Note: this film was rescued from long term storage. It is not in perfect condition.

This silent film from NASA contractor General Dynamics entitled “Preliminary LEM EVA Experiment”, shows divers in a swimming pool or tank attempting to maneuver through a confined space with a simulated package. The test likely took place prior to 1967, when NASA stopped referring to the Apollo “Lunar Excursion Module” (LEM) and changed the name to the Lunar Module (LM). These tests were apparently intended to simulate the zero-G movement of astronauts and equipment from the Command Module (CM) into the LEM. At 5:29 and 9:29, a camera points through a glass window into the experimental tank, revealing how the film was made. At 8:37, a simulated package is moved through the simulated docking space, with the “astronaut” pulling the package behind him so as to minimize having his body in the way of the package. The shots at 14:50 show in detail how an astronaut might easily move equipment in zero gravity, using his legs as a clamp.

General Dynamics / Convair was one of the original three contractors to receive NASA funds to study the feasibility of the proposed Apollo Program.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com