Destination Moon

These are images from the movie Destination Moon based on the Heinlein novella of the same name, which is something like his earlier book Rocketship Galileo. Released in 1950, it is focused on the technology and strategy of a moon flight to the detriment of the dramatic elements of a good movie, but it is at least scientifically accurate. Most of the drama comes from the spectacle itself, but this makes for a more watchable movie than a one like Conquest of Space where gratuitous irrational conflict is thrown in to create a "human element". It is ironic that this movie depicts the first flight to the moon as a private venture by independent men who shun bureaucratic involvement. Unfortunately, this aspect was not a portent of future events.

The matte art for the movie was done by the renowned space artist Chesley Bonestell who was also science advisor for the film. The ship itself however, was designed by the movie's art director, Ernst Fegte'.

Destination Moon is copyright 2000 by Wade Williams.

This sequence shows detail of the tail, fin shapes, and the fin-tip pods.
Aft detail.
Aft detail
This is a nice shot of the fin shape showing the outlined control-surface shape and the "stinger" that comprises the the 4th fin.
Outline of the rocket shape
A model used in the movie by the engineers.
Builders use the model to describe their plan.
The model opens to reveal internal structure of the propulsion system.
Another view of the model.
The ship rests on the moon.
The outline of the ship as it floats in space.
Another profile against Chesley Bonestell's fantastic moon work.
Nothing can match those fine space suits of the 50's
No, its not this Destination Moon. This is one of the adventures of the comic book character Tintin. The rocket happens to have the same name - Luna. Tintin is copyrighted by Moulinsart, SA in Belgium.
Not only did they go to the moon, they explored it. A nice rocket shape, and nice space suits. Tintin is copyrighted by Moulinsart, SA in Belgium.

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last updated 10/11/01 srogers1@austin.rr.com