a_v_c_o_AKP (NAA photo no. 7008-86-248A, S-65-06619 eq, 6-16-65)
The unique appearance/configuration of the ½ Command Module on the right has been ingrained in my memory for…as long as I can remember…since 1965 I suppose. I’ve always considered it to be kind of abstract. And, despite its distinctive & memorable (to oddballs such as myself) appearance, I’ve never found a satisfactory description associated with it.
The first two of the following links depict the prevalently reproduced image (P-286) I grew up seeing. And, based upon discernible ‘patterns’ in it & the one in my photo, I’m pretty sure they’re one-in-the-same. The associated description therein is as follows:
“Oven-freezer tests CM structural strength by roasting one side at 600° while dousing other side with liquid nitrogen at 320° below zero.”
Additionally, based upon the photo’s placement within the overall text, I also assume that these photos were taken in North American Aviation’s “Structural Test Facility”. However, the subsequent/associated descriptive text pertaining to the facility doesn’t seem to be represented in my photo. Not that that means anything:
www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/alsj/CSM_N...
An extract from the above:
www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/alsj/CSM24...
The same image was featured on the cover of North American Aviation Inc.’s “SKYLINE” magazine, Volume 23, Number 2, 1965. Its associated description:
“Combination oven-refrigerator is used in Apollo module environmental tests at Downey, California.”
Further, within the lengthy article “APOLLO: THE YEAR TO GET READY”, under a section titled “Avco’s Amazing Shield” is the following:
“The tasks confronted by the Avco/RAD engineers for ground testing the ablative heat shield are monumental. It is impossible, at this time, to duplicate simultaneously the heat, the pressure, and gas envelope conditions that will be encountered in the 2000-second re-entry.
Avco’s test approach has been to bury thermocouples in two-foot specimens of ablative material, then bring the temperature up to 5000°F level with radiant lamps. As the test proceeds, the engineers get a series of reading from the buried thermocouples, and they know the recession rate of the charring material on the surface. The data from this is compared with an analytical model devised on a computer. From this comes assurance.
Avco’s task is to block the 5000°F exterior heat that tries to pass through the hottest part of the heat shield and tame it down within a few inches to an acceptable 600°F at the thin-skinned face of the inner-crew compartment. At that surface the North American Space engineers pick up the challenges in distortion of metal. They may have, simultaneously, heat on one side, frigid cold on the outer.
To prove the strength of the material the engineers have devised a new test tool, a combined furnace and refrigerator that sears the base of the module with radiant heat at 600°F while cascading liquid nitrogen down the far side of the capsule at temperatures of -320°F.
So…I’ve italicized the common & applicable verbiage that’s also contained within the previous articles.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how the above correlates with what I’m seeing in my photo. Obviously, the capsule on the right has a bunch of heating elements that are “on”. However, they’re mounted on the interior. I would’ve expected them to be on the exterior, no??? And, both the base & wall of the capsule appear to be being heated…simultaneously. To replicate reentry conditions? Does the plumbing(?) visible to the immediate right/slightly behind the capsule introduce the liquid nitrogen??? Or is it just part of the support structure???
Also, on a separate note and neither here nor there, I originally thought the capsule on the left was possibly dedicated to the cold testing. However, upon closer inspection, it appears to have the same physical components, i.e. heating elements, that are merely “off”. Maybe it’s the backup unit?
So - to me - the ‘mechanics’ of what’s going on here – even now – continues to be as clear as mud.
The photograph was also featured in the wonderful book “The NASA Archives: 60 Years in Space”, by Piers Bizony:
nerdist.com/article/taschens-nasa-archives-history-space-...
Credit: “Nerdist” website
Last & definitely LEAST, the image, reversed left-to-right, can be found here. Stupid, arrogant, greedy & incompetent Boeing dolts…ALL of which are applicable descriptors at whatever levels. C'mon...a cursory visual scan of the image readily reveals numerals painted on the supporting structure/girder(s) in the background, providing a “DUMBY-PROOF” clue as to CORRECT photo reproduction. Or so one would’ve thought. Then again...nah:
secure.boeingimages.com/asset-management/2F3XC5HRGDN?&...
A striking & rare photograph, in excellent condition, with superior gloss.
a_v_c_o_AKP (NAA photo no. 7008-86-248A, S-65-06619 eq, 6-16-65)
The unique appearance/configuration of the ½ Command Module on the right has been ingrained in my memory for…as long as I can remember…since 1965 I suppose. I’ve always considered it to be kind of abstract. And, despite its distinctive & memorable (to oddballs such as myself) appearance, I’ve never found a satisfactory description associated with it.
The first two of the following links depict the prevalently reproduced image (P-286) I grew up seeing. And, based upon discernible ‘patterns’ in it & the one in my photo, I’m pretty sure they’re one-in-the-same. The associated description therein is as follows:
“Oven-freezer tests CM structural strength by roasting one side at 600° while dousing other side with liquid nitrogen at 320° below zero.”
Additionally, based upon the photo’s placement within the overall text, I also assume that these photos were taken in North American Aviation’s “Structural Test Facility”. However, the subsequent/associated descriptive text pertaining to the facility doesn’t seem to be represented in my photo. Not that that means anything:
www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/alsj/CSM_N...
An extract from the above:
www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/alsj/CSM24...
The same image was featured on the cover of North American Aviation Inc.’s “SKYLINE” magazine, Volume 23, Number 2, 1965. Its associated description:
“Combination oven-refrigerator is used in Apollo module environmental tests at Downey, California.”
Further, within the lengthy article “APOLLO: THE YEAR TO GET READY”, under a section titled “Avco’s Amazing Shield” is the following:
“The tasks confronted by the Avco/RAD engineers for ground testing the ablative heat shield are monumental. It is impossible, at this time, to duplicate simultaneously the heat, the pressure, and gas envelope conditions that will be encountered in the 2000-second re-entry.
Avco’s test approach has been to bury thermocouples in two-foot specimens of ablative material, then bring the temperature up to 5000°F level with radiant lamps. As the test proceeds, the engineers get a series of reading from the buried thermocouples, and they know the recession rate of the charring material on the surface. The data from this is compared with an analytical model devised on a computer. From this comes assurance.
Avco’s task is to block the 5000°F exterior heat that tries to pass through the hottest part of the heat shield and tame it down within a few inches to an acceptable 600°F at the thin-skinned face of the inner-crew compartment. At that surface the North American Space engineers pick up the challenges in distortion of metal. They may have, simultaneously, heat on one side, frigid cold on the outer.
To prove the strength of the material the engineers have devised a new test tool, a combined furnace and refrigerator that sears the base of the module with radiant heat at 600°F while cascading liquid nitrogen down the far side of the capsule at temperatures of -320°F.
So…I’ve italicized the common & applicable verbiage that’s also contained within the previous articles.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how the above correlates with what I’m seeing in my photo. Obviously, the capsule on the right has a bunch of heating elements that are “on”. However, they’re mounted on the interior. I would’ve expected them to be on the exterior, no??? And, both the base & wall of the capsule appear to be being heated…simultaneously. To replicate reentry conditions? Does the plumbing(?) visible to the immediate right/slightly behind the capsule introduce the liquid nitrogen??? Or is it just part of the support structure???
Also, on a separate note and neither here nor there, I originally thought the capsule on the left was possibly dedicated to the cold testing. However, upon closer inspection, it appears to have the same physical components, i.e. heating elements, that are merely “off”. Maybe it’s the backup unit?
So - to me - the ‘mechanics’ of what’s going on here – even now – continues to be as clear as mud.
The photograph was also featured in the wonderful book “The NASA Archives: 60 Years in Space”, by Piers Bizony:
nerdist.com/article/taschens-nasa-archives-history-space-...
Credit: “Nerdist” website
Last & definitely LEAST, the image, reversed left-to-right, can be found here. Stupid, arrogant, greedy & incompetent Boeing dolts…ALL of which are applicable descriptors at whatever levels. C'mon...a cursory visual scan of the image readily reveals numerals painted on the supporting structure/girder(s) in the background, providing a “DUMBY-PROOF” clue as to CORRECT photo reproduction. Or so one would’ve thought. Then again...nah:
secure.boeingimages.com/asset-management/2F3XC5HRGDN?&...
A striking & rare photograph, in excellent condition, with superior gloss.