SPACE IN MINIATURE

This is a model of an early direct ascent lunar lander, designed to be launched by the mammoth Nova booster. The design dates from 1959-1960. The Nova was planned to have EIGHT F-1 engines on the first stage, two F-1's for the second, and four J-2s on the third. As far as I know, the engines on the lander and ascent stage were never specified. The lower half of the lander would act as the launch platform for the central, single-engine stage and the journey back to Earth. Only the crew compartment would re-enter the atmosphere, just like the later Apollo capsule.

ABOUT THE MODEL

The hull is a plastic parfait glass, with fuel tank ends made from fishing bobbers. The main engines are a stack of yard sale snap-tite shuttle SSME's, a ring from a little girl's hair thing, and the shuttle OMS bells, dressed up with some beads and aluminum wire. The return booster is part of a spinning top, a section of tubing from a game, and an engine made from parts of a water pistol and an X-Wing gun. Other parts used are plastic gems, buttons, part of a chess piece, and random kit bits from the spares box. Landing gear is brass tubing. The gear is adjustable, but does not retract. THAT would have been one working part too many, even if it would have been very cool to play with. The completed model stands 9" high at the top of the antenna. Decals are from the spares box and completely speculative. I tried to walk a fine line between 50's kit silliness (such as plaid stripes) and early NASA sobriety.

Image: Top/side view

Image: 2 stages, separated

Image: Bottom view