Lunar Excursion Module Simulator

The Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (or LEMS) was a trainer used to simulate landing the Lunar Module on the moon. It was suspended from Langley Research Center's the Lunar Landing Research Facility, an A-frame steel structure 400 feet long and 230 feet high, over a simulated lunar surface and allowed the astronauts to familiarize themselves with the handling characteristcs of the LM.

The LEMS was initially fitted with a helicopter-type crew cabin, but this cabin was eventually replaced with a stand-up cabin, which offered better viewing for the pilot.

This multiple-exposure photo shows the LEMS' original helicopter-type cabin. The later, stand-up cabin was in use by the time astronauts such as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Shepard, and Jim Irwin were photographed in front of it. NASA Images also has two photos of the LEMS in use.

The outriggers for the reaction control system appear to have been removed from the LEMS for display purposes.