Tag: Centaur

255-GRC-1991-C-09258

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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

Operations in 1978

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NOV 1 1972 

THIS SPACE SHUTTLE IS SCHEDULED TO START OPERATIONS IN 1978

Vehicle will make round trips ferrying men into orbit and the returning them to earth.

Image credit: North American Rockwell
Image source: Numbers Station

M.A.R.S.

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GENERAL DYNAMICS / ASTRONAUTICS artist’s conception of a three-man Manned Astronautical Research Station (MARS) in operation 200 miles above earth. The station in orbit would be linked to a spent Centaur vehicle. The two bodies would rotate about each other, the resulting centrifugal force providing the necessary artificial gravity.

Missiles and Rockets, Feb 10, 1964

Image credit: General Dynamics
Image source: Internet Archive