Leonov 5: Aerobrake Prep

The next in the series of images by Drell-7 (drell-7.deviantart.com/) and myself portraying the spacecraft, Leonov, based on the description and parameters of Clarke’s 2010 novel, as opposed to the screenplay. In this image the craft speeds above Jupiter’s atmosphere, in final prep before performing the dramatic aerobrake maneuver. This configuration requires that the Leonov retract both the comm/instrument booms and the radiator panels so that they fit behind the shadow of the heat shield.

Art by Drell-7 (drell-7.deviantart.com/), design by Rob Caswell and Drell-7.