BRUC%MIT-ML@sri-unix.UUCP (06/14/83)
From: Robert E. Bruccoleri <BRUC @ MIT-ML> (From Eben Haber) In Jane's Pocket Book Of Space Exploration on page 45 (a book no space enthusiast should be without), the following description of the Lunokhod is given (slightly edited): (USSR) Role: Lunar surface exploration Data [the picture of the device]: Lunakhod 2 Height: About 4ft 4in. Wheelbase: 7ft 3in. Diameter: 7ft. Track: 5ft 3 in. Weight: 1840lbs. Spacecraft: Remotely controlled lunar roving vehicle has circular tub-shaped pressurised instrument compartment as main body. Convex top has fitted thermal insulation cover which hinges open rearward up to 180 degrees during lunar day to expose solar array under surface. Vehicle rides on eight independently powered mesh each 20in in diameter and trails odometer wheel at rear... [goes on to talk about binocular camera for 5 man control crew, constant speed or previous commanded movements, and descent vehicle] Payload: Main experiment in "Rifma" spectrometer carried on...to make x-ray analysis of soil. Probe device tests physical-mechanical properties of soil. Also carried are proton, electron and alpha particle detectors, and x-ray telescope and a French built laser reflector. Mission: Launched on January 8, 1973, Luna 21 touched down in sea of Serinity on January 16 after four days in Lunar orbit. Lunokhod 2 survived four lunar "nights" and covered 23 miles before final shutdown at begining of July 1973. Programme: Second Lunokhod similat to Lunokhod 1/Luna 17 which operated in Mare Imbrium from November 1970 to October 1971 and covered 6 miles before expiry of isotope heater alled internal systems to freeze up. No reason anounced for shorter life of Lunokhod 2, but both exceeded planned operational life of three months. [goes on to tell differences between Lunokhod 1 & 2] Launch vehicle: D-1-e [see another part of the book]
REM%MIT-MC@sri-unix.UUCP (06/18/83)
From: Robert Elton Maas <REM @ MIT-MC> Gee, Lunoknod was sort of what we're talking about. Seems the USSR made the same mistake with Lunoknod that we made with Apollo, lost interest when the adventure was no longer politically exciting, didn't follow up with continued program in same area. -- 23 miles is a respectable distance for a remote-controlle vehicle on the Moon. How far did the Apollo astronauts cover on their longest trip in their lunar dune buggy? Too bad we weren't cooperative, or we might have a Martianod on board a Viking.