Lunar Module 2 (LM-2)

Lunar Module 2 (LM-2) was the second production Lunar Module produced by Grumman. As an early vehicle, its configuration was changed around a bit, being alternately capable of being able to fly manned or unmanned; at one point, there were actually talks of having LM-2 launched and perform one burn unmanned, but then be manned for "additional activities."

However, the flight of LM-1 on AS-204 in January 1968 made all of this moot, as this first unmanned test flight of the Lunar Module was successful enough that it was decided to cancel the LM-2 flight and relegate the Lunar Module to a ground-testing regimen and next fly LM-3 on Apollo 9.

Shortly after the Apollo 11 landing, LM-2 was transferred to the Smithsonian, who loaned its ascent stage (along with the descent stage from LTA-8) to Japan for display at the 1970 World's Fair which it hosted. When it returned to the United States, the Smithsonian put it on display in their Arts and Industries Building before moving it to the National Air and Space Museum. Additional photos of LM-2 in the Arts and Industries Building can be seen in

• The 'old' National Air and Space Museum;
• So Where do You Park Your Lunar Lander?;
• and True Colors.

When I visited, LM-2 sat in an unfortunately high-traffic area of the Smithsonian, as it was in the hallway leading from the museum to the McDonald's restaurant attached to the museum.

The museum has subsequently moved the Lunar Module to the Milestones of Flight Gallery.

The Smithsonian has an article discussing the various locations at which LM-2 has been exhibited.

LM-2 is NASM catalog #A19711598000.

I have a number of Lunar Module-related resources.