Space History

[chopper_nut]

With the first theme of tonights competition, I thought I'd post some of my favorite clips and pics of the heady days of the US space program.


Apollo 7


Apollo 8


Dave Scott exits the CSM to film Rusty Schweickart's PLSS test on Apollo 9


Apollo 17 CSM taken from the LM during the rendezvous manoeuvre around the moon


Titan ICBM converted into the launch vehicle for project Gemini, leaves the pad


Ed White during the first American EVA on Gemini 4


Gemini 6 viewed from Gemini 7.... or the other way around during the first, and I think only time that two American manned spacecraft have been in orbit at the same time.


As above


Hypergolic fuels producing an almost clear flame on the Titan. The same fuels were used later on the Lunar Module and the CSM during the Apollo project.


The view from Skylab 4 as it approached the station.

[chopper_nut]

Apollo 17. The first and only night launch in Apollo. The cabin audio is priceless.



Apollo 8 launch with Gene Kranz on the Flight Directors loop and Michael Collins on CAPCOM

[Ian Warren]

I was at Avonhead Primary School , the first launch we were let off early to watch it home .. then on the landing it was again another 3 to 4 hour watch , biggest thing least I met one who was the second to put foot on the moon

[chopper_nut]

You're lucky that you witnessed it. I met Buzz that night too. Not my favorite astronaut but he's a pretty cool dude.

[Ian Warren]

Its funny how close you get to people, the best thing is not the dumb questions like media .. but when they have Hmm , show an interest in a simple cardboard model and really want to check it out .. back then it was in far better condition , forget the rockstars .. these are people with real metal.

[chopper_nut]

Those guys are my idols as an aviator.

[Ian Warren]

Nice thing I also met Brian Duffy, Space Shuttle driver, a superb afternoon talking, this was at the now gone 'Science Alive' setup at the old Christchurch railway station .. great venue , invited to a private dinner and showing photos .. they were mind boggling.

[chopper_nut]

I want to go to the space expo in California. There's always a good handful of astronauts that give talks.

[Ian Warren]

That would be a very interesting meet and great show, I have been so lucky to bump into these people but I guess it is were your interest and passion and what you give as well .. the old saying "what comes around gos around"

[Splitpin]

Just spotted this .... great post Nick , thanks for taking the time .
Not sure why .... but i have always loved anything to do with the Gemini project .... wonderful.

[chopper_nut]

Did someone say Project Gemini??


Buzz Aldrin takes a selfie. Gemini 12


Neil Armstrong in pre Gemini suit


Gus Grissom and John Young, Gemini 3


Station keeping with the Agena Target Vehicle on Gemini 8


Another shot of Ed White on Gemini 4


Crew portrait of prime and backup crews on Gemini 8. L-R Front, Dave Scott, Neil Armstrong. Back, Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad.


'Angry Alligator' on Gemini 9. Protective housing failed to deploy so Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan spent the mission rendezvousing and space walking (Without much success)


Gemini 10 crew. John Young and Michael Collins.


Firing the Agena's engine to raise the orbit on Gemini 10.

[Ian Warren]

I'd like that model off the Titan , mind you be easy to make one up

Neil Armstrong in the pre Gemini suit, exactly the same sort off suits almost used in the TV series "Lost in Space"

[chopper_nut]

There are resin kits of the Titan in various scales but yeah it would be easy enough to make one up. The evolution of space suits is quite interesting but it does follow a more or less logical pattern.

[Ian Warren]

Some off the early ideas they come up with for space suits really did look serious Si-fi, some of the early Russian suit were funnier as well.

[chopper_nut]

The Apollo 11 landing was an amazing achievement. Unfortunately, the mainstream media tends to compress and alter events to suit their program. To see how it really happened, follow this link.

http://www.firstmenonthemoon.com/

[Ian Warren]

That is a Great Link , love this space stuff .. love beating the conspiratorial themes as well

[Splitpin]

Excellent stuff Nick .... i remember having a model of one of Gemini capsules with the guy space walking . I would love to get another of those.

[Splitpin]

" I would love to get another of those." I found one .... on Mighty Ape of all places , not the original , but close enough.

[Ian Warren]

Not so strange, to find a Gemini capsule, I'm very sure it was NZs Tip Top icecream company, I don't recall .. I had a couple, create Gemini drink bottles , I recall having the lemon yellow one.

[Splitpin]

I found a model (1/72) of the Gemini capsule , and space walker at Mighty Ape ..... i did post this , this afternoon , but it seems to have been deleted.
Well i cant see it (my post ) anyway.
I might buy it , just for old times sake .... not the original , but looks good.

Edit: My first post just showed up..... whats going on here ???

There are a few models , 1/72 I'd give that a miss , hells I could put a more exact model together here at 'Barbie Doll' size