“Space Logistics Vehicle”
Also, per Ed Dempsey (so you know it’s spot-on), and his posting of the image (linked below):
“Martin Co, art showing a sophisticated lifting body manned spacecraft with two astronauts going EVA.
From an optimistic time, when aeronautical engineers, basing much of their work off captured German WWII aeronautical data, were certain that most spacecraft would return to land on runways. Some were still convinced that they could develop engines that could land and takeoff from runways. The problems turned out to be a lot harder (and more expensive) to solve than they ever dreamed.
More recently, the Shuttle program has pretty much proven that such a spacecraft is still not practical. All the new spacecraft designs have returned to the modified ballistic reentry used in the 1960's. The lifting body concept is still valid. It has been flown by the US and Russia, but only as an experimental manned vehicle. Small, unmanned, lifting bodies have been ( and are being) flown into and out of orbit, but a runway to orbit and back manned vehicle still seems just out of reach.
Then again, who REALLY knows what goes on at shops like the Skunk Works and at Area 51?”
8.5” x 11”, on standard weight ‘printer paper’, which looks to be a ‘first generation’ copy of the magnificent original artwork by Frank R. DiPietro. Most importantly, this photo was graciously provided through the amazing generosity of Frank DiPietro, Mr. DiPietro’s son. A WIN+++++!!!!!
Multiple goodness going on in this masterpiece. Note the quad solid? rocket assist takeoff motors at the bottom aft of the vehicle. Also, what (to me) looks like a green, domed porthole/observation window at the upper starboard fuselage.
Then there are the small elevons on the two rudders, much like that of the M2-F1 lifting body. I don't know my lifting body lineage nor have the gumption to get smart enough to ascertain if they were considered, or if its subtle/clever artistic license. Either way, it's outstanding...along with no forward windscreen/window being visible. Maybe a/the protective panel/shield is jettisoned prior to re-entry, like that of the X-20 Dynasoar. Again, who cares! And the markings, colors, numbering...it's the whole visual package.
And finally, the Astronauts...although tethered, they're wearing 'mini-AMU's'. In fact, the exhaust plume of the nearer Astronaut's AMU is visible...and it's firing with NO HANDS-ON input! Plausible? NO. Dangerous? YES. TOO TOO COOL? HELL YEAH!
And to finish it off, the colorful & dynamic cosmic "void".
THANK YOU Frank R. DiPietro.
