Apollo experience report: Spacecraft structure subsystem

Abstract

The flightworthiness of the Apollo spacecraft structure was verified primarily through a rigorous, vehicle level, ground test program and flight tests. The failures and anomalies encountered during this testing were the major factors considered in determining necessary modifications to the basic design of the spacecraft structure. In this report, these failures, their causes, and their resolutions are discussed. A description of the spacecraft structure and discussions of the ground and flight test programs are presented.