I recently had a chance to visit the US Space and Rocket Center. While I was there, I saw a lunar module. It is very clear that the ascent portion is a mock-up, but the decent portion looks real, although it seems to be smaller than the one in the Smithsonian (Could just be because it is in a corner, the Smithsonian one you can walk around pretty good). I've seen mention on the internet that the descent stage was a test article, although I have carefully searched the lists and not seen any mention of this. Any idea as to what the origin of this test vehicle was? Thanks!
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asked Jun 19, 2021 at 0:34
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$\begingroup$ Will try and get a picture soon, hopefully tomorrow, but... $\endgroup$– PearsonArtPhoto ♦Jun 19, 2021 at 0:41
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1 Answer
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It's an engineering test mockup.
This model incorporates an engineering model of the Descent Stage (used at MSFC, designers of the Lunar Rover, for studies and fit checks) with a fabricated Ascent stage (note the lack of detail in the hatchway area compared to some other LM images)
answered Jun 19, 2021 at 0:54
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1$\begingroup$ Thanks! Been driving me crazy trying to get the scoop on it. $\endgroup$– PearsonArtPhoto ♦Jun 19, 2021 at 0:56
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2$\begingroup$ The Saturn V there with the V-2 lying at its base is mind-blowing. Also love the Shuttle Centaur and the MPTA. Great museum. $\endgroup$ Jun 19, 2021 at 1:00
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1$\begingroup$ Was walking underneath it all morning long. It's pretty insane, to say the least! $\endgroup$– PearsonArtPhoto ♦Jun 19, 2021 at 2:10
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1$\begingroup$ Also, Shuttle Centaur sadly is no longer there... It seems it has ended up in Ohio. $\endgroup$– PearsonArtPhoto ♦Jun 19, 2021 at 2:21
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$\begingroup$ Wow, glad I got to see & photograph it. But it seems fair, Lewis did do all the hydrogen stuff. $\endgroup$ Jun 19, 2021 at 2:23