Replicas of Apollo Spacecraft: From Functional to Non-Functional

The American space program has a rich history, with one of the most celebrated eras being the Apollo missions. While NASA's collection includes intact spacecraft in museums like the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, a few dedicated builders and creators have sought to bring the spirit of these missions to life through replica models. However, this can be categorized into functional and non-functional replicas, with a significant subset being used for movies and museum displays.

Non-Functional Replicas for Film and Propry

For those who have seen the film Apollo 13, they may be familiar with the highly accurate replica of the Apollo Command Module and Lunar Module interior sets. These were built by Spaceworks, a division of the Kansas Cosmosphere Space and Rocket Center, which also houses the actual flown Apollo 13 Command Module. These replicas were meticulously crafted to mirror NASA's Apollo hardware, ensuring every detail was as authentic as possible. However, to accommodate filming needs, certain adjustments were made. For instance, the main control panel was enlarged to allow for camera placement, and some sets were even filmed aboard a KC-135 zero-gravity trainer to ensure the scenes were filmed as realistically as possible.

Role of Spaceworks in Apollo Replicas

Spaceworks, a key player in the reproduction of Apollo hardware, has also contributed to other space-related productions. They were responsible for the space suits used in the film, which, while not including the full pressure garments, were air-tight and required a ventilation system for actors wearing them with helmets on.

The company's expertise extends beyond film props. They have also worked on museum displays, crafting non-functional replicas that serve as educational tools. One notable example is the unfinished Lunar Module at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, which was fitted out to be externally complete. Additionally, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC houses an actual Lunar Module (LM-2) that, when modified, replicates the appearance of the Apollo 11 lunar module.

Museum Exhibits and Dedicated Builders

In the realm of museum exhibits, some dedicated individuals have taken on the task of creating replicas. One such individual is Steven Brower, who built a replica of the Apollo Lunar Module Ascent Stage for the Museum of Flight in Seattle. This replica was not built to be functional but served as an educational tool, providing visitors with a close look at what the LM might have looked like during the Apollo missions.

Additionally, the Museum of Flight has a Command Module (CM007A) that was originally used for ground testing by NASA. This CM was restored by Spaceworks, who meticulously restored the interior cockpit and control panels to ensure historical accuracy. Such efforts by dedicated builders and museums not only preserve the memory of these extraordinary missions but also provide a touch of the past for future generations to see and learn about.

Other Exhibits Globally

Replicas and reproductions of Apollo CM and LM spacecraft can be found in various museums and institutions worldwide, not just in the United States. In Europe and Japan, institutions are committed to maintaining this legacy by creating scale reproductions that provide insights into the history and technology of space exploration.

An online search can reveal more details and the locations of such exhibits. Whether you are in the US, Europe, or Japan, there are plenty of places where the spirit of the Apollo missions lives on, whether through actual flight articles, dedicated replicas, or other educational tools.