Von Braun Round-The-Moon Ship

In 1953, Collier's magazine presented a series of articles outlining America's future space exploration, including trips to the moon and Mars. These concepts, primarily from rocket pioneer Dr. Werner Von Braun, were beautifully illustrated by Chesley Bonestell. Before a manned moon landing, Von Braun envisioned lunar survey missions to find suitable landing sites. The 'Round-the-Moon' ship, carrying a crew of three, would launch from a large, wheel-shaped space station and orbit the moon, using its gravity to return to Earth. The Apollo 13 crew used a similar 'free return' trajectory. The ship's distinctive, open design was later used by Lindberg Line Models for their U.S. Moon Ship kit, released in 1958, without credit. Models & Model Kits are typically supplied unpainted and unassembled.