NASA Moon Program: Lunar Orbit Rendezvous (1962)
by Anonymous
NASA debated how to reach the Moon. John Houbolt championed Lunar Orbit Rendezvous despite initial ridicule. It required a smaller spacecraft, saving weight and money, making Kennedy's deadline achievable.
Lunar Orbit Rendezvous (LOR)
1962
year
Lightest — separate lander
spacecraft weight
High — orbital docking required
complexity
Chosen — Apollo succeeded in 1969
outcome
Direct Ascent (Nova Rocket)
1962
year
Heaviest — single massive rocket
spacecraft weight
Lower — no docking
complexity
Not chosen — rocket too large to build in time
outcome
Earth Orbit Rendezvous (EOR)
1962
year
Medium — assemble in Earth orbit
spacecraft weight
High — multiple launches per mission
complexity
Not chosen — too many launches
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
China: Deng Xiaoping's Economic Reforms (1978)
Reform and Opening Up vs Continue Maoist Economics vs Full Liberalization (Soviet-style)
Channel Tunnel: Rail Tunnel vs Bridge (1986)
Rail Tunnel (Chunnel) vs Suspension Bridge vs Bridge-Tunnel Hybrid
Schlieffen Plan: Germany's WWI Strategy (1914)
Modified Schlieffen Plan (Through Belgium) vs Defensive in West, Attack East
Suez Canal: Route Selection (1858)
Direct Sea-Level Canal vs Indirect Route with Locks
Emancipation Proclamation: Timing (1862-1863)
Wait for Victory, Then Proclaim vs Immediate Proclamation
Space Race: Kennedy's Moon Commitment (1961)
Moon Landing by End of Decade vs Space Station vs Mars Mission