How to Replicate a Lunar Module on the Moon
Apr 26, 2017
From July 1, 1976 (shown here) until late 2015, the LM-2 stood on a replica lunar surface at the far-east end of the Museum.
LM 2 was built for a second unmanned Earth-orbit test flight. Because the test flight of LM 1, named Apollo 5, was so successful, a second mission was deemed unnecessary.
When the Museum’s Apollo Lunar Module (LM-2) moved to a prominent place in our Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall last year, it was an opportunity for us to examine the artifact in fine detail. We spared no effort to preserve, refurbish, and document the iconic object before it went on display in our central gallery in 2016.
Prior to being moved, LM-2 stood on a replica lunar surface at the east end of our building and was configured to represent a lunar module on the surface of the Moon. More specifically, we attempted to show LM-2 as LM-5 (Eagle) as it looked during Apollo 11. Over the years, thanks to consultation with knowledgeable technicians, we’ve learned more about the materials and techniques actually used to prepare lunar modules for a landing mission. With careful research and close examination of photography from the Apollo 11 mission, we have been able to refine the accuracy of the external appearance of our LM-2 to more and more closely represent the appearance of LM-5 (Eagle) on the Moon.
The process was painstaking and along the way we learned a lot. We were aided by artist and lunar module expert, Paul Fjeld, along with countless others. The following points to several examples where we were able to achieve enhanced detail and accuracy.
Ascent Stage Panels
A major challenge was to reconcile, whenever possible, considerable differences between materials found on the lunar module’s ascent stage. What made our LM-2 different from the spacefaring LM-5? The panels on our ascent stage were made of 6 mil sulfuric acid anodized aluminum alloy. Because LM-2 was a test vehicle and was never expected to be exposed to the actual exhaust plumes from a Command and Service Module in space, many of the panels never received a coating of black Pyromark high-temperature paint. LM-5, on the other hand, did need this protection. Previous attempts to replicate the LM-5 pattern have been upgraded. Below is a diagram of the panels of LM-5, LM-2 before, and LM-2 after the reconfiguration.
In 2016, the Museum restored its lunar module (LM-2), making it appear, as much as possible, like the lunar module that landed on the Moon (LM-5, Eagle). This meant trying to match the ascent stage panel materials. This diagram illustrates the changes we made to LM-2 and how it compares to the lunar module that made it to the Moon.
Footpads
The footpads of LM-2 have been matched to those on LM-5 using high-resolution images taken on the lunar surface by the Apollo 11 astronauts. Our conservators studied the photographs and attempted to replicate every wrinkle they could see. The photograph on the left shows the footpad of LM-5 on the Moon. To the right is the footpad of LM-2.
A detail photograph of the lunar module (LM-5), Eagle on the Moon.
Detail of the Museum's Lunar Module 2 (LM-2) footpad. During restoration in 2016, the Museum replicated, as much as possible, the look of Eagle, the lunar module that made it to the Moon during Apollo 11.
Modularized Equipment Stowage Assembly (MESA)/ TV Camera Lens
The MESA is the storage compartment provided just to the left (facing the hatch) of the ladder that descends from the ascent stage to the lunar surface. Once Neil Armstrong had stepped onto the porch, he was able to release and deploy the MESA using a rope and pulley system prior to beginning his descent to the surface. The MESA contains tools and equipment used by the astronauts during the mission. However, perhaps just as important, the MESA also contained the TV camera that captured the first steps and broadcast them to people around the globe. The camera that captured the historic ladder descent is, of course, still on the Moon. What we have on our LM-2 MESA is a back-up lens. The lens on Eagle is difficult to see in the image below, but it is visible just above and to the left of the third rung of the ladder.
The MESA is the storage compartment provided just to the left (facing the hatch) of the ladder that descends from the ascent stage to the lunar surface. Here's a close up of the MESA on the Lunar Module 5, Eagle.
The MESA is the storage compartment provided just to the left (facing the hatch) of the ladder that descends from the ascent stage to the lunar surface. Here is a detail view of the MESA found on the Museum's lunar module (LM-2).
Flag Carrier Stowage Assembly
An important and symbolic occurrence during the Apollo 11 mission was the ceremonial deployment of an American flag. A special carrier to store and protect the flag during the descent to the surface was attached to the left side of the ladder. A precise replica of the actual carrier has been fabricated and attached to LM-2. Expert model maker David Gianakos constructed the Flag Carrier Stowage Assembly using reference photos from NASA. As an added bonus, he placed a replica flag in the assembly even though visitors cannot see it.
A special carrier, to store and protect the American flag that was placed on the Moon during Apollo 11, was attached to the left side of the lunar module's ladder.
The lunar module, Eagle, had a flag carrier to safely store the American flag that was placed on the Moon. The Museum recreated this carrier in its lunar module (LM-2) and even placed an American flag inside.
Commemorative Plaque
We also installed a replica of the ceremonial plaque that Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin uncovered during their lunar spacewalk. The actual plaque, which still resides on the Moon, was uncovered by the astronauts soon after stepping onto the lunar surface. Our replica is installed without its cover. The plaque reads:
HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH
FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON
JULY 1969, A.D.
WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND
The signatures of Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Richard Nixon appear below the dedication.
A close-up view of the plaque on the Lunar Module 5, Eagle, on the Moon. The plaque reads:
HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH
FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON
JULY 1969, A.D.
WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND
A replica plaque on the Museum's Lunar Module 2 (LM-2). This plaque is a replica of the one found on the Lunar Modeule 5, Eagle.
Landing Struts
The long struts that support the lunar module have been carefully configured to match LM-5, even reproducing the precise pattern and layout of the blankets and tape that surround each of the legs. As haphazard as it looks, the museum staff took care to mimic LM-5 precisely.
A cropped image of the landing struts on the Lunar Module 5 (LM-5), Eagle, on the Moon.
Detail of the landing strut on the Museum's Lunar Module 2 (LM-2).
EVA Antenna
Finally, because LM-2 was not expected to have to communicate with astronauts during space- or moon-walks. It was not equipped with an “EVA Antenna” (EVA is the NASA acronym for extravehicular activity). Using accurate drawings and specifications, Gianakos was called on again to carefully construct a replica.
A blurry, close-up image of the extravehicular activity antenna on the Lunar Module 5 (LM-5), Eagle.
A replica of an extravehicular activity antenna on the Museum's Lunar Module 2 (LM-2).
Throughout the months-long refurbishment, we took care to document each and every change we made for future researchers. We photographed and documented materials that had to be removed or replaced, because they either had deteriorated or did not accurately replicate LM-5. Missing or repositioned components were located or fabricated based on original lunar module specifications and designs. In the end, we’ve achieved a lunar module ready, at least in appearance, for a Moon landing.
This diagram outlines the changes that were made to the Museum's Lunar Module 2 (LM-2) during a 2016 restoration.
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