Lunar Orbit and Landing Approach
Evaluation and decommissioning
Evaluation and decommissioning
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Project LOLA was deemed impractical for the actual flight in lunar orbit, as it did not simulate the rendezvous with the [Lunar Excursion Module](/wiki/Lunar_Excursion_Module "Lunar Excursion Module") (LEM). The simulator was used by Apollo astronauts starting in 1964, but after [Apollo 11](/wiki/Apollo_11 "Apollo 11") it became evident that the simulator was not necessary. Project LOLA was decommissioned shortly after the end of the Apollo missions and was completely dismantled by 1978\.

According to the NASA statement from 1964, "LOLA was not built as a training device for astronauts but as 'a research tool with which NASA scientists can establish a fundamental understanding in the laboratory of the problems associated with the complex task of approaching the Moon and preparing for a landing on its surface.'"


How does the decommissioning of Project LOLA impact our understanding of lunar exploration?