Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!aplcen!wb3ffv!idsssd!bruce
From: bruce@idsssd.UUCP (Bruce T. Harvey)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Differences in appearance between shuttles
Summary: just a thought
Message-ID: <769@idsssd.UUCP>
Date: 22 Aug 90 18:22:58 GMT
References: <3316@syma.sussex.ac.uk>
Organization: In*sight Distribution Systems, Hunt Valley, MD
Lines: 28

In article <3316@syma.sussex.ac.uk>, andy@syma.sussex.ac.uk (Andy Clews) writes:
> ... a query on the Apollo command module. Several photographs that I
> have, show the Apollo CM in pre-flight status, as being a deep metallic
> blue colour. A few in-space pictures seem to confirm this. Is it true
> that they were blue? And why?

I'm not sure what the "blue" was (perhaps a protective coating similar to the
tape you pull off the "shiny" parts of your new stereo or answering machine ...
to protect from scratches).

I believe the Apollo Command/Service Modules, while represented as being
"white" were actually, when deployed and in service in the "ether," were
actually a mirror-like silver -- this being a thermal shield to help 
reflect most of the sun's energies.  FYI, the Lunar Module, being
mostly a paste-up that would make a Reynolds Aluminum salesman proud,
was protected using "gold" foil.  

The "blue" in space may have been a reflection of our good-ole orb,
(as Gene Wolfe puts it) Urth.

Netters, please point out my lies, if any.  But not to me.

bruce@idsssd.UUCP
-- 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce T. Harvey  {B-}> |                    ... cp1!sarin!wb3ffv!idsssd!bruce
System Software Dvlpmt | ... idssup!idsssd!bruce  -or- ...ctnews!idsssd!bruce
(301) 329-1100 -- x312 | In*sight Distribution Systems -Hunt Valley, MD 21031