Now wtf would a life-form make use of something retro like a LEM (not made for use in atmospheres) and silly.. like hugely radioactive footpads?

Occam...

Kurt already explained this - perhaps on Tralfamador, they're a bit too used to Billy Pilgrim and Miss Montana Wildhack? It seems that zoos are a popular form of species infotainment, galaxy-wide. Now what shape vehicle would make good zoo transport?



But that LEM-thing - that's just gotta be a Martian-red Herring. I incline towards the view that, someone that day just put on The Wrong Trowsers
It's All in our minds.