1963 GRUMMAN PROTOTYPE LEM.

1963 GRUMMAN PROTOTYPE LEM.
Plastic and metal, 155 h x 200 w x 200 d, with two "United States" decals on the body, later custom base featuring Grumman logo and NASA meatball.

Grumman received the contract for the Lunar Excursion Module in 1962 and with the promise of a quick turnaround. This early proposal model (circa 1963), informally referred to as the "bug," shows the second proposed design with 5 legs, a round hatch, no ladder on the leg and large windows. Due to weight concerns, the design changed considerably along the way with the windows shrinking to small, triangular portals, the removal of seats, and a reduction of exterior protection to a bare minimum. We have not seen another example of a LEM model this early at auction.