a04 (AS-501)_v_bw_o_n (NAA publicity photo, 092167, A-120)
“PREPARING FOR REENTRY--Following separation of the command module from the service module, the reaction control system engines are ignited to turn the command module with the thickest part of the aft heat shield forward. The command module speed builds up to almost 25,000 miles an hour as it enters the earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of about 400,000 feet (76 miles). Apollo spacecraft command service modules are produced by North American’s Space Division, Downey, Calif., for NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center.”
Note the 'vertical' orientation of the negative pitch thrusters (shown firing) in the far left attitude depiction of the capsule, this being the Block I design of the Command Module.
In color, at the wonderful "HACK THE MOON" website, albeit with an incorrect description...unless it was indeed resurrected for Apollo 8:
wehackthemoon.com/sites/default/files/styles/hero_extra_l...
a04 (AS-501)_v_bw_o_n (NAA publicity photo, 092167, A-120)
“PREPARING FOR REENTRY--Following separation of the command module from the service module, the reaction control system engines are ignited to turn the command module with the thickest part of the aft heat shield forward. The command module speed builds up to almost 25,000 miles an hour as it enters the earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of about 400,000 feet (76 miles). Apollo spacecraft command service modules are produced by North American’s Space Division, Downey, Calif., for NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center.”
Note the 'vertical' orientation of the negative pitch thrusters (shown firing) in the far left attitude depiction of the capsule, this being the Block I design of the Command Module.
In color, at the wonderful "HACK THE MOON" website, albeit with an incorrect description...unless it was indeed resurrected for Apollo 8:
wehackthemoon.com/sites/default/files/styles/hero_extra_l...