Apollo Lunar Module Descent Stage
Modularized Equipment Stowage Assembly
The Apollo Lunar Module descent stage Modularized Equipment Stowage Assembly (MESA) filled Quad I of the LM descent stage. In the G-Series mission (Apollo 11) and H-Series missions (Apollos 12, 13, & 14) it was packed with equipment needed to explore and study the lunar surface (camera and geology equipment, mainly). Later on the J-Series missions (Apollos 15-17) it also carried some parts of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, as well as supplies for extended lunar stay time by the LM crew (LiOH cans, PLSS batteries, etc.).
Click here to view a full list of the MESA contents for LM-5 (Apollo 11 “Eagle”).
The Mysteries of the MESA Revealed at last!!!
Above: Series of diagrams of the G- and J-Series MESA, and MESA Deployment
Above – right 4 photos are grainy B&W photos of the G- and H-Series MESA. Until recently these were the best images I could find of it.