HOME | DD
RobCaswell — Leonov 7: Heatshield Release
Published: 2010-08-26 17:08:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 4143; Favourites: 48; Downloads: 272
Redirect to original
Description
The seventh image of Arthur C. Clarke’s Leonov (from the novel, not the movie) by Drell-7 (drell-7.deviantart.com/) and myself is probably my favorite of the series. With the aerobrake complete, the Leonov discards its over-engineered, blackened aeroshell and vector’s towards Io and its rendezvous with the derelict Discovery. The shell’s jettisoned shroud lines writhe like fine metallic snakes, their function in stabilizing the large, ablative shield no longer required. What’s left is the Leonov’s configuration for the remainder of its mission. The observation deck windows are alight as the crew members try to get a glimpse of their still radiating “thermal umbrella”.Art by Drell-7 (drell-7.deviantart.com/) , design by Rob Caswell and Drell-7.
Related content
Comments: 15
Far more plausable that Syd Mead's idea - although that design was brilliant.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Syd's design was striking, but it definitely was not what the book described. Our goal was to stay true to Clarke - and true to Russian hardware design.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
And yer caught it with perfection!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Nice shot!
One quirky idea pops into my mind; what if there were some embers trailing off the fried heat-shield? It's just a thought...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I'm not sure it's prcatical, but it's is a cool visual idea!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Somewhere, and I can't recall where, it seems to me I've seen an image of a jettisoned heat-shield with little chunks flaking off it. I don't know if this was a NASA photo or a special effect. But it gave the impression of some movement.
Of course - it's also possible I've only imagined it 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Like I said, it's a cool visual... and I seem to remember seeing something like to it too.... or I just have a vivid imagination?...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Either way - it SHOULD be real
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
WEll Tom saw your suggestion and loved it, so who knows what pixels will sprout up in the next few days??
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Uhh... Of course I mean not your space fantasy personally, but the ones you'll often see here on Deviantart... Anyway, I assume you get the point?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Nice one. I really like these realistic designs. Space art with scientifically accurate ships is so much more fascinating than your standard space fantasy...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks! I couldn't agree more!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0