Do we know why they included an airlock in this design? The LK was meant to depressurize so presumably they had solved their electronics-cooling problems well before the LKM was to be in service.
This is a long stay lander, so the crew would be getting in and out many times.
Full depressurisation seems to have been an option, (hence the hatch at the rear), but the savings in oxygen would be considerable with a proper airlock.
Also, it would be really difficult to stay in suits the whole time, and maybe one crew would need to get out on his own?
Great article, as always, Nick! I now have a distinct sub-directory on my pc titled "LKM" Interesting note in the "form-follows-function" category: I thought the "descent stage" lower portion of some of the LKM variants looks just like the one on the American LM. Lastly, the Russian space mag is a great bonus! Best photos I've seen of the Indian lunar lander. Sweet!
Do we know why they included an airlock in this design? The LK was meant to depressurize so presumably they had solved their electronics-cooling problems well before the LKM was to be in service.
This is a long stay lander, so the crew would be getting in and out many times.
Full depressurisation seems to have been an option, (hence the hatch at the rear), but the savings in oxygen would be considerable with a proper airlock.
Also, it would be really difficult to stay in suits the whole time, and maybe one crew would need to get out on his own?
Nick I wish there was a translation of Mishin's notes somewhere!
Magnificent Nick, simply magnificent!
Thank you!
As ever great new information linked with new graphics. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Great article, as always, Nick! I now have a distinct sub-directory on my pc titled "LKM" Interesting note in the "form-follows-function" category: I thought the "descent stage" lower portion of some of the LKM variants looks just like the one on the American LM. Lastly, the Russian space mag is a great bonus! Best photos I've seen of the Indian lunar lander. Sweet!
Thanks Karl.
As I have two physical examples of a cylindrical "descent stage" I'm fairly confident it's not octagonal.
Absolutely! I was referring to how it appears from a side view, where you don't see that it is actually cylindrical.
Great job