a-a08 (CM-103)_v_bw_o_n (NAA photo no. 9FC-0021 (1) 'O', dated 1-24-67)
Based on the similarity of the overall view, the photo number & date, I presume this to be another fantastic view of Command Module 103 (CM-103) during assembly & testing at North American Aviation’s (NAA) Downey, CA facility. Possibly bldg. 290?
The dangling hoses from the fixture partially encircling the Command Module are all pneumatic, and interestingly - to me that is - five of them appear to lead into the spacecraft through the hatchway. In the companion photograph to this, they are hooked up to tanks/vessels visible within the exposed aft compartment, all Reaction Control System (RCS) related. So, I assume/d this ‘work station’ was to pressure test those tanks/vessels. If so, I wonder what pneumatic/high pressure, possible RCS connections are inside the crew cabin. Or maybe access to them is through the flooring? IDK, total SWAG.
Also, what I initially thought was the framework of the surrounding structure are the myriad of feed lines to each hose position!
Additionally, per an ‘H-Missions’ Command/Service Module News Reference, at:
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/CSM16_Reaction_Control_Subsystem_pp1...
which may or may not be applicable (I choose to think it is):
“The [CM reaction control] system consists of two independent, redundant systems, each containing six engines, helium and propellant tanks, and a dump and purge system. The two systems can operate in tandem; however, one can provide all the impulse needed for the entry maneuvers and normally only one is used.”
Note when compared to the companion photograph, which is of the opposite side of the capsule, the complete absence of any tanks. I first thought they had yet to be installed – WRONG, as shown in this very illustrative diagram.
Splitting the following diagram right down the middle; the right-hand side is what’s visible in this photograph & the left-hand side being what’s visible in the companion photograph:
sites.google.com/site/theapolloconnection/_/rsrc/14727686...
Credit: “The Apollo Connection” website
I ignorantly would’ve expected the components to be more equally distributed. I’m sure the placement/positioning is associated with weight/mass distribution, center of gravity & other possible ‘asymmetric’ properties of the CM. Fascinating.
A rare, obscure & stunning photograph that somehow fortunately survived.
a-a08 (CM-103)_v_bw_o_n (NAA photo no. 9FC-0021 (1) 'O', dated 1-24-67)
Based on the similarity of the overall view, the photo number & date, I presume this to be another fantastic view of Command Module 103 (CM-103) during assembly & testing at North American Aviation’s (NAA) Downey, CA facility. Possibly bldg. 290?
The dangling hoses from the fixture partially encircling the Command Module are all pneumatic, and interestingly - to me that is - five of them appear to lead into the spacecraft through the hatchway. In the companion photograph to this, they are hooked up to tanks/vessels visible within the exposed aft compartment, all Reaction Control System (RCS) related. So, I assume/d this ‘work station’ was to pressure test those tanks/vessels. If so, I wonder what pneumatic/high pressure, possible RCS connections are inside the crew cabin. Or maybe access to them is through the flooring? IDK, total SWAG.
Also, what I initially thought was the framework of the surrounding structure are the myriad of feed lines to each hose position!
Additionally, per an ‘H-Missions’ Command/Service Module News Reference, at:
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/CSM16_Reaction_Control_Subsystem_pp1...
which may or may not be applicable (I choose to think it is):
“The [CM reaction control] system consists of two independent, redundant systems, each containing six engines, helium and propellant tanks, and a dump and purge system. The two systems can operate in tandem; however, one can provide all the impulse needed for the entry maneuvers and normally only one is used.”
Note when compared to the companion photograph, which is of the opposite side of the capsule, the complete absence of any tanks. I first thought they had yet to be installed – WRONG, as shown in this very illustrative diagram.
Splitting the following diagram right down the middle; the right-hand side is what’s visible in this photograph & the left-hand side being what’s visible in the companion photograph:
sites.google.com/site/theapolloconnection/_/rsrc/14727686...
Credit: “The Apollo Connection” website
I ignorantly would’ve expected the components to be more equally distributed. I’m sure the placement/positioning is associated with weight/mass distribution, center of gravity & other possible ‘asymmetric’ properties of the CM. Fascinating.
A rare, obscure & stunning photograph that somehow fortunately survived.