lunar excursion module, command/service module, carries 3 astronauts for most of trip. pilot remains in c/sm while the other 2 take the lem to the surface of the moon. the command module is the only part of the entire spacecraft to return to the earth. ascent stage, ferried 2 astronauts to the lunar surface and back. after lunar excursion and re-docking with the command-service module, the lem was abandoned to perpetual solar orbit or allowed to crash on the moon.
slag close pre-owned LEM