System for non-dispersive analysis of lunar X- rays from Apollo
Apollo command service module nondispersive X ray detection system for lunar composition map compilation, discussing design and performance
Adler, I.↗
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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Past and present manned-spacecraft electronics and implications for the space shuttle
Space shuttle electronics requirements, considering systems in Mercury and Gemini spacecraft and Apollo lunar and command service modules
Gardiner, R. A.↗
Current events
Apollo spacecraft program evolution, discussing Apollo 13 accident, command and service module modifications, oxygen tank design, mission objectives, etc
Mcdivitt, J. A.↗
Apollo 13 Mission Report
The Apollo 13 mission, planned as a lunar landing in the Fra Mauro area, was aborted because of an abrupt loss of service module cryogenic oxygen associated with a fire in one of the two tanks at approximately 56 hours. The lunar module provided the necessary support to sustain a minimum operational condition for a safe return to earth. A circumlunar profile was executed as the most efficient means of earth return, with the lunar module providing power and life support until transfer to the command module just prior to entry. Although the mission was unsuccessful as planned, a lunar flyby and several scientific experiments were completed.
Source record↗
MSC Apollo 13 investigation team. Panel 1 - Spacecraft incident investigation. Volume 1 - Anomaly investigation Final report
Analysis of anomalies, cause, and results of command service module oxygen tank failure on Apollo 13 flight
Source record↗
A survey of spacecraft testing as applied to long-duration space missions
Apollo Applications Program command and service module test requirements to achieve reliable hardware for extended missions
Douglas, W. H.↗
The flight of Apollo 13 - A successful failure
Apollo 13 in flight emergencies and countermeasures, discussing fire in Service Module oxygen tank causes and effects on spacecraft systems and solutions
Lovell, J. A.↗
Apollo 15 X-ray fluorescence experiment
The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, carried in the SIM bay of the command service module was employed principally for compositional mapping of the lunar surface while in lunar orbit, and secondarily, for X-ray astronomical observations during the trans-earth coast. The lunar surface measurements involved observations of the intensity and characteristics energy distribution of the secondary or fluorescent X-rays produced by the interaction of solar X-rays with the lunar surface. The astronomical observations consisted of relatively long periods of measurements of X-rays from pre-selected galactic sources such as Cyg-X-1 and Sco X-1 as well as from the galactic poles.
Adler, I.↗
The quasi-inertial and wide-deadband modes as backup attitude options for the Skylab mission
The quasi-inertial (QI) and wide deadband (WDB) modes were investigated as alternatives to the solar inertial (SI) mode in case two control moment gyros fail during the Skylab mission. Both modes provide a substantial reduction in propellant requirements from the solar interial hold requirement with either the orbital assembly/thruster attitude control system or service module reaction control system. Spacecraft motion in the QI mode is produced by a command rate and results in a small amplitude oscillation (17 deg, maximum) about the SI orientation. In the WDB mode a somewhat similar, but larger amplitude motion (35 deg maximum) about the SI orientation is developed by appropriate choice of controller deadbands and switch line slopes.
Elrod, B. D.↗
The Apollo Docking System
The Apollo docking system is the means by which the Apollo command and service modules and the lunar module are connected and disconnected during a lunar-landing mission. The system incorporates a CSM probe assembly that mates with a drogue assembly on the LM. Twelve automatic latches mounted on the CSM docking ring provide for structural integrity between the vehicles and for tunnel sealing during crew transfer. A functional description of the flight hardware and the alternate concepts that were evaluated to determine the system best suited to Apollo requirements are presented.
Kenneth A Bloom↗
Apollo 15 30-day failure and anomaly listing report
The significant anomalies that occurred during the Apollo 15 mission are discussed. The five major areas are command and service modules, lunar module, scientific instrument module experiments, Apollo lunar surface experiment package and associated equipment, and government furnished equipment.
Source record↗
Thermal performance and radio-frequency transmissivity of candidate ablation materials for S-band antenna window application on manned spacecraft
A test program was conducted in the MSC 1.5 MW arc-heated facility to evaluate the thermal performance of ablation materials having potential application as radio frequency windows. These tests were conducted for the improvement of omnidirectional antenna operating characteristics during atmospheric reentry. Since a full scale model of the Apollo command service module was available for antenna tests, this mockup was used as a basic for the tests. Test models were subjected to heating conditions simulating the nominal lunar return trajectory (AS-501) and the design trajectories, high heat load and high heating rate. RF measurements were made before and after the arc jet tests to measure attenuation effects due to the thermal degradation of the materials under consideration. The test program demonstrated that additional development is required in materials technology to achieve an ablative system with both good RF transmission characteristics and thermal-structural integrity.
Tillian, D. J.↗
The design and application of an infrared simulator for thermal vacuum testing
An infrared simulator was developed and installed in SIM Chamber A in support of the Apollo lunar-exploration mission thermal vacuum testing. The simulator was designed to provide thermal simulation of the radiation emitted and reflected by the lunar surface incident on the Apollo service module in a 60-mile-altitude lunar orbit. The infrared simulator comprises 18 individually controlled zones that provide the irradiance profiles over a 180 deg arc around the spacecraft, simulating the flux levels of equatorial, polar, and 45 deg lunar orbits.
Skinner, D. J.↗
Full-scale Skylab Apollo telescope mount deployment tests
During the initial stages of the NASA Skylab orbit, the Apollo telescope mount (ATM) is deployed by the deployment assembly (DA) which clears the multiple docking adapter axial docking port. This is an essential prerequisite to docking the command service module with the orbital workshop and subsequent occupancy of the workshop by the Apollo three-man crew. The objectives of the full-scale NASA Skylab ATM deployment test program were (1) to evaluate the design concept of the DA and deployment mechanisms while functioning in a zero-g environment with simulated ATM mass properties and (2) to evaluate the effects of handling, transporting, and deployment with respect to the structural geometry and stability of the DA.
Fricker, G. F.↗
S-band transponder experiment
The experiment which derives data from three lunar-orbiting objects, the command-service module (CSM), the lunar module (LM), and the subsatellite in the S-band is described. Each provides detailed information on the near-side lunar gravitational field. The primary emphasis is on the low-altitude (20 km) CSM data. The LM data cover a very short time span and are somewhat redundant with the CSM data. The resolution of the high-altitude (100 km) CSM data is not as great as that of the low altitude data. The low-altitude CSM and LM data coverage and the complementary coverage obtained during the Apollo 14 mission are presented. The experiment uses the same technique of gravity determination employed on the Lunar Orbiter, in the data of which the large anomalies called mascons were first observed. The data consist of variations in the spacecraft speed as measured by the Earth-based radio tracking system.
Sjogren, W. L.↗
Surface disturbances at the Apollo 15 landing site, part E
High resolution panoramic photographs taken from 110 km orbits of the command service module show the lunar module structure on the moon as evidenced by reflected light and by the shadow. Before and after photographs of the landing site are presented; the increased brightness or halo is attributed to mare surface materials.
Hinners, N. W.↗
The cryogenics analysis program for Apollo mission planning and analysis
The cryogenics analysis program was developed as a simplified tool for use in premission planning operations for the Apollo command service module. Through a dynamic development effort, the program has been extended to include real time and postflight analysis capabilities with nominal and contingency planning features. The technical aspects of the program and a comparison of ground test and mission data with data generated by using the cryogenics analysis program are presented. The results of the program capability to predict flight requirements also are presented. Comparisons of data from the program with data from flight results, from a tank qualifications program, and from various system anomalies that have been encountered are discussed. Future plans and additional considerations for the program also are included. Among these plans are a three tank management scheme for hydrogen, venting profile generation for Skylab, and a capability for handling two gas atmospheres. The plan for two gas atmospheres will involve the addition of the capability to handle nitrogen as well as oxygen and hydrogen.
Scott, W.↗
Apollo experience report: Thermal protection from engine-plume environments
Portions of the combined Apollo spacecraft (the command and service module and the lunar module) are subjected to the impingement of hot exhaust gases from the various propulsion systems of the modules. The configurations of the vehicles and the sources of impinging engine plumes are described. A typical Apollo mission is outlined. Protection and design-verification methods are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for future spacecraft programs.
Taylor, J. T.↗