Back to photostream

a (BP14)_v_bw_o_n (S-65-15575)

“Boilerplate No. 14 Command Module on fifth level of H14-124 GSE (Ground Support Equipment) systems integration workstand Apollo Systems Integration and Checkout Facility, showing view through main access hatch of main display panel and Systems Manager’s couch. At left is seen the break-out box panel for systems checkout.”

 

Likely, originally a 1964 North American Aviation (NAA) documentation photograph taken at its Downey, California manufacturing plant.

Note the Block I capsule 'vertical' configuration of the pitch reaction control system thrusters directly above the hatch.

And, apparently the ‘Systems Manager” couch, aka Command Module Pilot (CMP) couch, is the only seating installed.

 

Per the “APOLLO SPACECRAFT FAMILIARIZATION MANUAL SM2A-02, dated 30 APRIL 1965, which is full of FANTASTIC Apollo Command Module information. DAMN:

 

BOILERPLATE 14/”HOUSE SPACECRAFT 1” resided at the North American Aviation (NAA) manufacturing plant in Downey, California. The boilerplate’s ‘purpose’ being a “developmental tool for use in developing spacecraft systems and preliminary checks in integrated systems compatibility.” Its ‘mission’ was as a “research and developmental tool for systems evaluation (static vehicle).” Awesome.

 

Above at/paraphrased from:

 

www.scribd.com/document/66107435/Apollo-Familiarazation-M...

Credit: Bob Andrepont/SCRIBD website…bravo!!!

 

Apparently, the eventual/final fate of this enigmatic ‘vehicle’ has been somewhat of a mystery:

 

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001192.html

 

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/001177.html

Both above credit: collectSPACE website

 

Who knew?!

Did you?

I didn’t!

3,099 views
12 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on April 10, 2021
Taken on April 10, 2021