View allAll Photos Tagged commandmodule
Space and space missions fascinate me. I went to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. A lot is currently under reconstruction, less than half is on display. I was fascinated by the Apollo mission. The museum has the Apollo 11 Command Module that returned from the first manned lunar landing mission in July 1969, here taken with a fisheye lens. Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins were launched from Cape Kennedy atop a Saturn V rocket.
I processed a balanced and a paintery HDR photo from a RAW exposure, blended them selectively, and carefully adjusted the curves and color balance. I welcome and appreciate constructive comments.
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-- ƒ/4.0, 12 mm, 0.3 sec, ISO 800, Sony A7 II, Rokinon 12mm F2.8, HDR, 1 RAW exposure, _DSC7259_hdr1bal1pai5d.jpg
-- CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, © 2025 Peter Thoeny, Quality HDR Photography
Apollo-Soyuz Command Modules (docked). The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, also called the NASM, is a museum in Washington, D.C. It holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. (12/12/2016).
“Skylab III Pacific Recovery Area -- U.S.S. New Orleans -- Scuba diver prepares to right spacecraft in the eight foot seas during recovery. A two-stage Saturn IB rocket carrying the Skylab 3 astronauts Alan L. Bean, Commander, Dr. Owen K. Garriott, Science Pilot, and Jack R. Lousma, Pilot, were launched to the orbiting Skylab at 7:11 a.m. E.D.T., July 28, 1973 at 6:20 p.m. E.D.T. about 362 kilometers (225 statue miles) southwest of San Diego, CA. The second Skylab mission of 59 days was man’s longest mission to date.”
So, the CM was initially in ‘Stable II’ (apex down) position upon splashdown. However - despite what the caption says - the UDT guys surely weren’t at it as it was flipping over to ‘Stable I’, were they??? If so, damn! I Then again, they’re “precursor SEALs”, so maybe?
Unfortunately, the quality of the video I’ve come across of the recovery operation is so shitty, it’s difficult to make out anything other than the capsule and helicopters. Take a look:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Ns-9HbA20&t=934s
Credit: yg1968/YouTube
Apollo-Soyuz Command Modules (docked). The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, also called the NASM, is a museum in Washington, D.C. It holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. (12/12/2016).
A beautiful montage of North American Aviation (NAA)/North American Rockwell (NAR/NR) products, by incredibly talented NAA/NAR/NR artist, Henry Lozano Jr.
Although the work depicts scenes & products during the earlier NAA “period”, I don’t think Mr. Lozano was with them yet. Not that it’s a definitive or accurate yardstick - but in lieu of much else to go on WRT Mr. Lozano’s career timeline - the earliest work of his at the Department of the Air Force Art Collection website is from 1968…so I went with that as the left end of the date range estimate. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Odd that something that obviously highlights successful or at least cutting edge & dramatic achievements would - rather prominently at that - feature the crew of Apollo 1; Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee…when it was a flawed NAA product & workmanship that caused their tragic deaths.
~7" x 10". Lower edge has been meticulously hand trimmed. In excellent condition.
I had some time during the day while at NASA to visit the Kennedy Space Center. Inside was the insanely huge Saturn V rocket. It's one of those things that would hurt like hell if you dropped it on your toe.
The shuttle only has one more launch before it is forever mothballed, like this... The final launch of the Atlantis is on July 8, the first day of my 40th revolution around the sun. That's kinda cool I think...
- Trey Ratcliff
Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.
July 20th 1969 at 20:17 UCT the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle with Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed on the surface of the moon and for one brief moment humanity was one.
A beautiful artist’s concept of an earth-orbiting Apollo Applications Program (AAP) configuration, possibly of an experimental micro-gravity biology module…maybe… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯…docked to the Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM).
The scientist-astronaut seems – I think – to be using a snazzy microscope of some sort, although I’m having some perspective issues regarding it, to include what the large rectangular component with the conical appendage is being used for. Photomicrography? And how it correlates with the other components in the immediate vicinity, which may include dual/binocular eyepieces?
Note also the item that looks like a bubble helmet on the half shelf to the left of the scientist-astronaut. I think I see the vague, barely perceptible features of a human head inside it. Do you see it??? GOOD GOD, what kind of unholy experiments were under consideration?!? 😲😉
And, I can’t seem to identify the rough, textured, metallic(?)…’mass’ depicted on the other side of the module, across from the scientist-astronaut. And, it looks like there’s a fixed stool in front of it.
Based on the strong similarity of this CSM to that in another work I’ve linked to below, which is also from this series of works (based on photo ID no. sequence), I really think it, and this one is by Raymond Bruneau. That other one has the letters “RB”, with an arrow adjacent to it, depicted as if it were part of the surface markings on the exterior of the Service Module. That, and the fact that Mr. Bruneau chose to use actual photographs of the earth in a number of his earth orbit depictions, such as this one, gives me confidence in my identification.
Finally, although I haven’t been able to find a match from the exemplars available online, I’m sure the Neil Armstrong signature is an autopen.
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.
“The Apollo 16 Saturn V space vehicle stands alone after the Mobile Service Structure was removed from Pad A at Launch Complex 39 today during the “wet” or fueled portion of the Countdown Demonstration Test. The week-long CDDT is conducted as a dress rehearsal for the actual countdown. During CDDT, all major spacecraft systems and ground support equipment are verified in preparation for the launch of astronauts John W. Young, Thomas K. Mattingly II and Charles M. Duke, Jr., to the Moon, scheduled for no earlier than April 16, 1972. The astronauts participated in the “dry” or unfueled portion of the CDDT, monitoring spacecraft systems in the same manner as they will on launch day.”
Note the multiple remotely operated cameras, mounted at the different levels, along the left side of the LUT. Also, the parked (and railed) triangular flame deflector in the immediate background.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – because it’s true - the image quality, resolution & ‘richness’ of so many of these vintage black & white NASA photographs is exquisite. Although maybe a little heavy on the contrast, this is gorgeous. I mean…just look at the resolvable detail…further facilitated by my considerate & generous 1200 dpi scan.
Not to mention, this is a rarely seen “head & shoulders portrait” perspective of Apollo 16 on the pad.
“APOLLO 10 ERECTION----The first (S-1C) stage of the Saturn 505 launch vehicle being prepared for erection in the high bay area of the Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building. Saturn 505 is the launch vehicle for the Apollo 10 mission.”
Okay, so this parking of “non-flight” CSM/SLA stacks - off to the side(s) - of the VAB transfer aisle, over the years, has always been somewhat confusing, to me at least, with regard to identification.
None more so than in this photograph.
I’m thinking M-11 is to the rear. If so, then what the hell is the nearer one? Further confounding matters is that - to me - the length of the foreground SM is truncated. It actually looks like the forward-most circumferential ring/panel(s) has/have been removed, thus also exposing a wider than ‘normal’ sized gap between CM & SM. What was that gap about anyhow???
Talking about SMs, they appeared to come totally sans, partially or fully equipped with RCS quads, evident here. Which configuration went with what CM??? Was there interchangeability? What determined the configuration?
HOLY COW! FANTASTIC:
www.capcomespace.net/dossiers/espace_US/apollo/vaisseaux/...
Credit: The consistently amazing "CAPCOM ESPACE" website
“APOLLO”
A wonderful ca. 1963 NASA artist’s concept of the Apollo spacecraft configuration (atop a Saturn C-5/Advanced Saturn), and the evolution of Apollo missions.
I really think the markings just above the “LUNAR EXCURSION MODULE” callout to be the signature of the artist. Unfortunately, the inherently insufficient resolution of the image prohibits resolving it.
A final futile hurrah, primarily for my own edification & catharsis, since my recent posting of the CM-009 recovery photo opened up this old wound.
Since 1967, NASA - and quite literally – EVERYONE has identified/propagated the Command Module that was on display at Expo ’67 as being CM-011, flown during the AS-202 mission.
I CANNOT any more conclusively & comparatively demonstrate that this is WRONG. It’s been wrong for FIFTY-EIGHT (58) years, and counting.
Upon even only a cursory look at my montage, it’s OBVIOUS that it was CM-009, flown during the AS-201 mission. And yes, the red-box highlighted “UNITED STATES” & U.S. flag on CM-011 corresponds to those on CM-009.
HOW HAS THIS BUFFOONERY BEEN PERPETUATED FOR THIS LONG?
INEXPLICABLE.
MIND BLOWING.
AND, TO ME, INEXCUSABLE.
As a slightly surreal & mildly sad example, I’m compelled to provide the following:
share.google/lBTKJArlWmpfUQE0S
Credit: “NASA Spaceflight” website/forum
Huh??? Potent Koolaid indeed. And consider the poor bloak’s consequently misinformed dad.
It’s like I’m living a rejected episode of the “Twilight Zone”, as I seem to be the only one that’s caught this, and frankly, the only one that evidently cares…with several NASA individuals having dismissed me several years ago when I naively attempted to bring it to their attention. “Hinge Thunder” anyone?
Some light fiction:
share.google/Zd3CKpemSwswVqGXK
share.google/6a6Cg7oyIY1gHRCCJ
Doesn’t an accurate historical record matter, even if it’s now a moot point?
Finally…potentially disconcerting is the fact that both CM-009 & CM-011 were subsequently used in land drop-tests. Were they correctly identified then?
Extrapolating further, are the two capsules correctly identified at their respective display sites?
Images used in the montage are from my personal collection, DVIDS, Ed Hengeveld's post to the "Space Hipsters" FB group: www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=7223350381062132&set=...
...some NASA site, and a nameless photo "pay-to-play" site.
Side view of a reentry command module as seen on display at the Los Angeles Aerospace Museum---dolled up with Lightroom pre-set colors.
“MID-PACIFIC RECOVERY AREA—The Apollo 4 spacecraft, its heat shield blackened by temperatures exceeding 4,000 F., is lowered to its cradle after recovery by the carrier USS Bennington. The unmanned spacecraft launched from Cape Kennedy, Fla., last Thursday ended an eight and one half hour flight with a Pacific Ocean splash down approximately 275 miles northeast of Midway Island.”
A surprisingly good caption/description.
With a dearth of comparable/available imagery to go on…in fact, the only image I came across that’s similar & linked to below, this shows BP-26 being mated to the SA-8/AS-104 launch vehicle on Launch Complex 37B (LC-37B).
The radial configuration of the forward restraint straps of the Pegasus B/Pegasus 2 (micro)meteoroid detection satellite can be seen inside the cavity of the Command Module. I think the squarish structure to be two of the stowed/folded solar panels of the satellite.
Note: The above corrected description is based on input below. An obvious & total bonehead blunder on my part.
Despite having seen better days, the photograph has retained its gloss and is of amazing resolution.
Television footage of Pegasus 1 deployment:
Credit: Retro Space HD/YouTube
Taken in Pensacola, Florida, USA at the National Museum of Naval Aviation. This particular Command Module was used for the Skylab II mission flown by an all-Navy crew. It was a 28-day mission to the orbiting Skylab space station in May-June 1973.
Another masterpiece artists’ concept of an early LEM/CSM design (ca. 1962), depicting the Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) burn of the Command/Service Module Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine. The shading, dramatic lunar terrain and overall attention to detail is amazing. Unparalleled artwork.
Kudos to Ludwik Źiemba and William A. Collopy.
8.5" x 11".
William A. “Bill” Collopy, an unexpected WIN:
starherald.com/william-a-collopy/article_936831fc-6037-58...
Credit: Star Herald website
And since the above link is likely tenuous, its content:
“SCOTTSBLUFF - William A. 'Bill' Collopy, 78, of Scottsbluff died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, at Regional West Medical Center comforted by his wife, Kay.
A memorial service was held Jan. 31 at the First Church of God in Scottsbluff with the Rev. Curtis Germany officiating. Abiding by Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place at the Jolliffe Funeral Home in Scottsbluff…
…Bill was born Dec. 10, 1927, in Scottsbluff, to Francis John and Maude Rutz (Amalia) Collopy. He received his education in the Scottsbluff Public School System graduating from Scottsbluff High School, and continued at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, as well as attending the Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff.
Bill enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps on Dec. 18, 1945, and was honorably discharged in July of 1947, after achieving the rank of corporal.
Bill married Regina Kayleen "Kay" Germany on Aug. 13, 1950, in Scottsbluff. Bill spent his working years in Kansas, California, and Texas as a technical illustrator for Boeing, Convair, and Lockheed.
Following retirement in 1992, Bill returned to Scottsbluff, the boyhood home he loved so much. Bill enjoyed his retirement years locally as an activities bus driver for the Scottsbluff Public School System, as well as Western Nebraska Community College and especially enjoying his recent years at Twin Cities Baseball. Bill enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family.
Bill is survived by his wife: Regina Kayleen "Kay" Collopy of Scottsbluff; son: Brad Collopy and his wife Aggie in Gering; daughters: Brenda Momper of Alliance and Berni Holmes and her husband Rodney of Aurora, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; uncle: John Rutz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His parents: Frank and Maude; and brother: Frank Jr., preceded Bill in death.”
“Skylab EREP ground coverage- an artist’s concept of a Skylab cluster in earth orbit showing the area covered by the various components of the Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP) which will be flown on the Skylab A mission in the 1972- ’73 time period.”
The image, featured in the ‘centerfold’ of NASA FACTS, NF-43/1-72 to me, looks like a Charles O. Bennett rendition of Skylab - that was cut out of another concept & superimposed over this earth view. Seems like it would’ve been too much busy work, so its probably wrong, but there’s something odd about the station’s border.
The “73PC” in one of the photo IDs & it being on “THIS PAPER MANUFACTURED BY KODAK” photographic paper suggests it to be a reissue.
The accompanying NF-43/1-72 caption being:
"Ground Coverage. Remote sensing equipment is pointed Earthward from Skylab's Multiple Docking Adapter, where the control and display panel and other equipment for the Earth resources experiments are located."
With 18 days before launch, Apollo 11 Command Module (CM) pilot Michael Collins practices docking hatch removal from CM simulator at NASA Johnson Space Center.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S69-38317
Date Taken: June 28, 1969
One of the Saturn V rockets which launched the Apollo missions to the Moon, At NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.
Mighty and massive, the Saturn V rocket at NASA Johnson Space Centre is the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever flown. NASA used the colossal Saturn V rockets primarily during the Apollo program to send Americans to the Moon.
There are only three Saturn V rockets on display in the world. The rocket at NASA Johnson Space Centre is the only one comprised of all flight-certified hardware. The other two rockets are made of flight hardware, mock-ups, and test components.
Flown from 1967 to 1973, the rocket launched 26 astronauts into space with six successful missions landing men on the Moon. Saturn V also launched Skylab, America’s first space station, into orbit in its final mission.
While the Saturn V rocket began the process, the entire vehicle did not go to the Moon. Only the Apollo spacecraft (capsule and service module) and the lunar lander went to the Moon. The rest of the rocket was used and detached in phases along the way to successfully get the spacecraft to the Moon. Saturn V’s role in the Apollo missions typically ended almost five hours after leaving the launch pad. After completing its job, the rocket would be discarded and a new one prepared for the next mission.
The Apollo era signified a new age of advancements in technology and space exploration for the United States. Many technologies from the first lunar launches, especially the Saturn V, inspired future models of spacecraft that will one day take astronauts deeper into the cosmos.
Information Source:
spacecenter.org/exhibits-and-experiences/nasa-tram-tour/s...
uk.pcmag.com/education/74018/10-cool-things-to-see-at-nas...
Apollo 9 Command/Service Modules (CSM) nicknamed "Gumdrop" and Lunar Module (LM), nicknamed "Spider" are shown docked together as Command Module pilot David R. Scott stands in the open hatch. Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, Lunar Module pilot, took this photograph of Scott during his EVA as he stood on the porch outside the Lunar Module. Apollo 9 was an Earth orbital mission designed to test docking procedures between the CSM and LM as well as test fly the Lunar Module in the relative safe confines of Earth orbit.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: AS9-20-3064
Date: March 6, 1969
Ca. 1962/63 North American Aviation (NAA) artist’s - I think Gary Meyer - concept depicting the Apollo spacecraft in earth/parking orbit, probably just before the Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) burn by the S-IVB’s J-2 engine. The conduit-looking thing running along the side of the Service Module is actually one of the two “swing-arms” by which the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) was to be rotated/pivoted from its stowed position behind the Command/Service Module (CSM) to the front of it for docking.
Although it would seem this method of “Transposition & Docking” removed the inherent risk/danger of having to precisely maneuver the CSM about multiple axes, it also introduced the potential of mechanical difficulty/failure of the swing-arms. Although I assume there was a contingency for disconnecting/jettisoning them (from the LEM) in the event of such. Fascinating - to me - regardless.
Credit: The Space Archive/YouTube
Credit: Retro Space HD/YouTube
Who knew? Did you?!? I didn’t!!!
On the verso, I wonder what “…FROM NAA NUMBERS” means.
“EARLY SPACEMEN—Engineers test spacesuit flexibility in mockup of full scale Apollo spacecraft command module at North American’s Space and Information Systems Division, Downey, Calif. Apollo spacecraft command and service modules are produced at Downey for NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston.”
Yet again…I’ve seen this image many-a-time while searching for something else. Of course, right now, intentionally trying to find it; zip, nada, zilch. And that’s using reverse image & multiple keyword combination searches. UGH. If I recall correctly, it was primarily published in a generic press release capacity. Even if in NASA publication(s), accompanied only by something similar to the above.
Regardless, I believe one of these gentlemen conducted a simulated two-week mission using a Block I CM inside a vacuum chamber at the company’s Downey, California facility. That being John Moyles on the far left. In the center, with the steely-eyed gaze – and possibly no couch? – is Wallace Johnson. I haven’t a clue who’s to the back left. The first & stand-alone letter of his name tab appears to be an 'M."
Finally, neither here nor there, but the amazing resolution reveals the International Latex Corp. logo on the back of Mr. Moyles’ right-hand glove. Along that line, see also:
Wallace Johnson, outstanding:
abc7news.com/amp/alameda-astronaut-wallace-johnson-aero-c...
Credit: “abc7 news” website
And:
www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/03/29/alameda-man-trained-astro...
Credit: “East Bay Times” website
images2.bonhams.com/image?src=Images/live/2014-02/12/8789...
Credit: Bonhams auction house website
"We have a lift-off and it's lighting up the area, it's just like daylight here at Kennedy Space Center as the Saturn V is moving off the pad..."
Service Arm No. 8/Service Module (inflight) - nearest the camera - can be seen swinging away from the Saturn V SA-512 launch vehicle at ignition & release. The launch of Apollo 17 occurred at 12:33 a.m. EST, December 7, 1972.
If other NASA documentation of this particular view/perspective are to be believed (NEVER a good idea BTW), the LUT-mounted automatic camera that recorded this was mounted at the 360-foot level. Surprisingly, in this case, it may – against all odds – be correct.
Per the wonderful “APOLLO MANIACS” website:
“Arm No. 8: Service Module (inflight):
- Level 300-320: vehicle station 3721.552
- Provides air conditioning, exhaust, cooling, electrical, pneumatic interface. A pneumatic/mechanical lanyard system is used to pull in the umbilical connector. Furthermore, a mechanical system assists. It takes up to 9.0 seconds to disconnect the arm.”
At:
“AS-204 EGRESS TRAINING -- The prime crew for Apollo/Saturn Mission 204, the first manned Apollo flight, practice water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Egressing from an Apollo command module is Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, command pilot. Sitting in life raft are Astronauts Edward H. White II (foreground), senior pilot, and Roger B. Chaffee (center background), pilot.”
By NASA standards, a passable caption. It’s at least cursorily informative, correct even. With mostly proper punctuation...damn. They even managed to spell the Astronauts’ names correctly! A rare moment indeed. Along with it being an overall wonderful, rare & somewhat poignant photograph.
However, for less than a handful of us I’m sure, the immediate glaring question is, “What’s up with those uprighting bags???”
Additionally, as in other photographs of this boilerplate’s original ‘incarnation’ as BP-1102, note the omission of the crew side hatch door.
Peripherally...that's a mighty small lone raft to accomodate three men. Maybe this was a worst case/one raft egress scenario?
Back to the uprighting bags: I recalled there being an “Apollo Experience Report” addressing and (I expected) likely resolving the uprighting bag question. At:
ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19730010171/downloads/1973001...
WRONG, all references to uprighting bags pertained to the eventual spherical design. WTF?!
THANKS to Coye Mac Jones, the following excerpt from a presentation(?) of his, exquisitely provides the answers…and more. Superb & qualifying as a “WIN”:
“Apollo BP-1102/1102A was an in-house NASA-MSC Landing and Recovery Division (LRD) designed aluminum boilerplate Apollo Command Module (CM), the crew module of the Apollo Program, Skylab Program and the Apollo Soyuz Test Project. BP-1102A is in Apollo Block II configuration (lunar mission configuration) but was initially delivered as BP-1102 in early 1965 in Apollo Block I configuration (earth orbit mission configuration) following its fabrication of aluminum alloy 5056 at Kelly AFB Air Materiel
Command in San Antonio, where also its sister boilerplate BP-1101/1101A was fabricated. It was outfitted for manned testing by NASA-MSC Technical Services Division.
BP-1102/1102A had only operational mechanical and electronic subsystems required for post-splashdown testing/training such as communications, side and forward hatches, crew couches, uprighting system, etc. All other subsystems in the boilerplate CM were simulated by mockups such as equipment bays and display panel overlays. For the uprighting system, bag inflation was accomplished by compressed air from scuba tanks and controlled as in the CM by display panel switch throw. An unusual method was used to simulate the noisy CM uprighting bag air compressors pumps - two Mattel toy bicycle V-RROOM! “motors” were installed inside the equipment bays to activate concurrently with uprighting bag inflation. (BP-1102/1102A vehicle project engineer Harry Clancy personally purchased the V-RROOM!’s.) The BP-1102 Block I uprighting bags were built in-house for training purposes while BP-1102A utilized Block II CM bags. Crew equipment, suits, survival kits/rafts, were supplied and supported by Crew Systems Division during tests and training.
LRD used BP-1102/1102A for water egress procedures for Block I[1] and Block II[2] Command Module development/evaluation and astronaut water crew egress trainer for Apollo, Skylab, and ASTP astronaut crews. Prime and backup astronaut crews trained in BP-1102/1102A first in static conditions in a water tank, then in open water conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. BP-1102A was also used as the mockup command module during the simulation of recovery quarantine procedures on the USS Guadalcanal during Apollo IX in March 1969[3].
BP-1102A is Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Collection Object No. A19800160000, and is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/boilerplate-command...
It is displayed with the uprighting bags and flotation collar from Apollo 11.
November 23, 2010
Updated: September 25, 2019
Updated: April 23, 2020
Written By:
Coye Mac Jones
NASA-MSC/LRD Vehicle Project Engineer in 1964-71
Retired NASA-Johnson Space Center/Houston in January 2003
References:
[1] NASA Program Apollo Working Paper No. 1213: “Crew Egress Procedures For Apollo Block I Command Module At Sea” dated December 7, 1966:
ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19700024994...
[2] NASA Program Apollo Working Paper No. 1348: “The Crew - Command Module Postlanding Interface” dated July 7, 1969:
ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19700024853...
[3] Ref: MSC Roundup, March 7, 1969, “Mobile Quarantine Trailer Gets Test During Apollo IX”:
www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/roundups/issues/69-03-07.pdf”
Additionally/finally, with some relevant/pertinent, interesting & hopefully correct observations by user “moorouge”. With some links to additional useful resources:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001192.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
Gorgeous ca. 1962 depiction of the Apollo Command/Service Module by the supremely talented Gary Meyer, on behalf of North American Aviation. The presence of the dual periscopes extending from either side of the Command Module, along with the hinged & open protective panel exposing the observation window, both confirm the year. More significantly, the periscopes are representative of the Direct Ascent mission concept…which was still under consideration as of 1962. Their presence necessary for the back-asswards descent & landing, since the astronauts would be ‘on their backs’ during such. Yikes!
So, if this depiction is indeed of a lunar landing mission, not circumlunar or some other precursor/test flight, then, it’s after the lunar landing module (possessing the landing gear) would have been jettisoned. That is, assuming it and its engine was also used for liftoff from the surface. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Finally, note the large deployed/extended antennas coming out from the sides of the Service Module. Thanks to Paul Carsola’s brilliant scans (in support/on behalf of the SDASM), and linked to below, one of the antennas is the parabolic radar antenna, I assume used during descent/landing (probably the one on the left, since it’s still pointing at the moon). The other, possibly referred to as the Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF) parabolic antenna, which I assume came to be known as the high-gain antenna. DSIF was renamed the Deep Space Network (DSN) in 1963.
Is this cool shit or what? If you don’t think so, you’re WRONG. So…just move along then.
I’m assuming this is associated with one of the two configurations to the upper right: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
www.astronautix.com/a/apollolunarlanding.html
Credit: Astronautix website
archive.org/details/ApolloDoc002/Apollo Doc001.jpg
Credit: Paul Carsola/SDASM Archives/Internet Archive website
Along with:
www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157628843527459
Credit: Paul Carsola/SDASM Archive/Flickr
8.5” x 11”, with a wonderful super fine-grain satin sheen. Based on the size, I’m sure it was part of a professional NAA presentation packet/portfolio.
Brilliant:
garymeyerillustration.net/ILLUSTRATIONS/Pages/early_work....
Credit: “GARY MEYER ILLUSTRATION” website
"APOLLO 15 SUB-SATELLITE LAUNCH
SATELLITE LAUNCH--History's first launch of a sub-satellite by a manned spacecraft, one of highlights of upcoming Apollo 15 lunar mission, is depicted in artist's concept by North American Rockwell's Space Division. Sub-satellite, built by TRW Systems, will remain in lunar orbit for up to one year, gathering information on moon and its environment. It is part of varied scientific payload Apollo 15 will carry to moon. It will be ejected into orbit from Space Division-built command and service modules craft following lunar landing phase of mission."
Above heading & caption are from the NAR caption/description affixed to another copy of this photo.
A stunning, amazingly accurate (other than no docking probe) & highly detailed composition. No signature unfortunately. By Henry Lozano Jr.? Manuel E. Alvarez? Bert Winthrop? Donald W. Bester?
I don't think I've ever seen this before. Although the beaded(?) watercolor(?) appearance of the lunar surface looks vaguely familiar.
Always excellent/informative reading:
www.drewexmachina.com/2014/11/23/vintage-micro-the-apollo...
Credit: Andrew LePage/ExMachina website
Ditto:
heroicrelics.org/info/csm/apollo-subsatellite.html
Credit: Mike Jetzer/heroicrelics.org
In this photo, the Apollo 16 Command and Service Module (CSM) "Casper" approaches the Lunar Module (LM). The two spacecraft were about to make their final rendezvous of the mission, on April 23, 1972. Astronauts John W. Young and Charles M. Duke Jr., aboard the LM, were returning to the CSM in lunar orbit after three successful days on the lunar surface. Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II was in the CSM.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: AS16-113-18282
Date: April 23, 1972
“Interior view of the command module—home for lunar-bound astronauts in Project Apollo, shows the command position in the three-man spacecraft. Middle couch is stowed under him to make “standing room” in the center of the cockpit. Window above the commander’s head is one of five in the spacecraft.”
Per the official caption:
“A NAA research engineer checks out the command astronaut's position in a mock-up of the Apollo command module.”
At:
aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=278&mtch=17...
Note the block lettering/wording visible directly below the rendezvous window, partially obscured by the ‘Astronaut’s’ head. Obviously providing basic instructions for manually opening/closing that window, and I believe the same instructions, with different lettering obscured by the ‘Astronaut’s’ right knee, pertaining to the side window. In fact, a portion of its rounded corner seal is visible just above the Astronaut's thigh.
Since the actual windows of the Command Module (CM) were never intended to be opened/closed, the instructions refer to the retractable protective panels, which were incorporated into the earliest designs of the CM. More specifically & most commonly, if not exclusively, seen in CM Mock-up (M/U) no. 18, linked to below.
So, this may be an exceedingly rare view from within CM M/U no. 18. Comparing the design/appearance of both the foot & head shock-attenuating struts in the photo to those visible in the linked photos seem to support such. Although, the instrument panel buttons don’t seem to be of the same design. These look to be toggle while those of the confirmed M/U 18 look like an oversized rocker design.
I’m counting this as a WIN…of a different flavor, but a win nonetheless. Identification of something obscure, trivial & no longer of any impact/importance is ALWAYS a win.
I love the spacious interior of early Command Module designs/concepts…‘standing room’. And the scuffed up, paint missing & ‘used’ appearance give it a carnival ride feel.
Can you believe it? What a dumbass question, sorry! Of course you can, it's actually to be expected:
Not to be found at any NASA site - at least not by me - however, these bastards are peddling it:
www.alamy.com/stock-photo-inside-apollo-spacecraft-134945...
"Proposed space transportation system is a multi-mission oriented concept. Space shuttle, at upper left, releases an unmanned observatory. The space station in modularized form is at right. The precursor Saturn 5 workshop is at lower left.”
The above caption is associated with the same exact image, posted Sep. 19, 2018, by user "hesham" at the SECRET PROJECTS FORUM website. Although not specified, the image & caption are possibly from an unidentified issue of AW&ST magazine:
At:
www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/us-space-shuttle-project...
Another identical image, other than the “unmanned observatory” deployment, and linked to below, bears the following description on the verso:
“SPACE STATION---Artist concept of an Earth-orbiting space station as planned by National Aeronautics and Space Administration engineers. A station similar to this will provide broad support for such Earth resource activities as oceanography, meteorology and geophysics. It is capable of supporting biomedical laboratories, physical science laboratories, and solar and stellar observatories. Free-flying modules containing special scientific equipment might orbit near the station. Scientists will travel to the science module in miniature taxis or tugs. The modular concept shown here will have both zero and artificial gravity. It will be able to accommodate between 12 and 50 scientific and technical personnel and it will orbit the Earth at approximately [225?] nautical miles altitude. By adding more modules, the station can become a base from which planetary missions can depart. A station similar to this might also be placed in lunar orbit to support future exploration of the Moon. It will have a Ward Room for crew off-duty activities, food preparation and dining. There will be individual Crew Quarters, Docking and Cargo-Handling [unreadable, if even present]. The crew will probably be rotated at three to six-month intervals. They will be ferried to the station in a shuttle vehicle which will have the capability of landing at airports as do the present-day passenger aircraft. Electric power will come from solar panels or small nuclear [reactors/generators?]. [Launch?] of the initial module could come as early as [1985/86?]. Because of its size, the station will be visible to the naked eye. It [will be visible?] as far north as Ketchikan, Alaska, [and as far south as?] [unreadable] in South America."
Yet another near identical image, sans the “unmanned observatory” deployment, is also linked to below. It may be an earlier version, with different markings visible on the shuttle vehicles.
Finally, as with my previous posting, the ‘framing’ of the image reveals the artist. That being NASA’s Jerry L. Elmore, who, in my world, is most recognized for his memorable renderings of the Apollo 15, 16 & 17 landing sites. Those made ‘famous’ by being featured in the Tang fold-out posters. Another WIN.
And…neither here nor there, but the small land masses are the islands of the Bahamas.
A fantastic artist’s depiction of the deployment of the Particles and Fields Subsatellite from the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) Bay of Apollo 15 CSM ‘Endeavour’.
I’m not totally sure, but I believe it’s a valid depiction for Apollo 16, ignorantly assuming its SIM Bay configuration to be the same.
Not surprisingly, and I’m quite certain about this, by Russ Arasmith. Not only does the style lead me to the conclusion, but also the “4”, the numbering being common to many of his works depicting key moments from the depicted mission.
“NASA/Shuttle: Space Shuttle August 1972”
A very nicely presented work by prolific & talented North American Rockwell/Rockwell International artist, Manuel E. Alvarez…depicting the evolution of the ‘vehicles’ of exploration & discovery, at the time culminated by the Space Shuttle. Which, coincidentally, was to be manufactured by his employer. 😉
I don’t know my sailing ships, but I think that’s one of Christopher Columbus’. From what I’ve seen, the Mayflower seemed to have a more complex sail configuration.
And I think the shuttle is deploying the ever-popular (from the time), “planetary probe”. Although, upon closer examination, maybe an asteroid grappling hook?
“On the morning of July 26, Hornet arrived at Pearl Harbor, 52 hours after Columbia was safely hoisted aboard – a journey only 6 hours shorter than Apollo 11’s trip back from the Moon! Sailors brought Columbia onto the flight deck so the assembled crowd of about 2,500 well-wishers could see it as the ship docked. Using a crane, workers lifted the MQF with the astronauts aboard onto a flat-bed trailer. [Hornet’s commanding officer Capt. Carl J.] Seiberlich joined Admiral John S. McCain, Commander-in-Chief of Pacific Command, Hawaii Governor John A. Burns, and Honolulu Mayor Frank F. Fasi for a brief welcoming ceremony including traditional Hawaiian flower leis, ukulele music and hula dancers. Workers drove the MQF to nearby Hickam AFB, where Air Force personnel loaded it onto a C-141 Starlifter…
…After the astronauts departed Hornet in Pearl Harbor, workers used a crane to lift Columbia from the carrier’s flight deck to the dock and towed it to an aircraft hangar on Ford Island, the remote location chosen because the spacecraft still contained some toxic propellants that workers drained to safe the vehicle. To preserve back-contamination protocols, Columbia’s hatch remained sealed since the flexible tunnel connecting it to the MQF was removed. On July 29, workers loaded Columbia and the backup MQF onto a C-133 Cargomaster aircraft at Hickam AFB. After a refueling stop on the West Coast, Columbia arrived at Ellington on July 31 and workers trucked it to the LRL, where it was towed inside the spacecraft room. The Apollo 11 astronauts retrieved personal items from the spacecraft and [NASA recovery engineer John K.] Hirasaki removed the spacesuits for postflight inspections.”
The above is paraphrased from the following. Despite the source, hopefully there’s a semblance of correctness & accuracy:
www.nasa.gov/feature/50-years-ago-apollo-11-returns-to-ho...
Additional pertinent & excellent photos:
projects.sfchronicle.com/2019/visuals/apollo-11/
Credit: San Francisco Chronicle website
I believe the USN officer to the right of the lady wearing the floral print dress (possibly his wife?), to be the USS Hornet’s commanding officer, Captain Carl J. Seiberlich. Additionally, the other USN officer on the right of that small group of VIPs may just be Admiral John S. McCain, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Command…and father of the late Senator, and genuinely Honorable, John S. McCain III.
Continue to Rest in Peace All. Thank You for Your Service. Especially you Senator.
The aircraft with the distinctive radome is an E-1B Tracer. I wonder if the SH-3H Sea King on the far right is “Helo 66”.
“High angle view of BP-15 showing sling attached.”
A wonderful highly detailed photograph. As in my previous post of another photo of this boilerplate capsule, some of the signatures (of North American Aviation employees I presume) are tantalizingly, frustratingly actually, nearly legible.
Speaking of such, since the apex of the forward heat shield was entirely white at launch…were they ‘painted’ over? The surface definitely has the look of something intended to be heat resistant, maybe even ablative?
“This spacecraft is slated to be the first to carry three U.S. astronauts at one time. It is being readied at North American Aviation, Inc., in California. In early December astronauts Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee are scheduled to make an Earth-orbiting flight which may last 14 days. The mission is part of the Apollo program to make a manned landing on the moon by 1969.”
The sign between the left-hand side of the spacecraft and unidentified cylindrical object reads:
“THIS STATION IS BEING REWORKED BY DIVISION CONTRACTORS IN PREPARATION FOR SPACECRAFT 014”
…never to be the case.
Regarding CM-014, per Robert Pearlman, via the defunct “A Field Guide to American Spacecraft” website, and part of the discussion thread in the first hyperlink below:
“Planned vehicle for the original Apollo 2 (AS-205) with Schirra, Eisele and Cunningham, to duplicate the Apollo 1 (AS-204) mission in CSM-012. AS-205 was cancelled in December, 1966, and CM-014 was subsequently disassembled in parallel with the disassembly of CM-012 in the post-fire Apollo 1 investigation.”
Further interesting & informative reading regarding Spacecraft/CM-014:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001026.html
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/001154.html
Both above credit: collectSPACE website
7.75" x 9.6875", neatly but stupidly trimmed by some well-meaning idiot long ago.
Finally, note also the (temporarily) externally positioned Sextant & Optical Telescope unit/panel on the upper left-hand side of the spacecraft.
“APOLLO CSM VIEWED FROM LM---The Apollo 9 Command and Service Modules as photographed from the Lunar Module, “Spider,” on the fifth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. Docking mechanism is visible in nose of the Command Module, “Gumdrop.” Object jutting out from the Service Module aft bulkhead is the high-gain S-Band antenna. Inside the Lunar Module were Astronauts James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 commander; and Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot. Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls in the Command Module while the other two astronauts checked out the Lunar Module.”
“The three-manned Apollo spacecraft with the escape tower still attached roars skyward. Moments later this escape tower will be jettisoned and the Apollo module and service module will continue on its lunar trajectory.”
three-“manned”?
The appearance/configuration looks to be that of a Direct Ascent mission. However, the photo is dated 1963, and Lunar Orbit Rendezvous had been decided. And, there’s no Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) present. So, is it a circumlunar flight then?
This is probably the most ‘contemporary’ looking artist's concept of an early Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) configuration I’ve ever seen. That early configuration having the tapered/beveled Command Module (CM)/Service Module (SM) surfaces at their interface, the substantially forward positioned Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters on the SM, and the recessed positioning of what I suppose are the Service Propulsion System nozzle(s), which look like clustered solid rocket motors. Note also the two outboard orbital maneuvering system-like? nozzles. I’m not fully tracking on all of this, but I love it.
Finally, this is the first & only time I’ve ever seen the CM/SM umbilical depicted for this CSM configuration, let alone with this much detail!
I am impressed, awed actually. And, it’s a cutaway, damn.
A precise, striking & meticulous work, by a very talented & unfortunately, anonymous North American Aviation (NAA) artist.
Likely the original source document it was created for:
www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/north-american-aviation-ap...
Credit: WorthPoint website
Last, but NOT least, the wonderful work of Paul Carsola, on behalf of the SDASM, also linked to below:
www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157628843527...
In combination with the following gem of a site. Many of the diagrams appear to be possible precursors of those scanned by Mr. Carsola:
apollopreliminarydrawings.com/index.html
Credit: Scott Manley(?)/devring.club website
“Artist concept of “Moon Mission”.
Yet again…GOOD GRIEF & UGH.
More than likely this depicts a trans-earth midcourse correction burn of the SPS engine.
A gorgeous work assuredly by the immensely talented Gary Meyer, on behalf of North American Aviation (NAA). The image is most commonly seen in its beautiful color lithograph version published/issued by NAA.
Crewmen aboard the U.S.S. Iwo Jima, prime recovery ship for the Apollo 13 mission, hoist the Command Module aboard ship. The Apollo 13 crewmen were already aboard the Iwo Jima when this photograph was taken. The Apollo 13 spacecraft splashed down at 1:07:44 p.m. Eastern Time, April 17, 1970 in the South Pacific Ocean.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S70-35632
Date: April 17, 1970
“SPACE TV - - Millions of Americans will enjoy “live” television from space this Fall when a 4 1/2-pound RCA TV camera is carried aloft by three astronauts during the first manned flight of the Apollo Command Module. The camera will transmit scenes of the astronauts at work in their spacecraft and can be aimed out the Command Module’s windows for panoramic views of earth. The compact camera was developed by RCA for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Manned Spacecraft Center. Dick Dunphy, who headed the RCA space team which developed the shoebox-size unit, demonstrates how astronauts might aim the camera for views of earth or other celestial bodies. The Command Module serves as a fitting background.”
And, per the caption of the NASA-appropriated issuance of the photo:
“SPACE-TACULAR" expected to show up on U.S.
Television sets when astronauts make their 10-day Apollo flight in late sunner will be shot, in orbit, by this 4½-pound TV camera developed by RCA expressly for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration mission. Pictures originating in outer space will be brought in "live". Dick Dunphy, shown sighting with the pistol-grip unit, headed up the space-camera team that conceived it. It's only 1/85th as large as those used in TV studios, weighs only 1/30th as much.”
The “UNITED STATES/U.S. flag” decals(?), stenciling(?) look to be that of CM-012. Not implying they ARE such, they are however the same.
Featuring the image and a whole lot more, at the wonderful “Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station” website:
www.honeysucklecreek.net/images/images_Apollo_8/RCA-Apoll...
“SATURN APOLLO 501 IN HIGH BAY 1, WITH WORK PLATFORMS RETRACTED. VAB HIGH BAY 1.
5-24-67”
Note access arm No. 8 “Service Module (inflight)” directly behind the CSM. Access arm No. 9 “Command Module (preflight)” is to the far right. Speaking of the CSM, note also the lack of RCS thrusters on the SM. Kind of clue as to vehicle identification.
And, unless something else surfaces, maybe on the verso of a “S-67-XXXXX” version of this photo - if such exists - the following lame, I’m sure contemporary pablum is apparently what’s meant to pass as the official description/caption:
“This photograph depicts the Saturn V vehicle (SA-501) for the Apollo 4 mission in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). After the completion of the assembly operation, the work platform was retracted and the vehicle was readied to rollout from the VAB to the launch pad. The Apollo 4 mission was the first launch of the Saturn V launch vehicle. Objectives of the unmanned Apollo 4 test flight were to obtain flight information on launch vehicle and spacecraft structural integrity and compatibility, flight loads, stage separation, and subsystems operation including testing of restart of the S-IVB stage, and to evaluate the Apollo command module heat shield. The Apollo 4 was launched on November 9, 1967 from KSC.”
Surprisingly, the above, with a bullshit, probably arbitrarily assigned “NASA ID” of 6754387 is actually available at:
images.nasa.gov/details-6754387
Unfortunately, as with many others, the description has been propagated everywhere. While I’ve read MUCH worse, it’s merely a copy/paste from some Apollo 4 document, which doesn’t address the context of the photograph…that is, what’s actually going on…the REASON the photograph was taken.
With that, the recognition/correct identification of the content of this photograph, along with the date, hence its pertinence to the problematic history of the SA-501 vehicle, has been…take your pick: lost, overlooked, unrecognized, omitted…something unacceptable.
For starters, the NASA photo ninjas, especially at the time of the photo’s processing, i.e., 1967, should’ve recognized that the CSM atop the vehicle was NOT the flight CSM (CSM-017). It ALSO should’ve been easily/readily identified as M-11, the Flight Verification Vehicle (FVV), it having been photographed a bazillion times during 1966 as part of SA-500F photo documentation.
As if that weren’t enough, within the multiple regurgitations of the trials & tribulations of making Apollo 4 happen, there’s not a mention of M-11, other than within the following, which although incomplete, with its own errors, at least references it…ONCE:
“The third stage (S-IVB) was the first major component of Apollo 4 to be delivered at KSC. It arrived from Sacramento aboard the Guppy aircraft on 14 August 1966 and went immediately into a low bay of the assembly building for inspection and checkout. The following week the spacer and instrument unit arrived. On 12 September, as Peter Conrad and Richard Gordon prepared to blast off in Gemini 11, the barge Poseidon sailed into the Banana River with the first stage. Boeing gave it a lengthy checkout in the transfer aisle of the high bay before erecting the booster on 27 October. During the following week, technicians stacked the remaining launch vehicle stages, using the spool for the absent S-II. There were a few problems - the checkout of the swing arms took an extra two days and a cooling unit for the instrument unit sprang a leak - but the launch team, still counting on the mid-November delivery date for the S-II, hoped to roll the complete vehicle out to pad A by 13 January 1967.
By late November the Apollo Program Office had moved the S-II's arrival back to January, and the launch back to April. Since spacecraft 017 would not arrive for another three weeks, KSC erected the facilities verification model of Apollo on 28 November.
[The first linked black & white photograph by Cliff Steenhoff below, depicts such.]
This allowed North American to check out some of its spacecraft support equipment. The first week in December the memory core in a digital events evaluator failed after intermittent troubles; cracked solder joints were blamed. A hurried repair put the computer back on line.
The command-service module arrived at KSC on Christmas Eve and was mated to the launch vehicle on 12 January 1967. That tardy prima donna, the S-II stage, finally appeared on 21 January. Tank inspection, insulation, and engine work were in progress by the 23rd. Test crews found damaged connectors on three recirculation pumps and set about investigating the extent of the rework that would be necessary. While inspecting the liquid hydrogen tank on the second stage, the North American team found 22 cracked gussets. These triangular metal braces, used to support the horizontal ribs of the stage framework, had to be replaced. Plans to move the second stage into a low bay checkout cell on the 29th were temporarily set aside because of a late shipment of the aft interstage (the cylindrical aluminum structure that formed the structural interface between the first and second stages). The interstage arrived on 31 January, and by the end of the next day the stage was in a low bay cell with work platforms around it.
Despite the delay with the S-II stage, KSC officials expected to meet the new launch date in May. The fire on 27 January placed all schedules in question. Although Apollo 4 was an unmanned mission, NASA officials wanted to give command-module 017 a close examination. On 14 February, a week before the S-II could be inserted into a fully assembled vehicle, the spacecraft was removed from the stack and taken to the operations and checkout building. When inspection disclosed a number of wiring errors, KSC's Operations Office cancelled the restacking of the spacecraft. By 1 March electrical engineers had discovered so many wiring discrepancies that the test team stopped their repair work, pending a thorough investigation of all spacecraft wiring. Within two weeks the North American and NASA quality control teams recorded 1,407 discrepancies. While North American repaired about half of these on the spot, modifications, repair work, and validations continued into June. During the break technicians performed pressure tests on service module systems at pad 16. It would be mid-June, with the wiring modifications for the command module finally completed, before North American could remate the spacecraft and take it back to the assembly building.
As the extent of the wiring problems was not immediately recognized, the launch vehicle team forged ahead to recoup the time lost on the S-II stage. In mid-February Boeing's airframe handling and ordnance group removed the instrument unit and spacer from the 501 stack and on the 23rd erected the S-II. The operation involved incredibly close tolerances. To qualify crane handlers, Stanley Smith, Bendix senior engineer of the crane and hoist group, stated, "We give them a technical examination and then check their reflexes and response to commands in training sessions." During a mating, an operator and an electrician boarded the crane and another man helped guide movements from the floor by communicating with the operator via a walkie-talkie. Smith set a high goal for his team: "We strive to train our men to the point where they could conceivably lower the crane hook on top of an egg without breaking the shell."
After a stage was properly aligned on the Saturn stack, a crew of one engineer, two quality control inspectors, one chief mechanic, and eight assistants took eight hours to complete the mating. Three 30-centimeter pins on the second stage fitted into brackets located 120 degrees apart on the periphery of the first stage. Then the mechanics inserted 216 one-centimeter, high-strength fasteners into matching holes around the perimeter where the two stages joined. The team torqued the fasteners in a staggered sequence to secure the bolts evenly and ensure a uniform distribution of stress. The mating of the second and third stages was conducted in much the same manner. The 501 was now set up except for the missing CSM.
[This is where something about the FVV (M-11) being reincorporated into the stack should’ve been referenced.]
The lengthy delays with the flight hardware aided the Site Activation Board in its efforts to get LC-39 ready for its first launch. The board's first flow [see chapter 15-1] included firing room 1, mobile launcher 1, high bay 1, and the other facilities required for the support of Apollo 4 - 1,280 activities altogether. During the first quarter of 1967, PERT charts showed less than 1% of these activities behind schedule. The decision in mid-April to modify the LOX system on launcher 1 and pad A put five weeks of negative slack into the site activation schedule. The modifications were made necessary by excessive pressure in the LOX system. KSC engineers added an automatic bleed system, relief valve supports, and a block valve that prevented purging through the drain line. As continued vehicle problems further delayed the rollout, the five weeks of negative slack disappeared.
On 24 May the S-II stage was in trouble again. NASA announced it would be dismantled for inspection, consequent on the discovery of hairline cracks in the propellant tank weld seams on another S-II at the factory in California.
[The photograph is dated 5-24-67. If correct, then the image was taken as part of documenting preparations for destacking M-11 & the S-IVB in order to remove the S-II stage.]
Additionally, thanks to the remarkable “CAPCOM ESPACE” website:
“For Apollo 4, the M11 was placed on launcher 501 on November 28, 1966 and removed at the end of 1966 following delays in stage S2. It will be put back in place on April 6, 1967 and removed on May 26.”]
Above, along with much more good stuff, at:
www.capcomespace.net/dossiers/espace_US/apollo/vaisseaux/...
So, somewhere out there, there’s some documentation from which the above was gleaned. I probably don’t have it & certainly didn’t find it online.]
The additional checks were not expected to delay the flight of 501 "more than a week or so." By mid-June the inspection, which included extensive x-ray and dye penetrant tests, was completed and the stage returned to the stack. On 20 June, the command-service module was mechanically mated to the Saturn V, and 501 was - at last - a fully assembled space vehicle. A revised schedule on 21 July set rollout for mid-August. On 26 August 1967, the big rocket emerged from the high bay slightly more than a year after its first components had arrived at KSC, and a good six months after its originally scheduled launch date. It had been a year of delay and frustration, and the end was not yet.”
The above, other than the inserted (bracketed) astute comments, observations & additional useful links, at/from:
www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4204/ch19-3.html
Inexcusable, incompetent, confounding at least, considering the importance/significance of this vehicle. But then again, for an organization that seems to have “officially/formally” misidentified the Command Module on display at Expo ’67 – to this day – the oversight, ignorance & tacit mis/non-identification of a lowly FVV is both literally & figuratively a no-brainer. The buffoonery continues. At least this shit is so far back in the rearview mirror that no one remembers, those that did are probably dead, and no one now cares, or will in the future. No harm, no foul, all good. 👍