LM&SS 1, 2, 3, 4

LM&SS docked with Apollo capsule [NASA]

LM&SS (Lunar Mapping and Survey System) was a lunar mapping module, which NASA developed in cooperation with NRO as a back up, in case Lunar Orbiter would not be able to deliver useful imagery of the lunar surface. It would have been launched with a manned Apollo capsule.

LM&SS was based on the military KH-7 Gambit-1 reconnaissance satellite. The reentry vehicle was replaced by a docking adaptor to dock with the Apollo capsule. LM&SS was to be carried in place of the Lunar Module. At the end of the mission, the film was to be retrieved by an astronaut through the docking adaptor.

In June 1965 Lockheed was selected to modify the KH-7 systems for use as the LM&SS. The first test flight in earth orbit was planned for December 1967. When Lunar Orbiter was proved to be successful, the program was cancelled in the summer of 1967. Four LM&SS modules were in various stages of production at this time and were put into storage.