LEM
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Lunar Excursion Module |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LEM stands for Lunar Excursion Module, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Two-stage spacecraft of the Apollo program that carried two astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface and back. Built by Grumman, the lander's descent stage stayed on the Moon as a launch platform while the ascent stage returned the crew to the command module.
Example: The LEM Eagle landed in the Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969, with about 25 seconds of fuel margin by some estimates.
Usage notes
NASA later dropped "Excursion" and officially called it the Lunar Module (LM), but astronauts and engineers still pronounced it "lem." On Apollo 13 the crew used the LM Aquarius as a lifeboat after an oxygen tank exploded. Six LMs landed on the Moon between 1969 and 1972.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- JD – Julian date (Julian Day number)
- JPL – Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- JWST – James Webb Space Telescope
- KBO – Kuiper belt object
- kpc – Kiloparsec
- LCDM – Lambda cold dark matter
- LEO – Low Earth orbit
- LISA – Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
- LOX – Liquid oxygen
- LSST – Legacy Survey of Space and Time
- ly – Light-year
- M – Messier object