The Apollo Spacecraft - A Chronology.
APPENDIX 5
Apollo Program Flight Objectives
(Apollo spacecraft development flights only.)
Pad Abort 1 (November 7, 1963)
First Order Objectives:
- Determine aerodynamic stability characteristics of the Apollo escape
configuration during a pad abort. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate the capability of the escape system to propel a command
module to a safe distance from a launch vehicle during a pad abort.
(Achieved)
- Demonstrate launch-escape timing sequence. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate proper operation of the launch-escape tower release
device. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate proper operation of the tower-jettison and pitch-control
motors. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate earth-landing timing sequence and proper operation of
the parachute subsystem of the earth-landing system. (Achieved)
Second Order Objectives:
- Determine dynamics of command module during jettisoning of escape
tower. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate operation of research and development instrumentation
and communications equipment to be used on subsequent flights.
(Achieved)
- Demonstrate compatibility of prototype handling ground support
equipment. (Achieved)
- Determine initial separation trajectory of the launch escape tower.
(Achieved)
- Determine escape-tower vibration during pad abort. (Achieved)
Apollo Mission A-001 (May 13, 1964)
First Order Objectives:
- Demonstrate the structural integrity of the escape tower. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate the capability of the escape subsystem to propel the
command module to a predetermined distance from launch vehicle.
(Achieved)
- Determine aerodynamic stability characteristics of the escape
configuration for this abort condition. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate proper operation of the command module to service module
separation subsystem. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate satisfactory recovery timing sequence in the earth-
landing subsystem. (Achieved)
Second Order Objectives:
- Demonstrate Little Joe II-spacecraft compatibility. (Achieved)
- Determine aerodynamic loads caused by fluctuating pressures on the
command module and service module during a Little Joe II launch.
(Achieved)
- Demonstrate proper operation of the applicable components of the
earth-landing subsystem. (Not achieved - a parachute riser chafed
against a simulated reaction control subsystem motor. The riser broke
after main parachute line stretch, and the command module descended
safely on the two remaining main parachutes.)
Apollo Mission A-101 (May 28, 1964)
First Order Objectives:
- Demonstrate physical compatibility of the spacecraft with the launch
vehicle under preflight and flight conditions. (Achieved)
- Obtain data to verify design criteria for the launch environment.
(Achieved)
- Demonstrate the primary mode of the launch escape tower jettison
using the escape tower jettison motor. (Achieved)
Second Order Objectives:
- Demonstrate the structural integrity of the launch escape subsystem
under flight-loading conditions. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate the compatibility of the BP-13 communications and
instrumentation subsystem with the launch vehicle system. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate the adequacy of ground support handling equipment and
procedures. (Achieved)
Apollo Mission A-102 (September 18, 1964)
First Order Objectives:
None - since Apollo Mission A-101 was successful and the launch and exit
environments for the spacecraft were measured satisfactorily.
Second Order Objectives:
- Determine the launch and exit environmental parameters to verify
design criteria. (Achieved)
- Demonstrate the alternate mode of spacecraft launch escape system
jettison utilizing the launch-escape motor and pitch-control motor.
(Achieved)
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