NASA Apollo Programme - LEM: Books - History and Technology

NASA Apollo Spacecraft - Lunar Excursion Module - News Reference

Originally created in 1971 by NASA contractor Grumman, the Apollo Spacecraft News Reference (LEM) was intended to educate members of the media, government, and private sector contractors about one of history's most ambitious undertakings. Within its pages you'll find general information about the Apollo Program, and a detailed examination of the Lunar Excursion Module and crew extra-vehicular activity procedures and equipment.(A companion book that focuses on the CM is also available.)

Scores of photos and diagrams accompany the easy-to-understand text. Chapters include: Introduction, Mission Description, Apollo Spacecraft, Lunar Module, Crew Personal Equipment, Environmental Control, Control and Displays, Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Main Propulsion, Reaction Control, Electrical Power, Communications, Instrumentation, Lighting, Portable Life Support System, Biographies, Grumman Aircraft Corp., Brief History of the LM, LM Manufacturing, Glossary, Contractors, The Moon (chapter written by Richard C. Hoagland), Index, and the LM Anatomy Booklet (reprinted in black and white).
It also includes a fascinating chapter about "LM Derivatives", showing how variations of the LM could have been built and flown in support of a wide variety of missions.

Although it may be one of the most complete studies of the systems and technology that made landing on the Moon possible, it's never been easy to find copies of this text because copies were never widely released - until now.
This reprint is of an edition featuring a mission similar to Apollo 15, 16 or 17, with astronauts performing three 7-hour EVAs using the Lunar Roving Vehicle. It features all the original text, diagrams and photos. It's a wonderful reference for the space flight fan, docent or engineering buff or for anyone else who ever wondered, "How'd they do that!"

LEM - Lunar Excursion Module - First Manned Lunar Landing Familiarization Manual

Designed by Grumman's brilliant Tom Kelly, the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module (or "LEM" for short) was a triumph of purpose-built engineering. In the six years 1962-1968 between drawing board and first flight, a myriad of challenges were overcome related to weight, reliability and safety. The final design, designated the Lunar Module or "LM", boasted tiny windows instead of large portholes, four legs instead of five and most famously had no seats instead relying on the astronauts' legs to cushion a lunar landing.

Ten LMs made it into space including three flown in development and test missions, and six which landed on the Moon. A seventh famously saved the crew of Apollo 13 when that mission's Command Module suffered a catastrophic malfunction. Originally created for NASA by Grumman in 1964, this LEM Familiarization Manual provides an operational description of all subsystems and major components of the lunar lander. It includes sections about the LEM mission, spacecraft structure, operational subsystems, prelaunch operations, and ground support equipment.

Lunar Module - LM 10 thru LM 14 - Vehicle Familiarization Manual

Originally created for NASA in 1969 by prime contractor Grumman, this Lunar Module Vehicle Familiarization Manual was mandatory reading for Apollo astronauts, contractors and NASA support staff.
This version of the manual describes the so-called ELM, or Extended Lunar Modules designed for the "J"class missions Apollo 15-17 and the never-flown Apollo 18 and 19.

The ELM came about as part of NASA's efforts to enhance the scientific study of the Moon and its geology. To do that, longer surface stays would be needed. To make it possible, LM 10 to LM 14 received various modifications intended to increase their payloads, and allow them to return larger samples to Earth.
Over forty major changes were planned, including enlarging the fuel and oxidizer tanks on both the ascent and descent stages, extension of the descent engine nozzle to improve its efficiency and allow it to deliver more power, and added capacity of oxygen and water.
Some changes,such as adding solar cells and affiliated batteries to allow surface stays of up to 72 hours, proved too difficult given the program's schedule.

In the end, the maximum duration of stays on the Moon would be limited to 54 hours. The extended LM weighed up to 36,500 pounds compared to 32,000 for earlier versions. The ELM's larger payload capacity enabled it to carry the 463 pound (mass) Lunar Roving Vehicle and other scientific equipment. The LRV greatly enhanced the astronauts' range and ability to retrieve samples.

It's never been easy to find a copy of this text because copies were never made available to the general public - until now. This reprint features all the original text and diagrams.

Projekt Apollo - Die Mondlandungen (Raumfahrt-Bibliothek)

"Projekt Apollo" widmet sich dem bis heute wohl ambitioniertesten Raumfahrtvorhaben aller Zeiten: der bemannten Landung auf dem Mond. Die Trägerrakete sowie das Transportsystem waren mittlerweile entwickelt, doch der eigentliche Test stand nun unmittelbar bevor.
Im Juli 1969 betrat erstmals ein Mensch einen anderen Himmelskörper. Mit diesen spannenden Jahren von 1969 bis zum letzten bemannten Mondflug im Dezember 1972 befasst sich dieser Band der Raumfahrtbibliothek. Eine hochspannende Zeitreise voller Rückschläge und gleichzeitig voller unbändigem Optimismus.