The Fate of NASA's Apollo Lunar Modules: Where Were They During Missions 11-17?

When discussing the Apollo missions from 1969 to 1972, one cannot overlook the pivotal role of the Lunar Module (LM), often referred to as the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM). These incredible vehicles were designed for a single use, landing on the Moon and then lifting off from the lunar surface to rendezvous with the Command Module (CM) and return to Earth. However, what happened to these LM vehicles following their respective landings?

Where Were the LM's Between Landings?

After each landing, the Lunar Module's descent stage, the lower part that landed on the Moon, was left behind. In stark contrast, the ascent stage, the upper portion, which housed the astronauts, was designed to return to the Command Module orbiting the Moon.

Single-Use Design: The entire LEM, both the descent and ascent stages, were single-use components. Each pair of stages was unique to its mission, designed to handle the specific requirements of the landing and takeoff. Orbit and Crash: Following their missions, the ascent stages were either discarded in orbit or intentionally crashed into the Moon. Over time, many of these crashed into the lunar surface, marking their end as functional parts of mission history. Orbital Decay: Many ascent stages, especially those left in orbit, are likely to have fallen out of orbit due to atmospheric drag. While these impacts could have been observed, precise tracking and confirmation are challenging due to the vastness of space.

Recap: Apollo 13's Unique Case

Not all LM missions followed the typical trajectory. Apollo 13 stands as an exceptional example, showcasing the adaptability and ingenuity of NASA during emergencies.

During the Apollo 13 mission, the Lunar Module was not just discarded but became a crucial part of the astronauts' survival. Upon realizing that a critical failure in the Service Module jeopardized their mission, the astronauts were forced to shift their plan. The crew considered using the LM as a "lifeboat." The astronauts moved back into the LM, which had the necessary life support systems to sustain them until they could safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere and make a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Once aboard, they jettisoned the Service Module and ultimately orbited Earth, where they splashed down safely. Both the Service Module and the LM, being compromised by the mission's emergency, were intentionally discarded into space.

Conclusion

The final fate of the Apollo Lunar Modules, especially those from missions 11 through 17, is a testament to the ingenuity and precision of NASA's engineering and mission planning team. While most LMs were designed for a one-time use and were left on the Moon's surface, the retrieval of vital parts and the repurposing of the LM during a mission like Apollo 13 demonstrate the adaptability and resourcefulness of the team.

Understanding the journey of the LM from their initial landing to their final resting places helps us appreciate the complexity and precision of space exploration during the Apollo era.