View allAll Photos Tagged commandmodule
SDASM.CATALOG: 08_001918
FILE NAME: 08_01918
SDASM.TITLE: Apollo 15 CSM
SDASM.ADDITIONAL INFO: Sim Bay Viewed from LM during rendezvous
SDASM.MEDIA: Glossy Photo
SDASM.DIGITIZED: Yes
SDASM.SOCIAL MEDIA: www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157627981313215/
SDASM.TAGS: Apollo 15 CSM
PUBLIC COMMONS.SOURCE INSTITUTION: San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
Stunning artist's/artists' concept of an early LEM/CSM design (ca. 1962), depicting the CSM's Trans-Earth Injection (TEI) burn, leaving the vicinity of the moon & jettisoned LEM ascent stage. Note the prominent externally mounted television (I assume) camera mounted to the ascent stage…pointing aft. Exquisite artwork.
I don't see any signature(s); however, based on the others in this 'series', it certainly looks to be the masterful work of Ludwik Źiemba, et al.
8.5" x 11".
“A Martin Marietta Corporation artist’s concept of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Skylab cluster circling 270 miles above the earth. Skylab is a manned experimental space station scheduled for launch in 1973. Components of the orbiting cluster are, left to right, the Apollo command and service modules (CSM), which taxi astronaut crews between earth and space; the Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA), to serve as an experiment control center and space dock; the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM), a solar observatory for the first long-term study of the sun from outside earth’s atmosphere; the Airlock Module (AM), the doorway to space for crewmen during extravehicular activities (EVA); and the Orbital Workshop (OWS), which contains crew quarters and experiment areas. Skylab, 118 feet in length, contains about the same volume as a moderate two-bedroom house. Its two sets of solar energy panels develop enough electrical power to supply four average homes.”
Note the periscope-like appendage extending out from mid-body of the OWS. An intended experiment package at the end of an extendable boom, deployed from the solar scientific airlock. Which, in reality, was occupied by the initial 'parasol' deployed to shield the station from the sun, saving the mission.
I'm almost certain this is the work of Charles O. Bennett.
Speaking of Mr. Bennett::
www.celestis.com/participants-testimonials/charles-oren-b...
Who knew?!
One of five enlargements from a small sheet of Japanese space-themed stamps or labels from the 1960s or 1970s. See also:
“SPACECRAFT TUMBLE--Apollo 4 spacecraft command module receives final tumbling test in world’s largest clean room at North American Aviation’s Space Division, Downey, Calif., as part of last-minute inspection procedure of structure before shipment to Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Apollo 4 will be launched late this fall to gather additional spacecraft data on high heat rate entry of command module while simulating lunar reentry velocities of almost 25,000 miles per hour and 4,500 degree temperatures.”
1967 - preparations prior to testing a capsule intended for manned flight, of the ability to withstand the higher reentry heating expected, due the greater velocity inherent to returning from the moon.
The moon - 1967.
I’ll admit, I’m barely paying any attention to the latest ‘commitment” to send Americans beyond earth orbit, so the following may be irrelevant, wrong, not applicable, etc.
Does current ablative, heat dissipation... or whatever it is technology, preclude similar high temperature reentry testing, or does/will Orion or whatever it’s going to be, eventually, have the capability/fuel to decelerate on approach? Or is that not yet even a consideration...until the fundamental ability to just get someone into orbit & back, alive, is demonstrated?
Sobering.
Mind-blowing.
Depressing - 1967.
Yet another wonderful artists’ concept of an early LEM/CSM design (ca. 1962), depicting LEM ascent stage jettison. The shading, dramatic lunar terrain and overall attention to detail are impressive.
Also, at the 1:01 mark:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smp9m7vcE-Q
Credit: Parka Blogs/YouTube
Kudos to Anthony T. Saporito and William A. Collopy! Mr. Źiemba appears to have taken a break...his painting hand must have been sore after his other museum-worthy works in this 'series'.
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.”
“Artist drawing by North American Aviation, Inc.--after the docking of LEM (Lunar Excursion Module) and the Apollo module. The fairing around the LEM falls away and the S-IV B Saturn third stage separates using the services module propulsion system.
12-17-64”
Note that the referenced fairing, i.e., Spacecraft/Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) panels, having been jettisoned, are no longer visible.
LEM Reaction Control System thrusters seem to have been omitted.
“Aerojet-General Corporation artist’s concept shows how the Apollo spacecraft’s Service Module engine will look firing during night flight. Coloration of the Service Propulsion System thrust chamber and skirt shows temperature ranging from 5000°F. at the chamber throat to 1200°F. at the skirt extension after a few seconds of engine operation. Glass filament is used in the thrust chamber area. The engine skirt is formed of titanium and columbium. Aerojet’s SPS develops in excess of 20,000 pounds of thrust, making it America’s largest and most powerful spacecraft rocket engine. The Service Propulsion System, produced for NASA’s Apollo spacecraft under contract to North American Rockwell Space Division, is capable of providing more than 35 separate firings of varying duration.”
8.5" x 11".
Compare/contrast. Interesting that the respective glowing areas of the two engines are inverted:
mobile.twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1076838618692493313/photo/1
Credit: SpaceX
Check this one out. No idea what the engine is and obviously not in flight, yet another totally different appearance:
qph.c7.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-099ffe22085d444e4d61a6c61a9...
Credit: Quora website
Despite its appearance, the photograph has not been folded, spindled or mutilated. The artist appears to have used the Impasto painting technique for the overall scene, with the CSM & SPS plume painted “normally”.
I think this is the work of George Mathis.
Apollo Splashdown--Permann Collection Image--Please tag these photos so information can be recorded.---Note: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.)--Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
A view of the service module/command module interface on Johnson Space Center's Saturn V rocket showing some intricate plumbing and wiring harnesses.
I would greatly appreciate your vote in the 2014 Photoblog Awards. Thanks!
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A rare & candid photograph of Virgil “Gus” Grissom, in an unidentified Apollo Command Module mockup. I’m almost certain this photograph was taken during his July 10, 1962 visit to North American Aviation (NAA) Space & Information Systems Division in Downey, CA. Grissom, accompanied by Robert R. Gilruth, Director, MSC and Charles W. Frick, Apollo Program Manager, MSC, were at NAA to conduct the first Apollo spacecraft mockup review/inspection.
If so, and if the following is also correct, the tragic irony is heartbreaking to this day.
An interesting & informative extract from a discussion at “The Space Review” website, by user “oldengg”. While not authoritative, he/she is refreshingly articulate & seemingly very knowledgeable:
“ Sure, NAA had a lot of explaining to do regarding the inferior workmanship and the flammable clutter in the AS-204 CM. But there's a lot of history that needs to be understood to make sense of what happened that day.
In the 1961 Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) Request for Proposal, NASA baselined an oxygen/nitrogen cabin atmosphere and North American Aviation (NAA) had complied with that requirement in its CSM proposal to NASA. NASA awarded the CSM contract to NAA on that basis and later directed NAA to use a 100% oxygen atmosphere.
In the early CSM preliminary design period, NAA had proposed a single, outward-opening explosive hatch for the Command Module (CM) main entry, one similar to the Mercury hatch design. Again NASA changed the design and directed NAA to develop the inward-opening, dual-hatch system that was used on AS-204.
From Lee Atwood's viewpoint, NAA had done as its customer, NASA, had directed and was now, during his congressional testimony, was being pilloried unfairly for NASA engineering decisions over which NAA had no control. Ironically, AS-204 Commander Gus Grissom was present when the NAA hatch design was discussed at the 10 July 1962 CM mockup review at NAA's Downey plant. Grissom agreed with the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center, Houston) engineers that the NAA single-piece, outwardly-opening, explosive hatch design should be changed to the presumably safer, inward-opening, dual-hatch configuration. Liberty Bell 7 hangs over AS-204 like a spectre.
And as far as the messy condition of the AS-204 CM, that was clearly NASA's responsibility because NASA had formally taken delivery of that vehicle from NAA in 1966. Many people who were not employed by NAA were involved in preparing the spacecraft for that ill-fated test. NAA had no control over those people or over any flammable material that they might have left in the spacecraft.”
At/From:
www.thespacereview.com/article/3904/1
Also:
apolloproject.com/sp-4009/asc-v1-p013.htm
Credit: “APOLLOPROJECT.COM” website
www.astronautix.com/g/grissom.html
Credit: Astronautix website
Last, but NOT least:
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=770226892127511&set=gm.1...
Credit: Mitchell Rothman/"Manned Space History" FB group
“Two years in the making, NASA’s Apollo 11 spacecraft command module looked like this (right upper photo) Dec. 6, 1968, when it passed test and checkout at Rockwell’s Space Systems Division (then known as North American Rockwell’s Space Division), Downey, Calif. Lowered onto dolly, it was shipped to Kennedy Space Center, Fla., where it was launched July 16, 1969. Eight days and more than a million miles later, the command module returned its astronauts to Earth at almost 25,500 miles an hour. A bit charred from the 4,200-degree Earth entry temperatures, it is seen (lower right photo) at Rockwell’s Space Systems Division, as it underwent post test flight exams, which it passed with flying colors. Apollo 11 carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin A[l]drin, Jr. to the moon for the world’s first lunar landing mission.”
Mr. Blanning served as Media Relations Director at Rockwell International Corp. from 1992 - 1997, hence the 'title' info/date approximation.
Appropriate opportunity to share this fantastical link again:
3d.si.edu/apollo11cm/boxes/play-cm-2016-09-26/cm-exterior...
Isn’t it amazing...and fun?!?!?!
Dramatic artist's/artists' concept of an early CM design (ca. 1962), depicting reentry. Meticulous artwork. However, this one doesn’t do it for me. The perspective of the Command Module doesn’t look quite right. The heatshield should have a more oval/flattened appearance, based on the perspective depicted. And the chunks breaking off look too bloppy, i.,e., slow.
We’re talking 20,000 + mph. They should be whizzing by as more linear streaking blops! ;-)
Although unsigned, based on the others in this 'series', it certainly looks to be the conscientious & detailed work of Ludwik Źiemba, et al.
8.5" x 11".
A rare interior view of an unidentified Apollo Command Module mockup, taken April 17, 1963 at North American Aviation’s (NAA) Space and Information Systems Division, Downey, CA. Too many cool, obscure, and to me, unidentifiable/unknown things/items going on here to bring attention to…just enjoy.
I am, however, compelled to point out the reel-to-reel tape drive. It’s obviously incorporated into the mockup, and not GSE. I’d never really considered this before; was such actually considered/required/used aboard the spacecraft? Apparently ‘yes’…at least as of 1963? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’ll be damned…not GSE, but DSE (Data Storage Equipment):
www.spaceaholic.com/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_i...
Credit: Scott Schneeweis/”Spaceaholic” website
And:
www.ninfinger.org/models/vault/spaceflight.pdf
Credit: Sven Knudson/the wonderful Ninfinger website
With excellent explanation of the DSE:
www.ibiblio.org/apollo/ApolloProjectOnline/Documents/SMA2...
Credit: "The Virtual AGC Project:: Gemini — Apollo — Shuttle" website
Who knew???
Did YOU???
I did NOT!!!
Really makes one appreciate the incredible feat that was Apollo.
8.5” x ~11”, with three-ring binder punch holes, with an extremely fine satin finish.
Command Module Hatch
Apollo Command Module
This Apollo Command Module to be flown, in 1975, when it was launched into earth orbit for the first-ever docking of a U.S. spacecraft with a spacecraft from the former Soviet Union.
I remember watching the docking on live television. It was a significant event in the development of truly international space exploration, and a unique moment of cooperation during the Cold War.
See NASA's Apollo-Soyuz home page here:
www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo-soyuz/index.html
The mission also provided an opportunity for American astronaut Donald K. "Deke" Slayton to fly in space. Slayton had been selected as one of the original Mercury astronauts, but due to a medical condition he never flew a Mercury mission. NASA's official biography of Slayton is here:
Frank Stetz Special Collection Photo.
Frank Stetz served in the US Navy for several years and worked in the Graphics department at North Island San Diego. The photos in this collection were saved by Mr. Stetz and were taken by photographers from North Island and document the history of the Air Station.
SOURCE INSTITUTION: San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
One of the many "Apollo Space Flight Vehicles" artist concepts produced as the Apollo Program evolved and progressed. This one also incorporates a first flight accomplished annotation, along with those planned. Note also what appears to be a blacked out line under the Saturn V "First Flight" notation.
Note also the alpha-numeric photograph identification being within the image, not in the white margin/border. This can be seen in multiple artist renderings during this time period, due to the re-issue of earlier renditions, to more accurately depict whatever changes had occurred, while still maintaining the overall content/appearance. Most likely, in the original publication of the photo, the blacked out area referenced an expected first manned Saturn V flight date.
Also:
“Artist concept of the Saturn V and the uprated Saturn I, Apollo space flight vehicles.”
Above description per that associated with S67-28065.
A unique & excellent comparison of common stages to both the Saturn C-5 and C-1B.
Note the absurdly multi-story - and I assume - top-heavy, exceedingly unsafe LEM design.
“This Apollo Little Joe launch vehicle with a boilerplate version of the Apollo command and service module and escape tower atop rests on the launching pad at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, awaiting lift-off. This test is the first in a series of five unmanned missions to develop and demonstrate the launch escape systems in flight. Abort systems performance during the stresses of launch will be checked when the spacecraft and its booster vehicle are traveling at 600-900 mile-per-hour speeds.”
Much more informative:
Credit: Wikipedia
More "Little Joe" goodness at this amazing site:
georgesrockets.com/GRP/Scale/DATA/JoePhotos/JoePhotos.htm...
Specifically (a cropped version of this photo):
georgesrockets.com/GRP/Scale/DATA/JoePhotos/A-001/64-LJII...
One of five enlargements from a small sheet of Japanese space-themed stamps or labels from the 1960s or 1970s. See also:
Excellent 1964 cutaway diagram of Chamber "B" of the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (SESL), Building 32, Manned Spacecraft Center, prior to construction.
“LUNAR PLANE”...interesting.
I'm not certain, but I don't think an Apollo Command Module (CM) was ever suspended in this fashion. I don't even think a solo CM was ever mounted in Chamber B. CSM combos in Chamber A, yes, but not B. Something like that...maybe.
npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/85002810
Credit: Natural Park Service website
See also:
crgis.ndc.nasa.gov/crgis/images/6/65/1974_Chamber_B_drawi...
Credit: NASA Cultural Resources website
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Elevations%2C...
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Isometric_Sec...
.png){kind=link}
Credit: Wikimedia Commons website
In this 1963 North American Aviation(?) artist’s concept, a Sikorsky HUS-1/UH-34D Seahorse recovery helicopter moves in - I guess to land - after the land/terrestrial ‘touchdown’ of the Apollo Command Module. Note the distinctly USMC-like appearance of the helicopter, despite the intentionally illegible markings. At the time, the HUS-1/UH-34D was the aircraft being used in the ocean recoveries of Mercury capsules.
One of five enlargements from a small sheet of Japanese space-themed stamps or labels from the 1960s or 1970s. See also:
“NEXT STOP: THE MOON -- McDonnell Douglas S-IVB rocket moments before its J-2 rocket engine ignites to propel the Apollo spacecraft out of its parking orbit about the earth, on toward the moon. S-IVB, the third stage of Saturn V launch vehicle, is built by McDonnell Douglas at Huntington Beach, California, facility of its McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center.”
It actually looks a little like the SA-500F...with the color scheme at the base of the service module.
One of the many stunning (and in my world, iconic) works by Gary Meyer.
“The crew compartment of the Apollo command module is inspected by Avco engineers before a honeycomb matrix of glass fiber is bonded to each section.”
Also:
“The crew compartment, one of four sections of the Apollo module, is inspected by Avco/RAD engineers. A honeycomb matrix of glass fiber will now be bonded to each section.”
archive.org/details/TNM_Aids_to_aerospace_-_Dow_1966_2017...
Credit: Internet Archive website
And:
twitter.com/pilliarscreatio/status/1293568722238660608/ph...
Credit: Gavin Price/X
Caution, impending SWAG:
Despite the apparent publication year of 1966 (based on the photo caption ID number), and the above linked Dow Chemical promotional brochure, the stage of construction of this particular Command Module (CM) must surely be earlier. Maybe ca. 1964/65 instead?
Therefore, disregarding such, and based on the distinctly ‘different’ appearance of the CM/SM umbilical interface area at the lower right corner of the hatch opening, (where three of the referenced honeycomb matrices have already been applied), and the clearly delineated rectangular mount position of the ‘surviving’ scimitar antenna (immediately to the right of the gentleman with his back to the camera), this is obviously a Block I CM.
So, I’m thinking it’s either CM-009 or CM-011, respectively flown on AS-201 & AS-202.
Or not. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Regardless, I wonder where this work was performed. At Downey, as part of the overall NAA assembly flow? Also, note the patch on the overalls of the gentleman inside the CM, bearing “BONDING…” CHIEF? SUPERVISOR?"
Pertinent & excellent:
www.facebook.com/groups/261265912631524/posts/10212803766...
Credit: Mitchell Rothman/"NASA MANNED SPACE" FB group
“Artist drawing by North American Aviation, Inc. -- A sequence of maneuvers from right to left showing preparation for re-entry mode, of the command module.”
Beautiful 'predictive' artwork by the amazing Gary Meyer:
Fantastic:
Credit: Jeff Quitney/Vimeo website
“APOLLO COMES HOME--Traveling at almost 25,000 miles an hour, the Apollo 4 spacecraft command module heatshield ablator is confronted with searing temperatures of about 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the anticipated speed and temperature expected on return from a lunar mission. Inside of command module, where astronauts will ride in future missions from the moon, will be no more than 80 degrees at its hottest. Spacecraft command and service modules are produced by North American’s Space Division, Downey, Calif., for NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston.”
Note the 'vertical' orientation of the negative pitch thrusters, this being the Block I design of the Command Module.
Beautiful work by Henry Lozano Jr.
“An excellent view of the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules photographed from the Lunar Module “Challenger” during rendezvous and docking maneuvers in lunar orbit. The LM ascent stage, with Astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt aboard, had just returned from the Taurus-Littrow landing site on the lunar surface. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans remained with the CSM in lunar orbit. Note the exposed Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) Bay in Sector 1 of the Service Module. Three experiments are carried in the SIM bay: S-209 Lunar Sounder, S-171 Infrared Scanning Spectrometer, and the S-169 Far-Ultraviolet Spectrometer. Also mounted in the SIM bay are the Panoramic Camera, Mapping Camera and Laser Altimeter used in Service Module photographic tasks. A portion of the LM is on the right.”
Based on that LM portion, the photograph was taken by Cernan. This, along with many others taken by him during this mission, some, intentional yet subtle compositions, should have earned him some sort of recognition...by some photography/photographers body.
On the lunar surface, the narrow dark swath, with the isolated light-colored "peak" is the northeast region of Mare Undarum. Condorcet P is below it to the right, with Condorcet F directly behind (also with a dark mare-like floor).
The above description was also used for AS17-145-22254, which conveniently/lazily enough, is the number on the verso of the photograph.
Note the 103.8-inch non-retractable Yagi multiple element antenna, a component of the Coherent Synthetic Aperture Radar (CSAR), a major component of the Lunar Sounder experiment flown during the mission. The antenna was automatically deployed after the Spacecraft/LM Adapter (SLA) panels were jettisoned.
For the two to three folks out there that might be interested…yes, I’m now fairly confident that ever burgeoning viewership now merits my estimations to be doubled, tripled EVEN:
www.lpi.usra.edu/lunar/missions/apollo/apollo_17/experime...
Credit: LPI website
But, back to reality here. For the one, if that:
adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1973LPSC....4.2821P
Credit: SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System website
Tangentially, what I think is a damned good question posed:
space.stackexchange.com/questions/17615/what-is-this-on-t...
Credit: Space Exploration Stack Exchange website
A number of other in-flight photographs of Service Module exteriors also reveal the bubbling, which I off-handedly attributed to RCS thruster plume impingement in most cases. If I recall correctly, the National Geographic issue with Pierre Mion's wonderful depiction of Al Worden's deep-space EVA references such. But the areas seen/referred to in the Stack Exchange discussion are not in the direct path of the RCS thrusters. Possibly as a result of Launch Escape Motor exhaust?
“THE LONG BURN—At a height of about 1,000 miles, the Apollo service module engine begins its 4-minute and 25-second burn to build up a lunar mission reentry speed of almost 25,500 miles an hour. This is the longest burn ever performed by the service module engine, building up a thrust of almost 21,500 pounds. Spacecraft for the Apollo 4 flight was produced by North American Aviation’s Space Division, Downey, for NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston.”
By Gary Meyer? Less likely…Henry Lozano? Too early for Manuel Alvarez..I’d think. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Although the caption of this photograph is 'personalized' to apply to Apollo 4, the image (with an SPS burn this near to earth), I believe is also applicable to Apollo 6.
Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, with his ride..."Spacecraft 107, alias Apollo 11, alias ‘Columbia.’ The Best Ship to Come Down the Line. God Bless Her."
Are those low-top canvas Converse All Stars he's wearing? Stylin’ if so!
airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/apollo-11-writings-wall
AWESOME...yet again.
Also:
Michael Collins sits in the open hatch of the Apollo 11 Command Module after its return to the MSC's Lunar Receiving Laboratory for detailed examination.
www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/a11/ap11-S69-4549...
Second only to Apollo 11 in fame, Apollo 13 was, when it was launched, seen as almost routine: Apollo 11 had put men on the Moon and Apollo 12 had proven it could be done twice. Few people outside of space enthusiasts and NASA were thinking much of Apollo 13 when it was launched on April 11, 1970. Onboard were the three crew: command pilot Jim Lovell (veteran of three previous spaceflights), lunar module (LM) pilot Jack Swigert, and command module (CM) pilot Fred Haise. Their destination was the Fra Mauro highlands on the Moon.
Other than a early engine shutoff on the second stage (which could have been more catastrophic than originally believed), the launch and everything required for Apollo 13 to go to the Moon went smoothly. On April 14, however, not long after a television broadcast--that was watched by no one outside NASA, as none of the networks were interested in carrying it--Mission Control requested Swigert turn on the stirring fans in the service module's oxygen tanks. What no one knew was that the insulation on the wires in Apollo 13's second SM oxygen tank were damaged: when Swigert switched on the fans, the wires shorted. This instantly ignited the oxygen tank, which exploded. While luckily the explosion was vented into space (which also snuffed the fire), it destroyed one oxygen tank and severely damaged the other. Apollo 13 was now in trouble.
No one knew what had happened; Lovell reported "Houston, we've had a problem," and at first it was thought that either the spacecraft had been hit by a meteor or it was an instrument problem. When Lovell spotted oxygen being vented to space, however, both crew and Mission Control knew that the situation was now desperate. There was no thought of landing on the Moon: now it was a fight just to survive. There had been some vague ideas about using the LM as a "lifeboat" for the crew, but it had never really been tried. Now NASA had no choice. To conserve as much power as possible, the CM was shut down and all three men moved into the LM.
Problem after problem began to crop up, each requiring something entirely new to be invented on the spot. Getting the crew back to Earth involved them moving to an new orbit and using the Moon's gravity to slingshot them home--but the LM's engine had to be used, as the SM's might've been damaged. (It was done successfully, and Apollo 13's crew set a record for the furthest human beings have ever gone from Earth--over 248,000 miles away.) Once that was done, the rising levels of carbon dioxide meant that a scrubbing system had to be devised using whatever could be found on the spacecraft. The crew's water had to be rationed, leading to Haise developing a urinary tract infection. Finally, the temperature in the minimally-operating LEM dropped to 38 degrees Fahrenheit: the crew, without any sort of cold-weather clothing, simply had to endure it.
But endure it they did, and all the innovations and improvisations by crew and Mission Control worked: Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17. The near disaster spurred worldwide interest and concern for the astronauts, and for a short time, renewed interest in the Apollo program--though only four of the planned seven additional missions after Apollo 13 were flown, the others cancelled due to budget cuts. Neither Lovell, Swigert or Haise flew in space again; Swigert passed away in 1982.
Interest in Apollo 13, much like the Apollo program itself, waned after the program wound down. Lovell wrote a book in the early 1990s titled "Lost Moon", which spurred interest in a movie, "Apollo 13," which came out in 1995. This made the "successful failure" of the mission, in some ways, more well known than the success of the rest of the Apollo program.
After the mission, the only surviving part of Apollo 13--the Command Module, "Odyssey"--was disassembled and each part examined during the investigation into the accident. The capsule itself was reassembled and placed on display at the Kennedy Space Center; the interior was reassembled later and put in one of the "boilerplate" trainers and displayed at the Museum of Natural History at Louisville, Kentucky. In 1983, Odyssey was sent to the Museum of Air and Space in Paris, France, where it would remain until 1995. After the popularity of "Apollo 13" the film, Odyssey was brought home and moved to the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, where it was reunited with the interior, taken from the boilerplate. A 12-year restoration project resulted, and finally the complete Apollo 13 went on display at the Cosmosphere in 2007.
My 2020 trip was delayed and rescheduled due to coronavirus, but eventually a friend and I decided to go through the Midwest (where the museums were open). I looked into the Cosmosphere, and when I learned it had the real Apollo 13 (to say nothing of Gemini 10 and Liberty Bell 7!), my friend--who is a huge space enthusiast--was onboard for making a planned 3-day trip into a 6-day one. It was worth the extra days, mileage and sore butt to see the real thing. The restoration was beautifully done, and to be able to look inside and see where the real Lovell, Swigert and Haise sat on their mission--words cannot describe it.
"Flight verification vehicle A 14-135 support assembly Command Module optical alignment installation - tight overall view, right side relative to plate. MSO. Bldg. altitude chamber. (085-3)(SY) (103) "
So, I assume it must be M-11, and in its roll as flight verification vehicle, it's being used to test/confirm fit & function of the gizmo that'll be used to install, test(?), calibrate(?) the sextant & telescope? In the altitude chamber because of the delicate optics of the guidance & navigation system? To mitigate introduction of airborne debris/contaminants?
If so, I would've expected the Command Modules to arrive with that option package already installed, and maybe just the floor mats to be added at KSC. Along with of course, filling the tank(s) with gas.
NO actual idea. But that thing looks really cool, it's got a great art-deco sci-fi look to it, even the color of it is a 50’s sci-fi smoooooth.
Looks like most everything - RCS thruster orifices, windows, hatch(?), access panels(?) on the exterior of the Command Module are either decals or painted on.
"Apollo 17 spacecraft carrying Astronauts Cernan, Evans and Schmitt safely impacts in the Pacific Ocean. NASA's sixth and final manned lunar landing mission in the Apollo program concluded with splashdown at 2:25 p.m. EST December 19, 648 kilometers (350 nautical miles) southeast of American Samoa."
"APOLLO 4 MISSION: SECOND SPS FIRING"
nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1967...
www.drewexmachina.com/2017/11/11/apollo-4-the-first-fligh...
Credit: DrewExMachina website/Andrew LePage
There's a 10-second discrepancy in the duration of the second SPS firing between the above sites. In this rare instance, I favor the NSSDC data.
Early comparison of U.S. manned launch vehicles and their respective spacecraft, with Gemini/Titan excluded however. A little odd. The Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) does not yet look anything like its final configuration...along with the novel 'flip-top' apex of the Command Module (CM), truncated Service Module (SM) & diminutive Service Propulsion System (SPS) nozzle.
An AWESOME comprehensive compilation of this version, from this informative website:
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=986
Credit: Aerospace Projects Review (blog) website
As a 1/6th scale model, this particular LEM design was used extensively in drop tests simulating a variety of potential lunar landing scenarios/dynamics, which are wonderfully & somewhat whimsically captured in the following video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2kJovevnPw
Credit: Jeff Quitney
Along with the supporting and superior summation/capture of early LEM design challenges and evolution:
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=45198.0
Credit: NASA Space Flight Forum website
See also:
archive.org/details/1962-L-03827
archive.org/details/1962-L-07386
archive.org/details/1963-L-00552
crgis.ndc.nasa.gov/historic/File:L-63-1559.jpg
Credit: NASA Cultural Resources website
archive.org/details/NIX_EL-2002-00374
archive.org/details/NIX-EL-2002-00400
archive.org/details/NIX-EL-2002-00446
Credit: Internet Archive website
Apollo Program Display
San Diego Air and Space Museum
San Diego, California, USA
One of the original 3-man command modules from the United States historic human space flight project that led to a successful landing of the first humans on the Moon in 1969, culminating in Apollo 11's historic mission .
I don’t normally seek/acquire patches, emblems, decals, etc., but this one was so cool, obscure, unique, pleasantly ‘asymmetrical’…and affordable, that I had to get it. And it’s big…~7.5 inches in diameter! I assume once worn on the back of an employee’s work coveralls.
I’m tempted to gently wash it, but don’t dare.
As expected, something/anything pertaining to this patch’s origin & history, let alone any specifics regarding “Apollo Spaceborne Products” are nonexistent. Even information about Autonetics and its contributions to the Apollo Program are vague & generic. As such, my date range is a total SWAG.
Some of what little there is:
“Autonetics was a division of North American Aviation that designed and built guidance and navigation systems for the Apollo program, including the Apollo spacecraft. As a leader in precision electronics and instruments like gyroscopes, Autonetics' expertise was crucial for reliably guiding spacecraft on their complex lunar missions.”
Above per Google’s AI-generated response to my “Autonetics” query.
Additionally, from Boeing’s Autonetics Memorial/Monument “brochure/flyer”:
“…innovations provided the systems that the Apollo astronauts used to determine the exact position of the lunar module during rendezvous and docking.”
And:
“Autonetics also contributed to space exploration, including rendezvous and docking systems for Apollo…”
At/From:
bos.ocgov.com/legacy3/newsletters/pdf/Honoring_the_Legacy...
Credit: Orange County website
Additionally:
www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/001197.html
Credit: collectSPACE website
Finally, the specific Autonetics contribution to Apollo referenced by Scott Schneeweis in the above citation:
www.spaceaholic.com/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_i...
Credit: Scott Schneeweis/Spaceaholic website
“The Apollo 14 Command Module splashes down as the ten-day lunar landing mission comes to an end. The splashdown occurred at 3:04:39 p.m., February 9, 1971, approximately 765 nautical miles south of American Samoa less than a mile from their planned landing point.”
The photograph is on a seriously thick fiber-based paper. The weight/feel of it is that of the thickest "A KODAK PAPER" I've ever come across.
"Midcourse maneuvers are performed to place the spacecraft into position for a proper entry into a precise, circular orbit, about 100-nautical miles (60 miles) above the lunar surface. At the proper time, the service module is ignited slowing the spacecraft so that it goes into the precise orbit."
Hand-highlighted areas are due to this photo having been used for news/press release purposes, and I'm assuming the printing technology of the time required it to enhance definition & delineation within the photo.
Gotta love the hi-rise, panoramic-windowed, highly impractical, surely hazardous, minion-appearance LEM configuration.
"The Apollo 204 spacecraft is lowered to a truck today for transportation from Launch Complex 34 to the Pyrotechnic Installation Building at the Kennedy Space Center."
2/17/67"
See also:
i2.wp.com/www.drewexmachina.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/0...
Along with informative & well written (as always) reading at:
www.drewexmachina.com/2017/01/27/the-future-that-never-ca...
Credit: Drew ExMachina/Andrew LePage website