempary documents (pdf).