More Details for 1967-03-31
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Integration Analysis Panel rewriting its final report to the Apollo 204 Review Board
The Integration Analysis Panel (No. 18) was rewriting its final report to the Apollo 204 Review Board. Panel 18 had been assigned to review information from all task groups and make the final technical integration of the evidence.
Panels 3 and 16 had been merged with Panel 18 on February 23. In its final report to the Review Board, Panel 18 listed:
Findings
Several arcing indications were observed in the CM left front sector and a voltage transient was noted in all three phases of AC Bus 2. This transient was most closely simulated by a power interruption or short circuit on DC Bus B. Physical evidence and witness statements indicated the progress of the fire to be from the left side of the spacecraft. Simulations and tests indicated that combustion initiation by electrostatic discharge or chemical action was not probable. No physical evidence of prefire overheating of mechanical components or heating devices was found.
Determinations
No single ignition source could be conclusively identified. The most probable initiator was considered to be the electrical arcing or shorting in the left front sector of the spacecraft. The location best fitting the total available information was that where environmental control system instrumentation power wiring ran into the area between the environmental control unit and the oxygen panel.
Finding
All spacecraft records were reviewed by the various panels and the results were screened by Panel 18.
Determination
No evidence was found to correlate previously known discrepancies, malfunctions, qualification failures or open work items with the source of ignition.
Finding
At the time of the observed fire, data including telemetry and voice communications indicated no malfunctioning spacecraft systems (other than the live microphone).
Determination
Existing spacecraft instrumentation was insufficient by itself to provide data to identify the source of ignition.