Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

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Project Apollo: Americans to the Moon
5. Requires a minimum of booster ground facilities, because large boosters
are avoided and because of a low launch rate.
The lunar rendezvous method can be readily paralleled with some other
program at least total program cost.
C. Lunar Rendezvous:
The lunar rendezvous under direct, visual, pilot control is a simple
reliable operation which provides a level of safety and reliability higher than other
methods as outlined below.
D. Safety and Reliability:
1. The lander configuration is optimized.
2. The single-lander system permits safe return of the primary vehicle in
event of a landing accident.
3. The two-lander system provides a rescue capability.
4. Crews can be trained in lunar landing, lunar launch, and rendezvous
docking operations in the actual vehicle.
[3]
5. Requires fewest number of large booster flights.
6. Provides for most flights on best-developed booster (C-1).
E. Abort Capability:
1. An abort capability meeting the basic Mercury-Apollo requirements
can be provided.
2. This abort capability can be provided with no additional fuel or weight
penalties.
F. Lunar Lander Development:
l. Lunar lander design is optimized for landing.
2. Being essentially separate from Apollo, development can proceed with
a minimum of schedule conflict.
3. Research, development, and checkout can be performed on ground
facilities now under procurement and which will be available in time to meet the
program schedule.
G. Development Facilities:
1. The lunar rendezvous method requires no additional booster ground
facilities (see item B-5).