More Details for 1965-01-05
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Study of manual control of the Apollo LEM
MSC's Guidance and Control Division conducted a pilot simulation study to determine whether a pilot could take over manual control of the LEM between 4,572 and 3,048 m (15,000 and 10,000 ft) above the lunar surface and satisfactorily land the vehicle.
The study also determined what flight information was required for pilot control.
The study investigated deceleration techniques, approach velocity, flare attitude, and the pilot information required for landings within a given footprint. If the site was deemed unsatisfactory for landing, after "eyeballing" it from 305 m (1,000 ft), the pilot would, under normal circumstances, place the coordinates of a new landing site in the computer; then take over manually and fly while making selection of the landing site.