DSC-RX100M3
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Rare, complete unit manufactured by Grumman for the Apollo LM, the thin shield at the top of the spacecraft. Detail photos below.

The ‘dump valve’ in the upper hatch was designed to depressurize the LM cabin once the astronauts have donned their Portable Life Support System (PLSS) backpacks and spacesuits prior to opening the lower egress hatch for a moonwalk. The valve could also be used to equalize pressure in the docking tunnel. The hatch would swing inwards into the LM crew quarters, allowing the astronauts to pass through the docking tunnel between the LM and CM.

Early unit, circa 1967-1968, measuring 31.5″ x 43.5″ x 8″, with numerous part numbers stenciled in red, beginning with the “LDW280” prefix denoting Lunar Module. The front is marked “LDW280M10515-1” and “LDW280M10515-3,” with the hatch handle labeled “Unlock” and “Lock,” and the valve handle labeled “Dump Valve Access.” The reverse, which would face the interior of the spacecraft, has a black-and-yellow handle labeled, “Pull to Dump.” A separate instruction label reads: “Latch Operation: 1. To Lock—Push on handle and rotate CW to stop, 2. To Unlock—Push on handle and rotate CCW to stop.” At the top of the hatch is a folding handle marked, “Pull to Release.”

An artifact in the Future Ventures 🚀 Space Collection.

5 responses to “Apollo Lunar Module Upper Docking Tunnel Hatch”

  1. in place in the LM trainerand diagram labels of the same:External side: External Dump Valve HandleInternal Dump Valve and Door HandlesPart Number Stamps from Apollo:

  2. compare to early prototypeLunar Module Hatch PrototypeAnd the beefier CM Hatch on the other side of the docking tunnel: Apollo Command Module Forward Hatch

  3. With the relative thinness of the LM hatch shown in the pictures they only go to show the giant gonads Apollo astronaut carried when transiting to the moon. That said, even with the relative danger, I would have volunteered for the program too if I were old enough at the time. But instead, I watched the first moon landing from Houston with my 5 year mind full of excitement and wonder at the achievement. Definitely spent many days at Johnson Space Center too soaking up the information from all the displays, films, tours. Great time to be alive!

  4. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/vectrexer] yes, and it is lightweight as it never faces a pressure differential of more than 0.3 ATM to space (100% oxygen at 5psi). The dump valve on the door also keeps the pressure differential low during launch (the interior is at 1ATM before launch, and empties that air to space as it climbs).

  5. and a flight example from the book Apollo Remastered of the Apollo 17 LM at the conclusion of the surface activities, and before liftoff of the ascent stage. The helmets and suits are stored on the ascent engine cover below the sealed hatch.

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