Jamestown

Jamestown is the NASA base on the Lunar surface. It is designed to be a lunar settlement for astronauts on routine trips, to the moon. It is installed on the rim of Shackleton Crater, not far from the landing site of Seahawk, the Lunar module of Apollo 15.

It was launched by a modified Saturn V rocket. It landed on the Moon on October 12 1973. The four descent engines, located on the sides of the base, to help it land properly, were repurposed from the Lunar Modules, as were the RCS thrusters. It was first occupied by the crew of Apollo 21.

Features[edit | edit source]

Some special features of the base include a working shower and heated cup holders in the galley table. Snoopy decals are placed all over the lockers, with color coding for each astronaut to help keep track of their belongings. Rowing machines, resistance bands and pull up bars are provided for exercise to help fight bone and muscle loss in 1/6th gravity. This also allows astronauts to hop onto the top bunk without a ladder.

Lunar Regolith is spread on top of the base to help shield from radiation. A special air filtration system helps keep the lunar dust out of the station as the dust is harmful to the astronaut's lungs and electronic equipment.

Solar panels cover the roof to provide power to the base. They pivot 90 degrees vertically to catch the sun which is always on the horizon at the Lunar South Pole. In 1983, the solar panels were replaced with nuclear power.

Two side hatches are built into the walls of the base to attach modules for future expansion.

Crew[edit | edit source]

Apollo 21[edit | edit source]

Molly Cobb
Robert Crippen
Joseph Engle

Apollo 22[edit | edit source]

Apollo 24[edit | edit source]

Ellen Waverly (commander)

Expansion[edit | edit source]

Jamestown in 1983 prior to the Phase 3 expansion.

As of 1983 Jamestown has undergone two expansions, with the Phase III expansion being so large, and due to its radioactive payload, it had to be launched aboard the legendary Sea Dragon rocket, far out in the Atlantic Ocean. The Phase III expansion was controversial, after it was made public that the launch was carrying more plutonium for the base's nuclear power source. Crews were now known by their Jamestown Expedition numbers. Crews varied between 4 and 5 personnel.