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Because lunar modules were designed to fly only in the vacuum of space, they did not have to be streamlined like an aircraft or carry a heat shield for protection during reentry. Once a lunar module was launched into space, it could not return to Earth. The lunar module had two stages 1. A silver-and-black ascent stage contained the crew's pressurized compartment and the clusters of rockets that controlled the spacecraft. 2. A gold-and-black descent stage, like the ascent stage, contained a main, centrally located rocket engine and tanks of fuel and oxidizer. Lunar Module Diagram During the Apollo program some modifications were made to the Lunar Module. This diagram shows the configuration for the modules on Apollos 15, 16, 17--the only missions to carry a Lunar Roving Vehicle. Note the compartment for storing the rover on the lower front.   Preparing
for Descent to the Moon
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©National Air and Space Museum http://www.nasm.si.edu Created: 7/99 |
