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Edited NASA image of AS-203 on 5 July 1966 which was a developmental launch for the Saturn IVB rocket.
Original caption: as-203 launch REF: Ind-a-1100-3 (MIX FILE)
NASA caption: The Apollo/Saturn AS-203 mission was an unmanned test of the S-IVB (second stage) and the Iu (instrument unit) of the Saturn V to obtain flight information under orbital conditions. The configuration of the Saturn IB was made to match the Saturn V as closely as possible. The two-stage launch vehicle boosted a payload consisting of the S-IVB, Iu, and a nose cone into a 188 km circular orbit with a period of 88.21 minutes and an inclination of 31.94 degrees. The S-IVB engine burned once in the Earth's atmosphere and then was shut down. The engine's capability to restart after coast was demonstrated. Flight information was obtained on venting and chill down systems, attitude and guidance control, thermal control, and performance of the propellant tanks. Two cameras were mounted to take photos to record the behavior of the liquid hydrogen fuel in the tanks. One of the cameras failed before launch, the other transmitted images to Earth. During the fourth orbit internal pressures built up in the S-IVB stage while a pressure differential test was being performed. The pressures built up well in excess of design values and the stage fragmented. However, all mission objectives were achieved.
(NASA) Caption source: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1966-059A
Robbie and I took off from work at about 12 today and used some of our banked hours to roll up on Hollyburn before the Olympics close the entire Cypress backcountry from Dec 01/2009 to March 08/2010. Seriously. WTF, VANOC, WTF?!
Anyway, neither of us had been out there before, but it was actually super awesome, and holy shit I love skiing. Did one lap on the backside through some untracked gnar before coming back up over and down towards the city again. Hahaha, even though the back was awesome, I think that I had an ever better time on the trip back, due to the tightness/steepness of it all - it really reminded me of ripping through the trees at Jasper with Becky and Andrew, just trying your best not to run into any trees and go as fast as you can... So awesome!
Days Skiing so far this winter: 4. Touring: 3.