This photo shows an early version of a planetary rover. Although technical reports have been found that describe a triple cab rover, none include this particular configuration. If you worked on this rover or can provide any details about it, please log in with your JPL username at left (if you have one) and post a comment.
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Mystery Photo - February 2012
February 29th, 2012Mystery Photo - January 2012 Solution
February 29th, 2012Photograph number P-10063A
On August 13, 1969 six Apollo astronauts (Bean, Carr, Conrad, Gibson, Irwin, and Scott) visited JPL and were briefed in building 179 about the Surveyor 3 lander that would be found on the surface of the Moon. In preparation for removing the camera and other spacecraft parts, several of them attempted to cut a piece of structural aluminum tubing and found that tin snips were inadequate for the job. Online photo albums contain more photos taken during this visit. (JPL Internal Access only. Log in with JPL user name and password.)
The consensus among people who commented on this photo: the astronauts are, from left to right, Pete Conrad, David Scott, and Alan Bean. Conway Snyder is in the background wearing a bowtie.
Mystery Photo - January 2012
January 31st, 2012Mystery Photo - December 2011 Solution
January 31st, 2012This July 1967 photo (375-937B) shows the ultra-high vacuum Molsink (Molecular Sink) chamber in building 82. It was designed to provide a nearly ideal simulation of the vacuum and cold sink of space for surface effects testing. The Molsink is partly disassembled, so you can see the liner bulkhead, Moltrap, inner liner, and the lower part of the external pressure vessel. The 1970 cutaway drawing below is photograph number 357-1321B.
For more information about the Molsink, see JPL TM 33-540 or TR 32-1446.