Jul 10 2009
Saturn V
Mighty and powerful – two words that describe the next section of the Apollo spacecraft that will be exploring in our continuing series on rocketry and the American space program. In recent posts we covered the top sections of the spacecraft that included the Instrument Unit, Apollo Lunar Adapter, Command and Service Modules and the Launch Escape System (and the Lunar Lander). Now, we have a look at the mighty Saturn V.
The Saturn V was a liquid fueled, multi-stage rocket that was used to launch the Apollo and Skylab missions and was in use from 1967 through 1973. NASA launched 13 Saturn V rockets and had no loses of payload – an excellent record of performance from a complex machine. It remains the largest and most powerful launch vehicle brought to an operational status with regards to its size, weight, height, and payload capacity.
The final production models of the Saturn family of rockets were designed under the direction of Wernher von Braun at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Lead contractors included Boeing, North American Aviation, Douglas Aircraft Company, and IBM. In coming posts, we will look at the technology of the Saturn V and examine the stages and equipment of this powerful rocket.
