Is Apollo 11's Lunar Module Still In Orbit Around The Moon 52 Years Later?

Arlo · 09-24-21, 11:33 AM

Aktungbby · 09-24-21, 12:22 PM

NOPE!

Platapus · 09-25-21, 07:52 AM

Just to clarify, the LEM consisted of two parts. The decent module (four legged thing) and the ascent module (very small cramped thing).

When the Apollo 11 ascent module was jettisoned after the two astronauts transferred to the CSM, it was just jettisoned. Unlike the other Apollo ascent modules, which were used for impact studies, the Apollo 11 ascent module was just jettisoned to move it away from the CSM so the CSM could safely conduct its maneuvers.

It was assumed that the ascent module was in an unstable orbit and would naturally decay and crash. Where and when, we really did not care too much about.

The issue is the Mass Concentrations (MASCONS) of the moon are irregular. It IS possible that the ascent module was incidentally placed in a stable orbit or whether the mascons allowed it to drift into a more stable orbit.
We don't know.
So why has no one at NASA bothered to look for it? Simply because they don't have the time, nor the authorization to expend the resources to look for it. It would take a lot of time and resources to find something as small (both size and RCS) as the ascent module. NASA has done this before by finding a "lost' Indian lunar orbiter, but the Indian space agencies paid NASA to find it...... no one is willing to pay NASA to find the Apollo 11 ascent module.

tmccarthy · 09-26-21, 01:14 AM

That would be incredible. I hope it's still there.

I thought it was cool enough that in future generations kids will be able to go on school field trips and visit the Apollo 11 landing site and see Neil & Buzz's footprints.

THE_MASK · 09-26-21, 06:29 AM

If i was told in 1972 that man would not go to the moon in over 50 years i wouldnt have believed them .

Rockstar · 09-26-21, 08:49 AM

Why expend time and money to look for something that was never there? It’s been proven by science many times over the moon landing was fake.

09-24-21, 11:33 AM	#1
Arlo The Old Man Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,304 Downloads: 214 Uploads: 0	Is Apollo 11's Lunar Module Still In Orbit Around The Moon 52 Years Later? __________________ -Arlo

09-24-21, 12:22 PM	#2
Aktungbby Gefallen Engel U-666 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: On a tilted, overheated, overpopulated spinning mudball on Collision course with Andromeda Galaxy Posts: 30,074 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	NOPE! __________________ "Only two things are infinite; The Universe and human squirrelyness?!!

09-25-21, 07:52 AM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,399 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Just to clarify, the LEM consisted of two parts. The decent module (four legged thing) and the ascent module (very small cramped thing). When the Apollo 11 ascent module was jettisoned after the two astronauts transferred to the CSM, it was just jettisoned. Unlike the other Apollo ascent modules, which were used for impact studies, the Apollo 11 ascent module was just jettisoned to move it away from the CSM so the CSM could safely conduct its maneuvers. It was assumed that the ascent module was in an unstable orbit and would naturally decay and crash. Where and when, we really did not care too much about. The issue is the Mass Concentrations (MASCONS) of the moon are irregular. It IS possible that the ascent module was incidentally placed in a stable orbit or whether the mascons allowed it to drift into a more stable orbit. We don't know. So why has no one at NASA bothered to look for it? Simply because they don't have the time, nor the authorization to expend the resources to look for it. It would take a lot of time and resources to find something as small (both size and RCS) as the ascent module. NASA has done this before by finding a "lost' Indian lunar orbiter, but the Indian space agencies paid NASA to find it...... no one is willing to pay NASA to find the Apollo 11 ascent module. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right. Last edited by Platapus; 09-28-21 at 05:20 PM. Reason: Well, at least I was consistent with my spelling errors

09-26-21, 01:14 AM	#4
tmccarthy Admiral Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,302 Downloads: 270 Uploads: 16	That would be incredible. I hope it's still there. I thought it was cool enough that in future generations kids will be able to go on school field trips and visit the Apollo 11 landing site and see Neil & Buzz's footprints. __________________

09-26-21, 06:29 AM	#5
THE_MASK Ace of the deep . Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 9,226 Downloads: 901 Uploads: 73	If i was told in 1972 that man would not go to the moon in over 50 years i wouldnt have believed them .

09-26-21, 08:49 AM	#6
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Why expend time and money to look for something that was never there? It’s been proven by science many times over the moon landing was fake.