saXX_v_bw_o_n (poss. MSFC photo, verso stamped 59Y2136 8)
A wonderful & rare photograph of possibly one of the earliest ‘clusterings’ of the Saturn I/C-1 first stage in Building 4705, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Based on the stamped ‘identification’ on the verso, possibly/probably taken in 1959. Not knowing the workflow of Saturn first stage clustering, the 70-inch RP-1/LOX tank(s) photographed could either be that/those of the initial mock-up or SA-T. I’d think it to be too early for it/them to be that/those of SA-1. I have no idea what the cylindrical segments in the foreground to the left are. It does make consider; were the 70-inch tanks also first assembled in Bldg 4705, prior to their actual clustering? Who knows.
Finally & delightfully, a first seen for me – a full-size cross-sectional ‘template’ of the S-I stage on the wall! It depicts not only the compartmented octagonal structure of the spider beam of the S-I stage, it even includes the transporter cradle…and…by dashed lines, its wheels! I only knew of the subsequent Saturn V S-IC stage template!
Outstanding.
8” x 10.5”.
saXX_v_bw_o_n (poss. MSFC photo, verso stamped 59Y2136 8)
A wonderful & rare photograph of possibly one of the earliest ‘clusterings’ of the Saturn I/C-1 first stage in Building 4705, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Based on the stamped ‘identification’ on the verso, possibly/probably taken in 1959. Not knowing the workflow of Saturn first stage clustering, the 70-inch RP-1/LOX tank(s) photographed could either be that/those of the initial mock-up or SA-T. I’d think it to be too early for it/them to be that/those of SA-1. I have no idea what the cylindrical segments in the foreground to the left are. It does make consider; were the 70-inch tanks also first assembled in Bldg 4705, prior to their actual clustering? Who knows.
Finally & delightfully, a first seen for me – a full-size cross-sectional ‘template’ of the S-I stage on the wall! It depicts not only the compartmented octagonal structure of the spider beam of the S-I stage, it even includes the transporter cradle…and…by dashed lines, its wheels! I only knew of the subsequent Saturn V S-IC stage template!
Outstanding.
8” x 10.5”.