Detroit evening times., 1942-06-14

it of a fused alloy suitably reinforced and
it is calculated that 1t will weigh two tons.
The pressure of this outer shell will make
IL necessary to make the ascent without ex-
ternal observation. This is no great hardship,
as 1t would be wise TO make any required
adjustments Of trajectory after the completion
Of the predetermined thrust period.
II is assumed that ground observation
would establish the components of the trajec-
tory and would communicate the required
corrections to the crew by photo-telephone,
as wireless radiation is not TO be depended
on beyond the 'ionosphere"
To help propel the ship. there are plans for
rotating it about its axis.
An additional advantage of axial rotation
lies in the fact that the centrifugal force set
up will simulate gravitation, which otherwise
would appear to the crew to be lacking. di-
rectly the thrust impulse ceased
The apparent lack Of any effective "gravi-
tation" would cause nervous and digestive
disorders. such as 10 produce acute nausea
rendering the crew poweress and probably
senseless.
Observation ports are provided axially for
wards, rearwards. and radialy A special op-
tical system has been developed TO provide an
apparently stationary image OF the field Of
view that would be revolving relative TO the
crew.
This system, which is really slow-motion
stroboscope has been demonstrated salts
factorily at South Kensngton Museum.
One hazard against which there would be
little or no safeguard. would be the risk of
colliding with one of the countless celestial
fragments. or meteorites travelling through
space. Such fragment might bring disaster
by puncturing the thin shell.
is fortunate that the low gTaVitatiOnal
potential Of the moon automatically implies
a very slow rate of fall, thus mitigating, in
part, the difficulties Of the final approach.
Owing to the complete absence of eroding
forces. the lunar surface will most probably
consist of Jagged splinters of rock intermingled
with fissures to such an extent as to render a
vertical approach the only possible successful
maneuver. The design, therefore provides six
shock absorber. retractable landing legs for
this purpose
Exit to the lunar surface is provided
through either of two arlocks situated at
each side of the ship Whilst on outside duty.
the crew would be provided with pressure
suits equipped with air regenerators. or reser-
voirs and with means of controlling internal
pressure and temperature.
Having seen all they could Of the moon.
and then decided that they wanted after all
to come back to earth, the tourists could dis
connect the under part of the vessel so that
it would become, in effect. a launching cradle.
The theory that an airplane can fly out
into space has been practically discarded.
has that fantastic theory of Jules Verne that
a huge bullet-like space ship shot from gun
would reach the moon.
Imagine the predicament of the space
navigator out Of the earths attraction. find
ing such bullet ship incapable of the velocity
needed to bring him into the moons range of
gravity.
He would be trapped in space-a mere
speck floating forever in vast void.
But the idea of a rocket ship-something
like a giant cigar, propelled by exploding :
rockets-has taken hold of scientists as a.
way Of getting past such a difficulty.
However. there are always the problems
created by the supposed state of affairs on
the moon Mighty craters as big as an English
county, no atmosphere to enable us to breathe
unless we took our air with us; complete lack
of water or moisture; and sky of inlxy black
ness all the time.
So even If we got there, life would not be
altogether delightful.