The orbiting Command Service Module will survey various characteristics of the Moon by the operation of experimental equipment installed in the Scientific Instrument Module housed in the Service Module. The Scientific Instrument Module design will permit the installation of various equipments on subsequent missions. As configured for the Apollo 15 mission the experiments include X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and a Alpha-Particle Spectrometer which will be operated concurrently. The X-Ray will provide a compositional survey of the lunar surface. The results should yield data about the nature of the surface material, measure the homogeneity of the surface, and by comparison with Gamma-Ray results, determine whether the surface and subsurface materials are similar. The AlphaParticle Spectrometer will survey a large portion of the lunar surface for detection and localization of random emissions from the lunar crust. The Gamma-Ray measurements should provide evidence concerning the origin and evolution of the moon by determining the degree of chemical differentiation the moon has undergone during its development. A Mass Spectrometer has also been included to obtain data on the composition of the Lunar ambient atmosphere as an aid to understanding the mechanisms of release of the gases from the surface, as a tool to locate areas of volcanism, and for determining the distribution of gases in the Lunar atmosphere.

The Scientific Instrument Module will also contain a subsatellite which will be ejected into a 60-nautical mile, circular lunar orbit. MA 71-5252. The subsatellite containing the particle detector and Biaxial Magnetometer Experiments will weigh approximately 75 pounds. Its objective is the study of particle interactions while in orbit, determine the formation of the Earth's magnetosphere and solar wind boundary layer over the Moon, monitor solar flare electron events, study the magnetic field interaction with the Moon and measure the particle flux in and near the plasma sheet.

In addition the Module will include a Panoramic, MA 71-5192, which will be operated concurrently with the mapping camera and Laser Altimeter. The Panoramic Camera will obtain high resolution photography of potential landing sites and exploration areas and provide selective detailed information to support selenodetic cartographic goals of the lunar mapping program. The Mapping Camera will obtain high quality photographs of the surface from lunar orbit combined with time correlated stellar photography for selenodetic/cartographic control. The Laser Altimeter will be used to determine the broad variations in Lunar Topography.

As on Apollo 14, radar observations of the lunar surface will be made by using the existing Command Service Module S-Band transmitter and high gain antenna. These observations will determine the polarizing angle of the lunar crust, measure the spectral properties of radar echoes from low altitude lunar orbit and gain operational experience as an aid in the design of future radar experiments.

In addition, an analysis will be made of S-Band Transponder Tracking data. The objective is to track the Command Service Module, Lunar Module, and subsatellite in lunar orbit during non-maneuvering periods by means of S-Band doppler measurements and reduce the data for an enhanced gravity field determination. Accurate measurements of a satellite's natural lunar orbit position over meaningful periods of time will allow definition of a Lunar Mass Model. Such a model, when correlated with lunar shape information, will enhance and support future activities by permitting greater surface landing accuracy, farside landings, and will give the scientific community a basic model for such considerations as lunar origin and subsurface structure.

SKYLAB

INTRODUCTION

Last year at this time, we announced that the name Skylab was being given to the Apollo Applications Program to underscore and give recognition to its role as an exploratory space station in the evolution of man's use of orbital flight for practical benefit. The Skylab concept remains the same as we described it then, with a few additions and improvement that will be described later. About 26,000 people are working at the NASA centers and at contractors plants across the country, building and testing the flight modules and the experiment equipment, developing flight plans, beginning crew training, and doing all the other things necessary to prepare for the missions. Next year at this time, the Skylab modules, with their experiment equipment installed, should be in final preparation for shipment to KSC. The following year should see us ready to launch the first space vehicle put into orbit by the United States specifically as a platform in which man can conduct scientific investigations in space and make extended observations of the earth.

Our anticipated Skylab accomplishments fall basically in three areas: ML 71-5044.

1. Scientific Investigations in Earth Orbit.-The knowledge gained from scientific experiments will substantially increase man's knowledge of the sun and the remarkable physical phenomena evident there, and the effect these have on man's earthly environment. Astronomy and space physics experiments will be conducted as will several biological experiments.

2. Economic and Ecological Applicants.-Skylab experiments for earth resources study will utilize multispecial photography, infrared imaging, and infrared and microwave spectrographic techniques to gather data for use by specialists in studies of oceanography, water management, agriculture, forestry, geology, geography, air and water pollution, land use and meteorology.

3. Strengthening the Foundation for Future Space Systems.-Skylab will substantially augment the technology base for space activities projected for the late Seventies and beyond and will provide basic information needed to reach sound decisions on their content and configuration. The effects of prolonged weightlessness on man's well-being and performance will be investigated in depth and practical experience will be gained in long life operation of the systems and subsystems designed to support him. The understanding of space architecture, subsystems requirements, operating procedures and space station housekeeping will be advanced.