APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

LUNAR MODULE

QUICK REFERENCE DATA

DIMENSIONS

LM:
Height 22 ft. 11 in. (legs extended)
Diameter 31 ft. (diagonally across extended landing gear)

Ascent stage:
Height 12 ft.4 in.
Diameter 14ft. 1 in.

Descent stage:
Height 10 ft. 7 in.
Diameter 13 ft. 10 in.

GENERAL

Vehicle weight:
Earth launch (with crew and propellant) 36,100 lb. (approx.)
LM (dry) 10, 800 lb.(approx.)
Ascent stage (dry) 4,700 lb. (approx.)
Descent stage (dry) 6,100 lb. (approx.)

Propellant weight:
Ascent stage 5,200 lb. (approx.)
Descent stage 19,500 lb. (approx.)
RCS 600 lb.(approx.)

Pressurized volume 235 cu. ft.

Habitable volume 160 cu. ft.
°
Cabin temperature 75 F
Cabin pressure 4.8 ±. 0.2 psia

Batteries:
Height 3.03 inches
Width 2.75 inches
Length 6.78 inches
Weight (each, filled) 135pounds

Electrical requirements:
Inputs
From Electrical Power Subsystem (Commander's 2 8 volts de
and LM Pilot:s buses)
From Ascent engine latching device of control 2 8 volts de
electronics section
From Explosive Devices batteries (systems A 37.1 volts de (open-circuit voltage)
and B) 35.0 volts de (minimum)
From descent engine control assembly 2 8 volts de

Outputs
To initiators (in cartridge assemblies) 3.5 amperes for 10 milliseconds (minimum)
Explosive Devices relay boxes 7.5 to 15.0 amperes de (for at least 10
milliseconds)

LV-1
IIRUMMAN

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APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

The NASA/Grumman Apollo Lunar Module ASCENT STAGE

( LM) after descending to the lunar surface from
lunar orbit, provides a base from which the
The ascent stage, control center of the LM, is
astronauts explore the landing site and enables the
comprised of three main areas: crew compartment,
astronauts to take off from the lunar surface to
midsection, and equipment bay.
rendezvous and dock with the orbiting Command
and Service Modules (CSM). The LM consists of an
ascent stage and a descent stage. Both stages The crew compartment and midsection make up
function as a single unit during separation from the the cabin, which has an overall volume of 235
CM, lunar descent, and lunar stay. The descent cubic feet. The basic structure is primarily
stage serves as a launching platform from which the aluminum alloy; titanium is used for fittings and
ascent stage lifts off from the lunar surface. The fasteners. Aircraft-type construction methods are
ascent stage operates independently during the used. Skin and web panels are chemically milled to
lunar ascent, rendezvous, and docking phase of the reduce weight. Mechanical fasteners join the major
Apollo mission. structural assemblies with epoxy as a sealant.
Structural members are fusion welded wherever
The ascent and descent stages are joined by four possible, to minimize cabin air pressurization leaks.
interstage fittings that are explosively severed at The basic structure includes supports for throst
staging. Subsystem lines and umbilicals required control engine clusters and various antennas. The
for subsystem continuity between the stages are entire basic structure is enveloped by thermal
either explosively severed or automatically dis­ insulation and a micrometeoroid shield.
connected when the stages are separated.

AFT EQUIPMENT
MIDSECTION BAY

/
THERMAL AND
MICROMETEOROID
CREW
COMPARTMENT
TCA
ClUSTER
SHIELD SUPPORT

R-2A R-3

LM Configuration Ascent Stage Structure

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The ascent stage is designed to: station is at the left; the LM Pilot's at the right.
The flight-station centerlines are 44 inches apart.
Provide a controlled environment for the two For maximum downward vision the upper part of
astronauts while separated from the CSM. the compartment is constructed to extend forward
of the lower portion. The area has control and
Provide required visibility for lunar landing,
display panels, body restraints, lanc;ling aids, a front
stay, and ascent; and for rendezvous and dock­
window for each astronaut, a docking window
ing with the CM.
above the Commander's station and other acces­
Provide for astronaut and equipment transfer sory equipment. Each flight station has an attitude
between the LM and CM and between the LM controller, a thrust/translation controller, and
and the lunar surface. adjustable armrests. There is a hatch in the front
face assembly of the compartment.
Protect the astronauts and the equipment from
micrometeoroid penetration.
A portable life support system (PLSS) donning
CREW COMPARTMENT station is behind the optical alignment station.
Attachment points for an S-band in-flight antenna
The crew compartment is the frontal area of the are provided on the front face assembly and for a
ascent stage; it is cylindrical (92 inches in diameter rendezvous radar antenna on the upper structural
and 42 inches deep). The Commander's flight beams of the crew compartment.

ALIGNMENT MAIN
PANEL/CABIN GLARESHIELD
FLOODLIGHT PANEL 2 CAMERA (BOTH SIDES)
(BOTH SIDES)

7-----x<-

CREWMAN
RESTRAINT
(BOTH SIDES)

PANEL 5 PANEL 4 HELMET STOWAGE PANEL6 STOWAGE

(POSITION NO. 1) (BOTH SIDES)
(BOTH SIDES)

R·4A

Crew Compartment Interior

ORUMMAN
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The crew compartment deck (flight station square; it is hinged to swing inboard when opened.
floor) measures approximately 36 by 55 inches. A cam latch assembly holds the hatch in the closed
Nonflammable Velcro pile is bonded to the decks' position; the assembly forces a lip, around the
top surface; a hooked Velcro on the soles of the outer circumference of the hatch, into a preloaded
astronauts' boots provides a restraining force to elastomeric silicone compound seal secured to the
hold the astronaut to the deck during zero-g flight. LM structure. Cabin pressurization forces the hatch
Handgrips, aligned with the forward hatch and lip further into the seal, ensuring a pressure-tight
recessed in the deck, aid ingress and egress. contact. A handle is provided on both sides of the
hatch, for latch operation. To open the hatch, the
The control and display panels contain all cabin must be completely depressurized by
devices necessary to control, monitor, and observe opening a cabin relief and dump valve on the
subsystems performance. The arrangement of the hatch. When the cabin is completely depressurized,
panels permits either astronaut to fly the LM to the hatch can be opened by rotating the latch
the CSM. All panels are canted to facilitate view­ handle. The cabin relief and dump valve can also be
ing. Six of the panels are in front of the flight operated from outside the LM. Quick-release pins
stations. The upper two panels - one inboard of in the latch plate and hinges may be pulled from
each flight station - are at eye level. These panels inside the LM to open the hatch in an emergency.
are shock mounted to dampen vibrations. The next
two lower panels are centered between the flight WINDOWS
stations to enable sharing of the control functions.
One of the remaining two front panels is in front The two triangular windows in the front face
of each flight station, at waist height. The assembly each have approximately 2 square feet of
Commander's panel contains lighting, mission viewing area; they are canted down to the side to
timer, engine, and thrust chamber controls. The permit adequate peripheral and downward visi­
LM Pilot's panel has abort guidance subsystem bility. The docking window above the Com­
controls. To the left of the Commander's station mander's flight station has approximately 80
are three panels: a five-tier circuit breaker panel at square inches of viewing area and provides visibility
the top, an explosive devices and communications for docking maneuvers. All three windows consist
of two separated panes, vented to space. The outer
audio control panel, and an earth and lunar orbital
rate display panel. To the right of the LM Pilot's pane is of low-strength, annealed material that
station are three panels: the uppermost is a four­ inhibits micrometeoroid penetration. The outer
tier circuit breaker panel, the center panel contains surface of this pane is coated with 59 layers of
controls and displays for electrical power, and the blue-red thermal control, metallic oxide, to reduce
bottom panel contains communications controls infrared and ultraviolet light transmission. The
and displays. The circuit breaker panels are canted inner surface of the outer pane has a high­
to the line of sight so that the white band on each efficiency, antireflective coating. This coating is
circuit breaker can be seen when the breakers are also a metallic oxide, which reduces the mirror
open. effect of the windows and increases their normal
light-transmission efficiency. The inner pane of
FORWARD HATCH each window is of chemically tempered, high­
strength structural glass. The inner pane of the
The forward hatch is in the front face assembly, front windows has a seal (the docking window has
just below the lower display panels. The hatch is two seals) between it and the window frame and is
used for transfer of astronauts and equipment bolted to the frame through a metal retainer. The
between the LM and lunar surface, or for in-flight inner pane has the high-efficiency antireflective
extravehicular activity (EVA) while docked with coating on its inner surface and a defogging coating
the CM. The hatch is approximately 32 inches on its outer surface.

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All three windows are electrically heated to pre­ hydroxide canister, waste collection containers, a
vent fogging. The temperature of the windows is PLSS lithium hydroxide cartridge, and a PLSS
not monitored. Heater operation directly affects condensate container.
crew visibility; proper operation is, therefore,
visually determined by the astronauts. MIDSECTION

A window shade, with an antireflective coating From the flight stations, the astronauts have an
on its outboard side, is provided for each window. 18-inch step up into the midsection, which is
Normally, the shade is rolled up at the window immediately aft of the crew compartment.
edge. A glareshield mounted between each front Normally, the midsection is not manned; it is tra­
window and the control and flight display panels versed by the astronauts upon entering and exiting
reduces window reflection of internal panel the LM after docking. The midsection is 54 inches
lighting. deep and approximately 5 feet high. The internal
shape is elliptical, with a minor axis of approxi­
EQUIPMENT STOWAGE mately 56 inches. The midsection houses the
ascent engine assembly, part of which protrudes up
Underneath the control and display panels to through the lower deck. ECS components, a
the right of the LM Pilot's station is a compart­ water-dispensing fire extinguisher, a container for
mented cabinet. Equipment used during the lunar samples, and life support and communi­
mission is stowed in this cabinet. This equipment cations umbilicals are installed on the right side of
includes food, personal hygiene items, EVA waist the midsection. Along the left side, is the waste
tethers, a camera, camera lens filters, a spare light management system and an oxygen purge system.
bulb, and a multipurpose special tool having a This side also contains stowage for food, lunar
modified Allen-head. A similar cabinet to the left overshoes, a pilot's reference kit, and miscellaneous
of the Commander's station contains a spare containers. Components of the Electrical Power
Environmental Control Subsystem (ECS) lithium Subsystem (EPS) and the Guidance, Navigation,

DROGUE

DATA FILE

OVERHEAD HATCH

FOOD CONTAINER

PLSS REMOTE
CONTROL UNIT(2)

ECS EQUIPMENT

WATER CONTROL
MODULE
IN-FLIGHT COVERALLS

SUIT LIQUID
COOLING ASSEMBLY

R-SA

Midsection Interior

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and Control Subsystem (GN&CS) are mounted on is opened inward by rotating the latch handle 90°.
the aft bulkhead. A cylindrical cover protects the A preloaded elastomeric silicone compound seal is
accessories section from the protruding part of mounted in the hatch frame structure. When the
the engine. The top of the cover is used as a rest latch is closed, a lip near the outer circumference
position for one of the astronauts and as a plat­ of the hatch enters the seal, ensuring a pressure
form for initially observing the lunar surface tight contact. Normal cabin pressurization forces
through the overhead (docking) hatch. Above the the hatch into its seal. To open the hatch, the
hatch is a docking tunnel; directly forward of the cabin must be depressurized by opening a cabin
hatch, PLSS fittings are mounted. These fittings relief and dump valve, which is within the hatch
aid the astronauts in donning their PLSS units. structure. The valve can be operated with a handle
on each side of the hatch.
Construction of the midsection is similar to that
of the crew compartment, but the midsection has a DOCKING TUNNEL
bulkhead at each end. The aft bulkhead supports
the aft equipment bay structure. In addition to the The docking tunnel, immediately above the
lower deck to which the ascent engine is mounted, overhead hatch, provides a structural interface
there are two others. One of these supports the between the LM and the CM to permit transfer of
overhead hatch and the lower end of the docking equipment and astronauts without exposure to
tunnel; the other, supports the upper end of the space environment. The tunnel is 32 inches in
docking tunnel and absorbs some of the stresses diameter and 16 inches long. A ring at the top of
imposed during docking. All decks are made of the tunnel is compatible with a docking ring on the
integrally stiffened machined aluminum alloy, or CM. The CM docking ring has automatic clamping
reinforced chemically milled web. The exterior latches. The ring is concentric with the nominal
structure forms a cradle around the midsection to centerline of thrust of the ascent and descent
absorb or transmit all stress loads applied to the engines. The drogue, a portion of the docking
ascent stage. Stress loads applied to beams on top mechanism, is secured below the ring to three
of the crew compartment are transmitted through mounts in the LM tunnel so that it can mate with
midsection beams, to the aft bulkhead and, in turn, the docking probe of the CM. When the CM and
to the interstage fittings. The external structure, LM are docked, the rings are joined; this ensures
along the sides of the midsection, supports pro­ structural continuity for transmitting midcourse
pellant subsystem storage tanks and S-band correction and lunar orbit injection stresses
steerable and VHF in-flight antennas. The aft mid­ throughout vehicle basic structure.
section bulkhead supports propellant and ECS
tanks, an aft equipment rack assembly and the AFT EQUIPMENT BAY
Reaction Control System (RCS) two aft thrust
clusters. A docking target, used for aligning the LM The aft equipment bay is an unpressurized area
with the CSM during docking, is mounted on the formed by the aft midsection bulkhead and the
upper left structure of the midsection exterior. equipment rack, which is cantilevered approxi­
mately 33 inches aft of the bulkhead. The equip­
OVERHEAD HATCH ment rack assembly has integral cold rails that
transfer heat from electronic and electrical equip­
The overhead hatch, approximately 33 inches in ment (components of the GN&CS, EPS, and
diameter, is at the top centerline of the midsection. Communications Subsystems) mounted on the
When the LM and CM are docked, the hatch rack. The cold rails are mounted vertically in the
permits transfer of astronauts and equipment. The rack structural frame. Water-glycol flows through
astronauts pass through the hatch, head first. the cold rails.
Handgrips in the docking tunnel immediately
above the hatch aid in crew and equipment trans­ Two gaseous oxygen tanks and two gaseous
fer. The hatch has an off-center latch that can be helium tanks are secured to the truss members
operated from either side of the hatch. The hatch between the midsection aft bulkhead and the

LV·6 IIRUMMAN

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equipment rack. ECS and Main Propulsion Sub­ sheets are hand crinkled before blanket fabrication.
system components that do not require a pres­ This crinkling provides a path for venting, and
surized environment or acesss by the astronauts are minimizes contact conductance between the layers.
mounted to the outboard side of the aft bulkhead. Structures with a high thermal conductivity, such
The equipment rack and the aft bulkhead support as antenna supports and landing gear members,
the aft RCS thrust clusters. that pass through the thermal blanket also have
thermal protection. Individual blanket layers are
THERMAL AND MICROMETEOROID SHIELD overlapped and sealed with a continuous strip of
H-film tape. To join the multilayered sections, the
After the LM is removed from the spacecraft­
Lunar Module adapter (SLA), it is exposed to
micrometeoroids and solar radiation. To protect
the LM astronauts and equipment from tempera­
ture extremes, active and passive thermal control is
used. Active thermal control is provided by the
ECS. Passive thermal control isolates the vehicle SINGLE LAYER TAPED SEAM

interior structure and equipment from its external

environment to sustain acceptable temperature
limits throughout the lunar mission. The entire
ascent stage structure is enclosed within a thermal
blanket and a micrometeoroid shield. Glass fiber

INCONEL
INCONEL MESH
.:...._=...:...�...;_--"----'-..:..;_:....:.-"-- NICKEL FOIL
TAPED FOLDED SEAM

R-7

Thermal Blanket Joining Techniques

�j��S�!���
§--=---
j§
ALUMINIZED
POLYIMIDE (H-FILM) blanket edges are secured with grommet type
fasteners, then the seam is folded and sealed with a
����������ALUMINIZED continuous strip of tape. Mylar sheets are used
� POLYIMIOE (MYLAR) predominantly in those areas where temperatures
do not exceed 300° F. In areas where higher
temperatures are sustained, additional layers of
R-6
H-film are added to the mylar sheets. H-film can
Typical Thermal Blanket and Micrometeoroid Shield withstand temperatures up to 1000° F, but,
because it is a heavier material, it is used only
standoffs, of low thermal conductivity, hold the where absolutely necessary. Certain areas of the
blanket away from the structural skin. Aluminum ascent stage are subjected to temperatures as high
frames around the propellant tanks prevent contact as 1800° F due to CSM and LM RCS plume
between tanks and blanket. The thermal blanket impingement. These areas are thermally controlled
consists of multiple-layered (at least 25 layers) of by a sandwich material of thin nickel foil (0.0005
aluminized sheet (mylar or H-film). Each layer is inch) interleaved with lnconel wire mesh and
only 0.00015 inch thick and is coated on one side lnconel sheet. Finally, the highly reflective surfaces
with a microinch thickness of aluminum. To make of the shades provided for the front and docking
an even more effective insulation, the polymide windows reduce heat absorption.

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The micrometeoroid shield, outboard of the

-.-----2'-[Link] MI��.-------�· thermal blanket, is a sheet of aluminum that varies
in thickness from 0.004 to 0.008 inch, depending
on micrometeoroid-penetration vulnerability. It is
attached to the same standoffs as the thermal
blankets. Various thermal control coatings are
applied to the outer surface of the shield to
provide an additional temperature boundary for
vehicle insulation against space environment.

·�r:::�-�
.
.......---.
DESCENT STAGE

The descent stage is the unmanned portion of

. �--- the LM; it represents approximately two-thirds of

INBOARD It
the weight of the LM at the earth-launch phase.
This is because the descent engine is larger than the
R-8
ascent engine and it requires a much larger pro­
Typical Micrometeoroid Protection pellant load. Additionally, its larger proportion of

DESCENT ENGINE STRUCTURAL

END CLOSURE QUADRANT 1 DESCENT PARALLEL

BULKHEAD ENGINE SKIRT BEAMS

R-9A
Descent Stage Structure

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weight results from necessity of the descent stage The MESA consists of television equipment,
to: e q u i p m e n t for obtaining and stowing lunar
(1) Support the entire ascent stage. samples, and PLSS components to be used by the
(2) Provide for attachment of the landing gear. astronauts during the lunar stay.
(3) Support the complete LM in the SLA.
(4) Provide structure to support the scientific
The quad No. 3 pallet assembly contains two
and communications equipment to be used
pallets; a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) pallet, and a
on the lunar surface.
pallet holding the Lunar Retro-Ranging Reflector.
(5) Act as the launching platform of the ascent
1 h e L R V pallet contains a lunar geological
stage.
exploration tool carrier, a lunar dust brush, a
g n o m e n , a recording penetrometer, tongs, a
The main structure of the descent stage consists
trenching tool, collection bags, and other items
of two pairs of parallel beams arranged in a
needed during lunar exploration.
cruciform, with a deck on the upper and lower
surfaces, approximately 65 inches apart. The ends
of the beams, approximately 81 inches from the Four plume deflectors, which keep the plumes
center, are closed off by aluminum beams to o f t h e d o wnward-firing RCS thrusters from
provide five equally sized compartments: a center i m p i n ging upon the descent stage, are
compartment, one forward and one aft of the truss-mounted t o the descent stage.
center compartment, and one right and one left of
t h e center compartment. A four-legged truss
(outrigger) at the end of each pair of beams serves
as a support for the LM in the SLA and as the THERMAL AND MICROMETEOROID SHIELD
attachment point for the upper end of the landing
gear primary strut. Two of the four interstage The entire descent stage structure is enveloped
fittings for attachment of the ascent stage are in a thermal and micrometeoroid shield similar to
mounted on the forward compartment beams. The that used on the ascent stage. Because the top deck
other two fittings are on the aft beam of the side and side panels of the descent stage are subjected
compartments. The five compartments formed by to engine exhaust, these areas are extensively pro­
the main beams house Main Propulsion Subsystem tected with a nickel inconel mesh sandwich out­
components. The center compartment houses the board of the mylar and H-film blankets. A teflon­
d e scent engine, which is supported by truss coated titanium blast shield that deflects the ascent
members and an engine gimbal ring. Descent engine engine exhaust out of and away from the descent
fuel and oxidizer tanks are in the remaining engine compartment is secured to the upper side of
compartments. the compartment, below the thermal blanket.
Layers of H-film, joined to the blast deflector, act
Struts between the ends of all main beams form as an ablative membrane which protects the
triangular bays, or quadrants, to give the descent descent stage from ascent engine exhaust gases that
s t a g e its octagon shape. The quadrants are are deflected outward, between the stages, during
designated 1 through 4, beginning at the left of the lift-off from the lunar surface. The engine compart
f o r w a r d c o m p a r t m e n t a n d c o nt i n u i n g ment and the bottom of the descent stage are sub­
counterclockwise (as viewed from the top) around jected to temperatures in excess of 1800° F when
the center. The quadrants house components from the descent engine is fired. A special base heat
t h e v a r i o u s s u b s y s t e m s . I n a ddition, the shield protects the descent stage structure and
modularized equipment stowage assembly (MESA), internal components. It consists of a titanium
in quad No. 4, and a pallet assembly is stowed in shield attached to descent stage structure. The heat
quad No. 3. shield supports a thermal blanket on each of its

GRUMMAN LV·9

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sides. The thermal blanket that faces the engine

nozzle consists of multiple layers of nickel foil and DEPLOYMENT

glass wool and an outer layer of H-film. This

blanket acts as a protective membrane to withstand
AND
DOWN LOCK
MECHANISM
DESCENT
STAGE
STRUCTURE ·. / OUTRIGGER
ASSEMBLY

I �4
engine exhaust gas back pressures at lunar touch­ t:l.
· .
down and prevent heat, absorbed by the lunar sur­
face during LM landing, from radiating back into j{ ,"( � SIDE FRAME
the descent stage. Twenty-five layers of H-film
make up the blanket on the other side of the � �
titanium. A flange-like ring of columbium backed
with a fibrous (Min-K) insulation is attached
directly to the engine nozzle extension and joined
to the base heat shield by an annular bellows of
25-layer H-film. This bellows arrangement permits
descent engine gimbaling, but prevents engine heat
from leaking into the engine compartment.

LANDING GEAR
R-11

The landing gear provides the impact attenua­ Landing Gear Assembly
tion required to land the LM on the lunar surface,
prevents tipover of the LM on a lunar surface with
a 6° general slope having 24-inch depressions or The landing gear can withstand: ( 1) a 1 0-foot/
protuberances, and supports the LM during lunar second vertical velocity of the LM when the
stay and lunar launch. Landing impact is attenua­ horizontal velocity is zero feet/second, (2) a
ted to load levels that preserves the LM structural 7-foot/second vertical velocity with a horizontal
integrity. At earth launch, the landing gear is velocity not exceeding 4 feet/second, and (3) a
retracted to reduce the overall size. It remains vehicle attitude within 6° of the local horizontal
retracted until the docked CSM and LM attain when the rate of attitude change is 2°/second or less.
lunar orbit and the astronauts have transferred to
the LM. Before the LM is separated from the CSM, PRIMARY STRUT
the Commander in the LM operates the landing
gear deployment switch to extend the gear. At this The upper end of the primary strut is attached
time landing gear uplocks are explosively released, to the outboard end of the outrigger; the lower end
allowing springs in deployment mechanisms to has a ball joint for the footpad. The strut is of the
extend the gear. Once extended, the landing gear is piston-cylinder type; it absorbs the compression
locked in place by downlock mechanisms. load of the lunar landing and supports the LM on
the lunar surface. Compression loads are attenua­
The cantilever landing gear consists of four ted by a crushable aluminum-honeycomb cartridge
assemblies, each connected to an outrigger that in each strut. Maximum compression length of the
extends from the ends of the structural parallel primary strut is 32 inches. The aluminum honey­
beams. The landing gear assemblies extend from comb has the shock-absorbing capability of accept­
the front, rear, and both sides of the descent stage. ing one lunar landing. This may include one or two
Each assembly consists of struts, trusses, a footpad, bounces of the LM, but after the full weight of the
lock and deployment mechanisms, and, on all but LM is on the gear, the shock-absorbing medium is
the forward gear assembly, a lunar surface sensing expended. Use of compressible honeycomb cart­
probe. A ladder is affixed to the forward gear ridges eliminated the need for thick-walled, heavy­
assembly. weight, pneudraulic-type struts.

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pressure on the probe head will complete the cir­

cuit that advises the astronauts to shut down the
descent engine. This shutdown point which deter­
mines LM velocity at impact, is a tradeoff between
landing gear design weight and the thermal and
thrust reactions caused by the descent engine
operating near the lunar surface. Each probe has
INNER indicator plates attached to it, which, when
CYliNDER
a l i g n e d , i n d i cate that the probes are fully

v
extended.
. IN
" SECONDARY STRUTS

Each landing gear assembly has two secondary

struts. The outboard end of each strut is attached
to the primary strut; the inboard ends are attached
to a deployment truss assembly. Each strut is a
piston-cylinder-type device that contains compres­
sible aluminum honeycomb capable of absorbing
compression and tension loads. The design and the
location of the secondary struts in relation to the
primary strut enables the LM to land on an unsym­
metrical surface or to land when the LM is moving
laterally over the lunar surface.

BEFORE IMPACT AFTER IMPACT UPLOCK ASSEMBLY

R-12 One uplock assembly is attached to each landing

Landing Gear Primary Strut gear assembly. It consists of a fixed link (strap) and
two end detonator cartridges in a single case. The
The footpad, attached to the strut by a ball­ fixed link, attached between the primary strut and
s o cket fitting, is aluminum-honeycomb; its the descent stage structure, holds the landing gear
diameter is 37 inches. This large diameter ensures in its retracted position. When the Commander
minimal penetration of the LM on low load­ operates the landing gear deployment switch, it
bearing-strength lunar surface. During earth launch, activates an electrical circuit which explosively
four restraining straps hold the pads in a fixed severs the fixed link to permit the deployment
position on the strut. The straps shear or bend on mechanism to extend the landing gear. When
pad contact with the lunar surface, permitting the detonated, either end cartridge has sufficient
pad to conform to surface irregularities. energy to sever the fixed link.
LUNAR SURFACE SENSING PROBE
DEPLOYMENT AND DOWNLOCK MECHANISM
The lunar surface sensing probe attached to each
landing gear footpad, except the forward one, is an The deployment portion of the deployment and
electromechanical device. The probes are retained downlock mechanism consists of a truss assembly,
in the stowed position, against the primary strut, two clock-type deployment springs, and connec­
until landing gear deployment. During deployment, ting linkage. The truss, connecting the secondary
m e c h a n ical interlocks are released permitting struts and descent stage structure, comprises two
spring energy to extend the probes so that the side frame assemblies separated by a crossmember.
probe head is approximately 5 feet below the foot­ The deployment springs are attached, indirectly, to
pad. When any probe touches the lunar surface, the side frame assemblies through connecting

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approximately 18 inches below the forward end of

CLOCK-TYPE CAM the platform on the outrigger; the ladder extends
LATCH SPRING FOLLOWER down to within 30 inches of the footpad. This
allows the primary strut to telescope when the LM
impacts on the lunar surface.

PLATFORM

An external platform, approximately 32 inches

wide and 45 inches long is mounted over the for­
ward landing gear outrigger. The platform is just
below the forward hatch. The upper surface is
corrugated to facilitate hand and foot holds. The
platform, in conjunction with the ladder below it
provides the astronauts with a means of access
between the vehicle and the lunar surface and
between the LM interior and free space for EVA.

INTERFACES

DEPLOYMENT CONNECTING STRUCTURE At earth launch, the LM is housed within the

TRUSS SIDE LINKAGE
FRAME ASSEMBLY SLA, which has an upper and a lower section. The
upper section has deployable panels, which are
R-13 jettisoned; the lower section has fixed panels. The
Deployment and Downlock Mechanism upper panels are deployed and jettisoned when the
CSM is separated from the SLA. During this separa­
tion phase, an explosive charge separates an umbili­
linkage. The downlock portion of the mechanism
cal line that connectes the LM, SLA, and launch
consists of a spring-loaded lock and a cam follower.
umbilical tower. Before earth launch, this umbilical
The follower rides on a cam attached to the
enables monitoring, purging, and control of the LM
deployment portion of the mechanism. When the
environment.
fixed link of the uplock assembly is severed, the
deployment springs pull the connecting linkage After transposition, the CSM docks with the
and, indirectly, the deployment truss. This action LM. A ring at the top of the ascent stage docking
drives the landing gear from the stowed to the fully tunnel provides a structural interface for joining
deployed position. At full gear deployment, the the CSM to the LM. The ring is compatible with a
cam follower reaches a point that permits the clamping mechanism in the CSM docking ring. A
spring-loaded lock to snap over a roller on the truss drogue, which mates with the CSM docking probe,
assembly. The lock cannot be opened. A landing is installed in the docking tunnel, just below the
gear deployment talkback advises the astronauts ring. The probe provides initial vehicle soft docking
that the landing gear is fully deployed. and attenuates impact imposed by contact of the
CSM and LM. After the CSM probe and drogue
LADDER have joined, latches around the periphery of the
CSM docking ring engage to effect full structural
The ladder affixed to the primary strut of the continuity and a pressure-tight seal between the
forward landing gear assembly has nine rungs vehicles. After docking has been completed, the
between two railings. The rungs are spaced nine astronauts connect electrical umbilicals in the CSM
inches apart; the railings have approximately 20 and the LM. These umbilicals provide electrical
inches between centers. The top of the ladder is power to the LM, for separation from the SLA.

LV-12 CIRUMMAN

,
APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

R-14

LM Interface with SLA

Pads at the apex of the descent stage out­ Ascent and descent stage separation to allow
riggers mate with attachment fittings in the the ascent stage to take off from the lunar
SLA. Tiedown tension straps, which are explo­ surface, or for a mission abort
sively released hold the pads against the LSA
attachment fittings. When the CSM and the LM
have docked, an astronaut in the CM initiates Descent propellant tank venting after landing
severence of the tiedown straps. After the straps
are severed, preloaded spring thrusters provide
positive separation of the LM from the S LA. Landing gear deployment

EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
The LM has two types of explosive devices.
Generally, these devices consist of detonator
The explosive devices are electro chemical
cartridges, containing high-explosive charges of
devices, which are operated by the astronauts to
high yield; and pressure cartridges, containing
perform the following functions:
propellant charges of relatively low yield. An
Propellant tank pressurization, so that the electrical signal, originated by the Commander
ascent engine, descent engine, and Reaction through control switches, triggers an initiator,
Control Subsystem can be operated which fires the cartridges.

-'Wmnuvz. LV-13
APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

EXPLOSIVE DEVICES lATTERY REACTION CONTROl ASCENT PROPULSION

(DESCENT AND ASCENT STAGE) HELIUM ISOLATION VAlYES COMPATIIILITY VALVES

'0
INTERSTAOI! UMIILICAL EXPLOSIVI! DI!VICI!S
CUTTER (GUILLOTINE) CONTROL PANI!L

CIRCUIT INTI!IIIIU"I!RS INTERSTAOI! STRUCTURAL

CONNECTION-NUT AND tOLT
ASSI!MILY (4 I"LACES)

0
DESCENT PROPULSION EXPLOSIVE DEVICES RELAY BOX LANDINO GEAR
HELIUM ISOLATION VALVE (DESCENT AND ASCENT STAGE) UPLOCK (4 PLACES)

R-15

Major Explosive Devices Equipment Location

LV-14
APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

ABORT­
SEQUENCING
CONTROL TIME � ---------------- • • --• • • · --------------• --• • • ----------------------�
C OMMANDE � S LM P OT�
IL
DELAy
CIRCUIT BREAKER CIRCUIT BREAKER
r..:!,"\
-·

0 0
----- ---------- - -------------- l ----- -----------­

DE!.,.";, IX,lOSIY( OlVI((S

... ,.. ASCENT He PRESS

NT
AELD (SYSTEM A) .....,.. ..,. 06 voNT .uc
STAGE SIGNAL "" "" nu ,... , (SYSTEM A)

�
..,,
LOG GUt
09l0<
� 8
....
OOf
�""'" ,_,

ll r;;-- :s':r!£ �1 '-SC£Nf

fill "" flU ...
AflD (SYSTEM 8) STAGE SIGNAL
� � � �
Ufl SoUl SAfl u.n
ASCENT He PRESS (SYSTEM I)

[} .
.

EXPlOSIVE
DEVICES EXPlOSIVE DEVICES EXPLOSIVE DEVICI5
EXPlOSIVE
DEVICES
8ATIERY A RELAYS BOX A RELAYS BOX 8 8ATIERY 8
{IN ASCENT STAGE) (IN DESCENT STAGE)
EXPLOSIVE DEVICES SUBSYSTEM

'-------------

._________. EXPLOSIVE DEVICES ·-------...

+
FUNCTIONS
• LANDING GEAR DEPLOYMENT • ASCENT PROPELLANT TANK PRESSUR­ • INTERSTAGE STRUCTURAL
• DESCENT PROPELLANT TANK PRESSUR­ IZATION AND COMPATIBILITY VALVE CONNECTIONS (NUTS AND BOLTS)
IZATION AND COMPATIBILITY VALVE ACTUATION SEPARATION
ACTUATION • RCS PROPELLANT RP ESSURIZATION • ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION
• DESCENT PROPELLANT VENTING e INTERSTAGE UMBILICAL SEVERANCE
(CABLE CUTIER ASSEMBLY)

R-16

Diagram of l:.xplosive Devices

c§f [Link]/L LV-15

APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

LANDING GEAR DEPLOYMENT DESCENT PROPELLANT TANK

PRESSURIZATION
Each of the four landing gear assemblies is
restrained in the stowed position by an uplock After the LM and CM separate, the astronauts
assembly that contains two detonator cartridges. start the descent engine. However, before initiating
While the LM is docked with the CM in lunar orbit, the start, the descent propellant tanks must be
the LM Commander fires both detonator cartridges pressurized. The Commander fires the compatibil­
in each uplock assembly to deploy the landing ity valve cartridges, explosively opening the valves.
gear. When all four landing gear assemblies have He then fires cartridges to explosively open the
been deployed, a landing gear deployment indica­ ambient helium isolation valve. After the descent
tor flag (talkback) on the control panel turns gray. engine is started, the cryogenic helium flows freely
to the descent engine fuel and oxidizer tanks,
REACTION CONTROL SUBSYSTEM pressurizing them.
PROPELLANT TANK PRESSURIZATION
DESCENT PROPELLANT TANK VENTING
The Reaction Control Subsystem fuel and oxidi­
zer tanks are pressurized immediately before After lunar landing, the Commander simultane­
landing gear deployment. The Commander fires ously opens two explosive vent valves to accom­
two cartridges, which open dual, parallel helium plish planned depressurization of the descent
isolation valves, to pressurize the tanks. The sub­ propellant tanks. This protects the astronauts,
system can then be operated to separate the LM when outside the LM, against untimely venting of
from the CM. the tanks through the relief valve assemblies.

STOWED POSITION DEPLOYED POSITION

R-17

Landing Gear Deployment

LV-16
APOLLO NEWS REFERENCE

ASCENT PROPELLANT TANK

PRESSURIZATION

After lunar stay, the astronauts take off from

the lunar surface in the ascent stage. This requires
pressurization of the ascent propellant tanks
shortly before initial start of the ascent engine. To
accomplish pressurization, the Commander fires HIGH­
explosive valve cartridges, which simultaneously
EXPLOSIVE BLAST
INITIATOR CHARGE SHEAR PIN
open helium isolation valves and fuel and oxidizer
compatibility valves. This permits helium to pres­
surize the ascent fuel and oxidizer tanks.

DETONATOR TRANSFER MANIFOLD BlADE BLADE

CARTRIDGE BOOSTER CROSSOVER CHARGE
(HIGH­ (HIGH­ {HIGH­
EXPLOSIVE) EXPLOSIVE) EXPLOSIVE)
R-19

Explosive Guillotine

STAGE SEPARATION

The ascent and descent stages are separated

immediately before lunar lift-off or in the event of
mission abort. The Commander sets control
BOLT ASSEMBLY switches to initiate a controlled sequence of stage
separation. First, all signal and electrical power
between the two stages is terminated by explosive
BOLT
CARTRIDGE circuit interrupters. Next, explosive nuts and bolts
ASSEMBLY joining the stages are ignited. Finally, an explosive
guillotine (cable cutter assembly) automatically
BEFORE FIRING AFTER FIRING
severs all wires, cables, and water lines connected
R-18
between the stages. Stage separation completed,
operation of its engine can propel the ascent stage
Explosive Nuts and Bolts into lunar orbit for rendezvous with the CM.

LV-17