This is an artist concept of the Apollo spacecraft in lunar orbit. Two of the three astronauts are shown transferring from the Command/Service Module to the Lunar Module. The Command/Service Module will remain in lunar orbit while the Lunar Module is on the surface.

(Above) Engeniers work to mount the lunar rover on the side of the Lunar Module.

The Lunar Rover was folded and stored in quad 1 of the Lunar Module with the underside of the chassis facing out.

Deploying the Rover:  One astronaut would climb the egress ladder on the LM and release the rover, which would then be slowly tilted out by the second astronaut on the ground through the use of reels and tapes.

As the rover was let down from the bay most of the deployment was automatic. The rear wheels folded out and locked in place and when they touched the ground the front of the rover could be unfolded, the wheels deployed, and the entire frame let down to the surface by pulleys.

The rover components locked into place upon opening. Cabling, pins, and tripods would then be removed and the seats and footrests raised.

FACT: On the Apollo J-missions the Lunar Module engine nozzle only had 30 centimeters of clearance from the ground.

(Above) This is a 1969 artist’s concept depicting the Apollo 11 Lunar Module descending to the surface of the moon.