How did the lunar lander and the service module manage to dock if they actually docked head on?

Question

The service module was like a cone and the docking hatch was at its peak. On the lunar landing module the docking hatch was on the very side pointing towards the space . Is it possible for two space crafts to dock while moving in opposite directions , especially when they have to dock heads on?
Was there enough fuel on the lunar lander to make it back up from the face of the moon and manage a difficult maneuvre to dock?

one information about the lunar landing on the wikipedia claims that the fuel on the lander would be fine for less than a minute to make it back to the service modul.

Answer 1

You are mistaken in your description. The Service module was the long white cylinder upon which the Command Nodale sat at one end the rocket engine bell was located at the other.
Yes the docking equipment/port was located in the nose og the command module. The docking port for the Lunar Module was located at the top of the craft. If the craft were setting on its legs the ascent module sat on top of the descent stage. The ascent module had the docking bay located in it ceiling (top). You may have been refering to the docking visual aids such as the hy-gain antenna that was aligned with the calibrations in the CM window to aid the astronauts in the precise docking of the two vehicles.
Even though the fuel was used up in the ascent maneuver from the Moon the ability to move and dock was from the thrusters built onto the outside of the (looks like little rocket engines in a plus sign configuration). These enabled the crew of the LM to turn, yaw, thrust forward, ect. in order to dock with the CM. Once the CM and LM were docked the LM would begin to pressurize to the tunnel hatch could be opened. The lunar lander crew would then transfer computer platform from the LM to the CM's computers
Next the load of Moon rocks and tools and equipment would be transfered.
Once back in Earth orbit the tunnuel is closed between the two ships and the LM is then jettisoned into space. Once the crew is ready to reenter Earth's atmosphere the CM (command module) is jettisoned into space.
The only part that will return is the command module.

Answer 2

I believe you're in error, the lunar lander had the docking hatch on top. Both the Service Module and the Lunar lander have very tiny maneuvering rockets on the sides, if you look really close at some close-ups, you'll see tiny cones about the size of your fists on the sides of both units, in pairs or quads. These helped maneuver the two together. The main rocket at the back of each isn't the only rocket on them. LOL.
The lunar lander came up and orbited in the same direction as the SM, otherwise the speed differential would have been so great, they would have burned up all their fuel to slow one down to dock. It's impossible to dock from opposite directions with current ( or past ) technology, anyway. They'd have to overcome TWICE the orbital velocity. Once the Lunar module reached orbit, it could spin around in any direction to dock with the service module, it isn't like a car having to turn around in a driveway, it can spin on it's own axis.
Obviously there was enough fuel to lift off and dock, or there'd be dead astronauts orbiting the Moon or earth. That's why they have planners in the space program, in addition to astronauts. Astronauts only make up a FRACTION of the employees and scientists it takes to get a rocket to the moon and back ( in one piece, on time, with fuel to spare ). They're just the ones you see on TV. - The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 3

The docking hatch on the LM was on the top of the ascent stage, not the side, and it was the command module that was conical.

As to docking travelling in different directions, they are not travelling in opposite directions. They are both travelling in the same direction at slightly different speeds. Relative to each other they are moving at only a few feet per second, so why should there be a problem docking? If you're driving along a road at 70mph, how hard is it for you to maintain a set distance from the car in front?

As for there being enough fuel, of course there was. Do you have any reason to suppose there wasn't?

Answer 4

The LM had two hatches - a docking hatch, and an EVA hatch. The docking hatch was on the top, and there was a small window the astronaut could look out of to make sure he was lined up with the Command module - altho, it was the guy in the CM that actually did the docking.

The LM's job was simply to bring the boys back into orbit, and it was the CM's job to perform the docking.

Answer 5

I fail to see why you think the manuever was a problem. Was there enough fuel? Duh.

"Oops, sorry Commander Armstrong, we didn't bring enough fuel to dock...you and Aldrin will have to remain in lunar orbit."

Answer 6

Wake up people. Space has freezing temperatures. The equipment would freeze. Space exploration above low orbit is a hoax. The money is being spent on weapons and spy equipment that is used here on earth.

Answer 7

They were heading head-to-head while docking.
Was there enough fuel??? I guess so. They did it like 6 times.