How Did They Land on Moon?

"IT’S kind of hard to believe I was actually up there" says astronaut Michael Collins of the Apollo programme. As next year’s 40th anniversary of Man’s Greatest Achievement approaches I wonder how many readers appreciate just what an incredible, fantastic episode this was.

At the present time nowhere on Earth does there exist, nor is there the prospect of there being in the foreseeable future, the technology to transport humans to the Moon and bring them back alive. Yet, using less computer technology than is in some of today’s wrist watches, the US did it – six times – all those years ago.

Although research and development on Earth came nowhere near to perfecting the "flying bedstead" lunar landing craft – Neil Armstrong was almost killed by one accident – six descents/ ascents, each return trip involving 85 separate manoeuvres, all went like a dream.

Then we had the American flag flapping in the atmosphere-free, windless conditions: how did they do that? The miracle of the standard Kodak film which withstood the X-rays and extremes of heat and cold – 250 to minus 250 degrees. The chest-mounted cameras which, without a viewfinder or studio lighting, produced hundreds of sharp, well-framed photographs. The clear, uninterrupted voices of the astronauts as they sat above 10,000lb-thrust, 140-decibel rockets.

The ultra-human qualities of the Apollo crews were critical factors. Normal human beings would require five feet of lead in all directions to avoid being fried by the radiation within and beyond the Van Allen Belts and on the moon’s surface; one man in a telephone kiosk would need 1,000 tons of lead. These adventurers, clad only in glorified tinfoil, did not suffer so much as a headache from their journeys.

As for the camera film, Kodak, showing an unprecedented level of commercial humility, declined to mention the Apollo events in its official company history.

Predictably, with the anniversary approaching, there is more talk of going – as you were, returning – to the moon. Let us hope they can find the original travel manual.

Pat Rattigan

Chesterfield

(c) 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.