WORLD OF SCIENCE
Moon machines
DR. T.V. PADMA
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The Lunar Module would take astronauts to the moon.
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The Lunar Module or LM was the most unlikely looking flying machine. Yet it attracted worldwide attention. This was because of its role. It had to carry two astronauts to the Moon and serve as their living quarters and base of operations while on the Moon and then return them to the spacecraft that was in orbit. The lower portion of the LM carried the engine that lowered the landing craft to the Moon. There was a cabin for the astronauts and an ascent engine in the upper
stage. After the completion of the mission the descent module would be used as a launch pad for the upper stage and remain behind on the Moon.
Lunar Rover
its own electric motor and because of this the Rover was manoeuvrable. It had a top speed of eight mph.
When the time came to choose people to use the machines, it was decided that astronauts for Apollo would be chosen from the best qualified military and civilian test pilots in America. NASA selected only such men till 1965.These astronauts tested the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft like a complex aircraft. But with Apollo the astronauts had not only to fly the spacecraft. They would also be exploring the Moon. So geologists, astronomers, physicists, and physicians were recruited. The astronauts had to undergo intensive training and qualify as test pilots. 1492 scientists answered NASA’s first call in 1965. Only 16 remained before the last tests and only six qualified finally! Eleven more scientists were recruited in 1967.The training for the Apollo astronauts was rigorous. They travelled to the plants where the command and service modules were assembled and watched them. The instructors pushed them to their limits. Landing on the Moon was practised over and over again. Quite often the instructors would simulate emergencies to be handled along with the difficult manoeuvres.
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