But in the end, NASA administrator James Webb examined the model of the D-2, thanked the contractor for its efforts, and announced that Apollo would use the NASA design without any consideration of alternatives. Fueled for the circumlunar mission, the entire 10.18 m-long spacecraft weighed only 7,470 kg. In comparison with the NASA final Apollo design, the General Electric D-2 provided the crew with 50% more living space, an airlock, and a service module for the mass of the Apollo capsule alone. The 2183 kg re-entry vehicle used a shape of the highest possible volumetric efficiency and was only 2.88 m in diameter and 2.40 m high. Every gram saved in this way saved two or more grams in overall spacecraft mass. The General Electric design for Apollo put all systems and space not necessary for re-entry and recovery into a separate jettisonable 'mission module', joined to the re-entry vehicle by a hatch. The NASA Apollo deign was retired after 8 years. The Soviet Union used the General Electric design approach for their Soyuz spacecraft, still in service 45 years later.

Height: 10.18 m (33.39 ft).Įvery gram saved in this way saved two or more grams in overall spacecraft mass. The GE Apollo as it would appear on its circumlunar mission, with its protective shroud and solar power collector deployed.Īmerican manned lunar orbiter.

Ksp mac crew report