APPENDIX 5

Apollo Program Flight Objectives

(Apollo spacecraft development flights only.)

Pad Abort 1 (November 7, 1963)

First Order Objectives:

1. Determine aerodynamic stability characteristics of the Apollo escape configuration during a pad abort. (Achieved)
2. 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)
3. Demonstrate launch-escape timing sequence. (Achieved)
4. Demonstrate proper operation of the launch-escape tower release device. (Achieved)
5. Demonstrate proper operation of the tower-jettison and pitch-control motors. (Achieved)
6. Demonstrate earth-landing timing sequence and proper operation of the parachute subsystem of the earth-landing system. (Achieved)

Second Order Objectives:

1. Determine dynamics of command module during jettisoning of escape tower. (Achieved)
2. Demonstrate operation of research and development instrumentation and communications equipment to be used on subsequent flights. (Achieved)
3. Demonstrate compatibility of prototype handling ground support equipment. (Achieved)
4. Determine initial separation trajectory of the launch escape tower. (Achieved)
5. Determine escape-tower vibration during pad abort. (Achieved)

Apollo Mission A-001 (May 13, 1964)

First Order Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the structural integrity of the escape tower. (Achieved)
2. Demonstrate the capability of the escape subsystem to propel the command module to a predetermined distance from launch vehicle. (Achieved)
3. Determine aerodynamic stability characteristics of the escape configuration for this abort condition. (Achieved)
4. Demonstrate proper operation of the command module to service module separation subsystem. (Achieved)
5. Demonstrate satisfactory recovery timing sequence in the earth- landing subsystem. (Achieved)

Second Order Objectives:

1. Demonstrate Little Joe II-spacecraft compatibility. (Achieved)
2. Determine aerodynamic loads caused by fluctuating pressures on the command module and service module during a Little Joe II launch. (Achieved)
3. 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:

1. Demonstrate physical compatibility of the spacecraft with the launch vehicle under preflight and flight conditions. (Achieved)
2. Obtain data to verify design criteria for the launch environment. (Achieved)
3. Demonstrate the primary mode of the launch escape tower jettison using the escape tower jettison motor. (Achieved)

Second Order Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the structural integrity of the launch escape subsystem under flight-loading conditions. (Achieved)
2. Demonstrate the compatibility of the BP-13 communications and instrumentation subsystem with the launch vehicle system. (Achieved)
3. Demonstrate the adequacy of ground support handling equipment and procedures. (Achieved)

Apollo Mission A-102 (September 18, 1964)

First Order Objectives:

Second Order Objectives:

1. Determine the launch and exit environmental parameters to verify design criteria. (Achieved)
2. Demonstrate the alternate mode of spacecraft launch escape system jettison utilizing the launch-escape motor and pitch-control motor. (Achieved)

Email darren@apolloexplorer.co.uk