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Proposed USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory, 1960. Creator: NASA
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Proposed USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory, 1960. Creator: NASA
Proposed USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory, 1960. Concept image of the United States Air Forces proposed Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) that was intended to test the military usefulness of having humans in orbit. The stations baseline configuration was that of a two-person Gemini B spacecraft that could be attached to a laboratory vehicle. The structure was planned to launch onboard a Titan IIIC rocket. The station would be used for a month and then the astronauts could return to the Gemini capsule for transport back to Earth. The first launch of the MOL was scheduled for December 15, 1969, but was then pushed back to the fall of 1971. The program was cancelled by Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird in 1969 after the estimated cost of the program had risen in excess of $3 billion, and had already spent $1.3 billion. Some of the military astronauts selected for the program then transferred to NASA and became some of the first people to fly the Space Shuttle, including Richard Truly, who later became the NASA Administrator
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Media ID 24045067
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Air Force Artists Impression Exploration Futuristic Heritage Space Laboratory Nasa Orbit Orbiting Research Space Space Exploration Space Shuttle Space Station Space Travel Spacecraft Spaceship United States Air Force Usaf
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This print showcases the proposed USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) in 1960, a visionary concept by NASA. The image depicts the United States Air Force's ambitious plan to explore the military applications of human presence in space. Designed as a two-person Gemini B spacecraft attached to a laboratory vehicle, this cutting-edge structure was intended to be launched aboard a Titan IIIC rocket. The MOL would have served as an orbiting station for approximately one month before astronauts returned to the Gemini capsule for their journey back to Earth. Initially scheduled for launch on December 15,1969, it faced several delays and setbacks that ultimately led to its cancellation by Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird in 1969. Despite its untimely demise, the MOL program left an indelible mark on space exploration history. Many military astronauts selected for this project transitioned seamlessly into NASA and played pivotal roles in pioneering endeavors such as flying the Space Shuttle. Notably among them was Richard Truly, who later became the esteemed Administrator of NASA. While financial constraints forced an end to this extraordinary venture after $1.3 billion had already been invested and projected costs exceeded $3 billion, it remains a testament to humanity's unyielding spirit of innovation and exploration beyond our earthly boundaries. This remarkable photograph serves as both a reminder of what could have been and inspiration for future generations dreaming of venturing further into outer space.
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