The Round-The-Moon Ship

The first trip to our moon will be without landing, in a ship designed to travel in space only, taking off near the Space Station and returning to it. Here the round-the-moon ship is some 240,000 miles from earth, 50 miles above the lunar surface. The large crater is Aristillus (diameter 35 miles); the other crater is Autolycus; the distant mountains are the lunar Apennines.

Man will Conquer Space Soon
Collier’s, March 22, 1953

Image credit: Collier’s
Image source: Mike Acs

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