Category: Unknown Artist

0025-bx092-fd004_010

Artists’ concepts (Spacecraft) [1 of 6 folders]

Image credit: Krafft Ehricke Papers
Image source: NASM

0025-bx092-fd004_046

Artists’ concepts (Spacecraft) [1 of 6 folders]

Image credit: Krafft Ehricke Papers
Image source: NASM

0025-bx092-fd004_019

Artists’ concepts (Spacecraft) [1 of 6 folders]

Image credit: Krafft Ehricke Papers
Image source: NASM

0025-bx092-fd004_036

Artists’ concepts (Spacecraft) [1 of 6 folders]

Image credit: Krafft Ehricke Papers
Image source: NASM

255-GRC-1991-C-09258

355223542

Just for a lark, here’s the original finding aid:

Description: ARTISST CONCEPT OF UPGRADED CENTAUR Photographer: REQUESTER

That’s not super helpful, and knowing the paining was photographed in 1991 just tells me it’s pre-1992. The dual thrusters made me think of Centaur, and the uncrewed Shuttle-C in the bottom left corner gives some context. Either way, it’s a beautiful image and you didn’t come here for an education, you came here to look at pretty pictures of cool stuff. Right?

So, I think this is a shuttle-launched Centaur upper stage or ‘Shuttle-Centaur’ bound for lunar orbit. If you know otherwise, please do let me know. I read all the comments, and I super promise I won’t be offended.

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives