Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: Mike Acs
Tag: Cornelius Ryan
Emergency!
- Inbound from space, a fast moving rocket ship noses down toward the earth, its crew alert – as always – for signs of danger. Disaster wont’ occur often on space, but rocketeers will be prepared: most of the paraphernalia shown in the cutaway sections of artist Fred Freeman’s picture is emergency equipment. To see how it is used, turn to Emergency!
- In emergency (as when broken porthole lets cabin pressure escape, as pictured), crew and passengers press buttons on chair arms; contour seats straighten automatically, capsules clap shut, seal. Capsules are connected to cabin pressure system, also have own pressure for bail-out. To abandon ship, men push another button. Capsules, guided by rails, are ejected by powder charge, drop safely into ocean with men inside. When possible, men will remain in ship, operating controls from within capsules, until they are close enough to earth to land normally.
- Emergency capsule is ejected from rocket ship with crewman inside, drops into sea. Speed is slowed by metal chute, impact is cushioned by small rocket in capsule base. The picture shows radar-equipped plane, rescue vessels converging on area to pick up crew members, two being slowed by rockets, and one (foreground) still so high rocket hasn’t blasted yet. Cutaway shows man in capsule, strapped to contour chair, with rocket and frozen under feet. Metal arms on base guide capsule during ejection.
How Man will Meet Emergency in Space Travel
Collier’s, March 14, 1953
Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: AIAA Houston
Emergency in Space Travel
Before space-going rocket tries out its power, it will undergo tow tests behind jet bomber. Crew will board it, try emergency procedures–including bail-out, shown above.
How Man will Meet Emergency in Space Travel
Collier’s, March 14, 1953
Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: AIAA Houston
620 Miles Above Mars
- Near wheel-shaped space station 1,000 miles from the earth, built especially for assembly of the Mars expedition, weightless workers put together 10 rocket ships required for the flight. Three of the huge space craft have torpedo noses which convert to planes for landing on the planet.
- The first landing party takes off for Mars. Two other landing planes will wait until runway is prepared for them, and then the remaining seven ships will stay in 600-mile orbit. Arms on cargo ships hold screenlike dish antennas (for communication), trough-shaped solar mirrors (for power).
Is there Life on Mars?
Collier’s, April 30, 1954
Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: AIAA Houston
Return Flight
After 15 month exploration, the Mars expedition prepares for return flight to earth. Two landing planes are set on tails, with wings and landing gear removed. They will rocket back to the 600-mile orbit on first leg of journey.
Is there Life on Mars?
Collier’s, April 30, 1954
Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: AIAA Houston
