On Feb 13, 3:12*am, Pat Flannery wrote:
Really strange version of the Surveyor lunar lander as seen in Life
Magazine in 1961:http://www.life.com/image/86744330/i...ly-beautiful-s...
This is way differnt from what finally got built, paticularly in regards
to what appear to be multiple mechanical arms (unless those are supposed
to be the landing legs)
Then there's the thing under the rocket engine nozzle; is that the
mounting of it to the upper stage of the rocket, or is it actually
supposed to land on that ring?

Pat

Pat,

My guess matches your first guess: The structure you commented on
looks a lot like a possible interstage mount. The big nozzle would
then make sense, because Surveyor did use a large round solid rocket
motor to do the initial braking. After burnout, it would be
jettisoned, and smaller engines handled the final descent and
landing.

Take care all . . .

John