Apr 03 2009
An Overview of the Apollo Spacecraft
In our post last week in our series of rocket history, we began with the early days of Apollo, its mission and goals, and we talked about the four modes that NASA and the scientists were discussing. We learned that after some debate and experimental work that Lunar Orbit Rendezvous would be the method chosen for the Apollo mission. Research, design, development, and construction of the spacecraft modules commenced. This week, we will look at the modules of the Apollo spacecraft.
The Apollo spacecraft was designed for the purpose of transporting the astronauts to the moon, landing on the moon, and returning safely to Earth. Each module within the Apollo spacecraft system was designed to specifications to account for its mission goals, and to provide the proper safety and support for the astronaut crew. The modules of the spacecraft include: The Launch Escape System, The Command Module, The Service Module, The Lunar Module, The Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter, The Instrument Ring, and The Saturn V – three stage rocket.
The Saturn V rocket that was used as the main launch vehicle for the manned flights to the moon was not the only rocket used in the Apollo program. There were several other rockets that were used in the test phases. The first was Little Joe II, which was used in August 1963 through January 1966 in a series of test flights from the White Sands Missile Range. These test flights involved the Apollo launch escape system tests.
The Saturn I was the first dedicated space launcher, designed for carrying a load into Earth Orbit. The rocket received its power through a series of clustered thrusters / tanks taken from older rockets. There were 10 of the these rockets build and while originally designed for military applications, NASA was the only one that used them. The rockets proved the Saturn rocket capability and it was later replaced by the Saturn IB. The Saturn I was used in Apollo boilerplate tests.
The Saturn IB was an improved version of the Saturn I with a more powerful and robust second stage system. This provided the ability for the Saturn IB to be able to carry the weight of the Apollo Command and Service Module and the Lunar Module into Earth orbit for testing. These tests were able to be conducted while the more powerful Saturn V was in the development stages. The Saturn IB was also used for Skylab and for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Flights for this rocket were from February 1965 through October 1968 for the Apollo program and used for three Command and Service module tests and for Apollo 5 and 7 flights.
The Saturn V or most commonly known as the ‘Moon Rocket’ was a multi-stage, liquid fueled expendable rocket. It was used by NASA for Apollo and Skylab flights from 1967 through 1973. There were 13 flights and all were a success. This is the most powerful rocket that has been built from an operational standpoint with regards for its height, weight, and payload capability.
In our next visit to the Apollo program we will begin to examine each of the modules that make up the Apollo spacecraft. Each of these modules plays and important part in the overall mission and we will take a closer look at the roles they play. We hope you will continue along with us on our voyage to the moon. Material for this article from Wikipedia and NASA Spaceflight History. Images from Wikipedia
This is as great series! Thanks!
I’m really enjoying these posts too! And y’know…it never occurred to me to wonder where there would have been a Saturn I or any other number, to account for that other rocket being a “Saturn V.” D’oh!