255-GRC-1962-C-62090

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1962-C-62092

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1962-C-62093

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1962-C-62088

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1962-C-62089

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1962-C-62094

Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives

255-GRC-1991-C-09258

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

Power Tower – 1984

This is an artist’s conception of the proposed “Power Tower” space station configuration, shown with the Japanese Experiment Module attached. This model and several others were examined before deciding on the Space Station Freedom structure that was later abandoned in favor of the International Space Station.

Image credit: NASA
Image source: NASA on The Commons

NASA 69-HC-1099

Image credit: NASA
Image source: National Archives