Encyclopedia entry

Apollo

Program · USA

Part of Apollo Lunar Landing

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Apollo vs N1-L3
Apollo CSM / LM vs L3 Lunar Complex
Credit: © Mark Wade

The successful US project to land a man on the moon.

Subtopics

Apollo Lunar Landing American manned lunar expedition. Begun in 1962; first landing on the moon 1969; sixth and final lunar landing 1972. The project that succeeded in putting a man on the moon.
Apollo LM American manned lunar lander.
Apollo CSM The Apollo Command Service Module was the spacecraft developed by NASA in the 1960's as a standard spacecraft for earth and lunar orbit missions. Manned spacecraft for earth orbit and lunar orbit satellite operated by NASA, USA. Launched 1967 - 1975.
Apollo CM American manned spacecraft module. 22 launches, 1964.05.28 (Saturn 6) to 1975.07.15 (Apollo (ASTP)).
Apollo SM American manned spacecraft module. 22 launches, 1964.05.28 (Saturn 6) to 1975.07.15 (Apollo (ASTP)).
Apollo LM DS American manned spacecraft module. 10 launches, 1968.01.22 (Apollo 5) to 1972.12.07 (Apollo 17).
Apollo LM AS American manned spacecraft module. 10 launches, 1968.01.22 (Apollo 5) to 1972.12.07 (Apollo 17).
Apollo A American manned space station. Study 1961. Apollo A was a lighter-weight July 1961 version of the Apollo spacecraft.
Apollo X American manned space station. Study 1963.
Apollo Martin 410 American manned lunar lander. Study 1961. The Model 410 was Martin's preferred design for the Apollo spacecraft.
Apollo Direct TLM American manned spacecraft module. Study 1961. Final letdown, translation hover and landing on the lunar surface from 1800 m above the surface was performed by the terminal landing module. Engine thrust could be throttled down to 1546 kgf.
Apollo Direct SM American manned spacecraft module. Study 1961. The Service Module housed the fuel cells, environmental control, and other major equipment items required for the mission.
Apollo Direct RM American manned spacecraft module. Study 1961. The retrograde module supplied the velocity increments required during the translunar portion of the mission up to a staging point approximately 1800 m above the lunar surface.
Apollo Direct CM American manned spacecraft module. Study 1961. Conventional spacecraft structures were employed, following the proven materials and concepts demonstrated in the Mercury and Gemini designs.
Apollo Direct 2-Man American manned lunar lander. Study 1961. A direct lunar lander design of 1961, capable of being launched to the moon in a single Saturn V launch through use of a 75% scale 2-man Apollo command module.
LM Langley Lighter American manned lunar lander. Study 1961. This early open-cab Langley design used cryogenic propellants. The cryogenic design was estimated to gross 3,284 kg - to be compared with the 15,000 kg / 2 man LM design that eventually was selected.
LM Langley Lightest American manned lunar lander. Study 1961. Extremely light-weight open-cab lunar module design considered in early Langley studies.
LM Langley Light American manned lunar lander. Study 1961. This early open-cab single-crew Langley lunar lander design used storable propellants, resulting in an all-up mass of 4,372 kg.
Apollo ULS American lunar logistics spacecraft. Study 1962. An Apollo unmanned logistic system to aid astronauts on a lunar landing mission was studied.
Apollo W-1 American manned spacecraft. Study 1962. Martin's W-1 design for the Apollo spacecraft was an alternative to the preferred L-2C configuration. The 2652 kg command module was a blunt cone lifting body re-entry vehicle, 3.45 m in diameter, 3.61 m long.
Apollo M-1 American manned spacecraft. Study 1962. Convair/Astronautics preferred M-1 Apollo design was a three-module lunar-orbiting spacecraft.
Apollo D-2 American manned lunar orbiter. Study 1962. The General Electric design for Apollo put all systems and space not necessary for re-entry and recovery into a separate jettisonable 'mission module', joined to the re-entry vehicle by a hatch.
Apollo R-3 American manned spacecraft. Study 1962. General Electric's Apollo horizontal-landing alternative to the ballistic D-2 capsule was the R-3 lifting body. This modified lenticular shape provided a lift-to-drag ratio of just 0.
Apollo L-2C American manned spacecraft. Study 1962. Martin's L-2C design was the basis for the Apollo spacecraft that ultimately emerged. The 2590 kg command module was a flat-bottomed cone, 3. 91 m in diameter, 2.67 m high, with a rounded apex.
Apollo Lenticular American manned spacecraft. Study 1962. The Convair/Astronautics alternate Lenticular Apollo was a flying saucer configuration with the highest hypersonic lift to drag ratio (4.4) of any proposed design.
Apollo LLRV American manned lunar lander test vehicle. Bell Aerosystems initially built two manned lunar landing research vehicles (LLRV) for NASA to assess the handling characteristics of Apollo LM-type vehicles on earth.
Apollo LLRF American Lunar Landing Research Facility. The huge structure (76.2 m high and 121.9 m long) was used to explore techniques and to forecast various problems of landing on the moon.
Apollo LES American test vehicle. Flight tests from a surface pad of the Apollo Launch Escape System using a boilerplate capsule.
Apollo LM Shelter American manned lunar habitat. Cancelled 1968. The LM Shelter was essentially an Apollo LM lunar module with ascent stage engine and fuel tanks removed and replaced with consumables and scientific equipment for 14 days extended lunar exploration.
Apollo LM Taxi American manned lunar lander. Cancelled 1968. The LM Taxi was essentially the basic Apollo LM modified for extended lunar surface stays.
Apollo CSM Boilerplate American manned spacecraft. Boilerplate structural Apollo CSM's were used for various systems and booster tests, especially proving of the LES (launch escape system).
Apollo CSM Block I American manned spacecraft. The Apollo Command Service Module was the spacecraft developed by NASA in the 1960's as a standard spacecraft for earth and lunar orbit missions.
FIRE American re-entry vehicle technology satellite. 2 launches, 1964.04.14 (FIRE 1) and 1965.05.22 (FIRE 2). Suborbital re-entry test program that used a subscale model of the Apollo Command Module to verify the configuration at high reentry speed. Reentry Technology satellite built by Republic Aviation Corporation for NASA.
Apollo LM Truck American lunar logistics spacecraft. Cancelled 1968. The LM Truck was an LM Descent stage adapted for unmanned delivery of payloads of up to 5,000 kg to the lunar surface in support of a lunar base using Apollo technology.
Apollo MSS American manned lunar orbiter. Study 1965. The Apollo Mapping and Survey System was a kit of photographic equipment that was at one time part of the basic Apollo Block II configuration.
Apollo LM Lab American manned space station. Study 1965. Use of the Apollo LM as an earth-orbiting laboratory was proposed for Apollo Applications Program missions.
Apollo SA-11 From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. Cancelled in October 1963 in order to fly all-up manned Apollo CSM on more powerful Saturn IB.
Apollo Experiments Pallet American manned lunar orbiter. Study 1965. The Apollo Experiments Pallet was a sophisticated instrument payload that would have been installed in the Apollo CSM for dedicated lunar or earth orbital resource assessment missions.
Apollo LM CSD American manned combat spacecraft. Study 1965. The Apollo Lunar Module was considered for military use in the Covert Space Denial role in 1964.
Apollo SA-12 From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. Cancelled in October 1963 in order to fly all-up manned Apollo CSM on more powerful Saturn IB.
Apollo LMSS American manned space station. Cancelled 1967. Under the Apollo Applications Program NASA began hardware and software procurement, development, and testing for a Lunar Mapping and Survey System. The system would be mounted in an Apollo CSM.
Apollo SA-13 From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. Cancelled in October 1963 in order to fly all-up manned Apollo CSM on more powerful Saturn IB.
Apollo SA-14 From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. Cancelled in October 1963 in order to fly all-up manned Apollo CSM on more powerful Saturn IB.
Apollo LASS S-IVB American lunar logistics spacecraft. Study 1966. The Douglas Company (DAC) proposed the "Lunar Application of a Spent S-IVB Stage (LASS)". The LASS concept required a landing gear on a S-IVB Stage.
Apollo SMLL American lunar logistics spacecraft. Study 1966. North American Aviation (NAA) proposed use of the SM as a lunar logistics vehicle (LLV) in 1966. The configuration, simply stated, put a landing gear on the SM.
Apollo CMLS American manned lunar habitat. Study 1966.
Apollo 204 The planned first manned flight of the Apollo CSM, the Apollo C category mission. The crew was killed in a fire while testing their capsule on the pad on 27 January 1967, still weeks away from launch. Set back Apollo program by 18 months.
Apollo 205 Planned second solo flight test of the Block I Apollo CSM on a Saturn IB. Cancelled after the Apollo 204 fire.
Apollo 207 Planned Apollo D mission. Two Saturn IB launches would put Apollo CSM and LM into orbit. CSM crew would dock with LM, test it in earth orbit. Cancelled after Apollo 204 fire.
Apollo LTA American technology satellite. 3 launches, 1967.11.09 (LTA-10R) to 1968.12.21 (LTA-B). Apollo Lunar module Test Articles were simple mass/structural models of the Lunar Module.
Apollo 503 Cancelled Apollo E mission - test of the Apollo lunar module in high earth orbit. Lunar module was not ready. Instead mission flown only with CSM into lunar orbit as Apollo 8.
Apollo RM American logistics spacecraft. Study 1967. In 1967 it was planned that Saturn IB-launched Orbital Workshops would be supplied by Apollo CSM spacecraft and Resupply Modules (RM) with up to three metric tons of supplies and instruments.
Apollo 7 First manned test of the Apollo spacecraft. Although the systems worked well, the crew became grumpy with head colds and talked back to the ground. As a result, NASA management determined that none of them would fly again.
Apollo 8 First manned flight to lunar orbit. Speed (10,807 m/s) and altitude (378,504 km) records. Mission resulted from audacious decision to send crew around moon to beat Soviets on only second manned Apollo CSM mission and third Saturn V launch.
Apollo 120 in Telescope American manned space station. Study 1968. Concept for use of a Saturn V-launched Apollo CSM with an enormous 10 m diameter space laboratory equipped with a 3 m diameter astronomical telescope.
Apollo LMAL American manned space station. Study 1968.
Apollo LPM American lunar logistics spacecraft. Study 1968. The unmanned portion of the Lunar Surface Rendezvous and Exploration Phase of Apollo envisioned in 1969 was the Lunar Payload Module (LPM).
Apollo LASS American manned lunar habitat. Cancelled 1968. In the LASS (LM Adapter Surface Station) lunar shelter concept, the LM ascent stage was replaced by an SLA 'mini-base' and the position of the Apollo Service Module (SM) was reversed.
Apollo ELS American manned lunar habitat. Cancelled 1968. The capabilities of a lunar shelter not derived from Apollo hardware were surveyed in the Early Lunar Shelter Study (ELS), completed in February 1967 by AiResearch.
Apollo 9 First manned test of the Lunar Module. First test of the Apollo space suits. First manned flight of a spacecraft incapable of returning to earth. If rendezvous of the Lunar Module with the Apollo CSM had failed, crew would have been stranded in orbit.
Apollo 10 Final dress rehearsal in lunar orbit for landing on moon. LM separated and descended to 10 km from surface of moon but did not land. Speed record (11,107 m/s).
Apollo 11 First manned lunar landing. The end of the moon race and public support for large space programs. The many changes made after the Apollo 204 fire paid off; all went according to plan, virtually no problems.
Apollo ALSEP American lunar lander. 7 launches, 1969.07.16 (EASEP) to 1972.12.07 (ALSEP). ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package) was the array of connected scientific instruments left behind on the lunar surface by each Apollo expedition.
Apollo LRM American manned lunar orbiter. Study 1969. Grumman proposed to use the LM as a lunar reconnaissance module. But NASA had already considered this and many other possibilities (Apollo MSS, Apollo LMSS); and there was no budget available for any of them.
Apollo 12 Second manned lunar landing. Precision landing near Surveyor 3 that landed in 1967. Lightning struck the booster twice during ascent. Decision was made to press on to moon, despite possibility landing pyrotechnics damaged.
Apollo MET American lunar hand cart. Flown 1971. NASA designed the MET lunar hand cart to help with problems such as the Apollo 12 astronauts had in carrying hand tools, sample boxes and bags, a stereo camera, and other equipment on the lunar surface.
Apollo 13 Fuel cell tank exploded en route to the moon, resulting in loss of all power and oxygen. Only through use of the still-attached LM as a lifeboat could the crew survive to return to earth. Altitude (401,056 km) record.
Apollo: Soviets Recovered an Apollo Capsule! The truth only emerged 32 years later - the Soviets recovered an Apollo space capsule in 1970… the original article.
Apollo Rescue CSM American manned rescue spacecraft. Study 1970. Influenced by the stranded Skylab crew portrayed in the book and movie 'Marooned', NASA provided a crew rescue capability for the first time in its history.
Apollo 14 Third manned lunar landing. Only Mercury astronaut to reach moon. Five attempts to dock the command module with the lunar module failed for no apparent reason - mission saved when sixth was successful. Hike to Cone Crater frustrating; rim not reached.
Apollo LRV American manned lunar rover. The Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle was one of those sweet pieces of hardware that NASA and its contractors seemed to be able to develop so effortlessly during the short maturity of the Apollo program. The Lunar Rover was the only piece of equipment from NASA's ambitious post-Apollo lunar exploration plans to actually fly in space, being used on Apollo missions 15, 16, and 17 in 1971-1972. The design was based on three years of studies for light, two-crew, open-cockpit 'Local Science Survey Modules'. Although Bendix built a prototype, Boeing ended up with the production contract.
Apollo 15 First use of lunar rover on moon. Beautiful images of crew prospecting at edge of Hadley Rill. One of the three main parachutes failed, causing a hard but survivable splashdown.
Apollo 16 Second Apollo mission with lunar rover. CSM main engine failure detected in lunar orbit. Landing almost aborted.
Apollo 17 Final Apollo lunar landing mission. First geologist to walk on the moon.
Apollo 18 Apollo 18 was originally planned in July 1969 to land in the moon's Schroter's Valley, a river-like channel-way. The original February 1972 landing date was extended when NASA cancelled the Apollo 20 mission in January 1970. Apollo 18 in turn cancelled on 2 September 1970 because of congressional cuts in FY 1971 NASA appropriations.
Apollo 19 Apollo 19 was originally planned to land in the Hyginus Rille region, which would allow study of lunar linear rilles and craters. Apollo 19 in turn cancelled on 2 September 1970 because of congressional cuts in FY 1971 NASA appropriations.
Apollo 20 Apollo 20 was originally planned in July 1969 to land in Crater Copernicus, a spectacular large crater impact area. Later Copernicus was assigned to Apollo 19, and the preferred landing site for Apollo 20 was the Marius Hills, or, if the operational constraints were relaxed, the bright crater Tycho. The planned December 1972 flight was cancelled on January 4, 1970, before any crew assignments were made.
Apollo ASTP Docking Module American manned space station module. Docking Module 2. The ASTP docking module was basically an airlock with docking facilities on each end to allow crew transfer between the Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft.
Apollo CM Escape Concept American manned rescue spacecraft. Study 1976. Escape capsule using Apollo command module studied by Rockwell for NASA for use with the shuttle in the 1970's-80's. Mass per crew: 750 kg.

People: Schirra, Shepard, Cooper, Borman, Lovell, McDivitt, Gordon, Aldrin, Pogue, Irwin, Conrad, Eisele, Armstrong, Mitchell, Stafford, Young, Collins, Brand, Swigert, Worden, Kerwin, Bean, Cunningham, Scott, Engle, Roosa, Anders, Evans, Haise, Cernan, Chapman, Schmitt, Duke, Schweickart, Lousma, Mattingly, McCandless
Country: USA
Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo CSM, Jupiter nose cone, Pegasus satellite, PFS
Flights: Apollo SA-11, Apollo SA-12, Apollo SA-13, Apollo SA-14, Apollo 204, Apollo 205, Apollo 207, Apollo 503, Apollo 7, Apollo 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 10, Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 17, Apollo 18, Apollo 19, Apollo 20
Launch Vehicles: Saturn I, Saturn IB, Uprated Saturn I, Saturn V
Launch Sites: Cape Canaveral
Agency: NASA Huntsville, NASA Houston
Bibliography: 4889, 9246

Photo Gallery

Apollo with Vanes
Credit: NASA
LM vs LK
US Lunar Module compared to Soviet LK lunar lander
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo CSM
Credit: © Mark Wade
Lunar rover
Credit: © Mark Wade
Lunar Module 3 view
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo CSM
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apolo LM
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo CSM and LM
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo CSM Interior
Interior of the Apollo Command Service Module on display at Kennedy Space Centre, Florida.
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo Lunar Module
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo CSM
Apollo CSM with Launch Escape Tower
Credit: © Mark Wade
Lunar Module
Lunar Module front view
Credit: © Mark Wade
Apollo
Artist concept of Apollo Lunar Mission Touchdown on Lunar Surface
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Artist concept of Apollo Lunar Mission Exploration of Lunar Surface
Credit: NASA
Apollo
One-twentieth size engineering model of the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. artist's concept of Lunar Module 5
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Artist's concept of a Saturn launch
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Artist's concept of a Saturn launch
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Little Joe II lift-off from launch area #3 at White Sands
Credit: NASA
Apollo
View of the lift-off of Little Joe II
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Boilerplate 6 and firing sequence of Apollo-Little Joe
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Apollo Mission (BP-6) composite
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Launch of Saturn 7 at Launch Complex 37, Merritt Island launch area, Florid
Credit: NASA
Apollo
First night launch of a Saturn I launch vehicle
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Night time view of Apollo Spacecraft 009 atop Saturn 1B launch vehicle
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Apollo/Saturn 201 launched from Kennedy Space Center
Credit: NASA
Apollo
KSC Launch Complex 34 during Apollo/Saturn Mission 202 pre-launch alert
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Apollo/Saturn Mission 202 launch
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Lift-off of Saturn Mission 203
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Artist's concept of prototype of Apollo Space suit
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Space suit A-3H-024 with Lunar Excursion Module astronaut restraint harness
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Test subject wears Apollo overgarment designed for use on lunar surface
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Astronaut John Bull wears newly designed Apollo pressure suit
Credit: NASA
Apollo
Portrait of Scientist-Astronauts whose selection was announced June 29, 196
Credit: NASA
Apollo LLTV
Lunar Landing Training vehicle piloted by Neil Armstrong during training
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Early morning view of Apollo 4 unmanned spacecraft on launch pad
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Apollo 4 unmanned mission launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Launching of the Apollo 4 unmanned space mission
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Apollo 4 unmanned mission launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Brazil, Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Sahara & Antarctica seen from Apollo 4
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Brazil, Atlantic Ocean, Africa & Antarctica seen from Apollo 4
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Atlantic Ocean, Antarctica as seen from the Apollo 4 unmanned spacecraft
Credit: NASA
Apollo 4
Apollo spacecraft 017 is hoisted aboard U.S.S. Bennington
Credit: NASA
Apollo 5
Mating of Lunar Module-1 with Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter-7
Credit: NASA
Apollo 5
Apollo 5 lift-off
Credit: NASA
Apollo 5
Apollo 5 lift-off
Credit: NASA
Apollo 5
Apollo 5 lift-off
Credit: NASA
Apollo 6
F-1 engines of Apollo/Saturn V first stage leave trail of flame after lift-off
Credit: NASA
Apollo 6
Recovery of Apollo 6 unmanned spacecraft
Credit: NASA

Chronology

2,774 events

1953 March

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Research on 1 million lb thrust engine begun. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Research on 1-million-pound thrust plus engine begun at Rocketdyne, the feasibility of which was established in March 1955..

1955 March

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Feasibility of million-pound-thrust liquid-fueled rocket engine established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The feasibility of a million-pound-thrust liquid-fueled rocket engine established by the Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation, Inc..

1956 January 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First test of 400,000+ lb thrust engine. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First U.S.-built complete liquid-rocket engine having a thrust in excess of 400,000 pounds was fired for the first time at Santa Susana, Calif..

1956 November 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Million pound thrust test stand activiated. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocket test stand capable of testing engines to 1 million pounds thrust activated at Edwards AFB, which became operational in March 1957..

1957 April

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Studies of a large clustered-engine booster - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., began studies of a large clustered-engine booster to generate 1.5 million pounds of thrust, as one of a related group of space vehicles. During 1957-1958, approximately 50,000 man-hours were expended in this effort.

1957 December 30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I first proposed. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Von Braun produces 'Proposal for a National Integrated Missile and Space Vehicle Development Plan'. First mention of 1,500,000 lbf booster (Saturn I).

1958 February 10

Expanded NACA program of space flight research proposed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Silverstein. Program: Apollo.
A greatly expanded NACA program of space flight research was proposed in a paper, "A Program for Expansion of NACA Research in Space Flight Technology," written principally by senior engineers of the Lewis Aeronautical Laboratory under the leadership of Abe Silverstein. The goal of the program would be "to provide basic research in support of the development of manned satellites and the travel of man to the moon and nearby planets." The cost of the program was estimated at $241 million per year above the current NACA budget.

1958 June 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Preliminary design begun on F-1 - 1.5 million pounds thrust rocket engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The U.S. Air Force contracted with NAA, Rocketdyne Division, for preliminary design of a single-chamber, kerosene and liquid-oxygen rocket engine capable of 1 to 1.5 million pounds of thrust. During the last week in July, Rocketdyne was awarded the contract to develop this engine, designated the F-1.

1958 July 29

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I initial contract. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. ARPA gives Von Braun team contract to develop Saturn I (called 'cluster's last stand' due to design concept)..

1958 August 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rocketdyne gets F-1 engine contract. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocketdyne Division of North American announced an Air Force contract for a 1-million-pound thrust engine..

1958 August 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I project initiated by ARPA. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA provided the Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) with authority and initial funding to develop the Juno V (later named Saturn launch vehicle. ARPA Order 14 described the project: "Initiate a development program to provide a large space vehicle booster of approximately 1.5 million pounds of thrust based on a cluster of available rocket engines. The immediate goal of this program is to demonstrate a full-scale captive dynamic firing by the end of calendar year 1959." Within AOMC, the Juno V project was assigned to the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal Huntsville, Ala.

1958 September 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Redstone Arsenal begins Saturn I design studies. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Saturn design studies authorized to proceed at Redstone Arsenal for development of 1.5-million-pound-thrust cluster first stage..

1958 September 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Letter contract for the development of the Saturn H-1 rocket engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A letter contract was signed by NASA with NAA's Rocketdyne Division for the development of the H-1 rocket engine, designed for use in a clustered-engine booster..

1958 October 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Contract for development of the H-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Pioneer I, intended as a lunar probe, was launched by a Thor-Able rocket from the Atlantic Missile Range, with the Air Force acting as executive agent to NASA. The 39-pound instrumented payload did not reach escape velocity..

1958 October 25

Stever Committee report on the civilian space program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
The Stever Committee, which had been set up on January 12, submitted its report on the civilian space program to NASA. Among the recommendations:
- A vigorous, coordinated attack should be made upon the problems of maintaining the performance capabilities of man in the space environment as a prerequisite to sophisticated space exploration.
- Sustained support should be given to a comprehensive instrumentation development program, establishment of versatile dynamic flight simulators, and provision of a coordinated series of vehicles for testing components and subsystems.
- Serious study should be made of an equatorial launch capability.
- Lifting reentry vehicles should be developed.
- Both the clustered- and single-engine boosters of million-pound thrust should be developed.
- Research on high-energy propellant systems for launch vehicle upper stages should receive full support.
- The performance capabilities of various combinations of existing boosters and upper stages should be evaluated, and intensive development concentrated on those promising greatest usefulness in different categories of payload.

1958 November 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

F-1 engine gets highest priority. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA requested DX priority for 1.5-million-pound-thrust F-1 engine project and Project Mercury..

1958 November 1

Contract for lunar mapping photography - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A contract was signed by the University of Manchester, Manchester, England, and the Air Force (AF 61(052)-168) for $21,509. Z. Kopal, principal investigator, was to provide topographical information on the lunar surface for production of accurate lunar maps. Additional Details: here....

1958 November 5

Space Task Group (STG) organized to implement the manned satellite project - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Glennan. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
The Space Task Group (STG) was officially organized at Langley Field, Va., to implement the manned satellite project (later Project Mercury), NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan had approved the formation of the Group, which had been working together for some months, on October 7. Its members were designated on November 3 by Robert R. Gilruth, Project Manager, and authorization was given by Floyd L. Thompson, Acting Director of Langley Research Center. STG would report directly to NASA Headquarters.

1958 December 3

Army / NASA cooperative agreements - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker and NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan signed cooperative agreements concerning NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Army Ordnance Missile Command AOMC, and Department of the Army relationships. The agreement covering NASA utilization of the von Braun team made "the AOMC and its subordinate organizations immediately, directly, and continuously responsive to NASA requirements."

1958 December 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

ABMA Briefing to NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. Von Braun briefs NASA on plans for booster development at Huntsville with objective of manned lunar landing. Initally proposed using 15 Juno V (Saturn I) boosters to assemble 200,000 kg payload in earth orbit for direct landing on moon..

1958 December 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn H-1 engine first full-power firing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The H-1 engine successfully completed its first full-power firing at NAA's Rocketdyne facility in Canoga Park, Calif..

1958 December 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rocketdyne gets contract to develop F-1 engine. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA awarded contract to Rocketdyne of North American to build single-chamber 1.5-million-pound-thrust rocket engine..

1958 December 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Military and NASA consider future launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Representatives of Advanced Research Projects Agency, the military services, and NASA met to consider the development of future launch vehicle systems. Agreement was reached on the principle of developing a small number of versatile launch vehicle systems of different thrust capabilities, the reliability of which could be expected to be improved through use by both the military services and NASA.

1959 January 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

1 million pound engine demonstrated. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocketdyne demonstrated 1-million-pound-thrust liquid-propellant rocket combustion chamber at full power..

1959 January 2

Von Braun predicted manned circumlunar flight within ten years - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan, Silverstein, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
In a staff report of the House Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration, Wernher von Braun of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency predicted manned circumlunar flight within the next eight to ten years and a manned lunar landing and return mission a few years thereafter. Administrator T. Keith Glennan, Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden, Abe Silverstein, John P. Hagen, and Homer E. Newell, all of NASA, also foresaw manned circumlunar flight within the decade as well as instrumented probes soft-landed on the moon. Roy K. Knutson, Chairman of the Corporate Space Committee, NAA, projected a manned lunar landing expedition for the early 1970's with extensive unmanned instrumented soft lunar landings during the last half of the 1960's.

1959 January 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

NASA Large Booster Review Committee - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC), the Air Force, and missile contractors presented to the ARPA-NASA Large Booster Review Committee their views on the quickest and surest way for the United States to attain large booster capability. The Committee decided that the Juno V approach advocated by AOMC was best and NASA started plans to utilize the Juno V booster.

1959 January 19

Contract with Rocketdyne for development of the F-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA signed a definitive contract with Rocketdyne Division, NAA, for $102 million covering the design and development of a single-chamber, liquid-propellant rocket engine in the 1- to l.5-million-pound-thrust class (the F-1, to be used in the Nova superbooster concept). NASA had announced the selection of Rocketdyne on December 12.

1959 January 27

NASA National Space Vehicle Program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
After consultation and discussion with DOD, NASA formulated a national space vehicle program. The central idea of the program was that a single launch vehicle should be developed for use in each series of future space missions. The launch vehicle would thus achieve a high degree of reliability, while the guidance and payload could be varied according to purpose of the mission. Four general-purpose launch vehicles were described: Vega, Centaur, Saturn, and Nova. The Nova booster stage would be powered by a cluster of four F-1 engines, the second stage by a single F-1, and the third stage would be the size of an intercontinental ballistic missile but would use liquid hydrogen as a fuel. This launch vehicle would be the first in a series that could transport a man to the lunar surface and return him safely to earth in a direct ascent mission. Four additional stages would be required in such a mission.

1959 February 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Booster name changed from Juno V to Saturn - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Roy, von Braun. Program: Apollo. The Army proposed that the name of the large clustered-engine booster be changed from Juno V to Saturn, since Saturn was the next planet after Jupiter. Roy W. Johnson, Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency, approved the name on February 3..

1959 February 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Early agreement required on Saturn upper stages - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Roy, Medaris, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Maj. Gen. John B. Medaris of the Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) and Roy W. Johnson of the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) discussed the urgency of early agreement between ARPA and NASA on the configuration of the Saturn upper stages. Several discussions between ARPA and NASA had been held on this subject. Johnson expected to reach agreement with NASA the following week. He agreed that AOMC would participate in the overall upper stage planning to ensure compatibility of the booster and upper stages.

1959 February 5

Working Group on Lunar Exploration established by NASA - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
A Working Group on Lunar Exploration was established by NASA at a meeting at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Members of NASA, JPL, Army Ballistic Missile Agency, California Institute of Technology, and the University of California participated in the meeting. The Working Group was assigned the responsibility of preparing a lunar exploration program, which was outlined: circumlunar vehicles, unmanned and manned; hard lunar impact; close lunar satellites; soft lunar landings (instrumented). Preliminary studies showed that the Saturn booster with an intercontinental ballistic missile as a second stage and a Centaur as a third stage, would be capable of launching manned lunar circumnavigation spacecraft and instrumented packages of about one ton to a soft landing on the moon.

1959 February 15

NASA Booster Development Plan for 60's - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. NASA issues plan for development in next decade of Vega (later cancelled as too similar to Agena), Centaur, Saturn, and Nova launch vehicles. Juno V renamed Saturn I..

1959 February 17

Exploration of the moon a NASA responsibility - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Roy. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Roy W. Johnson, Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), testified before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics that DOD and ARPA had no lunar landing program. Herbert F. York, DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering, testified that exploration of the moon was a NASA responsibility.

1959 February 20

Long-range objectives of the NASA space program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In testimony before the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden and DeMarquis D. Wyatt described the long-range objectives of the NASA space program: an orbiting space station with several men, operating for several days; a permanent manned orbiting laboratory; unmanned hard-landing and soft-landing lunar probes; manned circumlunar flight; manned lunar landing and return; and, ultimately, interplanetary flight.

1959 March

Heatshield test of Mercury at lunar reentry speeds - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
H. Kurt Strass and Leo T. Chauvin of STG proposed a heatshield test of a fullscale Mercury spacecraft at lunar reentry speeds. This test, in which the capsule would penetrate the earth's radiation belt, was called Project Boomerang. An advanced version of the Titan missile was to be the launch vehicle. The project was postponed and ultimately dropped because of cost.

1959 March 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Thrust chamber of the Saturn F-1 engine successfully static-fired - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The thrust chamber of the F-1 engine was successfully static-fired at the Santa Susana Air Force-Rocketdyne Propulsion Laboratory in California. More than one million pounds of thrust were produced, the greatest amount attained to that time in the United States.

1959 March 13

Saturn System Study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) submitted the "Saturn System Study" which had been requested by the Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA on December 18, 1958. From the 1375 possible configurations screened, and the 14 most promising given detailed study, the Atlas and Titan families were selected as the most attractive for upper staging. Either the 120-inch or the 160inch diameter was acceptable. The study included the statement: "An immediate decision by ARPA as to choice of upper stages on the first generation vehicle is mandatory if flight hardware is to be available to meet the proposed Saturn schedule." Additional Details: here....

1959 April 1-8

Goett Committee to study advanced manned space flight missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Goett. Program: Apollo.
John W. Crowley, Jr., NASA Director of Aeronautical and Space Research, notified the Ames, Lewis, and Langley Research Centers, the High Speed Flight Station (later Flight Research Center), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Office of Space Flight Development that a Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight would be formed. Harry J. Goett of Ames was to be Chairman of the Committee, which would assist NASA Headquarters in carrying out its responsibilities in long-range planning and basic research on manned space flight.

1959 April 2-5

Advanced manned space program to follow Project Mercury - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
The advanced manned space program to follow Project Mercury was discussed at a NASA Staff Conference held in Williamsburg, Va. Three reasons for such a program were suggested:
1. Preliminary step to development of spacecraft for manned interplanetary exploration.
2. Extended duration work in the space environment.
3. Support of the military space mission.
Among areas requiring study were the cost of an equatorial launch site, adequacy of tracking stations and DOD-NASA coordination of tracking systems, and the need for NASA's own propulsion test stands and facilities.

1959 April 7

Research into rendezvous techniques - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan requested $3 million for research into rendezvous techniques as part of the NASA budget for Fiscal Year 1960. In subsequent hearings, DeMarquis D. Wyatt, Assistant to the NASA Director of Space Flight Development, explained that these funds would be used to resolve certain key problems in making space rendezvous practical. Among these were the establishment of referencing methods for fixing the relative positions of two vehicles in space; the development of accurate, lightweight target-acquisition equipment to enable the supply craft to locate the space station; the development of very accurate guidance and control systems to permit precisely determined flight paths; and the development of sources of controlled power.

1959 April 8

Network of stations for deep-space probes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Testifying before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Francis B. Smith, Chief of Tracking Programs for NASA, described the network of stations necessary for tracking a deep-space probe on a 24-hour basis. The stations should be located about 120 degrees apart in longitude. In addition to the Goldstone, Calif., site, two other locations had been selected: South Africa and Woomera, Australia.

1959 April 9-28

Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight members nominated - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Low, George. Program: Apollo.
Members of the new Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight were nominated by the Ames, Lewis, and Langley Research Centers, the High Speed Flight Station (HSFS) (later Flight Research Center), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Office of Space Flight Development OSFD), and the Office of Aeronautical and Space Research (OASR). They were: Alfred J. Eggers, Jr. (Ames); Bruce T. Lundin (Lewis); Laurence K. Loftin, Jr. (Langley); De E. Beeler (HSFS); Harris M. Schurmeier (JPL); Maxime A. Faget (STG) ; George M. Low of NASA Headquarters OSFD) ; and Milton B. Ames, Jr. (part-time) (OASR).

1959 April 15

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn A-1.

Use of Titan for Saturn upper stages - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In response to a request by the DOD-NASA) Saturn Ad Hoc Committee, the Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) sent a supplement to the "Saturn System Study" to the Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA describing the use of Titan for Saturn upper stages. Additional Details: here....

1959 May 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Unmanned Lunar Soft Landing Vehicle - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor. The Army Ordnance Missile Command submitted to NASA a report entitled "Preliminary Study of an Unmanned Lunar Soft Landing Vehicle," recommending the use of the Saturn booster..

1959 May 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First H-1 engine for the Saturn delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first Rocketdyne H-1 engine for the Saturn arrived at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA ). The H-1 engine was installed in the ABMA test stand on May 7, first test-fired on May 21, and fired for 80 seconds on May 29. The first long-duration firing - 151.03 seconds - was on June 2.

1959 May 6

Jastrow Committee on lunar exploration created. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA created a committee to study problems of long-range lunar exploration to be headed by Dr. Robert Jastrow..

1959 May 9

LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas Vega.

High-resolution photographs of the moon using Vega rocket - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
Milton W. Rosen of NASA Headquarters proposed a plan for obtaining high-resolution photographs of the moon. A three-stage Vega would place the payload within a 500-mile diameter circle on the lunar surface. A stabilized retrorocket fired at 500 miles above the moon would slow the instrument package sufficiently to permit 20 photographs to be transmitted at a rate of one picture per minute. Additional Details: here....

1959 May 25-26

Tentative manned space flight priorities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
Tentative manned space flight priorities were established by the Research Steering Committee: Project Mercury, ballistic probes, environmental satellite, maneuverable manned satellite, manned space flight laboratory, lunar reconnaissance satellite, lunar landing, Mars Venus reconnaissance, and Mars-Venus landing. The Committee agreed that each NASA Center should study a manned lunar landing and return mission, the study to include the type of propulsion, vehicle configuration, structure, anti guidance requirements. Such a mission was an end objective; it did not have to be supported on the basis that it would lead to a more useful end. It would also focus attention at the Centers on the problems of true space flight.

1959 May 25-26

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

National booster program, Dyna-Soar, and Mercury discussed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
The national booster program, Dyna-Soar, and Project Mercury were discussed by the Research Steering Committee. Members also presented reviews of Center programs related to manned space flight. Maxime A. Faget of STG endorsed lunar exploration as the present goal of the Committee although recognizing the end objective as manned interplanetary travel. George M. Low of NASA Headquarters recommended that the Committee:
- Adopt the lunar landing mission as its long-range objective.
- Investigate vehicle staging so that Saturn could be used for manned lunar landings without complete reliance on Nova.
- Make a study of whether parachute or airport landing techniques should be emphasized.
- Consider nuclear rocket propulsion possibilities for space flight.
- Attach importance to research on auxiliary power plants such as hydrogen-oxygen systems.

1959 May 25-26

First meeting of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Goett, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
The first meeting of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight was held at NASA Headquarters. Members of the Committee attending were: Harry J. Goett, Chairman; Milton B. Ames, Jr. (part-time); De E. Beeler; Alfred J. Eggers, Jr.; Maxime A. Faget; Laurence K. Loftin, Jr.; George M. Low; Bruce T. Lundin; and Harris M. Schurmeier. Observers were John H. Disher, Robert M. Crane, Warren J. North, Milton W. Rosen (part-time), and H. Kurt Strass.
The purpose of the Committee was to take a long-term look at man-in-space problems, leading eventually to recommendations on future missions and on broad aspects of Center research programs to ensure that the Centers were providing proper information. Committee investigations would range beyond Mercury and Dyna-Soar but would not be overly concerned with specific vehicular configurations. The Committee would report directly to the Office of Aeronautical and Space Research.

1959 May 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First H-1 engine for Saturn I fired. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. ABMA static fired a single H-1 Saturn engine at Redstone Arsenal, Ala..

1959 May 27

STG staff discusses the possibility of an advanced manned spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget, Gilruth, Low, George. Program: Apollo.
Director Robert R. Gilruth met with members of his STG staff (Paul E. Purser, Charles J. Donlan, James A. Chamberlin, Raymond L. Zavasky, W. Kemble Johnson, Charles W. Mathews, Maxime A. Faget, and Charles H. Zimmeman) and George M. Low from NASA Headquarters to discuss the possibility of an advanced manned spacecraft.

1959 June

Recoverable Interplanetary Space Probe study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: RISP. A report entitled "Recoverable Interplanetary Space Probe" was issued at the direction of C. Stark Draper, Director of the Instrumentation Laboratory, MIT. Several organizations had participated in this study, which began in 1957..

1959 June 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Construction begins of the first Saturn launch complex - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Construction of the first Saturn launch area, Complex 34, began at Cape Canaveral, FIa..

1959 June 4

Post-Mercury program using maneuverable Mercury spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury. At an STG staff meeting, Director Robert R. Gilruth suggested that study should be made of a post-Mercury program in which maneuverable Mercury spacecraft would make land landings in limited areas..

1959 June 5

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I launch complex construction starts. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

1959 June 18

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

NASA funded study of a lunar exploration program based on Saturn - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA authorized $150,000 for Army Ordnance Missile Command studies of a lunar exploration program based on Saturn-boosted systems. To be included were circumlunar vehicles, unmanned and manned; close lunar orbiters; hard lunar impacts; and soft lunar landings with stationary or roving payloads.

1959 Summer

STG worked on advanced design concepts of earth orbital and lunar missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
Members of STG - including H. Kurt Strass, Robert L. O'Neal, Lawrence W. Enderson, Jr., and David C. Grana - and Thomas E. Dolan of Chance Vought Corporation worked on advanced design concepts of earth orbital and lunar missions. The goal was a manned lunar landing within ten years, rather than an advanced Mercury program.

1959 June 25-26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study and research areas for manned flight to and from the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury. Members of the Research Steering Committee determined the study and research areas which would require emphasis for manned flight to and from the moon and for intermediate flight steps:. Additional Details: here....

1959 June 25-26

Research Steering Committee briefed on technical studies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
Alfred J. Eggers, Jr., of the Ames Research Center told the members of the Research Steering Committee of studies on radiation belts, graze and orbit maneuvers on reentry, heat transfer, structural concepts and requirements, lift over drag considerations, and guidance systems which affected various aspects of the manned lunar mission. Eggers said that Ames had concentrated on a landing maneuver involving a reentry approach over one of the poles to lessen radiation exposure, a graze through the outer edge of the atmosphere to begin an earth orbit, and finally reentry and landing. Additional Details: here....

1959 June 25-26

Steps toward a manned lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
At the second meeting of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight, held at the Ames Research Center, members presented reports on intermediate steps toward a manned lunar landing and return.
Bruce T. Lundin of the Lewis Research Center reported to members on propulsion requirements for various modes of manned lunar landing missions, assuming a 10,000-pound spacecraft to be returned to earth. Lewis mission studies had shown that a launch into lunar orbit would require less energy than a direct approach and would be more desirable for guidance, landing reliability, etc. From a 500,000 foot orbit around the moon, the spacecraft would descend in free fall, applying a constant-thrust decelerating impulse at the last moment before landing. Research would be needed to develop the variable-thrust rocket engine to be used in the descent. With the use of liquid hydrogen, the launch weight of the lunar rocket and spacecraft would be 10 to 11 million pounds. Additional Details: here....

1959 June 25-26

Projected manned space station - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Goett, Low, George. Program: Apollo.
A report on a projected manned space station was made to the Research Steering Committee by Laurence K. Loftin, Jr., of the Langley Research Center. In discussion, Chairman Harry J. Goett expressed his opinion that consideration of a space laboratory ought to be an integral and coordinated part of the planning for the lunar landing mission. George M. Low of NASA Headquarters warned that care should be exercised to assure that each step taken toward the goal of a lunar landing was significant, since the number of steps that could be funded was extremely limited.

1959 August 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Static firing of the first Saturn planned for early 1960 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) directed the Army Ordnance Missile Command to proceed with the static firing of the first Saturn vehicle, the test booster SA-T, in early calendar year 1960 in accordance with the $70 million program and not to accelerate for a January 1960 firing. ARPA asked to be informed of the scheduled firing date.

1959 August-September

Meetings of the STG New Projects Panel to discuss an advanced manned space flight program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Meetings of the STG New Projects Panel to discuss an advanced manned space flight program. .

1959 August 12

NASA's future manned space program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Source Selection.
The STG New Projects Panel (proposed by H. Kurt Strass in June) held its first meeting to discuss NASA's future manned space program. Present were Strass, Chairman, Alan B. Kehlet, William S. Augerson, Jack Funk, and other STG members. Strass summarized the philosophy behind NASA's proposed objective of a manned lunar landing : maximum utilization of existing technology in a series of carefully chosen projects, each of which would provide a firm basis for the next step and be a significant advance in its own right. Additional Details: here....

1959 August 18

First major new NASA project to be a second-generation reentry capsule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
At its second meeting, STG's New Projects Panel decided that the first major project to be investigated would be the second-generation reentry capsule. The Panel was presented a chart outlining the proposed sequence of events for manned lunar mission system analysis. The target date for a manned lunar landing was 1970.

1959 August 31

Lunar flights to originate from space platforms in earth orbit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
A House Committee Staff Report stated that lunar flights would originate from space platforms in earth orbit according to current planning. The final decision on the method to be used, "which must be made soon," would take into consideration the difficulty of space rendezvous between a space platform and space vehicles as compared with the difficulty of developing single vehicles large enough to proceed directly from the earth to the moon.

1959 September 1

Mercury spacecraft modified to withstand lunar reentry conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury.
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation reported to NASA the results of several company-funded studies of follow-on experiments using Mercury spacecraft with heatshields modified to withstand lunar reentry conditions. In one experiment, a Centaur booster would accelerate a Mercury spacecraft plus a third stage into an eccentric earth orbit with an apogee of about 1,200 miles, so that the capsule would reenter at an angle similar to that required for reentry from lunar orbit. The third stage would then fire, boosting the spacecraft to a speed of 36,000 feet per second as it reentered the atmosphere.

1959 September

MIT study of the guidance and control design for a variety of space missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection. A study of the guidance and control design for a variety of space missions began at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory under a NASA contract..

1959 September 16-18

LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan IIIC.

Plans for advanced launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan. Program: Apollo.
The ARPA-NASA Booster Evaluation Committee appointed by Herbert F. York, DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering, April 15, 1959, convened to review plans for advanced launch vehicles. A comparison of the Saturn (C-1) and the Titan-C boosters showed that the Saturn, with its substantially greater payload capacity, would be ready at least one year sooner than the Titan-C. In addition, the cost estimates on the Titan-C proved to be unrealistic. On the basis of the Advanced Research Projects Agency presentation, York agreed to continue the Saturn program but, following the meeting, began negotiations with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan to transfer the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (and, therefore, Saturn ) to NASA.

1959 September 28

Lenticular-shaped vehicle proposed for the lunar mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Source Selection.
At the third meeting of STG's New Projects Panel, Alan B. Kehlet presented suggestions for the multimanned reentry capsule. A lenticular-shaped vehicle was proposed, to ferry three occupants safely to earth from a lunar mission at a velocity of about 36,000 feet per second.

1959 October 21

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Transfer to NASA of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Development Operations Division - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisenhower, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
After a meeting with officials concerned with the missile and space program, President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced that he intended to transfer to NASA control the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Development Operations Division personnel and facilities. The transfer, subject to congressional approval, would include the Saturn development program.

1959 November 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Transfer of Saturn I project to NASA announced. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisenhower, von Braun. Program: Apollo. President Eisenhower announced his intention of transferring the Saturn project to NASA, which became effective on March 15, 1960..

1959 November 2

Planning of advanced spacecraft systems begun - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget, Gilruth, Johnson, Caldwell. Program: Apollo.
At an STG meeting, it was decided to begin planning of advanced spacecraft systems. Three primary assignments were made:
1. The preliminary design of a multi-man (probably three-man) capsule for a circumlunar mission, with particular attention to the use of the capsule as a temporary space laboratory, lunar landing cabin, and deep-space probe;
2. Mission analysis studies to establish exit and reentry corridors, weights, and propulsion requirements;
3. Test program planning to decide on the number and purpose of launches.
Additional Details: here....

1959 November 19

Importance of weight of end vehicle in the lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Goett. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
In a memorandum to the members of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight, Chairman Harry J. Goett discussed the increased importance of the weight of the "end vehicle" in the lunar landing mission. This was to be an item on the agenda of the third meeting of the Committee, to be held in early December. Abe Silverstein, Director of the NASA Office of Space Flight Development, had recently mentioned to Goett that a decision would be made within the next few weeks on the configuration of successive generations of Saturn, primarily the upper stages, Silverstein and Goett had discussed the Committee's views on a lunar spacecraft. Goett expressed the hope in the memorandum that members of the Committee would have some specific ideas at their forthcoming meeting about the probable weight of the spacecraft.
In addition, Goett informed the Committee that the Vega had been eliminated as a possible booster for use in one of the intermediate steps leading to the lunar mission. The primary possibility for the earth satellite mission was now the first-generation Saturn and for the lunar flight the second-generation Saturn.

1959 November 27

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study group to recommend upper-stage configurations - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Silverstein. Program: Apollo.
While awaiting the formal transfer of the Saturn program, NASA formed a study group to recommend upper-stage configurations. Membership was to include the DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering and personnel from NASA, Advanced Research Projects Agency, Army Ballistic Missile Agency, and the Air Force. This group was later known both as the Saturn Vehicle Team and the Silverstein Committee (for Abe Silverstein, Chairman).

1959 December 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Plan for transferring the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and Saturn to NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisenhower, Glennan, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The initial plan for transferring the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and Saturn to NASA was drafted. It was submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 1 1 and was signed by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker and Secretary of the Air Force James H. Douglas on December 16 and by NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan on December 17.

1959 December 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Engineering and cost study for a new Saturn configuration - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA and NASA requested the Army Ordnance Missile Command AOMC to prepare an engineering and cost study for a new Saturn configuration with a second stage of four 20,000-pound-thrust liquid-hydrogen and liquid-oxygen engines (later called the S-IV stage) and a modified Centaur third stage using two of these engines later designated the S-V stage). Additional Details: here....

1959 December 8-9

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Army Ballistic Missile Agency mission possibilities - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
H. H. Koelle told members of the Research Steering Committee of mission possibilities being considered at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. These included an engineering satellite, an orbital return capsule, a space crew training vehicle, a manned orbital laboratory, a manned circumlunar vehicle, and a manned lunar landing and return vehicle. He described the current Saturn configurations, including the "C" launch vehicle to be operational in 1967. The Saturn C (larger than the C-1) would be able to boost 85,000 pounds into earth orbit and 25,000 pounds into an escape trajectory.

1959 December 8-9

Steps to manned lunar flight and capsule-laboratory spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
At the third meeting of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight held at Langley Research Center, H. Kurt Strass reported on STG's thinking on steps leading to manned lunar flight and on a particular capsule-laboratory spacecraft. The project steps beyond Mercury were: radiation experiments, minimum space and reentry vehicle (manned), temporary space laboratory (manned), lunar data acquisition (unmanned), lunar circumnavigation or lunar orbiter (unmanned), lunar base supply (unmanned), and manned lunar landing. STG felt that the lunar mission should have a three-man crew. A configuration was described in which a cylindrical laboratory was attached to the reentry capsule. This laboratory would provide working space for the astronauts until it was jettisoned before reentry. Preliminary estimates put the capsule weight at about 6,600 pounds and the capsule plus laboratory at about 10,000 pounds.

1959 December 8-9

Configurations for manned lunar landing by direct ascent - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Several possible configurations for a manned lunar landing by direct ascent being studied at the Lewis Research Center were described to the Research Steering Committee by Seymour C. Himmel. A six-stage launch vehicle would be required, the first three stages to boost the spacecraft to orbital speed, the fourth to attain escape speed, the fifth for lunar landing, and the sixth for lunar escape with a 10,000-pound return vehicle. One representative configuration had an overall height of 320 feet. H. H. Koelle of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency argued that orbital assembly or refueling in orbit (earth orbit rendezvous) was more flexible, more straightforward, and easier than the direct ascent approach. Bruce T. Lundin of the Lewis Research Center felt that refueling in orbit presented formidable problems since handling liquid hydrogen on the ground was still not satisfactory. Lewis was working on handling cryogenic fuels in space.

1959 December 9

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Goett Committee - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. Committee formed to recommend post-Mercury space program. After four meetings, and studying earth-orbit assembly using Saturn II or direct ascent using Nova, tended to back development of Nova..

1959 December 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn upper stage study. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. NASA team completed study design of upper stages of Saturn launch vehicle..

1959 December 29

Space Exploration Program Council proposed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In a memorandum to Don R. Ostrander, Director of Office of Launch Vehicle Programs, and Abe Silverstein, Director of Office of Space Flight Programs, NASA Associate Administrator Richard E. Horner described the proposed Space Exploration Program Council, which would be concerned primarily with program development and implementation. The Council would be made up of the Directors of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, the Office of Space Flight Programs, and the Office of Launch Vehicle Programs. Horner would be Chairman of the Council which would have its first meeting on January 28-29, 1960 (later changed to February 10-11, 1960).

1959 December 31

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

NASA approval of Saturn development program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Silverstein, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
NASA accepted the recommendations of the Saturn Vehicle Evaluation Committee Silverstein Committee on the Saturn C-1 configuration and on a long-range Saturn program. A research and development plan of ten vehicles was approved. The C-1 configuration would include the S-1 stage (eight H-1 engines clustered, producing 1.5 million pounds of thrust), the S-IV stage (four engines producing 80,000 pounds of thrust), and the S-V stage two engines producing 40,000 pounds of thrust.

1960 January 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Super booster program to be accelerated - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisenhower, Glennan, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan "to make a study, to be completed at the earliest date practicable, of the possible need for additional funds for the balance of FY 1960 and for FY 1961 to accelerate the super booster program for which your agency recently was given technical and management responsibility."

1960 January 28

NASA's Ten-Year Plan presented to Congress - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In testimony before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Richard E. Horner, Associate Administrator of NASA, presented NASA's ten-year plan for 1960-1970. The essential elements had been recommended by the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight. NASA's Office of Program Planning and Evaluation, headed by Homer J. Stewart, formalized the ten-year plan.
On February 19, NASA officials again presented the ten-year timetable to the House Committee. A lunar soft landing with a mobile vehicle had been added for 1965. On March 28, NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan described the plan to the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences. He estimated the cost of the program to be more than $1 billion in Fiscal Year 1962 and at least $1.5 billion annually over the next five years, for a total cost of $12 to $15 billion. Additional Details: here....

1960 January

Name Apollo suggested - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Gilruth, Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
At a luncheon in Washington, Abe Silverstein, Director of the Office of Space Flight Programs, suggested the name "Apollo" for the manned space flight program that was to follow Mercury. Others at the luncheon were Don R. Ostrander from NASA Headquarters and Robert R. Gilruth, Maxime A. Faget, and Charles J. Donlan from STG.

1960 January

Manned lunar landing and return (MALLAR) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Chance Vought Corporation completed a company-funded, independent, classified study on manned lunar landing and return (MALLAR), under the supervision of Thomas E. Dolan. Booster limitations indicated that earth orbit rendezvous would be necessary. A variety of lunar missions were described, including a two-man, 14-day lunar landing and return. This mission called for an entry vehicle of 6,600 pounds, a mission module of 9,000 pounds, and a lunar landing module of 27,000 pounds. It incorporated the idea of lunar orbit rendezvous though not specifically by name.

1960 February 1

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Lunar Exploration Program Based Upon Saturn Systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Army Ballistic Missile Agency submitted to NASA the study entitled "A Lunar Exploration Program Based Upon Saturn-Boosted Systems." In addition to the subjects specified in the preliminary report of October 1, 1959, it included manned lunar landings.

1960 February 10-11

NASA Space Exploration Council - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first meeting of the NASA Space Exploration Council was held at NASA Headquarters. The objective of the Council was "to provide a mechanism for the timely and direct resolution of technical and managerial problems . . . common to all NASA Centers engaged in the space flight program." Additional Details: here....

1960 February 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Lunar Program Based on Saturn Systems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. Study issued by Huntsville of lunar landing alternatives using Saturn systems. Huntsville transferred from Army to NASA. Vought study on modular approach to lunar landing. Internally NASA decides on lunar landing as next objective after Mercury..

1960 February 29

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Eleven companies submitted contract proposals for the Saturn second stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Eleven companies submitted contract proposals for the Saturn second stage (S-IV): Bell Aircraft Corporation; The Boeing Airplane Company; Chrysler Corporation; General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Astronautics Division; Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.; Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation; Lockheed Aircraft Corporation; The Martin Company; McDonnell Aircraft Corporation; North American Aviation, Inc.; and United Aircraft Corporation.

1960 March 1

NASA established the Office of Life Sciences Programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA established the Office of Life Sciences Programs with Clark T. Randt as Director. The Office would assist in the fields of biotechnology and basic medical and behavioral sciences. Proposed biological investigations would include work on the effects of space and planetary environments on living organisms, on evidence of extraterrestrial life forms, and on contamination problems. In addition, the Office would arrange grants and contracts and plan a life sciences research center.

1960 March 3-5

Advanced manned space flight program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Source Selection.
At a NASA staff conference at Monterey, Calif., officials discussed the advanced manned space flight program, the elements of which had been presented to Congress in January. The Goddard Space Flight Center was asked to define the basic assumptions to be used by all groups in the continuing study of the lunar mission. Some problems already raised were: the type of heatshield needed for reentry and tests required to qualify it, the kind of research and development firings, and conditions that would be encountered in cislunar flight. Additional Details: here....

1960 March 8

Preliminary guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. STG formulated preliminary guidelines by which an "advanced manned spacecraft and system" would be developed. These guidelines were further refined and elaborated; they were formally presented to NASA Centers during April and May..

1960 March 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I transferred to NASA. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Development Operations Division and the Saturn program were transferred to NASA after the expiration of the 60-day limit for congressional action on the President's proposal of January 14. (The President's decision had been made on October 21, 1959.) By Executive Order, the President named the facilities the "George C. Marshall Space Flight Center." Formal transfer took place on July 1.

1960 Spring

Chance Vought study of the lunar orbit rendezvous method - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. Thomas E. Dolan of the Chance Vought Corporation prepared a company-funded design study of the lunar orbit rendezvous method for accomplishing the lunar landing mission..

1960 March 28

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Two H-1's fired together. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Two of Saturn's first-stage engines passed initial static firing test of 7.83 seconds duration at Huntsville, Ala..

1960 April 1-May 3

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
STG's Robert O. Piland, during briefings at NASA Centers, presented a detailed description of the guidelines for missions, propulsion, and flight time in the advanced manned spacecraft program:
1. The spacecraft should be capable ultimately of manned circumlunar reconnaissance. As a logical intermediate step toward future goals of lunar and planetary landing many of the problems associated with manned circumlunar flight would need to be solved.
2. The lunar spacecraft should be capable of earth orbit missions for initial evaluation and training. The reentry component of this spacecraft should be capable of missions in conjunction with space laboratories or space stations. To accomplish lunar reconnaissance before a manned landing, it would be desirable to approach the moon closer than several thousand miles. Fifty miles appeared to be a reasonable first target for study purposes.
3. The spacecraft should be designed to be compatible with the Saturn C-1 or C-2 boosters for the lunar mission. The multiman advanced spacecraft should not weigh more than 15,000 pounds including auxiliary propulsion and attaching structure.
4. A flight-time capability of the spacecraft for 14 days without resupply should be possible. Considerable study of storage batteries, fuel cells, auxiliary power units, and solar batteries would be necessary. Items considered included the percentage of the power units to be placed in the "caboose" (space laboratory), preference for the use of storage batteries for both power and radiation shielding, and redundancy for reliability by using two different types of systems versus two of the same system.

1960 April 1-May 3

Command and communications guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft program listed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Command and communications guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft program were listed by STG's Robert G. Chilton at NASA Centers:
1. Primary command of the mission should be on board. Since a manned spacecraft would necessarily be much more complex and its cost much greater than an unmanned spacecraft, maximum use should be made of the command decision and operational capabilities of the crew. Studies would be needed to determine the extent of these capabilities under routine, urgent, and extreme emergency conditions. Onboard guidance and navigation hardware would include inertial platforms for monitoring insertion guidance, for abort command, and for abort-reentry navigation; optical devices; computers; and displays. Attitude control would require a multimode system.
2. Communications and ground tracking should be provided throughout the mission except when the spacecraft was behind the moon. Voice contact once per orbit was considered sufficient for orbital missions. For the lunar mission, telemetry would be required only for backup data since the crew would relay periodic voice reports. Television might be desirable for the lunar mission. For ground tracking, a study of the Mercury system would determine whether the network could be modified and relocated to satisfy the close-in requirements of a lunar mission. The midcourse and circumlunar tracking requirements might be met by the deep-space network facilities at Goldstone, Calif., Australia, and South Africa. Both existing and proposed facilities should be studied to ensure that frequencies for all systems could be made compatible to permit use of a single beacon for midcourse and reentry tracking.

1960 April 1-May 3

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program presented by STG - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
Members of STG presented guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program to NASA Centers to enlist research assistance in formulating spacecraft and mission design.
To open these discussions, Director Robert R. Gilruth summarized the guidelines: manned lunar reconnaissance with a lunar mission module, corollary earth orbital missions with a lunar mission module and with a space laboratory, compatibility with the Saturn C-1 or C-2 boosters (weight not to exceed 15,000 pounds for a complete lunar spacecraft and 25,000 pounds for an earth orbiting spacecraft), 14-day flight time, safe recovery from aborts, ground and water landing and avoidance of local hazards, point (ten square-mile) landing, 72-hour postlanding survival period, auxiliary propulsion for maneuvering in space, a "shirtsleeve" environment, a three-man crew, radiation protection, primary command of mission on board, and expanded communications and tracking facilities. In addition, a tentative time schedule was included, projecting multiman earth orbit qualification flights beginning near the end of the first quarter of calendar year 1966.

1960 April 1-May 3

Advanced manned spacecraft program guidelines for aborted missions and landing - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery, CSM Source Selection.
In discussing the advanced manned spacecraft program at NASA Centers, Maxime A. Faget of STG detailed the guidelines for aborted missions and landing:
1. The spacecraft must have a capability of safe crew recovery from aborted missions at any speed up to the maximum velocity, this capability to be independent of the launch propulsion system.
2. A satisfactory landing by the spacecraft on both water and land, avoiding local hazards in the recovery area, was necessary. This requirement was predicated on two considerations: emergency conditions or navigation errors could force a landing on either water or land; and accessibility for recovery and the relative superiority of land versus water landing would depend on local conditions and other factors. The spacecraft should be able to land in a 30-knot wind, be watertight, and be seaworthy under conditions of 10- to 12-foot waves.
3. Planned landing capability by the spacecraft at one of several previously designated ground surface locations, each approximately 10 square miles in area, would be necessary. Studies were needed to assess the value of impulse maneuvers, guidance quality, and aerodynamic lift over drag during the return from the lunar mission. Faget pointed out that this requirement was far less severe for the earth orbit mission than for the lunar return.
4. The spacecraft design should provide for crew survival for at least 72 hours after landing. Because of the unpredictability of possible emergency maneuvers, it would be impossible to provide sufficient recovery forces to cover all possible landing locations. The 72-hour requirement would permit mobilization of normally existing facilities and enough time for safe recovery. Locating devices on the spacecraft should perform adequately anywhere in the world.
5. Auxiliary propulsion should be provided for guidance maneuvers needed to effect a safe return in a launch emergency. Accuracy and capability of the guidance system should be studied to determine auxiliary propulsion requirements. Sufficient reserve propulsion should be included to accommodate corrections for maximum guidance errors. The single system could serve for either guidance maneuvers or escape propulsion requirements.

1960 April 1-May 3

Guidelines for human factors in the advanced manned spacecraft program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
Stanley C. White of STG outlined at NASA Centers the guidelines for human factors in the advanced manned spacecraft program:
1. A "shirtsleeve" spacecraft environment would be necessary because of the long duration of the lunar flight. This would call for a highly reliable pressurized cabin and some means of protection against rapid decompression. Such protection might be provided by a quick-donning pressure suit. Problems of supplying oxygen to the spacecraft; removing carbon dioxide, water vapor, toxic gases, and microorganisms from the capsule atmosphere; basic monitoring instrumentation; and restraint and couch design were all under study. In addition, research would be required on noise and vibration in the spacecraft, nutrition, waste disposal, interior arrangement and displays, and bioinstrumentation.
2. A minimum crew of three men was specified. Studies had indicated that, for a long-duration mission, multiman crews were necessary and that three was the minimum number required.
3. The crew should not be subjected to more than a safe radiation dose. Studies had shown that it was not yet possible to shield the crew against a solar flare. Research was indicated on structural materials and equipment for radiation protection, solar-flare prediction, minimum radiation trajectories, and the radiation environment in cislunar space.

1960 April-May

Guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Presentation by STG members of the guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program to NASA Centers..

1960 April 5

Houbolt paper on rendezvous in space with minimum expenditure of fuel - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Houbolt. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
John C. Houbolt of the Langley Research Center presented a paper at the National Aeronautical Meeting of the Society of Automotive Engineers in New York City in which the problems of rendezvous in space with the minimum expenditure of fuel were considered. Additional Details: here....

1960 April 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Four H-1's fired together. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Four of the eight H-1 engines of the Saturn C-1 first-stage booster were successfully static-fired at Redstone Arsenal for seven seconds..

1960 April 15

STG brief advanced manned spacecraft program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
STG members, visiting Moffett Field, Calif., briefed representatives of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Flight Research Center, and Ames Research Center on the advanced manned spacecraft program. Ames representatives then described work at their Center which would be applicable to the program: preliminary design studies of several aerodynamic configurations for reentry from a lunar trajectory, guidance and control requirements studies, potential reentry heating experiments at near-escape velocity, flight simulation, and pilot display and navigation studies. STG asked Ames to investigate heating and aerodynamics on possible lifting capsule configurations. In addition, Ames offered to tailor a payload applicable to the advanced program for a forthcoming Wallops Station launch.

1960 April 15

Guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft program presented by STG - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Briefings on the guidelines for the advanced manned spacecraft program were presented by STG representatives at NASA Headquarters..

1960 April 18

Space Exploration Program Council - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
In a memorandum to NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan, Robert L. King, Executive Secretary of the Space Exploration Program Council (SEPC), reported on the status of certain actions taken up at the first meeting of the Council:
- Rather than appoint a separate Senior Steering Group to resolve policy problems connected with the reliability program, SEPC itself tentatively would be used. A working committee would be appointed for each major system and would and rely on the SEPC for broad policy guidance,
- Proposed rescheduling of the first Atlas-Agena 13 lunar mission for an earlier flight date was abandoned as impractical.

1960 April 21

STG briefed on current activities at the Flight Research Center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Members of STG visited the Flight Research Center to be briefed on current effort and planned activities there. Of special interest were possibilities of the Flight Research Center's conducting research on large parachutes in cooperation with Ames Research Center, analytical and simulator studies of pilot control of launch vehicles, and full-scale tests of landing capabilities of low lift over drag configurations.

1960 April 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Douglas to build the second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn C-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced the selection of the Douglas Aircraft Company to build the second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle..

1960 April 29

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

All eight H-1 engines of the Saturn C-1 first stage ground-tested simultaneously - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At Redstone Arsenal, all eight H-1 engines of the first stage of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle were static-fired simultaneously for the first time and achieved 1.3 million pounds of thrust..

1960 April

MIT Report on space guidance and control design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance, LM Source Selection.
A study report was issued by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory on guidance and control design for a variety of space missions. This report, approved by C. Stark Draper, Director of the Laboratory, showed that a vehicle, manned or unmanned, could have significant onboard navigation and guidance capability.

1960 May 2

Proposed advanced manned spacecraft program presented to von Braun - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Members of STG presented the proposed advanced manned spacecraft program to Wernher von Braun and 25 of his staff at Marshall Space Flight Center. During the ensuing discussion, the merits of a completely automatic circumlunar mission were compared with those of a manually operated mission. Further discussions were scheduled.

1960 May 3

Proposed advanced manned spacecraft program presented to Lewis Research Center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
STG members presented the proposed advanced manned spacecraft program to the Lewis Research Center staff. Work at the Center applicable to the program included: analysis and preliminary development of the onboard propulsion system, trajectory analysis, and development of small rockets for midcourse and attitude control propulsion.

1960 May 5

STG and Grumman discuss advanced spacecraft programs - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget, Gilruth. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
Robcrt R. Gilruth, Paul E. Purser, James A. Chamberlin, Maxime A. Faget, and H. Kurt Strass of STG met with a group from the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation to discuss advanced spacecraft programs. Grumman had been working on guidance requirements for circumlunar flights under the sponsorship of the Navy and presented Strass with a report of this work.

1960 May 12

Discussion on the advanced manned spacecraft program at Langley - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Goett, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
A discussion on the advanced manned spacecraft program was held at the Langley Research Center with members of STG and Langley Research Center, together with George M. Low and Ernest O. Pearson, Jr., of NASA Headquarters and Harry J. Goett of Goddard Space Flight Center. Floyd L. Thompson, Langley Director, said that Langley would be studying the radiation problem, making configuration tests (including a lifting Mercury) , and studying aerodynamics, heating, materials, and structures.

1960 May 16-17

Meeting on space rendezvous at Langley - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The consensus of the meeting was that the rendezvous technique would be essential in the foreseeable future and that experiments should be made to establish feasibility and develop the technique. There was as yet no funding for my rendezvous flight test program. Additional Details: here....

1960 May 25

Advanced Vehicle Team to make preliminary design for advanced multiman spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. STG formed the Advanced Vehicle Team, reporting directly to Robert R. Gilruth, Director of the Mercury program. The Team would conduct research and make preliminary design studies for an advanced multiman spacecraft.. Additional Details: here....

1960 May 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Assembly of the first Saturn flight booster began - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Assembly of the first Saturn flight booster, SA-1, began at Marshall Space Flight Center..

1960 May 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First public demonstration of the H-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Eight H-1 engines of the first stage of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle were static-fired for 35.16 seconds, producing 1.3 million pounds of thrust. This first public demonstration of the H-1 took place at Marshall Space Flight Center..

1960 May 31

Selection of Rocketdyne for the J-2 rocket engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA selected Rocketdyne Division of NAA to develop the J-2, a 200,000-pound-thrust rocket engine, burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. (A decision was later made to use the J-2 in the upper stages of the Saturn C-5.).

1960 June 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Full Saturn I engine cluster full duration test. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Complete eight-engine static firing of Saturn successfully conducted for 110 seconds at MSFC, the longest firing to date..

1960 June 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn C-1 first stage completed test series - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. The Saturn C-1 first stage successfully completed its first series of static tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center with a 122-second firing of all eight H-1 engines..

1960 June 21

Radiation and its effect on manned space flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Source Selection.
Robert O. Piland, Head of the STG Advanced Vehicle Team, and Stanley C. White of STG attended a meeting in Washington, D. C., sponsored by the NASA Office of Life Sciences Programs, to discuss radiation and its effect on manned space flight. Their research showed that it would be impracticable to shield against the inner Van Allen belt radiation but possible to shield against the outer belt with a moderate amount of protection. Additional Details: here....

1960 Summer

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Boilerplate Apollo spacecraft to be used on Saturn C-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
H. Kurt Strass of STG and John H. Disher of NASA Headquarters proposed that boilerplate Apollo spacecraft be used in some of the forthcoming Saturn C-1 hunches. (Boilerplates are research and development vehicles which simulate production spacecraft in size, shape, structure, mass, and center of gravity.) These flight tests would provide needed experience with Apollo systems and utilize the Saturn boosters effectively. Four or five such tests were projected. On October 5, agreement was reached between members of Marshall Space Flight Center and STG on tentative Saturn vehicle assignments and flight plans.

1960 July 5

House recommends a high priority manned expedition to the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The House Committee on Science and Astronautics declared: "A high priority program should be undertaken to place a manned expedition on the moon in this decade. A firm plan with this goal in view should be drawn up and submitted to the Congress by NASA. Such a plan, however, should be completely integrated with other goals, to minimize total costs. The modular concept deserves close study. Particular attention should be paid immediately to long lead-time phases of such a program." The Committee also recommended that development of the F-1 engine be expedited in expectation of the Nova launch vehicle, that there be more research on nuclear engines and less conventional engines before freezing the Nova concept, and that the Orion project be turned over to NASA. It was the view of the Committee that "NASA's 10-year program is a good program, as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. Furthermore the space program is not being pushed with sufficient energy."

1960 July 14-15

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Space Exploration Program Council - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The third meeting of the Space Exploration Program Council was held at NASA Headquarters. The question of a speedup of Saturn C-2 production and the possibility of using nuclear upper stages with the Saturn booster were discussed. The Office of Launch Vehicle Programs would plan a study on the merits of using nuclear propulsion for some of NASA's more sophisticated missions. If the study substantiated such a need, the amount of in-house basic research could then be determined.

1960 July 25

Name Apollo approved for the advanced manned space flight program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan, Goett, Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
NASA Director of Space Flight Programs Abe Silverstein notified Harry J. Goett, Director of the Goddard Space Flight Center, that NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan had approved the name "Apollo" for the advanced manned space flight program. The program would be so designated at the forthcoming NASA-Industry Program Plans Conference.

1960 July 28

Apollo Program Announced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Name 'Apollo' selected by Silverstein. Conference with aerospace industry outlined NASA's plans for circumlunar and lunar flight..

1960 July 28-29

Announcement of the Apollo program to American industry - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
The first NASA-Industry Program Plans Conference was held in Washington, D.C. The purpose was to give industrial management an overall picture of the NASA program and to establish a basis for subsequent conferences to be held at various NASA Centers. The current status of NASA programs was outlined, including long-range planning, launch vehicles, structures and materials research, manned space flight, and life sciences.
NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden announced that the advanced manned space flight program had been named "Apollo." George M. Low, NASA Chief of Manned Space Flight, stated that circumlunar flight and earth orbit missions would be carried out before 1970. This program would lead eventually to a manned lunar landing and a permanent manned space station. Additional Details: here....

1960 August 8

Tentative program of the Goddard industry conference to be held on August 30 outlined - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Goett. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
In a memorandum to Abe Silverstein, Director of NASA's Office of Space Flight Programs, Harry J. Goett, Director of Goddard Space Flight Center, outlined the tentative program of the Goddard industry conference to be held on August 30. At this conference, more details of proposed study contracts for an advanced manned spacecraft would be presented. The requirements would follow the guidelines set down by STG and presented to NASA Headquarters during April and May. Three six-month study contracts at $250,000 each would be awarded.

1960 August 13

Army mapping of lunar landing sites completed. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Army announced completion of a project for mapping lunar landing sites..

1960 August 13

First photo-geological survey of the surface of the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Secretary of the Interior Fred A. Seaton and Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker announced that the U.S. Geological Survey had completed the first known photogeological survey of the surface of the moon.. Additional Details: here....

1960 August 30

Industry briefing on feasibility studies for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
The Goddard Space Flight Center GSFC conducted its industry conference in Washington, D.C., presenting details of GSFC projects, current and future. The objectives of the proposed six-month feasibility contracts for an advanced manned spacecraft were announced. Additional Details: here....

1960 September 1

Apollo Project Office formed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo.
In an organizational change within STG, Maxime A. Faget was appointed Chief of the Flight Systems Division and Robert O. Piland was named Assistant Chief for Advanced Projects. The Apollo Project Office was formed with Piland as Head of the Office; members included John B. Lee, J. Thomas Markley, William W. Petynia,and H. Kurt Strass.

1960 September 2

Accelerated joint planning effort for NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan directed that an accelerated joint planning effort be made by persons at NASA Headquarters who were most familiar with the Saturn, Apollo, manned orbital laboratory, and unmanned lunar and planetary programs. They were to determine whether the Saturn and Saturn-use programs were effectively integrated and whether sufficient design study and program development work had been done to support decisions on projected Saturn configurations. Additional Details: here....

1960 September 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract for development of the Saturn J-2 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A NASA contract for approximately $44 million was signed by Rocketdyne Division of NAA for the development of the J-2 engine..

1960 September 13

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Apollo Study Bidder's Conference - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection. Bidder's conference for circumlunar Apollo. Specification: Saturn C-2 compatability (6,800 kg mass for circumlunar mission); 14 day flight time; three-man crew in shirt-sleeve environment..

1960 September 13

STG briefing for prospective bidders for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. An STG briefing was held at Langley Field, Va., for prospective bidders on three six-month feasibility studies of an advanced manned spacecraft as part of the Apollo program. A formal Request for Proposal was issued at the conference..

1960 September 13

South African deep-space tracking facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A formal agreement was signed by the United States and South Africa providing for the construction of a new deep-space tracking facility at Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg. It would be one of three stations equipped to maintain constant contact with lunar and planetary spacecraft.

1960 September 30

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Space Exploration Program Council - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo.
The fourth meeting of the Space Exploration Program Council was held at NASA Headquarters. The results of a study on Saturn development and utilization was presented by the Ad Hoc Saturn Study Committee. Objectives of the study were to determine (1) if and when the Saturn C-2 launch vehicle should be developed and (2) if mission and spacecraft planning was consistent with the Saturn vehicle development schedule. No change in the NASA Fiscal Year 1962 budget was contemplated. The Committee recommended that the Saturn C-2 development should proceed on schedule (S-II stage contract in Fiscal Year 1962, first flight in 1965). The C-2 would be essential, the study reported, for Apollo manned circumlunar missions, lunar unmanned exploration, Mars and Venus orbiters and capsule landers, probes to other planets and out-of- ecliptic, and for orbital starting of nuclear upper stages. Additional Details: here....

1960 September 30 - October 3

STG Evaluation Board for advanced manned spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Charles J. Donlan of STG, Chairman of the Evaluation Board which would consider contractors' proposals on feasibility studies for an advanced manned spacecraft, invited the Directors of Ames Research Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Flight Research Center, Lewis Research Center, Langley Research Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center to name representatives to the Evaluation Board. The first meeting was to be held on October 10 at Langley Field, Va.

1960 October 4

Evaluation Boards formed to consider industry proposals for Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Goett. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Members were appointed to the Technical Assessment Panels and the Evaluation Board to consider industry proposals for Apollo spacecraft feasibility studies. Members of the Evaluation Board were: Charles J. Donlan (STG), Chairman; Maxime A. Faget (STG) ; Robert O. Piland (STG), Secretary; John H. Disher (NASA Headquarters Office of Space Flight Programs); Alvin Seiff (Ames); John V. Becker (Langley); H. H. Koelle (Marshall); Harry J. Goett (Goddard), ex officio; and Robert R. Gilruth (STG), ex officio.

1960 October 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Discussion of Saturn and Apollo guidance integration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Members of STG visited the Marshall Space Flight Center to discuss possible Saturn and Apollo guidance integration and potential utilization of Apollo onboard propulsion to provide a reserve capability. Agreement was reached on tentative Saturn vehicle assignments on abort study and lunar entry simulation; on the use of the Saturn guidance system; and on future preparations of tentative flight plans for Saturns SA-6, 8, 9, and 10.

1960 October 9

Contractors' proposals for an advanced manned spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Contractors' proposals on feasibility studies for an advanced manned spacecraft were received by STG. Sixty-four companies expressed interest in the Apollo program, and of these 14 actually submitted proposals: The Boeing Airplane Company; Chance Vought Corporation; Convair/Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation; Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Inc.; Douglas Aircraft Company; General Electric Company; Goodyear Aircraft Corporation; Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation; Guardite Division of American Marietta Company; Lockheed Aircraft Corporation; The Martin Company; North American Aviation, Inc.; and Republic Aviation Corporation. These 14 companies, later reduced to 12 when Cornell and Guardite withdrew, were subsequently invited to submit prime contractor proposals for the Apollo spacecraft development in 1961. The Technical Assessment Panels began evaluation of contractors' proposals on October 10.

1960 October 17

Formation of a working group on the manned lunar landing program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
In a memorandum to Abe Silverstein, Director of NASA's Office of Space Flight Programs, George M. Low, Chief of Manned Space Flight, described the formation of a working group on the manned lunar landing program: "It has become increasingly apparent that a preliminary program for manned lunar landings should be formulated. This is necessary in order to provide a proper justification for Apollo, and to place Apollo schedules and technical plans on a firmer foundation.
"In order to prepare such a program, I have formed a small working group, consisting of Eldon Hall, Oran Nicks, John Disher, and myself. This group will endeavor to establish ground rules for manned lunar landing missions; to determine reasonable spacecraft weights; to specify launch vehicle requirements; and to prepare an integrated development plan, including the spacecraft, lunar landing and takeoff system, and launch vehicles. This plan should include a time-phasing and funding picture, and should identify areas requiring early studies by field organizations."

1960 October 21

Evaluation completed on proposals for an advanced manned spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
The Technical Assessment Panels presented to the Evaluation Board their findings on the contractors' proposals for feasibility studies of an advanced manned spacecraft. On October 24, the Evaluation Board findings and recommendations were presented to the STG Director.

1960 October 21

Design constraints for in-house study of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A staff meeting of STG's Flight Systems Division was held to fix additional design constraints for the in- house design study of the Apollo spacecraft.
Fundamental decisions were made as a result of this and a previous meeting on September 20.. Additional Details: here....

1960 October 25

Apollo Initial Study Contracts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. From 16 bids, Convair, General Electric, and Martin selected to conduct $250,000 study contracts. Meanwhile Space Task Group Langley undertakes its own studies, settling on Apollo CM configuration as actually built by October 1960..

1960 October 25

Saturn flight schedule plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Included in the current Saturn flight schedule were: mid-1961, begin first-stage flights with dummy upper stages; early 1963, begin two-stage flights; late 1963, begin three-stage flights; early 1964, conclude ten-vehicle research and development flight test program.

1960 October 25

Convair, General Electric, and Martin selected to prepare Apollo spacecraft feasibility studies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
NASA selected three contractors to prepare individual feasibility studies of an advanced manned spacecraft as part of Project Apollo. The contractors were Convair/Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation, General Electric Company, and The Martin Company.

1960 October 27 - November 2

General Electric, Martin, and General Dynamics negotiate Apollo systems study contracts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of the General Electric Company, The Martin Company, and Convair/Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation visited STG to conduct negotiations on the Apollo systems study contracts announced on October 25. The discussions clarified or identified areas not completely covered in company proposals. Contracts were awarded on November 15.

1960 October 28

Air Force lunar base briefing to NASA - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Lunex. Spacecraft: Lunex, Man-In-Space-Soonest.
Key staff members of NASA Headquarters and the Commander, U.S. Air Force Research and Development Command, met at the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, Los Angeles, Calif., to attend briefings and discuss matters of mutual concern.
At an executive session, Air Force and NASA programs of orbital rendezvous, refueling, and descent from orbit were discussed. Long-range Air Force studies on a lunar base were in progress as well as research on more immediate missions, such as rendezvous by an unmanned satellite interceptor for inspection purposes, manned maintenance satellites, and reentry methods. NASA plans for the manned lunar landing mission included the possible use of the Saturn booster in an orbital staging operation employing orbital refueling. Reentry studies beyond Mercury were concentrated on reentry at escape speeds and on a spacecraft configuration capable of aerodynamic maneuvering during reentry.

1960 November 2

Lunar atlas prepared by USAF. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Lunar atlas prepared for USAF by group under technical direction of G. P. Kuiper was released, an "Orthographic Atlas of the Moon" charted 5,000 base points combined with best available photos and grids..

1960 November 3

US Geological Survey studies of lunar geology - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Department of the Interior announced that the U.S. Geological Survey would undertake detailed studies of lunar geology as part of a new $205,000 program in astrogeology financed by NASA.. Additional Details: here....

1960 November 4

Plan to set up informal technical liaison groups - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo.
At a meeting, Charles J. Donlan of STG and George M. Low, John H. Disher, Milton W. Rosen, and Elliott Mitchell, all of NASA Headquarters, discussed a plan to set up informal technical liaison groups to broaden the base for inter-Center information exchange on the Apollo program with particular reference to onboard propulsion.

1960 November 16

STG plan for the proposed Apollo Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
STG formulated a plan for the proposed Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. These Groups were to effect systematic liaison in technical areas related to the Apollo project. The objectives and scope of the plan were as follows:
- Provide an up-to-date summary of progress on the Apollo project in specific technical areas at the Centers.
- Give a regular summary of Apollo research and study investigations to ensure their use in the project.
- Report Apollo contractor activities to Group members.
- Bring expert consideration to the technical problems as they arose.
- Point out research activity needed in support of Apollo for its assignment to the centers.
- Assist in monitoring contractor studies through participation of individual panel members.
- Develop requirements for flight tests resulting from research and study activity.
- Provide assessments of progress in the technical areas.
To carry out these objectives, Technical Liaison Groups would be formed:

Trajectory Analysis;
Studies related to the manned circumlunar mission including atmospheric and non-atmospheric phases of normal and emergency maneuvers.
Configurations and Aerodynamics.
Theoretical and experimental studies of the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of vehicles proposed for the manned circumlunar mission.
Guidance and Control:
Studies and developments in the guidance, navigation, and control areas related to all phases of the manned circumlunar mission.
Heating:
Convective, conductive, and radiative heat-transfer studies during launch, abort, and reentry for various configurations; investigations of heat transfer through turbulent boundary layers; ablation rates for materials at different heating conditions; and pressure distribution for various configurations.
Structures and Materials:
Studies of design concepts for proposed circumlunar vehicle structures including the optimum payload distribution, protection against radiation and meteoroids, and possible shapes and types of structures suitable for circumlunar missions.
Instrumentation and Communications:
Studies and developments of instruments required for the mission; studies on voice, telemetry, and tracking communications.
Human Factors:
Studies on human tolerance levels, life-support requirements, and the assessment of the biological effects of radiation.
Mechanical Systems:
Studies and developments of systems required for the manned circumlunar mission.
Onboard Propulsion;
Studies and developments in propulsion systems and components required to meet the abort and midcourse performance requirements.
Representatives in a given Group would be limited to a single member from each Center. STG would be responsible for meeting arrangements.

1960 November 22

Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Charles J. Donlan, Associate Director of STG, invited Langley, Ames, Lewis, and Flight Research Centers, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory to participate in Technical Liaison Groups in accordance with the plan drawn up on November 16.

1960 November 22

MIT navigation and guidance support for Project Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
STG held a meeting at Goddard Space Flight Center to discuss a proposed contract with MIT Instrumentation Laboratory for navigation and guidance support for Project Apollo. The proposed six-month contract for $100,000 might fund studies through the preliminary design stage but not actual hardware. Milton B. Trageser of the Instrumentation Laboratory presented a draft work statement which divided the effort into three parts: midcourse guidance, reentry guidance, and a satellite experiment feasibility study using the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory. STG decided that the Instrumentation Laboratory should submit a more detailed draft of a work statement to form the basis of a contract. In a discussion the next day, Robert G. Chilton of STG and Trageser clarified three points:
1. The current philosophy was that an onboard computer program for a normal mission sequence would be provided and would be periodically updated by the crew. If the crew were disabled, the spacecraft would continue on the programmed flight for a normal return. No capability would exist for emergency procedures.
2. Chilton emphasized that consideration of the reentry systems design should include all the guideline requirements for insertion monitoring by the crew, navigation for aborted missions, and, in brief, the whole design philosophy for manned flight.
3. The long-term objective of a lunar landing mission should be kept in mind although design simplicity was of great importance.
Chilton and Trageser agreed that the purpose of the Apollo program was the development of manned space flight system capability, not simply circumnavigation of the moon with an encapsulated man.

1960 November 29

Briefing on the Apollo and Saturn programs - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
A joint briefing on the Apollo and Saturn programs was held at Marshall Space Flight Center MSFC, attended by representatives of STG and MSFC. Maxime A. Faget of STG and MSFC Director Wernher von Braun agreed that a joint STG-MSFC program would be developed to accomplish a manned lunar landing. Areas of responsibility were: MSFC launch vehicle and landing on the moon; STG - lunar orbit, landing, and return to earth.

1960 November 30

Apollo Technical Liaison Group assignments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Smith J. DeFrance, Director of the Ames Research Center, designated Ames working members on six of the nine Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. They were Stanley F. Schmidt (Trajectory Analysis), Clarence A. Syvertson (Configurations and Aerodynamics), G. Allen Smith (Guidance and Control), Glen Goodwin (Heating), Charles A. Hermach (Structures and Materials), and Harald S. Smedal (Human Factors).

1960 December 1

Apollo Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Eugene J. Manganiello, Associate Director of the Lewis Research Center, appointed Lewis members to six of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. They were Seymour C. Himmel (Trajectory Analysis), Jack B. Esgar (Structures and Materials), Robert E. Tozier (Instrumentation and Communications), Robert F. Seldon (Human Factors), Robert R. Goodman (Mechanical Systems), and Edmund R. Jonash (Onboard Propulsion).

1960 December 2

Studies by the Lincoln Laboratory on the ground instrumentation system for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A meeting was held by representatives of STG and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory to discuss the scope of the studies to be performed by the Lincoln Laboratory on the ground instrumentation system for the Apollo program. The discussion centered about the draft work statement prepared by STG. In general, those at the meeting agreed that Lincoln Laboratory should conduct an overall analysis of the requirements for the ground system, leading to the formulation of a general systems concept. The study should be completed by the end of December 1961, with interim results available in the middle of 1961 .

1960 December 2

Study program on the guidance aspects of Project Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
Milton B. Trageser of MIT Instrumentation Laboratory transmitted to Charles J. Donlan of STG the outline of a study program on the guidance aspects of Project Apollo. He outlined what might be covered by a formal proposal on the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation contract discussed by STG and Instrumentation Laboratory representatives on November 22.

1960 December 2

Apollo Technical Liaison Groups members nominated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Director of the Flight Research Center, Paul F. Bikle, nominated Flight Research Center members to eight of the nine Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. They were Donald R. Bellman (Trajectory Analysis), Hubert M. Drake (Configurations and Aerodynamics), Euclid C. Holleman (Guidance and Control), Thomas V. Cooney (Heating), Kenneth C. Sanderson (Instrumentation and Communications), Milton O. Thompson (Human Factors), Perry V. Row (Mechanical Systems) , and Norman E. DeMar (Onboard Propulsion).

1960 December 2

Apollo Technical Liaison Groups assignments - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Beduerftig, Dahm, Hoelker. Program: Apollo.
Representatives of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) were assigned to eight of the nine Apollo Technical Liaison Groups by H. H. Koelle, Director, Future Projects Office, MSFC. They were Rudolph F. Hoelker (Trajectory Analysis), Edward L. Linsley (Configurations and Aerodynamics), Werner K. Dahm and Harvey A. Connell (Heating), Erich E. Goerner (Structures and Materials), David M. Hammock and Alexander A. McCool (Onboard Propulsion), Heinz Kampmeier (Instrumentation and Communications), Wilbur G. Thornton (Guidance and Control), and Herman F. Beduerftig (Mechanical Systems). Dual representation on two of the Groups would be necessary because of the division of technical responsibilities within MSFC.

1960 December 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I static firing. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. First of new series of static firings of Saturn considered only 50 percent successful in 2-second test at MSFC..

1960 December 6-8

First technical review of the General Electric Apollo feasibility study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
The first technical review of the General Electric Company Apollo feasibility study was held at the contractor's Missile and Space Vehicle Department. Company representatives presented reports on the study so that STG representatives might review progress, provide General Electric with pertinent information from NASA or other sources, and discuss and advise as to the course of the study.

1960 December 7

Apollo Technical Liaison Group assignments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Floyd L. Thompson, Director of the Langley Research Center, assigned Langley members to eight of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. They were William H. Michael, Jr. (Trajectory Analysis), Eugene S. Love (Configurations and Aerodynamics), John M. Eggleston (Guidance and Control), Robert L. Trimpi
(Heating), Roger A. Anderson (Structures and Materials), Wilford E. Sivertson, Jr. (Instrumentation and Communications), David Adamson (Human Factors), and Joseph G. Thibodaux, Jr. (Onboard Propulsion).

1960 December 7-9

Martin presented the first technical review of its Apollo feasibility study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery, CSM Source Selection.
The Martin Company presented the first technical review of its Apollo feasibility study to STG officials in Baltimore, Md. At the suggestion of STG, Martin agreed to reorient the study in several areas: putting more emphasis on lunar orbits, putting man in the system, and considering landing and recovery in the initial design of the spacecraft.

1960 December 9

JPL members on Apollo Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Brian O. Sparks, Deputy Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), designated JPL members to serve on six of the nine Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. They were Victor C. Clarke, Jr. (Trajectory Analysis), Edwin Pounder (Configurations and Aerodynamics), James D. Acord (Guidance and Control), John W. Lucas (Heating), William J. Carley (Structures and Materials), and Duane F. Dipprey (Onboard Propulsion),

1960 December 10

Lunar orbit method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. Representatives of the Langley Research Center briefed members of STG on the lunar orbit method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission..

1960 December 13

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn transport barge commissioned. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Palaemon, a 180-foot barge built to transport the Saturn launch vehicle from MSFC to Cape Canaveral by water, was formally accepted by MSFC Director from Maj. Gen. Frank S. Besson, Chief of Army Transportation..

1960 December 14-15

Frst technical review of the Convair Apollo feasibility study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Convair/Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation held its first technical review of the Apollo feasibility study in San Diego, Calif. Brief presentations were made by contractor and subcontractor technical specialists to STG representatives. Convair/Astronautics' first approach was oriented toward the modular concept, but STG suggested that the integral spacecraft concept should be investigated.

1960 December 14

Seamans briefed on the lunar orbit rendezvous method - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Associate Administrator of NASA Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and his staff were briefed by Langley Research Center personnel on the rendezvous method as it related to the national space program. Clinton E. Brown presented an analysis made by himself and Ralph W. Stone, Jr., describing the general operational concept of lunar orbit rendezvous for the manned lunar landing. The advantages of this plan in contrast with the earth orbit rendezvous method, especially in reducing launch vehicle requirements, were illustrated. Others discussing the rendezvous were John C. Houbolt, John D. Bird, and Max C. Kurbjun.

1960 December 22

MIT proposal for a study of a navigation and guidance system for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory submitted a formal proposal to NASA for a study of a navigation and guidance system for the Apollo spacecraft..

1960 December 29

Grumman began work on a lunar orbit rendezvous study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation began work on a company- funded lunar orbit rendezvous feasibility study..

1961 January 5-6

Manned lunar landing discussed with Space Exploration Program Council - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
During a meeting of the Space Exploration Program Council at NASA Headquarters, the subject of a manned lunar landing was discussed. Following presentations on earth orbit rendezvous (Wernher von Braun, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center), lunar orbit rendezvous (John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center), and direct ascent (Melvyn Savage of NASA Headquarters), the Council decided that NASA should not follow any one of these specific approaches, but should proceed on a broad base to afford flexibility. Another outcome of the discussion was an agreement that NASA should have an orbital rendezvous program which could stand alone as well as being a part of the manned lunar program. A task group was named to define the elements of the program insofar as possible. Members of the group were George M. Low, Chairman, Eldon W. Hall, A. M. Mayo, Ernest O. Pearson, Jr., and Oran W. Nicks, all of NASA Headquarters; Maxime A. Faget of STG; and H. H. Koelle of Marshall Space Flight Center. This group became known as the Low Committee.

1961 January 6

Low Committee established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Manned Lunar Landing Task Group (Low Committee) set up by the Space Exploration Program Council was instructed to prepare a position paper for the NASA Fiscal Year 1962 budget presentation to Congress. The paper was to be a concise statement of NASA's lunar program for Fiscal Year 1962 and was to present the lunar mission in term of both direct ascent and rendezvous. The rendezvous program would be designed to develop a manned spacecraft capability in near space, regardless of whether such a technique would be needed for manned lunar landing. In addition to answering such questions as the reason for not eliminating one of the two mission approaches, the Group was to estimate the cost of the lunar mission and the date of its accomplishment, though not in specific terms. Although the decision to land a man on the moon had not been approved, it was to be stressed that the development of the scientific and technical capability for a manned lunar landing was a prime NASA goal, though not the only one. The first meeting of the Group was to be held on January 9.

1961 January 6-12

First meetings of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First meetings of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups, formed to coordinate NASA inter-Center information exchange..

1961 January 6

Three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups held their first meetings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups held their first meetings at STG (Instrumentation and Communications, Mechanical Systems, and Onboard Propulsion.
The Group for Instrumentation and Communications discussed a set of working guidelines on spacecraft instrumentation and communications, tracking considerations, and deep-space communication requirements. Progress of the three Apollo feasibility study contracts was reviewed and the proposed MIT Lincoln Laboratory study on a systems concept for the ground instrumentation and tracking required for the Apollo mission was discussed. Reports of studies were given by members from the NASA Centers. The Group recommendations were :
- All Group members should be supplied with copies of the Apollo contractors' proposals.
- Existing ground facilities should be used as much as possible.
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL should be asked to participate in future panel activities.
- All Group members should be supplied with copies of the STG-Lincoln Laboratory Work Statement.
Members of the Group for Mechanical Systems considered studies being done at NASA Centers. Some specific points of interest in these studies were:
- Lewis and Langley work on reaction controls, Langley research on auxiliary power systems, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) investigations on mechanical elements
- A call for more detailed definitions of the environmental control system requirements, further investigation of chemical auxiliary power systems, consideration of artificial gravity configuration effects on mechanical systems, and development of reliable materials for use in the space environment.
The Group for Onboard Propulsion reviewed the three contractors' work on the Apollo feasibility studies. Among studies being undertaken by the NASA Centers and reported on at this meeting were: an STG consideration of an all-solid fuel propulsion system for a circumlunar flight, determination of midcourse and abort propulsion system requirements based on Saturn trajectories (MSFC), experimental evaluation at zero gravity of expulsion bag techniques for cryogenic propellants (Lewis), analysis and experiments on solid propellant rocket motors of very high mass fraction (Langley), methods of achieving thrust vector control by secondary injection of gases and the design of a highly reliable and versatile bipropellant spacecraft propellant system using hydrogen tetroxide and hydrazine or hydrazine derivatives (JPL), and a contract to examine hardware requirements for space missions and lunar landings (NASA Headquarters).

1961 January 9

LV Family: Nova. Launch Vehicle: Nova 4L.

First meeting of the Manned Lunar Landing Task Group - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
At the first meeting of the Manned Lunar Landing Task Group, Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Director of the Office of Space Flight Programs Abe Silverstein, and Director of the Office of Advanced Research Programs Ira H. Abbott outlined the purpose of the Group to the members. After a discussion of the instructions, the Group considered first the objectives of the total NASA program:
1. the exploration of the solar system for knowledge to benefit mankind; and
2. the development of technology to permit exploitation of space flight for scientific, military, and commercial uses.
NASA's lunar program was a logical step toward these objectives. In current lunar program planning, three steps were projected:
1. a manned landing on the moon with return to earth,
2. limited manned lunar exploration, and
3. a scientific lunar base.
To accomplish the first step, a great increase in launch vehicle capability would be needed beyond that provided by current funding. A comparison of a three-million-pound-thrust and a six-million-pound-thrust Nova launch vehicle was made. It was estimated that a 60,000- to 80,000-pound payload to escape velocity would be needed for a manned lunar landing mission.

1961 January 10

STG briefed on Convair Apollo feasibility study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of STG visited Convair Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation to monitor the Apollo feasibility study contract. The meeting consisted of several individual informal discussions between the STG and Convair specialists on configurations and aerodynamics, heating, structures and materials, human factors, trajectory analysis, guidance and control, and operation implementation.

1961 January 10

Conference on lunar orbit rendezvous for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
A conference was held at the Langley Research Center between representatives of STG and Langley to discuss the feasibility of incorporating a lunar orbit rendezvous phase into the Apollo program. Attending the meeting for STG were Robert L. O'Neal, Owen E. Maynard, and H. Kurt Strass, and for the Langley Research Center, John C. Houbolt, Clinton E. Brown, Manuel J. Queijo, and Ralph W. Stone, Jr. The presentation by Houbolt centered on a performance analysis which showed the weight saving to be gained by the lunar rendezvous technique as opposed to the direct ascent mode. According to the analysis, a saving in weight of from 20 to 40 percent could be realized with the lunar orbit rendezvous technique.

1961 January 11

Three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups held their first meetings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Source Selection.
Three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups (Trajectory Analysis, Heating, and Human Factors) held their first meetings at the Ames Research Center.
After reviewing the status of the contractors' Apollo feasibility studies, the Group on Trajectory Analysis discussed studies being made at NASA Centers. An urgent requirement was identified for a standard model of the Van Allen radiation belt which could be used in all trajectory analysis related to the Apollo program,
The Group on Heating, after consideration of NASA and contractor studies currently in progress, recommended experimental investigation of control surface heating and determination of the relative importance of the unknowns in the heating area by relating estimated "ignorance" factors to resulting weight penalties in the spacecraft. The next day, three members of this Group met for further discussions and two areas were identified for more study: radiant heat inputs and their effect on the ablation heatshield, and methods of predicting heating on control surfaces, possibly by wind tunnel tests at high Mach numbers.
The Group on Human Factors considered contractors' studies and investigations being done at NASA Centers. In particular, the Group discussed the STG document, "Project Apollo Life Support Programs," which proposed 41 research projects. These projects were to be carried out by various organizations, including NASA, DOD, industry, and universities. Medical support experience which might be applicable to Apollo was also reviewed.

1961 January 11

Briefing given to the Saturn Guidance Committee on the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
J. Thomas Markley of the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office reported to Associate Director of STG Charles J. Donlan that an informal briefing had been given to the Saturn Guidance Committee on the Apollo program. The Committee had been formed by Don R. Ostrander, NASA Director of the Office of Launch Vehicle Programs, to survey the broad guidance and control requirements for Saturn. The Committee was to review Marshall Space Flight Center guidance plans, review plans of mission groups who intended to use Saturn, recommend an adequate guidance system for Saturn, and prepare a report of the evaluation and results during January. Members of STG, including Robert O. Piland, Markley, and Robert G. Chilton, presented summaries of the overall Apollo program and guidance requirements for Apollo.

1961 January 11

Review of the US space and missile programs - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy, Wiesner. Program: Apollo.
President-elect John F. Kennedy released a report made to him by his Ad Hoc Committee on Space named to review the U.S. space and missile programs and identify personnel, technical, or administrative problems which would require the prompt attention of the Kennedy Administration. The Committee, whose chairman was Jerome B. Wiesner of MIT, concluded that the national space program required a redefinition of objectives, that the National Aeronautics and Space Council should be made an effective agency for managing the space program, that there should be a single responsible agency within the military establishment to manage the military part of the space program, that NASA management should be reorganized with stronger emphasis on technical direction, and that organizational machinery should be set up within the government to administer an industry-government civilian space program.

1961 January 11

Progress made in mapping the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
John Blake of the Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC) described to STG representatives the progress made by ACIC in mapping the moon. Lunar maps to the scale of 1: 5,000,000 and 1: 10,000,000 were later requested and received by STG. In addition, the first two sheets of a projected 144 sheet map coverage of the lunar surface on a 1:1,000,000 scale were forwarded to STG by the Center.

1961 January 12

First meetings of three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Three of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups Structures and Materials, Configurations and Aerodynamics, and Guidance and Control held their first meetings at the Ames Research Center.
The Group on Structures and Materials, after reviewing contractors' progress on the Apollo feasibility studies, considered reports on Apollo-related activities at NASA Centers. Among these activities were work on the radiative properties of material suitable for temperature control of spacecraft (Ames), investigation of low-level cooling systems in the reentry module (Langley), experiments on the landing impact of proposed reentry module shapes (Langley), meteoroid damage studies (Lewis), and the definition of suitable design criteria and safety factors to ensure the structural integrity of the spacecraft STG.
The Group on Configurations and Aerodynamics recommended :
- Investigations to determine the effects of aerodynamic heating on control surfaces.
- Studies of the roll control maneuvers with center of gravity offset for range control.
- Tests of packaging and deployment of paraglider and multiple parachute landing systems.
- Studies to determine the effects of jet impingement upon the static and dynamic stability of the spacecraft.
The various spacecraft configurations under consideration by the Apollo feasibility study contractors were reviewed:
1. The General Electric Company effort was being concentrated on the Mark-ll, NERV, RVX (9 degree blunted cone), elliptical cone, half-cone, and Bell Aerospace Corporation Dyna-Soar types.
2. The Martin Company was studying the M-1 and M-2 lifting bodies, the Mercury with control flap, the Hydrag (Avco Corporation), and a winged vehicle similar to Dyna-Soar. In addition, Martin was proposing to investigate the M-1-1, a lifting body halfway between the M-1 and the M- 2; a flat-bottomed lifting vehicle similar to the M-1-1 ; a lenticular shape; and modified flapped Mercury (the Langley L-2C).
3. Convair/Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation had subcontracted the major effort on reentry to Avco, which was looking into five configurations: a Mercury-type capsule, the lenticular shape, the M-1, the flat-face cone, and half-cone.
The Group for Guidance and Control drew up a list of suggestions for research and development programs:
- An "absolute emergency" navigation system in which the crew would use only a Land camera and a slide rule.
- The possible applications of the equipment and test programs to be used on Surveyor.
- The question whether Apollo lunar landing trajectories should be based on minimum fuel expenditure - if so, doubts were raised that the current STG concept would accomplish this goal.
- The question whether radio ranging could be used to reduce the accuracy requirements for celestial observations and whether such a composite system would fall within the limits set by the Apollo guidelines.
- The effects of lunar impact on the return spacecraft navigation equipment.
- Studies of hardware drift-error in the guidance and navigation systems and components.
- A study of the effect of rotating machinery aboard the spacecraft on attitude alignment and control requirements.
- Problems of planet tracking when the planetary disk was only partially illuminated.
- A study of the transient effects of guidance updating by external information.
- One adequate guidance and control concept to be mechanized and errors analyzed and evaluated.
- The effects of artificial g configurations on observation and guidance.
- The development of a ground display mission progress evaluation for an entire mission
- An abort guidance sequence including an abort decision computer and pilot display
- An earth orbit evaluation of the position computer input in a highly eccentric orbit (500- to 1000-mile perigee, 60,000-mile apogee).

1961 January 12-13

Martin progress on the Apollo feasibility study contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of STG visited The Martin Company in Baltimore, Md., to review the progress of the Apollo feasibility study contract. Discussions on preliminary design of the spacecraft, human factors, propulsion, power supplies, guidance and control, structures, and landing and recovery were held with members of the Martin staff.

1961 January 16-17

Second meeting of the Low Committee - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
At the second meeting of the Manned Lunar Landing Task Group (Low Committee), a draft position paper was presented by George M. Low, Chairman. A series of reports on launch vehicle capabilities, spacecraft, and lunar program support were presented and considered for possible inclusion in the position paper.

1961 January 19

Studies of manned lunar and interplanetary expeditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. The Marshall Space Flight Center awarded contracts to the Douglas Aircraft Company and Chance Vought Corporation to study the launching of manned exploratory expeditions into lunar and interplanetary space from earth orbits..

1961 January 24

Low Committee first draft report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Manned Lunar Landing Task Group (Low Committee) submitted its first draft report to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr. A section on detailed costs and schedules still was in preparation and a detailed itemized backup report was expected to be available in mid- February.

1961 January 25

Study on the feasibility of refueling a spacecraft in orbit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. NASA announced that the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation had been awarded a contract by the Marshall Space Flight Center to study the feasibility of refueling a spacecraft in orbit..

1961 January 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn C-1 changed to a two-stage configuration - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Wernher von Braun, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center, proposed that the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle be changed from a three-stage to a two-stage configuration to meet Apollo program schedules. The planned third stage (S-V) would be dropped..

1961 January 30

James E Webb named as NASA Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy, Webb. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy announced that he was nominating James E. Webb as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Hugh L. Dryden as Deputy Administrator, Senate confirmation followed on February 9 and they were sworn in on February 14.

1961 January 31-February 1

Apollo feasibility study progress - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Members of STG met with representatives of the Convair Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation and Avco Corporation to monitor the progress of the Apollo feasibility study. Configurations and aerodynamics and Apollo heating studies were discussed. Current plans indicated that final selection of their proposed spacecraft configuration would be made by Convair Astronautics within a week. The status of the spacecraft reentry studies was described by Avco specialists.

1961 January

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn first stage recovery system study - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Marshall Space Flight Center awarded contracts to NAA and Ryan Aeronautical Corporation to investigate the feasibility of recovering the first stage (S-I) of the Saturn launch vehicle by using a Rogallo wing paraglider..

1961 February 7

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Final report of the Low Committee - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
The Manned Lunar Landing Task Group (Low Committee) transmitted its final report to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr. The Group found that the manned lunar landing mission could be accomplished during the decade, using either the earth orbit rendezvous or direct ascent technique. Multiple launchings of Saturn C-2 launch vehicles would be necessary in the earth orbital mode, while the direct ascent technique would require the development of a Nova-class vehicle. Information to be obtained through supporting unmanned lunar exploration programs, such as Ranger and Surveyor, was felt to be essential in carrying out the manned lunar mission. Total funding for the program was estimated at just under $7 billion through Fiscal Year 1968.

1961 February 7

MIT selected for a study of a navigation and guidance system for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection. NASA selected the Instrumentation Laboratory of MIT for a six-month study of a navigation and guidance system for the Apollo spacecraft..

1961 February 10

Voice message sent by way of the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A voice message was sent from Washington, D.C., to Woomera, Australia, by way of the moon. NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden spoke by telephone to Goldstone, Calif., which "bounced" it to the deep-space instrumentation station at Woomera. The operation was conducted as part of the official opening ceremony of the Australian facility.

1961 February 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First static test of prototype F-1 thrust chamber - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocketdyne Division's first static test of a prototype thrust chamber for the F-1 engine achieved a thrust of 1.550 million pounds in a few seconds at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif..

1961 February 27-25

NASA Inter-Center meeting on space rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
A NASA inter-Center meeting on space rendezvous was held in Washington, D.C. Air Force and NASA programs were discussed and the status of current studies was presented by NASA Centers. Members of the Langley Research Center outlined the basic concepts of the lunar orbit rendezvous method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission.

1961 March 1

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Current Saturn launch vehicle configurations announced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The current Saturn launch vehicle configurations were announced:

C-1:
S-I stage eight H-1 engines, 1.5 million pounds of thrust; S-IV stage four (LR-119 engines, 70,000 pounds of thrust); and S-V stage (two LR-119 engines, 35,000 pounds of thrust).
C-2 (four-stage version):
S-1 stage (same as first stage of the C-1); S-II (not determined); S-IV (same as second stage of the C-1); S-V (same as third Stage of C- 1).
C-2 (three-stage version):
S-I (same as first stage of C-1); S-II (not determined); and S-IV (same as third stage of C-1).

1961 March 1-3

The midterm review of the Apollo feasibility studies was held at STG - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
The midterm review of the Apollo feasibility studies was held at STG. Oral status reports were made by officials of Convair Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation on March 1, The Martin Company on March 2, and the General Electric Company on March 3. The reports described the work accomplished, problems unsolved, and future plans. Representatives of all NASA Centers attended the meetings, including a majority of the members of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups. Members of these Groups formed the nucleus of the mid-term review groups which met during the three-day period and compiled lists of comments on the presentations for later discussions with the contractors.

1961 March 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First flight Saturn I on test stand. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First flight model of Saturn booster (SA-1) installed on static test stand for preflight checkout, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville..

1961 March 20

STG met to plan general requirements for a proposal for advanced manned spacecraft development - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Management personnel from NASA Headquarters and STG met to plan general requirements for a proposal for advanced manned spacecraft development..

1961 March 23

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Configuration changes for the Saturn C-1 launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Representatives of Marshall Space Flight Center recommended configuration changes for the Saturn C-1 launch vehicles to NASA Headquarters. These included:
- Elimination of third-stage development, since two stages could put more than ten tons into earth orbit.
- Use of six LR-115 (15,000-pound) Centaur engines (second-stage thrust thus increased from 70,000 to 90,000 pounds).
- Redesign of the first stage (S-1) to offer more safety for manned missions.
Plans were also presented to accelerate the development of the Saturn C- 2, and a recommendation was made that a prime contractor be selected to work on the second stage (S-II) of the C-2. NASA Headquarters approved the C-2 plans on March 31.

1961 March 28

Kennedy submitted to Congress increased NASA budget - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy submitted to Congress an amended budget request for NASA which totaled $1,235,300,000. This total was $125,670,000 greater than the Eisenhower Administration's request. The increase included $56 million for Saturn research and development and $11 million for the extension of Cape Canaveral facilities.

1961 March 29-30

Convair selects M-1 design for Apollo in preference to lenticular configuration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Source Selection.
William W. Petynia of STG visited the Convair Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation to monitor the Apollo feasibility study contract. A selection of the M-1 in preference to the lenticular configuration had been made by Convair. May 17 was set as the date for the final Convair presentation to NASA.

1961 March 31

US space program ultimate objectives - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
The Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences submitted to President John F. Kennedy its recommendation that "scientific exploration of the moon and planets should be clearly stated as the ultimate objective of the U.S. space program for the foreseeable future." While stressing the importance of the scientific goals of the program, the Board also emphasized other factors such as "the sense of national leadership emergent from bold and imaginative U.S. space activity." The recommendations of the Board had been adopted at a meeting on February 10-11 and were made public on August 7.

1961 April 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

1,640 million pounds of thrust achieved in static- firing of the F-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. The Marshall Space Flight Center announced that 1.640 million pounds of thrust was achieved in a static- firing of the F-1 engine thrust chamber at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. This was a record thrust for a single chamber..

1961 April 10-13

Apollo spacecraft specification work - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
In preparing background material for the Apollo spacecraft specification at STG, the Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Mechanical Systems worked on environmental control systems, reaction control systems, auxiliary power supplies, landing and recovery systems, and space cabin sealing.

1961 April 10-12

Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Trajectory Analysis commented on Apollo specification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Trajectory Analysis met at STG and began preparing material for the Apollo spacecraft specification. It recommended:
- STG should take the initiative with NASA Headquarters in delegating responsibility for setting up and updating a uniform model of astronomical constants.
- The name of the Group should be changed to Mission Analysis to help clarify its purpose.
- A panel should be set up to determine the scientific experiments which could be done on board, or in conjunction with the orbiting laboratory, so that equipment, weight, volumes, laboratory characteristics, etc., might be specified

1961 April 10-12

Preparation of material for the Apollo spacecraft specification discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, CSM Structural.
The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Structures and Materials discussed at STG the preparation of material for the Apollo spacecraft specification. It decided that most of the items proposed for its study could not be specified at that time and also that many of the items did not fall within the structures and materials area. A number of general areas of concern were added to the work plan: heat protection, meteoroid protection, radiation effects, and vibration and acoustics.

1961 April 10-12

The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Onboard Propulsion met - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Onboard Propulsion met at STG and considered preparation of background material for the Apollo spacecraft specification. It agreed that there were several problem areas for study before onboard propulsion final specifications could be drafted : cryogenic propellant storage problems, booster explosion hazards and assessment thereof, spacecraft system abort modes, propulsion system temperature control, propellant leakage, ignition in a confined space, zero suction pump proposals for cryogenic liquid bipropellant main engine systems, and propellant utilization and measurement system.

1961 April 10

Joint meeting of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups was held at STG - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A joint meeting of the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups was held at STG. NASA Headquarters and STG representatives briefed members of the Groups on the status of the Apollo program. The individual Liaison Groups were asked to reexamine the Apollo guidelines in the light of NASA and contractor studies conducted during the past year and to help gather detailed technical information for use as background material in the preparation of the Apollo spacecraft specification.

1961 April 10-14

Meeting at STG of the Guidance and Control Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Meeting at STG, the Guidance and Control Group changed its name to the "Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Navigation, Guidance, and Control." Definitions were established for "navigation" (the determination of position and velocity), "guidance" (velocity vector control), and "control" (control of rotational orientation about the center of gravity - i.e., attitude control). Work was started on the preparation of the navigation, guidance, and control specifications for the Apollo spacecraft.

1961 April 10-12

Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Heating heard reports on current studies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Heating heard reports at STG by Group members on current studies at the NASA Centers. Recommendations concerning the spacecraft specification included:
- The contractor should present the design philosophy and criteria to be used for the heat protection system and discuss the interplay of thermal and structural design criteria.
- The details of the analysis should be presented: for example, the methods used in calculating the various modes of the heating load; the listing of the material properties and ablation effectiveness of heatshields; and the listing, in terms of temperature or extra heat protection weight, of the safety factors that had been used.

1961 April 10-12

STG / Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Human Factors discussed Apollo spacecraft specification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit, CSM Source Selection.
At STG the Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Human Factors discussed the proposed outline for the spacecraft specification. Its recommendations included:
- NASA Headquarters Offices should contact appropriate committees and other representatives of the scientific community to elicit recommendations for scientific experiments aboard the orbiting laboratory to be designed as a mission module for use with the Apollo spacecraft.
- NASA should sponsor a conference of recognized scientists to suggest a realistic radiation dosage design limit for Apollo crews.

1961 April 10-12

Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Instrumentation and Communications drafted guidelines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
The Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Instrumentation and Communications met at STG and drafted an informal set of guidelines and sent them to the other Technical Liaison Groups:
- Instrumentation requirements: all Groups should submit their requests for measurements to be made on the Apollo missions, including orbital, circumlunar, and lunar landing operations.
- Television: since full-rate, high-quality television for the missions would add a communications load that could swamp all others and add power and bandwidth requirements not otherwise needed, other Groups should restate their justification for television requirements.
- Temperature environment; heat normally pumped overboard might be made available for temperature control systems without excessive cost and complexity.
- Reentry communications; continuous reentry communications were not yet feasible and could not be guaranteed. It was suggested that all Groups plan their systems as though no communications would exist at altitudes between about 250,000 feet and 90,000 feet.
- Vehicle reentry and recovery: if tracking during reentry were desired, it would be far more economical to use a water landing site along the Atlantic Missile Range or another East Coast site.
- Digital computer : the onboard digital computer, if it were flexible enough, would permit the examination of telemetry data for bandwidth reduction before transmission.
- Antenna-pointing information: the spacecraft should have information relative to its orientation so that any high-gain directive antenna could be positioned toward the desired location on earth.
The Group then discussed the preparation of material for the Apollo spacecraft specification.

1961 April 10-12

Second meeting of the Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Configurations and Aerodynamics at STG - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Source Selection.
At the second meeting of the Apollo Technical Liaison Group for Configurations and Aerodynamics at STG, presentations were made on Apollo-related activities at the NASA Centers: heatshield tests (Ames Research Center); reentry configurations (Marshall Space Flight Center); reentry configurations, especially lenticular (modified) and spherically blunted, paraglider soft-landing system, dynamic stability tests, and heat transfer tests (Langley Research Center); tumbling entries in planetary atmospheres (Mars and Venus) (Jet Propulsion Laboratory); air launch technique for Dyna-Soar (Flight Research Center); and steerable parachute system and reentry spacecraft configuration (STG). Work began on the background material for the Apollo spacecraft specification.

1961 April 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Seamans established the permanent Saturn Program Requirements Committee - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., established the permanent Saturn Program Requirements Committee. Members were William A. Fleming, Chairman; John L. Sloop, Deputy Chairman; Richard B. Canright; John H. Disher; Eldon W. Hall; A. M. Mayo; and Addison M. Rothrock, all of NASA Headquarters. The Committee would review on a continuing basis the mission planning for the utilization of the Saturn and correlate such planning with the Saturn development and procurement plans.

1961 April 12

President Kennedy says United States second to Russia in space - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy, in his regular press conference, stated that "no one is more tired than I am" of seeing the United States second to Russia in space. "They secured large boosters which have led to their being first in Sputnik, and led to their first putting their man in space. We are, I hope, going to be able to carry out our efforts, with due regard to the problem of the life of the men involved, this year. But we are behind . . . the news will be worse before it is better, and it will be some time before we catch up. . . ."

1961 April 14

Apollo Congressional hearings. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
In response to questioning by the House Science and Astronautics Committee, Associate NASA Administrator Seamans repeated the general estimate of $20 to $40 billion as the cost for the total effort required to achieve a lunar landing, that an all-out program might cost more, and that 1967 could be considered only as a possible planning date at this stage of such a complex task.

1961 April 19

Manned Lunar Landing via Rendezvous report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
A circular, "Manned Lunar Landing via Rendezvous," was prepared by John C. Houbolt from material supplied by himself, John D. Bird, Max C. Kurbjun, and Arthur W. Vogeley, who were members of the Langley Research Center space station subcommittee on rendezvous. Other members of the subcommittee at various times included W. Hewitt Phillips, John M. Eggleston, John A. Dodgen, and William D. Mace.

1961 April 19

Objectives of a rendezvous program for Apollo manned lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: MORAD.
John C. Houbolt and members of the Langley Research Center subcommittee on rendezvous outlined the objectives of a rendezvous program that would lead ultimately to a manned lunar landing:
1. establish manned and unmanned orbital operations,
2. establish techniques for accomplishing space missions through the orbital assembly of units.
Three key projects were described which would accomplish these objectives. The first was MORAD (Manned Orbital Rendezvous and Docking). which would require the use of the Mercury-Atlas and Scout in the 1961- 1963 period. Rendezvous in space between the Mercury spacecraft and Scout payload would establish confidence in manned rendezvous techniques and lead to simplification of equipment and increased reliability. The second key project was ARP (Apollo Rendezvous Phases), in which the Atlas, Agena, and Saturn boosters would be used in the 1962-1965 period. This program would accomplish rendezvous with space stations, personnel transfer, resupply of space laboratory, execution of space maneuvers after coupling (steps toward lunar landing), and development of specifications for subsequent orbital and moon missions. The third project was called MALLIR (Manned Lunar Landing Involving Rendezvous), in which Saturn and Apollo components would be used during the 1961-1967 period. After qualification of the Saturn components for rendezvous operations, an early manned lunar landing would take place.

1961 April 19

Apollo MORAD, ARP, and MALLIR recommendations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Recommendations on immediate steps to be taken so that the three key projects - MORAD (Manned Orbital Rendezvous and Docking), ARP (Apollo Rendezvous Phases), and MALLIR (Manned Lunar Landing Involving Rendezvous) - could get under way were:
- Approve the MORAD project and let a study contract to consider general aspects of the Scout rendezvous vehicle design, definite planning and schedules, and tie down cost estimates more exactly.
- Delegate responsibility to STG to give accelerated consideration to rendezvous aspects of Apollo, tailoring developments to fit directly into the MALLIR project.
- Let a study contract to establish preliminary design, scheduling, and cost figures for the three projects.

1961 April 20

Prospector vs Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Prospector.
A conference was held at NASA Headquarters on the relationship between the Prospector and Apollo programs. Representatives of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and STG discussed the possible redirection of Prospector planning to support more directly the manned space program. The Prospector spacecraft was intended to soft-land about 2,500 pounds on the lunar surface with an accuracy of +/-1 kilometer anywhere on the visible side of the moon. An essential feature of Prospector was the development of an automatic roving vehicle weighing about 1500 pounds which would permit detailed reconnaissance of the lunar surface over a wide area. Additional Details: here....

1961 April 25

Contract for the liquid-hydrogen liquid-oxygen fuel cell - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
A conference was held at Lewis Research Center between STG and Lewis representatives to discuss the research and development contract for the liquid-hydrogen liquid-oxygen fuel cell as the primary spacecraft electrical power source. Lewis had been provided funds approximately $300,000 by NASA Headquarters to negotiate a contract with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Division of United Aircraft Corporation for the development of a fuel cell for the Apollo spacecraft. STG and Lewis representatives agreed that the research and development should be directed toward the liquid-hydrogen - liquid-oxygen fuel cell. Guidelines were provided by STG:
- Power output requirement for the Apollo spacecraft was estimated at two to three kilowatts.
- Nominal output voltage should be about 27.5 volts.
- Regulation should be within +/- 10 percent of nominal output voltage.
- The fuel cell should be capable of sustained operation at reduced output (10 percent of rated capacity, if possible).
- The fuel cell and associated system should be capable of operation in a space environment.
Lewis planned to request a pilot model of the fuel cell of about 250 watts capacity, capable of unattended operation. Contract negotiations were expected to be completed by May 2 and the model delivered within 12 months of the contract award.

1961 April 29

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I fight qualification. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The first successful flight qualification test of the Saturn SA-1 booster took place in an eight-engine test lasting 30 seconds..

1961 April

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Air transport of the Saturn C-1 second stage feasible - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. The Douglas Aircraft Company reported that air transport of the Saturn C-1 second stage (S-IV) was feasible..

1961 May 1

STG proposed a manned spacecraft development center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Anticipating the expanded scope of manned space flight programs, STG proposed a manned spacecraft development center. The nucleus for a center existed in STG, which was handling the Mercury project. A program of much greater magnitude would require a substantial expansion of staff and facilities and of organization and management controls.

1961 May 2

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Ad Hoc Task Group for a Manned Lunar Landing Study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., established the Ad Hoc Task Group for a Manned Lunar Landing Study, to be chaired by William A. Fleming of NASA Headquarters. The study was expected to produce the following information:
- All tasks associated with the mission.
- Interdependent time-phasing of the tasks.
- Areas requiring considerable technological advancements from the current state of the art.
- Tasks for which multiple approach solutions were advisable.
- Important action and decision points in the mission plan.
- A refined estimate by task and by fiscal year of the dollar resources required for the mission.
- Refined estimates of in-house manpower requirements, by task and by fiscal year
- Tentative in-house and contractor task assignments accompanying the dollar and manpower resource requirements.
The study began on May 8 and the final report was submitted on June 16. Guidelines served as a starting point for the study:
- The manned lunar landing target date was 1967.
- Intermediate missions of multiman orbital satellites and manned circumlunar missions were desirable at the earliest possible time.
- Man's mission on the moon as it affected the study was to be determined by the Ad Hoc Task Group - i.e., the time to be spent on the lunar surface and the tasks to be performed while there.
- In establishing the mission plan, the use of the Saturn C-2 launch vehicle was to be evaluated as compared with an alternative launch vehicle having a higher thrust first stage and C-2 upper-stage components.
- The mission plan was to include parallel development of liquid and solid propulsion leading to a Nova vehicle 400,000 pounds in earth orbit and should indicate when the decision should be made on the final Nova configuration.
- Nuclear-powered launch vehicles should not be considered for use in the first manned lunar landing mission.
- The flight test program should be laid out with enough launchings to meet the needs of the program considering the reliability requirements.
- Alternative approaches should be provided in critical areas - e.g., upper stages and mission modes.
The engineering sketch drawn by John D. Bird of Langley Research Center on May 3, 1961, indicated the thinking of that period: By launching two Saturn C-2's, the lunar landing mission could be accomplished by using both earth rendezvous and lunar rendezvous at various stages of the mission.

1961 May 5

First draft of the Apollo spacecraft specification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
STG completed the first draft of "Project Apollo, Phase A, General Requirements for a Proposal for a Manned Space Vehicle and System" (Statement of Work), an early step toward the spacecraft specification. A circumlunar mission was the basis for planning.

1961 May 7

LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan II.

Titan II proposed for lunar landing program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Seamans, Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini LOR.
Albert C. Hall of The Martin Company proposed to Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA's Associate Administrator, that the Titan II be considered as a launch vehicle in the lunar landing program. Although skeptical, Seamans arranged for a more formal presentation the next day. Abe Silverstein, NASA's Director of Space Flight Programs, was sufficiently impressed to ask Director Robert R. Gilruth and STG to study the possible uses of Titan II. Silverstein shortly informed Seamans of the possibility of using the Titan II to launch a scaled-up Mercury spacecraft.

1961 May 7

Initial Study Contracts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
In initial study contracts, Martin proposed vehicle similar to the Apollo configuration that would eventually fly and closest to STG concepts. GE proposed design that would lead directly to Soyuz. Convair proposed a lifting body concept. All bidders were influenced by STG mid-term review that complained that they were not paying enough attention to conical blunt-body CM as envisioned by STG.

1961 May 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

S-IV satisfactory for Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
After study and discussion by STG and Marshal! Space Flight Center officials, STG concluded that the current 154-inch diameter of the second stage (S-IV) adapter for the Apollo spacecraft would be satisfactory for the Apollo missions on Saturn flights SA-7, SA-8, SA-9, and SA-10.

1961 May 15

Final study contract reports. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
The final reports on the feasibility study contracts for the advanced manned spacecraft were submitted to STG at Langley Field, Va., by the General Electric Company, Convair Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation, and The Martin Company. These studies had begun in November 1960.

1961 May 22

Second draft of the Apollo spacecraft specification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. The second draft of a Statement of Work for the development of an advanced manned spacecraft was completed, incorporating results from NASA in-house and contractor feasibility studies..

1961 May 25

Kennedy called for a national goal of landing a man on the moon - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President Kennedy, in a major message to Congress, called for a vastly accelerated space program based on a long-range national goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him safely back to Earth. For this and associated projects in space technology, the President requested additional appropriations totaling $611 million for NASA and the Department of Defense.

1961 May 25

Kennedy Proclaims Moon Landing Objective - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
Following Gagarin's flight and Bay of Pigs failure, Kennedy announces the objective of landing an American on the moon by end of the decade. In his second State of the Union Message President Kennedy said: "With the advice of the Vice President, who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we (United States) are strong and where we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. . . . Now is the time to take longer strides-time for a great new American enterprise-time for this Nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth." President Kennedy set forth an accelerated space program based upon the long-range national goals of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth; early development of the Rover nuclear rocket; speed up the use of Earth satellites for worldwide communications; and provide "at the earliest possible time a satellite system for worldwide weather observation." An additional $549 million was requested for NASA over the new administration March budget requests; $62 million was requested for DOD for starting development of a solid-propellant booster of the Nova class.

1961 May 25

Lundin Committee to assess Lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA's Associate Administrator, requested the Directors of the Office of Launch Vehicle Programs and the Office of Advanced Research Programs to bring together members of their staffs with other persons from NASA Headquarters to assess a wide variety of possible ways of accomplishing the lunar landing mission. This study was to supplement the one being done by the Ad Hoc Task Group for Manned Lunar Landing Study (Fleming Committee) but was to be separate from it. Additional Details: here....

1961 May

Lunar orbit rendezvous plan - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. Basic concepts of the lunar orbit rendezvous plan were presented to the Lundin Committee by John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center..

1961 May

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Reevaluation of the Saturn C-2 to support circumlunar missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. The Marshall Space Flight Center began reevaluation of the Saturn C-2 configuration capability to support circumlunar missions. Results showed that a Saturn vehicle of even greater performance would be desirable..

1961 May 31

STG submitted to NASA Headquarters recommendations on crew selection and training - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
STG submitted to NASA Headquarters recommendations on crew selection and training:
- There would be no need to select crews within the next 12 months, Pilots could be chosen as required from the astronaut group, permitting the prospective crewmen to be active in test flying until assigned to Apollo missions.
- Based on extrapolations from the Mercury program, STG expected that 12 months would be ample time for specialized training before a flight.
- A maximum of 18 astronauts in 1965 would be needed to fulfil the requirements of the flight schedule.
- All crew members would be experienced flight personnel; special engineering or scientific capabilities would be provided through crew indoctrination.

1961 June 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Change in the Saturn C-1 configuration - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced a change in the Saturn C-1 vehicle configuration. The first ten research and development flights would have two stages, instead of three, because of the changed second stage (S-IV) and, starting with the seventh flight vehicle, increased propellant capacity in the first stage (S-1) booster.

1961 June 2

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I transport route interdicted. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Collapse of a lock in the Wheeler Dam below Huntsville on the Tennessee River interdicted the planned water route of the first Saturn space booster from Marshall Space Flight Center to Cape Canaveral on the barge Palaemon..

1961 June 2

Project Apollo plans and programs meeting - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget. Program: Apollo.
A meeting to discuss Project Apollo plans and programs was held at NASA Headquarters. Abe Silverstein, Warren J. North, John H. Disher, and George M. Low of NASA Headquarters and Robert R. Gilruth, Walter C. Williams, Maxime A. Faget, James A. Chamberlin, and Robert O. Piland of STG participated in the discussions. Six prime contract areas were defined: spacecraft (command center), onboard propulsion, lunar landing propulsion, launch vehicle (probably several prime contracts), tracking and communications network, and launch facilities and equipment. The prime contractor for the spacecraft would be responsible for the design, engineering, and fabrication of the spacecraft; for the integration of the onboard and lunar landing propulsion systems: and for the integration of the entire spacecraft system with the launch vehicle. In connection with the prime contract, STG would:
- Define details for specifications and justify choices
- Prepare a "scope of work" statement for release to industry by July 1
- Prepare spacecraft specifications for release by August 1
- Set up a contract evaluation team, qualified to evaluate the technical, management, design, engineering, and fabrication capabilities of the bidders.
In connection with other projects directly relating to the Apollo program, STG was to:
- Forward to Marshall Space Flight Center, via the Office of Space Flight Programs, the spacecraft systems part of a preliminary development plan for Saturn reentry tests
- Make recommendations on an advanced version of the Mercury capsule
- Designate a liaison member for the Lunar Sciences Subcommittee of the Space Sciences Steering Committee.
The Office of Space Flight Programs would arrange a meeting with the Office of Advanced Research Programs, STG, and Langley Research Center on the Atlas-Agena reentry tests and with the Office of Advanced Research Programs, Office of Life Sciences Programs, STG, and Ames Research Center on the biomedical flight program.

1961 June 5

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC34. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I launch complex completed. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Huge Saturn launch complex at Cape Canaveral dedicated in brief ceremony by NASA, construction of which was supervised by the Army Corps of Engineers. Giant gantry, weighing 2,800 tons and being 310 feet high, is largest movable land structure in North America.

1961 June 5

The Flight Vehicles Integration Branch was organized within STG - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo.
The Flight Vehicles Integration Branch was organized within STG. Members included H. Kurt Strass, Robert L. O'Neal, and Charles H. Wilson. Maxime A. Faget, Chief, Flight Systems Division, also served as temporary Branch Chief. The Branch was to provide technical aid to STG in solving compatibility requirements for spacecraft and launch vehicles for manned flight missions.

1961 June 7

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Preliminary study of Little Joe Senior - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A preliminary study of a fin-stabilized solid-fuel rocket booster, the Little Joe Senior, was completed by members of STG. The booster would be capable of propelling a full-size Apollo reentry spacecraft to velocities sufficient to match critical portions of the Saturn trajectory. Additional Details: here....

1961 June 10

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Lundin Committee recommended earth orbit rendezvous mode - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
'The Lundin Committee completed its study of various vehicle systems for the manned lunar landing mission, as requested on May 25 by NASA associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr. The Committee had considered alternative methods of rendezvous: earth orbit, lunar orbit, a combination of earth and lunar orbit, and lunar surface. Launch vehicles studied were the Saturn C-2 and C-3. Conclusion was that 43,000 kg stage (85% fuel) was needed for a lunar landing mission. The concept of a low- altitude earth orbit rendezvous using two or three C-3's was clearly preferred by the Committee. Reasons for this preference were the small number of launches and orbital operations required and the fact that the Saturn C- 3 was considered to be an efficient launch vehicle of great utility and future growth.

1961 June 16

Fleming Committee Report: lunar mission could be accomplished within the decade - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Fleming Committee, which had been appointed on May 2, submitted its report to NASA associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., on the feasibility of a manned lunar landing program. The Committee concluded that the lunar mission could be accomplished within the decade. Chief pacing items were the first stage of the launch vehicle and the facilities for testing and launching the booster. It also concluded that information on solar flare radiation and lunar surface characteristics should be obtained as soon as possible, since these factors would influence spacecraft design. Special mention was made of the need for a strong management organization.

1961 June 20

LV Family: Saturn V. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3.

Donald Heaton had been appointed Chairman of an Ad Hoc Task Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA Associate Administrator, notified the Directors of Launch Vehicle Program, Space Flight Programs, Advanced Research Programs, and Life Sciences Programs that Donald H. Heaton had been appointed Chairman of an Ad Hoc Task Group. It would establish program plans and supporting resources necessary to accomplish the manned lunar landing mission by the use of rendezvous techniques, using the Saturn C-3 launch vehicle, with a target date of 1967. Guidelines and operating methods were similar to those of the Fleming Committee. Members of the Task Group would be appointed from the Offices of Launch Vehicle Programs, Space Flight Program, Advanced Research Programs, and Life Sciences Programs. The work of the Group (Heaton Committee) would be reviewed weekly. The study was completed during August.

1961 June 22

Dryden letter to Congress justifying Apollo. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Deputy NASA Administrator Dryden sent an explanatory letter to Chairman Robert S. Kerr, of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, on the broad scientific and technological gains to be achieved in landing a man on the Moon and returning him to Earth. Dr. Dryden pointed out that this difficult goal "has the highly important role of accelerating the development of space science and technology, motivating the scientists and engineers who are engaged in this effort to move forward with urgency, and integrating their efforts in a way that cannot be accomplished by a disconnected series of research investigations in several fields. It is important to realize, however, that the real values and purposes are not in the mere accomplishment of man setting foot on the Moon but rather in the great cooperative national effort in the development of science and technology which is stimulated by this goal." Dr. Dryden pointed out that "the billions of dollars required in this effort are not spent on the Moon; they are spent in the factories, workshops, and laboratories of our people for salaries, for new materials, and supplies, which in turn represent income for others. . . . The national enterprise involved in the goal of manned lunar landing and return within this decade is an activity of critical impact on the future of this Nation as an industrial and military power, and as a leader of a free world."

1961 June 22

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

First decision on Apollo launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
Meeting with Webb/Dryden, work on Saturn C-2 stopped; preliminary design of C-3 and continuing studies of larger vehicles for landing missions requested. STG push for 4 x 6.6 m diameter solid cluster first stage rejected for safety and ground handling reasons.

1961 June 23

NASA / DOD agree to define support requirements. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA-DOD Executive Committee for Joint Lunar Study and a Joint Lunar Study Program Office established by letter directive to work out and define support requirements for the U.S. manned lunar landing program..

1961 June 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn C-1 to be operational in 1964 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle, which could place ten-ton payloads in earth orbit, would be operational in 1964..

1961 June 23

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Saturn C-2 discontinued - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA announced that further engineering design work on the Saturn C-2 configuration would be discontinued and that effort instead would be redirected toward clarification of the Saturn C-3 and Nova concepts. Investigations were specifically directed toward determining capabilities of the proposed C-3 configuration in supporting the Apollo mission.

1961 June 23

NASA / DOD agree to define support requirements - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., requested Kurt H. Debus, Director of the NASA Launch Operations Directorate, and Maj. Gen. Leighton I. Davis, Commander of the Air Force Missile Test Center, to make a joint analysis of all major factors regarding the launch requirements, methods, and procedures needed in support of an early manned lunar landing. The schedules and early requirements were to be considered in two phases:
1. in line with the Fleming Report, a direct flight to the moon would be assumed, using the Saturn C-1 and C-3 launch vehicles in early support phases and liquid- or solid-fueled Nova launch vehicles for the lunar landing;
2. as a possible alternative or parallel program, orbital rendezvous operations using Saturn C-3 and liquid-fueled Nova.
The analysis should include recommendations on mutual NASA-DOD range responsibilities, authority, management structures, and other allied subjects. On June 30, Seamans notified Debus and Davis that the evaluation of tracking and command stations should not be included in the study. He stressed that the factors of immediate concern with regard to launch operations were those of launch site locations, land acquisition requirements, spacecraft and launch vehicle preparation facilities, vehicle launch facilities, and other facilities and requirements at the launch site. (Phase I of the Report was submitted on July 31.)

1961 June 26

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn I barge replacement. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A Navy YFNB barge was obtained by NASA to serve as a replacement for the Palaemon in transporting of the Saturn booster to Cape Canaveral..

1961 June 26

Langley Research Center lunar landing paper - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Maxime A. Faget, Paul E. Purser, and Charles J. Donlan of STG met with Arthur W. Vogeley, Clinton E. Brown, and Laurence K. Loftin, Jr., of Langley Research Center on a "lunar landing" paper. Faget's outline was to be used, with part of the information to be worked up by Vogeley.

1961 Summer

Construction begun of lunar landing simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Construction began at Langley Research Center of facilities specifically oriented toward the Apollo program, including a lunar landing simulator..

1961 June

Lunar orbit rendezvous briefing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. Members of Langley Research Center briefed the Heaton Committee on the lunar orbit rendezvous method of accomplishing the manned lunar landing mission..

1961 June

Project Apollo feasibility studies assessed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
STG completed a detailed assessment of the results of the Project Apollo feasibility studies submitted by the three study contractors: the General Electric Company, Convair/Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation, and The Martin Company. (Their findings were reflected in the Statement of Work sent to prospective bidders on the spacecraft contract on July 28.)

1961 July 6

Manned Lunar Landing Coordination Group - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
At NASA Headquarters, the first meeting was held of the Manned Lunar Landing Coordination Group, attended by NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Ira H. Abbott, Don R. Ostrander, Charles H. Roadman, William A. Fleming, DeMarquis D. Wyatt (part-time), and George M. Low (in place of Abe Silverstein). This Headquarters Group, appointed by Seamans, was to coordinate problems that jointly affected several NASA Offices, during the interim period while the manned space flight organization was being formed. Members of the steering group included NASA program directors, with participation by Wernher von Braun of Marshall Space Flight Center, Robert R. Gilruth of STG, and Wyatt and Abraham Hyatt of NASA Headquarters, as required. Fleming acted as Secretary of the Group. A list of decisions and actions required to implement an accelerated lunar landing program was drawn up as a tentative agenda for the next meeting:
- Begin Nova systems integration studies and develop the general arrangement of second and third stages. The studies should include spacecraft propulsion stages and spacecraft.
- Begin Saturn C-3 systems integration studies.
- Begin developing Nova and C-3 first-stage specifications in preparation to letting contracts
- Continue Launch Operations Directorate-Air Force Missile Test Center studies of Nova and C-3 launch sites at Atlantic Missile Range (AMR).
- Take steps to bring the contractor aboard as soon as possible for Nova and C-3 launch facility and test stand designs.
- Accelerate F-1 engine funding to provide adequate production engines for the Nova and C-3.
- Examine the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) proposal for static test facilities for large vehicle stages with a view toward beginning detailed site examination.
- Accelerate funding of the J-2 engine to provide acceptance test stands.
- Determine the necessity for a one-million-pound-thrust liquid- hydrogen - liquid-oxygen engine.
- Begin design studies on spacecraft propulsion systems and develop specifications. Define management responsibilities.
- Begin preparations for letting the contract for a spacecraft operations facility at AMR.
- Determine the relationships and responsibilities of MSFC and STG on guidance and control.

1961 July 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

NASA and DoD to study development of large launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The NASA Administrator and the Secretary of Defense concluded an agreement to study development of large launch vehicles for the national space program. For this purpose, the DOD-NASA Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group was created, reporting to the Associate Administrator of NASA and to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering).

1961 July 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

F-1 engine begins static testing. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that a complete F-1 engine had begun a series of static test firings at Edwards Rocket Test Center, Calif..

1961 July 18

NASA-Industry Apollo Technical Conference - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
1,000 persons from 300 potential Project Apollo contractors and government agencies attended the conference. STG pushed the conical CM shape, in defiance of Gilruth's preference for the competitive blunt body/lifting body designs. Scientists from NASA, the General Electric Company, The Martin Company, and General Dynamics/Astronautics presented the results of studies on Apollo requirements. Within the next four to six weeks NASA was expected to draw up the final details and specifications for the Apollo spacecraft.

1961 July 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group, established on July 7, 1961, began its formal existence with seven DOD and seven NASA members and alternates.. Additional Details: here....

1961 July 24

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2.

Changes in Saturn launch vehicle configurations - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Changes in Saturn launch vehicle configurations were announced :

C-1:
Stages S-I (1.5 million pounds of thrust) and S-IV
C-2:
Stages S-I, S-II, and S-IV
C-3:
Stages S-IB (3 million pounds of thrust), S-II, and S-IV.
.

1961 July 28

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

NASA invitation to bids for Apollo prime contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Original Specification, CSM Source Selection.
NASA invited 12 companies to submit prime contractor proposals for the Apollo spacecraft by October 9: The Boeing Airplane Company, Chance Vought Corporation, Douglas Aircraft Company, General Dynamics/Convair, the General Electric Company, Goodyear Aircraft Corporation, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, The Martin Company, North American Aviation, Inc., and Republic Aviation Corporation. Additional Details: here....

1961 July 28

Source Evaluation Board to evaluate contractors' proposals for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., appointed members to the Source Evaluation Board to evaluate contractors' proposals for the Apollo spacecraft. Walter C. Williams of STG served as Chairman, and members included Robert O. Piland, Wesley L. Hjornevik, Maxime A. Faget, James A. Chamberlin, Charles W. Mathews, and Dave W. Lang, all of STG; George M. Low, Brooks C. Preacher, and James T. Koppenhaver (nonvoting member) from NASA Headquarters; and Oswald H. Lange from Marshall Space Flight Center. On November 2, Faget became the Chairman, Kenneth S. Kleinknecht was added as a member, and Williams was relieved from his assignment.

1961 July 31

NASA-DOD report on launch sites for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, Seamans. Program: Apollo.
Phase I of a joint NASA-DOD report on facilities and resources required at launch sites to support the manned lunar landing program was submitted to Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., by Kurt H. Debus, Director, Launch Operations Directorate, and Maj. Gen. Leighton I. Davis, Commander of the Air Force Missile Test Center. The report, requested by Seamans on June 23, was based on the use of Nova- class launch vehicles for the manned lunar landing in a direct ascent mode, with the Saturn C-3 in supporting missions. Eight launch sites were considered: Cape Canaveral (on-shore); Cape Canaveral (off- shore); Mayaguana Island (Atlantic Missile Range downrange); Cumberland Island, Ga.; Brownsville, Tex.; White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex.; Christmas Island, Pacific Ocean; and South Point, Hawaii. On the basis of minimum cost and use of existing national resources, and taking into consideration the stringent time schedule, White Sands Missile Range and Cape Canaveral (on-shore) were favored. White Sands presented serious limitations on launch azimuths because of first-stage impact hazards on populated areas.

1961 July

Improved Mercury proposed for lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing, Gemini LOR.
James A. Chamberlin and James T. Rose of STG proposed adapting the improved Mercury spacecraft to a 35,000-pound payload, including a 5,000-pound "lunar lander." This payload would be launched by a Saturn C-3 in the lunar orbit rendezvous mode. The proposal was in direct competition with the Apollo proposals that favored direct landing on the moon and involved a 150,000-pound payload launched by a Nova-class vehicle with approximately 12 million pounds of thrust.

1961 July

Polaris program experience studied for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
Ralph Ragan of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, former director of the Polaris guidance and navigation program, in cooperation with Milton B. Trageser of the Laboratory and with Robert O. Piland, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Robert G. Chilton, all of NASA, had completed a study of what had been done on the Polaris program in concept and design of a guidance and navigation system and the documentation necessary for putting such a system into production on an extremely tight schedule. Using this study, the group worked out a rough schedule for a similar program on Apollo.

1961 July-September

Work statements for the Apollo guidance and navigation system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory and NASA completed the work statements for the Laboratory's program on the Apollo guidance and navigation system and the request for quotation for industrial support was prepared..

1961 July

Langley simulated spacecraft flights in approaching the moon's surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator, LM Source Selection.
Langley Research Center simulated spacecraft flights at speeds of 8,200 to 8,700 feet per second in approaching the moon's surface. With instruments preset to miss the moon's surface by 40 to 80 miles, pilots with control of thrust and torques about all three axes of the craft learned to establish orbits 10 to 90 miles above the surface, using a graph of vehicle rate of descent and circumferential velocity, an altimeter, and vehicle attitude and rate meters, as reported by Manuel J. Queijo and Donald R. Riley of Langley.

1961 August 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo launch site study begun. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA headquarters announced that it was making a world-wide study of possible launching sites for Moon vehicles; the size, power, noise, and possible hazards of Saturn-Nova type rockets requiring greater isolation for public safety than presently available.

1961 August 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First Saturn I leaves factory. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. First Saturn (SA-1) booster began water trip to Cape Canaveral on Navy barge Compromise after overland detour around Wheeler Dam..

1961 August 7

Additional Panels evaluate proposals for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. STG appointed members to the Technical Subcommittee and to the Technical Assessment Panels for evaluation of industry proposals for the development of the Apollo spacecraft..

1961 August 9

First Apollo development contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
NASA selected MIT's Instrumentation Laboratory to develop the guidance-navigation system for Project Apollo spacecraft. This first major Apollo contract was required since guidance-navigation system is basic to overall Apollo mission. The Instrumentation Laboratory of MIT, a nonprofit organization headed by C. Stark Draper, has been involved in a variety of guidance and navigation systems developments for 20 years. This first major Apollo contract had a long lead-time, was basic to the overall Apollo mission, and would be directed by STG.

1961 August 14

Atmospheric requirement for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
STG requested that a program be undertaken by the U.S. Navy Air Crew Equipment Laboratory, Philadelphia, Penna., to validate the atmospheric composition requirement for the Apollo spacecraft. On November 7, the original experimental design was altered by the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The new objectives were:
- Establish the required preoxygenation time for a rapid decompression (80 seconds) from sea level to 35,000 feet.
- Discover the time needed for equilibrium (partial denitrogenation) at the proposed cabin atmosphere for protection in case of rapid decompression to 35,000 feet.
- Investigate the potential hazard associated with an early mission decompression - i.e., before the equilibrium time was reached, preceded by the determined preoxygenation period.
- Conduct any additional tests suggested by the results of the foregoing experiments.

1961 August 14

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First Saturn I arrives at Cape Canaveral. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Navy barge Compromise, carrying first Saturn booster, stuck in the mud in the Indian River just south of Cape Canaveral. Released several hours later, the Saturn was delayed only 24 hours in its 2,200-mile journey from Huntsville..

1961 August 14-15

Apollo pre-proposal bidders' briefing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Source Selection.
STG held a pre-proposal briefing at Langley Field, Va., to answer bidders' questions pertaining to the Request for Proposal for the development of the Apollo spacecraft. 14 companies (Boeing, Vought, Douglas, GD, Goodyear, Grumman, Lockheed, Martin, McDonnell, Radio Corp, Republic, STL) attended. The winning bidder would receive contract for CSM (but not LM, if any) and integrate spacecraft with launch vehicle.

1961 August 16

STG Panels formed for evaluation of proposals for the development of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. STG appointed members to the Business Subcommittee and to the Business Assessment Panels for evaluation of industry proposals for the development of the Apollo spacecraft..

1961 August 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First F-1 firing. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. F-1 rocket engine tested in first of firing series of the complete flight system..

1961 August 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Golovin Committee evaluates three rendezvous methods for manned lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Source Selection.
The Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group (Golovin Committee) notified the Marshal! Space Flight Center (MSFC), Langley Research Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that the Group was planning to undertake a comparative evaluation of three types of rendezvous operations and direct flight for manned lunar landing. Rendezvous methods were earth orbit, lunar orbit, and lunar surface. MSFC was requested to study earth orbit rendezvous, Langley to study lunar orbit rendezvous, and JPL to study lunar surface rendezvous. The NASA Office of Launch Vehicle Programs would provide similar information on direct ascent. Additional Details: here....

1961 August 24

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral.

Merritt Island selected for Saturn V launch site. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
After considering Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral-Merritt Island, Mayaguana-Bahamas, Cumberland-Georgia, Brownville-Texas, Christmas Island, Hawaii, and White Sands, Merritt Island selected as launch site for manned lunar flights and other missions requiring Saturn and Nova class vehicles. Based upon national space goals announced by the President in May, NASA plans called for acquisition of 80,000 acres north and west of AFMTC, to be administered by the USAF as agent for NASA and as a part of the Atlantic Missile Range. Additional Details: here....

1961 August

Deep-space tracking station in South Africa completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The deep-space tracking station at Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, was completed. Dedication took place on September 8. NASA thus gained the capacity for continuous line-of-sight communication with lunar and interplanetary probes despite the earth's rotation. The other deep-space tracking stations were at Goldstone, Calif., and Woomera, Australia.

1961 August 31

One of the Apollo astronauts to be scientifically trained - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
C. Stark Draper, Director of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, at a meeting with NASA Administrator James E. Webb, Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden, and Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., at NASA Headquarters proposed that at least one of the Apollo astronauts should be a scientifically trained individual since it would be easier to train a scientist to perform a pilot's function than vice versa. (In a letter to Seamans on November 7, Draper further proposed that he be that individual.)

1961 August

Blaw Knox to make studies of Apollo antenna in 200-to 250-foot diameter class - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory selected the Blaw Knox Company of Pittsburgh, Penna., for second-phase feasibility and design studies of an antenna in the 200-to 250-foot diameter class. The first of these antennas, which were to be used in acquiring data from advanced lunar and planetary exploration programs, would be operational at Goldstone, Calif., by early 1965.

1961 August 31

LV Family: Saturn V. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3.

Chamberlain proposes lunar landing by Gemini - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Landing by Gemini using 4,000 kg wet/680 kg empty lander and Saturn C-3 booster. Landing by January 1966..

1961 August

Heaton Committee recommends earth orbit rendezvous for Apollo mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
The Ad Hoc Task Group for Study of Manned Lunar Landing by Rendezvous Techniques, Donald H. Heaton, Chairman, reported its conclusions: rendezvous offered the earliest possibility for a successful lunar landing, the proposed Saturn C-4 configuration should offer a higher probability of an earlier successful manned lunar landing than the C-3, the rendezvous technique recommended involved rendezvous and docking in earth orbit of a propulsion unit and a manned spacecraft, the cost of the total program through first lunar landing by rendezvous was significantly less than by direct ascent.

1961 September 5

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Purchase of land for Saturn V launch facilities. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Authorization for NASA to acquire necessary land for additional launch facilities at Cape Canaveral was approved by the Senate..

1961 September 7

Selection of Saturn first stage assembly plant - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station.
NASA announced that the government-owned Michoud Ordnance Plant near New Orleans, La., would be the site for fabrication and assembly of the Saturn C-3 first stage as well as larger vehicles. Finalists were two government-owned plants in St. Louis and New Orleans. The height of the factory roof at Michoud meant that an 8 x F-1 engined vehicle could not be built; 4 or 5 engines would have to be the maximum.

1961 September 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

North American selected to build S-II stage. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA selected NAA to develop the second stage (S-II) for the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. The cost, including development of at least ten vehicles, would total about $140 million. The S-II configuration provided for four J-2 liquid-oxygen - liquid-hydrogen engines, each delivering 200,000 pounds of thrust.

1961 September 12-13

Progress review of the Apollo navigation and guidance system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of STG and NASA Headquarters visited the Instrumentation Laboratory of MIT to discuss the contract awarded to the Laboratory on August 9 and progress in the design and development of the Apollo spacecraft navigation and guidance system. They mutually decided that a draft of the final contract should be completed for review at Instrumentation Laboratory by October 2 and the contract resolved by October 9. Revisions were to be made in the Statement of Work to define more clearly details of the contract. Milton B. Trageser of the Laboratory, in the first month's technical progress report, gave a brief description of the first approach to the navigation and guidance equipment and the arrangement of the equipment within the spacecraft. He also presented the phases of the lunar flight and the navigation and guidance functions or tasks to be performed. Other matters discussed were a space sextant and making visual observations of landmarks through cloud cover.

1961 September 14

Studies being done on rendezvous modes for accomplishing a manned lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
In a memorandum to the Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group (LLVPG) staff, Harvey Hall of NASA described the studies being done by the Centers on rendezvous modes for accomplishing a manned lunar landing. These studies had been requested from Langley Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on August 23. STG was preparing separate documentation on the lunar orbit rendezvous mode. An LLVPG team to undertake a comparative evaluation of rendezvous and direct ascent techniques had been set up. Members of the team included Hall and Norman Rafel of NASA and H. Braham and L. M. Weeks of Aerospace Corporation.
The evaluation would consider:
- Effect of total flight time on specifications and reliability of equipment and on personnel.
- Effect of vehicle system reliability in each case, including the number of engine starts and restarts.
- Dependence on data, data-rate, and distance from ground station for control of assembly and refueling operations
- Launch and injection windows
- Effect of differences in the total weight propelled to earth escape velocity
- Relative merits of lunar gravity and of a lunar base in general versus an orbital station for rendezvous and assembly purposes.
Reliability estimates on vehicles would be based on LLVPG data; estimates on equipment would rely on experience with similar types in known applications.

1961 September 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

36 companies invited to bid on the first stage of advanced Saturn - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA invited 36 companies to bid on a contract to produce the first stage of the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. Representatives of interested companies would attend a pre-proposal conference in New Orleans, La., on September 26. Bids were to be submitted by October 16 and NASA would then select the contractor, probably in November.

1961 September 19

Selection of Houston for control center. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator Webb announced that location of the new Manned Spacecraft Center would be in Houston, Tex., the conclusion of an intensive nationwide study by a site selection team. The Manned Spacecraft Center would be the command center for the manned lunar landing mission and all follow-on manned space flight missions. This announcement was the third basic decision on major facilities required for the expanded U.S. Range and the establishment of the spacecraft fabrication center at the Michoud Ordnance Plant near New Orleans, La.

1961 September 24

Major reorganization of NASA Headquarters was announced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard. Program: Apollo.
A major reorganization of NASA Headquarters was announced by Administrator James E. Webb. Four new program offices were to be formed, effective November 1: the Office of Advanced Research and Technology, Ira H. Abbott, Director; the Office of Space Sciences, Homer E. Newell, Director; the Office of Manned Space Flight, D. Brainerd Holmes, Director; and the Office of Applications, directorship vacant. Holmes' appointment had been announced on September 20. He had been General Manager of the Major Defense Systems Division of the Radio Corporation of America. The new Directors would report to Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA's Associate Administrator.
At the same time, Robert R. Gilruth was named Director of the Manned Spacecraft Center to be located in Houston, Tex. The Directors of NASA's nine field centers would, like the newly appointed program Directors, report to Seamans.

1961 September 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

S-IC fabrication plant manager named. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Dr. George N. Constan of Marshall Space Flight Center named as acting manager of the new NASA Saturn fabrication plant near New Orleans by Director von Braun of Marshall Space Flight Center..

1961 September 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Bidders conference for S-IC stage. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA bidders conference on a contract to produce the booster (S-I) stage of the Saturn vehicle was held at the Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans..

1961 September

Concepts of Apollo navigation equipment described - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
Richard H. Battin published MIT Instrumentation Laboratory Report R-341, "A Statistical Optimizing Navigation Procedure for Space Flight," describing the concepts by which Apollo navigation equipment could make accurate computations of position and velocity with an onboard computer of reasonable size.

1961 October 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

S- IVB stage to have a single J-2 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board at NASA Headquarters discussed the S- IVB stage, which would be modified by the Douglas Aircraft Company to replace the six LR-115 engines with a single J-2 engine. Funds of $500,000 were allocated for this study to be completed in March 1962. Additional Details: here....

1961 October 3

The Charter of the MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board approved - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The Charter of the MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board, prepared jointly by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and STG, was approved at the first meeting of the Board at NASA Headquarters. The purpose of the Space Vehicle Board was to assure complete coordination and cooperation between all levels of the MSFC and STG management for the NASA manned space flight programs in which both Centers had responsibilities. Members of the Board were the Directors of MSFC and STG (Wernher von Braun and Robert R. Gilruth), the Deputy Director for Research and Development, MSFC (Eberhard F. M. Rees), and the STG Associate Director (Walter C. Williams). The Board was responsible for:
- Management of the SFC-STG Apollo-Saturn program.
- Resolution of all space vehicle problems, such as design systems, research and development tests, planning, schedules, and operations.
- Approval of mission objectives.
- Direction of the respective organizational elements in the conduct of the MSFC-STG Apollo-Saturn program, including approval of the Sub- Board and of the Coordination Panels.
- Formation of the Advanced Program Coordination Board consisting of top personnel from MSFC and STG. This Board would consider policy and program guidelines.
A Sub-Board would comprise the Director, Saturn Systems Office, MSFC (H. H. Koelle), the Apollo Project Manager, STG (Robert O. Piland), the Board Secretary, and alternate Board Secretary.
The Sub-Board would :
- Resolve space-vehicle coordination and integration problems and assign these to the Coordination Panels, if required.
- Prepare briefs in problem areas not resolved by the Board or Sub- Board.
- Act as a technical advisory group to the Board.
- Channel the decisions of the Board through the respective organizational elements of MSFC or STG for proper action.
- Ensure that the Saturn-Apollo Coordination Panels were working adequately and within the scope of their charters.
- Recommend to the Board modifications of the Panels.
- Define or resolve systems or integration problems of the Saturn launch vehicle and the Apollo spacecraft.
- Define mission objectives of the Saturn-Apollo space vehicle.
- Analyze and report progress of the Saturn-Apollo space vehicle.
- Initiate and guide studies for the selection of optimum Saturn- Apollo space vehicle systems.
- Define and establish reliability criteria.
- Establish and document flight safety philosophy.
The Secretariat set up under the Charter was to be responsible for the orderly conduct of business and meetings.
Four Saturn-Apollo Coordination Panels were established to make available the technical competence of MSFC and STG for the solution of interrelated problems of the launch vehicle and the spacecraft. The four included the Launch Operations, Mechanical Design, Electrical and Electronics Design, and Flight Mechanics, Dynamics, and Control Coordination Panels. Although these Panels were designated as new Panels, the members selected by STG and MSFC represented key technical personnel who had been included in the Mercury-Redstone Panels, the Mercury-Atlas Program Panels, the Apollo Technical Liaison Groups, and the Saturn working groups. The Charter was signed by von Braun and Gilruth. Charter of the MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board, October 3, 1961.

1961 October 4

Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation progress - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of STG visited the Instrumentation Laboratory of MIT for the second monthly progress report meeting on the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation contract. A number of technical topics were presented by Laboratory speakers: space sextant visibility and geometry problems, gear train analysis, vacuum environmental approach, midcourse guidance theory, inertial measurement unit, and gyro. The organization of the Apollo effort at the Laboratory was also discussed. A preliminary estimate of the cost for both Laboratory and industrial support for the Apollo navigation and guidance system was presented: $158.4 million through Fiscal Year 1966.

1961 October 9

Bids received for Apollo prime contractor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Five Bidding Teams: GD/Avco; GE/Douglas/Grumman/STL; McDonnell/Lockheed/Hughes/Vought; Martin/North American.

1961 October 11

Presentations by industrial teams on the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Officials of STG heard oral reports from representatives of five industrial teams bidding on the contract for the Apollo spacecraft: General Dynamics/Astronautics in conjunction with the Avco Corporation; General Electric Company, Missile and Space Vehicle Department, in conjunction with Douglas Aircraft Company, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, and Space Technology Laboratories, Inc.; McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in conjunction with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company, and Chance Vought Corporation of Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc.; The Martin Company; and North American Aviation, Inc. Additional Details: here....

1961 October 20

STG discussed development of automatic checkout system for the entire NASA launch vehicle program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The MSFC-STG Advanced Program Coordination Board met at STG and discussed the question of the development of an automatic checkout system which would include the entire launch vehicle program from the Saturn C-1 through the Nova. It agreed that the Apollo contractor should be instructed to make the spacecraft electrical subsystems compatible with the Saturn complex.
In further discussion, Paul J. DeFries of Marshall Space Flight Center MSFC presented a list of proposed guidelines for use in studying early manned lunar landing missions:
- The crew should draw on its own resources only when absolutely necessary. Equipment and service personnel external to the spacecraft should be used as much as possible.
- Early lunar expeditions would receive active external support only up to the time of the launch from earth orbit.
- The crew would board the spacecraft only after it was checked out and ready for final countdown and launch.
- The first Apollo crews should have an emergency shelter available on the moon which could afford several months of lift: support and protection.
- The capability for clocking an orbital launch vehicle with a propulsion stage - the "connecting mode" - should be possible.
- The capability of fueling an orbital launch vehicle should be made available - "fueling mode."
- The capability of making repairs, replacements, or adjustments in orbit should be developed.
- For repairs, replacements, and adjustments on the orbital launch vehicle in earth orbit, two support vehicles would be necessary. These would be a Saturn C-1 launch vehicle manned by Apollo technicians and an unmanned Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle carrying repair kits.
- Development of docking, testing of components, and techniques for docking and training of man in orbital operations could be carried out by a space ferry loaded with a Mercury capsule.
Some of the points discussed in connection with these suggestions were:
- Orbital launch operations were just as complex, if not more complex, than earth-launched operations.
- A question existed as to how complex the orbital launch facility could be and what its function should be.
- There was a possibility that the crew could do most of the checkout and launch operations. Studies should be made to define the role of the crew versus the role of a proposed MSFC auxiliary checkout and maintenance crew.
After the discussion on orbital launch operations, the Board agreed that contemporary technology was inadequate to support such operations. Both STG and MSFC would need to study and develop both refueling and connector techniques.

1961 October 24

LV Family: Nova. Launch Vehicle: Nova A.

Nova launch vehicle studies begun. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Studies of "unconventional" rockets using liquid fuels in the thrust range from 2 to 24 million pounds announced by NASA; 2 contracts being carried out by Aerojet-General and Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation..

1961 October 25

Saturn static test stand site selected. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA selected Pearl River site in southwestern Mississippi, 35 miles from Michoud plant in New Orleans, for static test facility for Saturn and Nova-class vehicles, completed facility to operate under direction of Marshall Space Flight Center..

1961 October 31

Manned Lunar-Landing through use of Lunar-Orbit Rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Under the direction of John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center, a two-volume work entitled "Manned Lunar-Landing through use of Lunar-Orbit Rendezvous" was presented to the Golovin Committee (organized on July 20). The study had been prepared by Houbolt, John D. Bird, Arthur W. Vogeley, Ralph W. Stone, Jr., Manuel J. Queijo, William H. Michael, Jr., Max C. Kurbjun, Roy F. Brissenden, John A. Dodgen, William D. Mace, and others of Langley. The Golovin Committee had requested a mission plan using the lunar orbit rendezvous concept. Bird, Michael, and Robert H. Tolson appeared before the Committee in Washington to explain certain matters of trajectory and lunar stay time not covered in the document.

1961 October 31

New information on the Apollo spacecraft roll inertia, pitch and yaw inertia, and attitude jets - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection. Robert G. Chilton of STG gave the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory new information based on NASA in- house studies on the Apollo spacecraft roll inertia, pitch and yaw inertia, and attitude jets.
David G. Hoag, MIT, personal notes, October 1961..

1961 November 1

STG redesignated the Manned Spacecraft Center - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth. Program: Apollo. The Space Task Group was formally redesignated the Manned Spacecraft Center, Robert R. Gilruth, Director..

1961 November 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Saturn S-II to use five J-2 engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Marshall Space Flight Center directed NAA to redesign the advanced Saturn second stage (S-II) to incorporate five rather than four J-2 engines, to provide a million pounds of thrust..

1961 November 6

An Apollo Egress Working Group was formed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery, CSM Source Selection.
An Apollo Egress Working Group, consisting of personnel from Marshall Space Flight Center, Launch Operations Directorate, and Atlantic Missile Range, was formed on November 2. Meetings on that date and on November 6 resulted in publication of a seven-page document, "Apollo Egress Criteria." The Group established ground rules, operations and control procedures criteria, and space vehicle design criteria and provided requirements for implementation of emergency egress system.

1961 November 6

Working group on large launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, Holmes, Brainard, Maus, Mrazek, Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo.
In a memorandum to D. Brainerd Holmes, Director, Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF), Milton W. Rosen, Director of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion, OMSF, described the organization of a working group to recommend to the Director a large launch vehicle program which would meet the requirements of manned space flight and which would have broad and continuing national utility for other NASA and DOD programs. The group would include members from the NASA Office of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion (Rosen, Chairman, Richard B. Canright, Eldon W. Hall, Elliott Mitchell, Norman Rafel, Melvyn Savage, and Adelbert O. Tischler); from the Marshall Space Flight Center (William A. Mrazek, Hans H. Maus, and James B. Bramlet); and from the NASA Office of Spacecraft and Flight Missions (John H. Disher). (David M. Hammock of MSC was later added to the group.) The principal background material to be used by the group would consist of reports of the Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group (Golovin Committee), the Fleming Committee, the Lundin Committee, the Heaton Committee, and the Debus-Davis Committee. Some of the subjects the group would be considering were:
1. an assessment of the problems involved in orbital rendezvous,
2. an evaluation of intermediate vehicles (Saturn C-3, C-4, and C-5),
3. an evaluation of Nova-class vehicles,
4. an assessment of the future course of large solid-fuel rocket motor development,
5. an evaluation of the utility of the Titan III for NASA missions, and
6. an evaluation of the realism of the spacecraft development program (schedules, weights, performances).
Rosen set November 20 as a target date for a recommended program.

1961 November 7-9

MIT contract for the Apollo navigation and guidance system discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Source Selection.
Representatives of MSC and NASA Headquarters visited the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory to discuss clauses in the contract for the Apollo navigation and guidance system, technical questions proposed by MSC, and work in progress. Topics discussed included the trajectories for the SA-7 and SA-8 flights and the estimated propellant requirements for guidance attitude maneuvers and velocity changes for the lunar landing mission. Presentations were made on the following subjects by members of the Laboratory staff: the spacecraft gyro, Apollo guidance computer logic design, computer displays and interfaces, guidance computer programming, horizon sensor experiments, and reentry guidance.

1961 November 8

First meeting of the MSC-MSFC Coordination Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The four MSC-MSFC Coordination Panels held their first meeting at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). A significant event was the decision to modify the Electrical and Electronics Design Panel by creating two new Panels: the Electrical Systems Integration Panel and the Instrumentation and Communications Panel. In succeeding months, the Panels met at regular intervals.

1961 November 15

Houbolt letter on lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) plan - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
In a letter to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center presented the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) plan and outlined certain deficiencies in the national booster and manned rendezvous programs. This letter protested exclusion of the LOR plan from serious consideration by committees responsible for the definition of the national program for lunar exploration.

1961 November 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Second decision on launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: McNamara, von Braun, Webb. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station.
Golovin Committe studies launch vehicles through summer, but found the issue to be completely entertwined with mode (earth-orbit, lunar-orbit, lunar-surface rendezvous or direct flight. Two factions: large solids for direct flight; all-chemical with 4 or 5 F-1's in first stage for rendezvous options. In the end Webb and McNamara ordered development of C-4 and as a backup, in case of failure of F-1 in development, build of 6.1 m+ solid rocket motors by USAF.

1961 November 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Contract issued for build of 20 Saturn I's. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced that the Chrysler Corporation had been chosen to build 20 Saturn first-stage (S-1) boosters similar to the one tested successfully on October 27 . They would be constructed at the Michoud facility near New Orleans, La. The contract, worth about $200 million, would run through 1966, with delivery of the first booster scheduled for early 1964.

1961 November 20

LV Family: Saturn V. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-5.

Rosen Group recommends direct ascent for the lunar landing mission mode - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard, Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo. Milton W. Rosen, Director of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF), submitted to D. Brainerd Holmes, Director, OMSF, the report of the working group which had been set up on November 6.. Additional Details: here....

1961 November 24

Bid Evaluation for Prime Contractor Completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection. Bid ratings: Martin 6.9; GD 6.6; North American 6.6; GE 6.4; McDonnell 6.4.

1961 November 27

Apollo spacecraft Statement of Work expanded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Original Specification, CSM Source Selection. The original Apollo spacecraft Statement of Work of July 28 had been substantially expanded, including a single-engine service module propulsion system using Earth-storable, hypergolic propellants.. Additional Details: here....

1961 November 28

North American awarded Apollo prime contract - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Source Selection.
Despite an announcement at Martin on 27 November that they had won the Apollo program, the decision was reversed at the highest levels of the US government. NASA announced instead that the Space and Information Systems Division of North American Aviation, Inc., had been selected to design and build the Apollo spacecraft. The official line: 'the decision by NASA Administrator James E. Webb followed a comprehensive evaluation of five industry proposals by nearly 200 scientists and engineers representing both NASA and DOD. Webb had received the Source Evaluation Board findings on November 24. Although technical evaluations were very close, NAA had been selected on the basis of experience, technical competence, and cost'. NAA would be responsible for the design and development of the command module and service module. NASA expected that a separate contract for the lunar landing system would be awarded within the next six months. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory had previously been assigned the development of the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation system. Both the NAA and MIT contracts would be under the direction of MSC.

1961 November 29-30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Emergency switchover from Saturn to Apollo guidance as backup discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. On a visit to Marshall Space Flight Center by MIT Instrumentation Laboratory representatives, the possibility was discussed of emergency switchover from Saturn to Apollo guidance systems as backup for launch vehicle guidance..

1961 December 4

Project Apollo Statement of Work completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Project Apollo Statement of Work for development of the Apollo spacecraft was completed. A draft letter based on this Statement of Work was presented to NAA for review. A prenegotiation conference on the development of the Apollo spacecraft was held at Langley Field, Va.

1961 December 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rosen working group on launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard, Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., commented to D. Brainerd Holmes, Director, Office of Manned Space Flight, on the report of the Rosen working group on launch vehicles, which had been submitted on November 20. Seamans expressed himself as essentially in accord with the group's recommendations.

1961 December 5-20

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

NASA negotiations with NAA on the Apollo spacecraft contract were held at Williamsburg, Va - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
NASA negotiations with NAA on the Apollo spacecraft contract were held at Williamsburg, Va. Nine Technical Panels met on December 11 and 12 to review Part 3, Technical Approach, of the Statement of Work. These Panels reported their recommended changes and unresolved questions to the Technical Subcommittee for action. Later in the negotiations, NASA and NAA representatives agreed on changes intended to clarify the original Statement of Work. Among these was the addition of the boilerplate program. Two distinct types of boilerplates were to be fabricated: those of a simple cold-rolled steel construction for drop impact tests and the more complex models to be used with the Little Joe II and Saturn launch vehicles. The Little Joe II, originally conceived in June 1961, was a solid-fuel rocket booster which would be used to man-rate the launch escape system for the command module.
In addition, the Apollo Project Office, which had been part of the MSC Flight Systems Division, would now report directly to the MSC Director and would be responsible for planning and directing all activities associated with the completion of the Apollo spacecraft project. Primary functions to be performed by the Office would include:
- Monitor the work of the Apollo Principal Contractor NAA and Associate Contractors.
- Resolve technical problems arising between the Principal Contractor and Associate Contractors which were not directly resolved between the parties involved.
- Maintain close liaison with all Apollo contractors to keep fully and currently informed on the status of contract work, potential schedule delays, or technical problems which might impede progress.
(On January 15, 1962, the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office was established at MSC.)
Letter contract No. NAS 9-150, authorizing work on the Apollo development program to begin on January 1, 1962, was signed by NASA and NAA on December 21. Under this contract, NAA was assigned the design and development of the command and service modules, the spacecraft adapter, associated ground support equipment, and spacecraft integration. Formal signing of the contract followed on December 31.

1961 December 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Support service contractor selected for Michoud. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA selected Mason-Rust as the contractor to provide support services at NASA's Michoud plant near New Orleans, providing housekeeping services through June 30, 1962 for the three contractors who would produce the Saturn S-I and S-IB boosters and the Rift nuclear upper-stage vehicle.

1961 December 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Boeing named contractor for Saturn C-5 first stage (S-IC) - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA announced that The Boeing Company had been selected for negotiations as a possible prime contractor for the first stage (S-IC) of the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. The S-IC stage, powered by five F-1 engines, would be 35 feet in diameter and about 140 feet high. The $300-million contract, to run through 1966, called for the development, construction, and testing of 24 flight stages and one ground test stage. The booster would be assembled at the NASA Michoud Operations Plant near New Orleans, La., under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center.

1961 December 18-19

First design-study Apollo space sextant produced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
Fred T. Pearce, Jr., of MSC visited the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory to discuss the first design-study space sextant produced at the Laboratory, The instrument was intended to be used with the guidance computer. The working mockup was demonstrated and the problem of the effect of the vehicle motion on the sextant was discussed.

1961 December 20

International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted Resolution 1721 (XIV) on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space..

1961 December 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Douglas named contractor for Saturn S-IVB stage - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA announced that Douglas Aircraft had been selected for negotiation of a contract to modify the Saturn S-IV stage by installing a single 200,000-pound-thrust, Rocketdyne J-2 liquid-hydrogen/liquid-oxygen engine instead of six 15,000-pound-thrust P. & W. hydrogen/oxygen engines. Known as S-IVB, this modified stage will be used in advanced Saturn configurations for manned circumlunar Apollo missions.

1961 December 21

Four major subcontractors for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
NAA's Space and Information Systems Division selected four companies as subcontractors to design and build four of the major Apollo spacecraft systems. The Collins Radio Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the telecommunications systems contract, worth more than $40 million; Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis, Minn., received the stabilization and control systems contract, $30 million; AiResearch Manufacturing Company, division of The Garrett Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded the environmental control system contract, $10 million; and Radioplane Division of Northrop Corporation, Van Nuys, Calif., was selected for the parachute landing system contract, worth more than $1 million. The total cost for the initial phase of the NAA contract was expected to exceed $400 million.

1961 December 21

Formation of the Manned Space Flight Management Council - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard, Rees, Rosen, Milton, Shea, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
D. Brainerd Holmes, Director of the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, announced the formation of the Manned Space Flight Management Council. The Council, which was to meet at least once a month, was to identify and resolve difficulties and to coordinate the interface problems in the manned space flight program. Members of the Council, in addition to Holmes, were: from MSC, Robert R. Gilruth and Walter C. Williams, Director and Associate Director; from Marshall Space Flight Center, Wernher von Braun, Director, and Eberhard F. M. Rees, Deputy Director for Research and Development; from NASA Headquarters, George M. Low, Director of Spacecraft and Flight Missions; Milton W. Rosen, Director of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion; Charles H. Roadman, Director of Aerospace Medicine; William E. Lilly, Director of Program Review and Resources Management; and Joseph F. Shea, Deputy Director for Systems Engineering, Shea, formerly Space Programs Director for Space Technology Laboratories, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., had recently joined NASA.

1961 December 21

Saturn C-5 launch vehicle configuration selected - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rosen, Milton, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
Rosen Committee studies in November and December indicated that the most flexible choice for Apollo was the Saturn C-4, with two required for the earth orbit rendezvous approach or one for the lunar orbit rendezvous mission, with a smaller landed payload. The panel rejected solid motors again, but Rosen himself still pushed for Nova. An extra F-1 engine was 'slid in' for insurance, resulting in the Saturn C-5 configuration. The Manned Space Flight Management Council decided at its first meeting that the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle would have a first stage configuration of five F-1 engines and a second stage configuration of five J-2 engines. The third stage would be the S-IVB with one J-2 engine. It recommended that the contractor for stage integration of the Saturn C-1 be Chrysler Corporation and that the contractor for stage integration of the Saturn C-5 be The Boeing Company. Contractor work on the Saturn C-5 should proceed immediately to provide a complete design study and a detailed development plan before letting final contracts and assigning large numbers of contractor personnel to Marshall Space Flight Center or Michoud.

1961 December 29

Dryden sells Apollo to AAAS. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, Deputy Administrator of NASA, speaking in Denver before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, said: "The sheer magnitude of the manned lunar exploration program, amounting as it will to $3 billion or more (in fiscal year 1963), represents a significant application of the Nation's resources. These billions of dollars will be spent in the laboratories, workshops, and factories of the Nation and thus constitute a significant factor in the Nation's employment and economy generally. The personnel in the space program are not all scientists and engineers but come from every walk of life."

1962 January-June

Grumman study on lunar orbit rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation developed a detailed, company-funded study on the lunar orbit rendezvous technique: characteristics of the system (relative cost of direct ascent, earth orbit rendezvous, and lunar orbit rendezvous); developmental problems (communications, propulsion); and elements of the system (tracking facilities, etc.). Joseph M. Gavin was appointed in the spring to head the effort, and Robert E. Mullaney was designated program manager.

1962 January-February

Requests for Quotation for Apollo guidance and navigation system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
The Requests for Quotation on production contracts for major components of the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation system, comprising seven separate items, were released to industry by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. (The Source Evaluation Board, appointed on January 31, began its work during the week of March 5 and contractors were selected on May 8.)

1962 January 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Three-man Apollo spacecraft, Saturn C-5 launch vehicle announced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA made public the drawings of the three-man Apollo spacecraft to be used in the lunar landing development program, On January 9, NASA announced its decision that the Saturn C-5 would be the lunar launch vehicle..

1962 January 11

In State of the Union message Kennedy discusses moon program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
In his State of the Union message to the Congress, President John F . Kennedy said: "With the approval of this Congress, we have undertaken in the past year a great new effort in outer space. Our aim is not simply to be first on the moon, any more than Charles Lindbergh's real aim was to be first to Paris. His aim was to develop the techniques and the authority of this country and other countries in the field of the air and the atmosphere, and our objective in making this effort, which we hope will place one of our citizens on the moon, is to develop in a new frontier of science, commerce and cooperation, the position of the United States and the free world. This nation belongs among the first to explore it. And among the first - if not the first - we shall be."

1962 January 15

Apollo Spacecraft Project Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Apollo Spacecraft Project Office (ASPO) was established at MSC. Charles W. Frick was selected as Manager of the new Office, to assume his duties in February. Frick had been Chief of Technical Staff for General Dynamics Convair. Robert O. Piland was appointed Deputy Manager of ASPO and would serve as Acting Manager until Frick's arrival. ASPO would be responsible for the technical direction of NAA and other industrial contractors assigned to work on the Apollo spacecraft. Additional Details: here....

1962 January 22

First Apollo engineering order issued - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The first Apollo engineering order was issued to fabricate mockups of the Apollo command and service modules..

1962 January

Preliminary layouts of the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
NAA engineers began preliminary layouts to define the elements of the command module (CM) configuration. Additional requirements and limitations imposed on the CM included reduction in diameter, paraglider compatibility, 250 pounds of radiation protection water, redundant propellant tankage for the attitude control system, and an increase in system weight and volume. Additional Details: here....

1962 January

Apollo command module heatshield requirements established for several design trajectories - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Command module heatshield requirements, including heating versus time curves, were established by NAA for several design trajectories. A computer program method of analyzing the charring ablation process had been developed. By this means, it was possible to calculate the mass loss, surface char layer temperature, amount of heat conducted through the uncharred ablation material and insulation into the cabin, and temperature profile through the ablator and insulation layers. In February, NAA determined that a new and more refined computer program would be needed.

1962 January

Storable liquid propellant selected for Apollo service module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
The solid propellant called for in the original NAA proposal on the service module propulsion system was replaced by a storable, hypergolic propellant. Multitank configurations under study appeared to present offloading capabilities for alternative missions.

1962 February 6

Langley presentation of lunar orbit rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center and Charles W. Mathews of MSC made a presentation of lunar orbit rendezvous versus earth orbit rendezvous to the Manned Space Flight Management Council..

1962 February 7

Single-engine design for the Apollo service module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
On the basis of a study by NAA, a single-engine configuration was chosen as the optimum approach for the service module propulsion subsystem. The results of the study were presented to MSC representatives and NAA was authorized to issue a work statement to begin procurement of an engine for this configuration. Agreement was also reached at this meeting on a vacuum thrust level of 20,000 pounds for the engine. This would maintain a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.4 and allow a considerable increase in the lunar liftoff weight of the spacecraft.

1962 February 7

Kennedy comments on moon program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
At his regular press conference, President John F. Kennedy was asked for his "evaluation of our progress in space at this time" and whether the United States had changed its "timetable for landing a man on the moon." He replied: "As I said from the beginning, we have been behind . . . and we are running into the difficulties which came from starting late, We, however, are going to proceed by making a maximum effort. As you know, the expenditures in our space program are enormous . . . the time schedule, at least our hope, has not been changed by the recent setbacks (Ranger failures)."

1962 February 9

General Electric selected for Apollo support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA announced that the General Electric Company had been selected for a major supporting role in the Apollo project, to provide integration analysis of the total space vehicle (including booster-spacecraft interface), ensure reliability of the entire space vehicle, and develop and operate a checkout system.

1962 February 9

Ad Hoc Lunar Landing Module Working Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director, in a letter to NASA Headquarters, described the Ad Hoc Lunar Landing Module Working Group which was to be under the direction of the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office. The Group would determine what constraints on the design of the lunar landing module were applicable to the effort of the Lewis Research Center. Gilruth asked that Eldon W. Hall represent NASA Headquarters in this Working Group. (At this time, the lunar landing module was conceived as being that part of the spacecraft which would actually land on the moon and which would contain the propulsion system necessary for launch from the lunar surface and injection into transearth trajectory. Pending a decision on the lunar mission mode, the actual configuration of the module was not yet clearly defined.)

1962 February 13-15

Technical aspects of earth orbit rendezvous meeting - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Geissler, Rudolph. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
A meeting on the technical aspects of earth orbit rendezvous was held at NASA Headquarters. Representatives from various NASA offices attended: Arthur L. Rudolph, Paul J. DeFries, Fred L. Digesu, Ludie G. Richard, John W. Hardin, Jr., Ernst D. Geissler, and Wilson B. Schramm of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC); James T. Rose of MSC; Friedrich O. Vonbun, Joseph W. Siry, and James J. Donegan of Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); Douglas R. Lord, James E. O'Neill, Richard J. Hayes, Warren J. North, and Daniel D. McKee of the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF). Joseph F. Shea, Deputy Director for Systems, OMSF, who had called the meeting, defined in general terms the goal of the meeting: to achieve agreement on the approach to be used in developing the earth orbit rendezvous technique. After two days of discussions and presentations, the Group approved conclusions and recommendations:
- Gemini rendezvous operations could and must provide substantial experience with rendezvous techniques pertinent to Apollo.
- Incorporation of the Saturn guidance equipment in a scaled-down docking module for the Agenas in the Gemini program was not required.
- Complete development of the technique and equipment for Apollo rendezvous and docking should be required before the availability of the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle.
- Full-scale docking equipment could profitably be developed by three- dimensional ground simulations. MSFC would prepare an outline of such a program.
- The Apollo rendezvous technique and actual hardware could be flight- tested with the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle. MSFC would prepare a proposed flight test program.
- The choice of connecting or tanking modes must be made in the near future. The MSFC Orbital Operations Study program should be used to provide data to make this decision.
- The rendezvous technique which evolved from this meeting would place heavy requirements on the ground tracking network. GSFC should provide data relating the impact of detailed trajectory considerations to ground tracking station requirements.
(This meeting was part of a continuing effort to select the lunar mission mode.)

1962 February 13

Contract for Apollo launch escape system rocket - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
A contract for the escape rocket of the Apollo spacecraft launch escape system was awarded to the Lockheed Propulsion Company by NAA. The initial requirements were for a 200,000-pound-thrust solid- propellant rocket motor with an active thrust-vector-control subsystem. Additional Details: here....

1962 February 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Initial contract with Boeing leading to the first stage S-IC of the Saturn C-5 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA signed a contract with The Boeing Company for indoctrination, familiarization, and planning, expected to lead to a follow-on contract for design, development, manufacture, test, and launch operations of the first stage S-IC of the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle.

1962 February 18

LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas D.

NASA announced Project Fire - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: FIRE.
NASA announced Project Fire, a high-speed reentry heat research program to obtain data on materials, heating rates, and radio signal attenuation on spacecraft reentering the atmosphere at speeds of about 24,500 miles per hour. Information from the program would support technology for manned and unmanned reentry from lunar missions. Under the management of the Langley Research Center, Project Fire would use Atlas D boosters and the reentry package would be powered by an Antares solid-fuel motor (third stage of the Scout).

1962 February 27

Manned Space Flight Management Council meeting - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maus, von Braun. Program: Apollo.
The preparation of schedules based on the NASA Fiscal Year 1962 budget (including the proposed supplemental appropriation), the Fiscal Year 1963 budget as submitted to Congress, and Fiscal Year 1964 and subsequent funding was discussed at the Manned Space Flight Management Council meeting. Program assumptions as presented by Wernher von Braun, Director, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), were approved for use in preparation of the schedules :
- The Saturn C-5 launch vehicle and earth orbital rendezvous were considered the primary mode for the lunar landing.
- Full-scale orbit operations development, including ground testing, would be accomplished, using S-I boosters and orbital upper stages. This development would be planned so that upper stages and rendezvous techniques would be developed by the time the C-5 was operational. Planning would consider both connecting and fueling modes.
- The development of a two-stage Nova with liquid-propellant engines in both stages would be activated as early as realistically feasible. This would provide an alternative, direct flight mode carrying the same orbital launch vehicle as developed for the C-5.
- There would be no solid-propellant vehicle development.
Charles W. Frick of MSC and Hans H. Maus of MSFC would coordinate schedule assumptions between the Centers.

1962 February

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe.

Little Joe dropped for Apollo tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA wind tunnel data on the adaptation of the Project Mercury Little Joe booster to the Apollo launch escape system were analyzed. The booster fins were ineffective in maintaining the stability of the configuration and the project was canceled. The later Little Joe II depended on the inherent stability of the total vehicle to attain a successful ballistic trajectory to test altitude.

1962 February

NASA Apollo Office established at North American - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A NASA Apollo Office was established at NAA's Space and Information Systems Division, under the direction of J. Thomas Markley of MSC. The Office would serve primarily as liaison between the prime contractor and the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office at MSC.

1962 February

Apollo command module couch redesign - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
The command module crew couch was repositioned and redesigned because of numerous problems. In the new design, an adjustable hand controller, similar to that used on the X-15, would be attached to an adjustable arm rest. The head rest could be regulated for an approximate four-inch movement, while the side head support was limited in movement for couch-module clearance. The adjustable leg support included a foot controller which could be folded up.
The center couch, including the crewman parachute and survival kit, could be folded out to a sleep position and stowed under either remaining couch. Allowance was made for the crewman to turn over.
Principal problems remaining were the difficulty of removing the center couch and providing the clearances needed for the couch positions specified for various phases of the lunar mission.

1962 March 1

Chance Vought to study spacecraft rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
NASA Headquarters selected the Chance Vought Corporation of Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc., as a contractor to study spacecraft rendezvous. A primary part of the contract would be a flight simulation study exploring the capability of an astronaut to control an Apollo-type spacecraft.

1962 March 2

Marquardt to build the reaction control rocket engines for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. The Marquardt Corporation was selected by NAA's Space and Information Systems Division to design and build the reaction control rocket engines for the Apollo spacecraft. The contract was signed during April..

1962 March 3

Aerojet-General named for the Apollo service module propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. The Aerojet-General Corporation was named by NAA as a subcontractor for the Apollo service module propulsion system..

1962 March 6

The staffing for the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office was announced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Caldwell. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The organizational elements and staffing for the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office was announced:

Office of Project Manager
Charles W. Frick, Project Manager
Robert O. Piland, Deputy Project Manager
Command and Service Module
Caldwell C. Johnson, Chief
William F. Rector, Special Assistant
Calvin H. Perrine, Flight Technology
Lee N. McMillion, Crew Systems
David L. Winterhalter, Sr., Power Systems
Wallace D. Graves, Mechanical Systems
Milton C. Kingsley, Electrical Systems
(Vacant), Ground Support Equipment
Lunar Landing Module
Robert O. Piland, Acting Chief
Guidance and Control Development
David W. Gilbert, Chief
Jack Barnard, Apollo Office at MIT
Systems Integration
Paul F. Weyers, Chief
(Vacant), Reliability and Quality Control
Emory F. Harris, Operations Requirements
Robert P. Smith, Launch Vehicle Integration
Owen G. Morris, Mission Engineering
Marion R. Franklin, Ground Operational Support Systems
Apollo Office at NAA
Herbert R. Ash, Acting Manager
Alan B. Kehlet, Engineering
Alan B. Kehlet, Acting Manager, Quality Control and Engineering
Herbert R. Ash, Acting Manager, Business Administration
Planning and Resources
Thomas F. Baker, Chief

1962 March 8

Contract for the Apollo spacecraft fuel cell to Pratt & Whitney - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. NAA awarded a development contract for the Apollo spacecraft fuel cell to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Division of United Aircraft Corporation..

1962 March 12

Apollo program moved to Houston - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Primary MSC activities for the Apollo program were relocated from Langley Field, Va., to the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Tex..

1962 March 12-13

Status of the Apollo project discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Headquarters-MSC management meeting was held to discuss the general status of the Apollo project, Apollo Spacecraft Project Office organization, mission and engineering studies, and budgets and schedules. Participants at the meeting agreed that a staged lunar landing propulsion module would be studied.

1962 March 13

Apollo program to be given DX priority - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon, Kennedy, Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
James E. Webb, NASA Administrator, recommended to President John F. Kennedy that the Apollo program be given DX priority (highest priority in the procurement of critical materials). He also sent a memorandum to Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Chairman of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, requesting that the Council consider advising the President to add the Apollo program to the DX priority list.

1962 March 14

Motorola contractor for radio equipment to augment the Deep Space Tracking Network - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced the selection of the Military Electronics Division of Motorola, Inc., as the contractor to manufacture and test radio equipment in the first two phases of a program to augment the Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF) by providing "S" band capability for stations at Goldstone, Calif., Woomera, Australia, and near Johannesburg, South Africa. With these stations located some 120 degrees apart around the earth, DSIF would have a high-gain, narrow-beam-width, high-frequency system, with very little interference from cosmic noise and would provide much improved telemetering and tracking of satellites as far out as the moon and nearby planets.

1962 March 15-16

First monthly meeting of the Apollo design and review team to survey NAA's progress - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Kraft, Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell, CSM Heat Shield.
Charles W. Frick, Manager of the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office, together with Maxime A. Faget, Charles W. Mathews, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., John B. Lee, Owen E. Maynard, and Alan B. Kehlet of MSC and George M. Low of the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, visited NAA at Downey, Calif. This was the first monthly meeting of the Apollo design and review team to survey NAA's progress in various areas, including the Apollo spacecraft heatshield, fuel cells, and service module.

1962 March 18

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Saturn C-5 first launch scheduled in the last quarter of 1965 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
Marshall Space Flight Center's latest schedule on the Saturn C-5 called for the first launch in the last quarter of 1965 and the first manned launch in the last quarter of 1967. If the C-5 could be man-rated on the eighth research and development flight in the second quarter of 1967, the spacecraft lead time would be substantially reduced.

1962 March 23

Wind tunnel tests on two configurations of Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. Wind tunnel tests were completed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and at Langley Research Center on two early configurations of Apollo spacecraft models..

1962 March 23

Avco selected for ablative material for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. The Avco Corporation was selected by NAA to design and install the ablative material on the Apollo spacecraft outer surface..

1962 March 25-31

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Little Joe II test launch vehicle development approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA Headquarters approved plans for the development of the Little Joe II test launch vehicle. Prospective bidders were notified of a briefing to be held at MSC on April 6, at which time Requests for Proposals would be distributed..

1962 March 29

Republic to build two experimental FIRE spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: FIRE.
NASA announced that a $5 million contract would be awarded to Republic Aviation Corporation for the construction of two experimental reentry spacecraft. Republic was selected from eight companies that submitted bids on March 12. The contract was part of Project Fire, to develop a spacecraft capable of withstanding reentry into the earth's atmosphere from a lunar mission. Plans called for the spacecraft to be tested during the second half of 1963.

1962 March 29

Chance Vought briefed on lunar orbit rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Members of Langley Research Center briefed representatives of the Chance Vought Corporation of Ling- Temco-Vought, Inc., on the lunar orbit rendezvous method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission. The briefing was made in connection with the study contract on spacecraft rendezvous awarded by NASA Headquarters to Chance Vought on March 1.

1962 March

Preliminary Apollo program schedules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
A small group within the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office developed a preliminary program schedule for three approaches to the lunar landing mission: earth orbit rendezvous, direct ascent, and lunar orbit rendezvous. The exercise established a number of ground rules :
- Establish realistic schedules that would "second guess" failures but provide for exploitation of early success.
- Schedule circumlunar, lunar orbit, and lunar landing missions at the earliest realistic dates.
- Complete the flight development of spacecraft modules and operational techniques, using the Saturn C-1 and C-1B launch vehicles, prior to the time at which a "man-rated" C-5 launch vehicle would become available.
- Develop the spacecraft operational techniques in "buildup" missions that would progress generally from the simple to the complex.
- Use the spacecraft crew at the earliest time and to the maximum extent, commensurate with safety considerations, in the development of the spacecraft and its subsystems.
The exercise also provided a basis for proceeding with the development of definitive schedules and a program plan.

1962 March-November

Apollo guidance and navigation system defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
The Apollo guidance and navigation system was defined in more detail as more information from NASA MIT studies was received on new requirements for the system. As a result, the scope of the component development tasks given to all the guidance and navigation subcontractors was substantially increased.

1962 April 1-7

Design criteria of the Apollo service module for the lunar landing maneuver - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing. NAA was directed by the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office to begin a study to define the configuration and design criteria of the service module which would make the lunar landing maneuver and touchdown..

1962 April 2-3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Meeting at NASA Headquarters reviews the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) technique for Project Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Geissler, Horn, Maynard, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM LES, CSM Recovery, CSM SPS, CSM Television.
A meeting to review the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) technique as a possible mission mode for Project Apollo was held at NASA Headquarters. Representatives from various NASA offices attended: Joseph F. Shea, Eldon W. Hall, William A. Lee, Douglas R. Lord, James E. O'Neill, James Turnock, Richard J. Hayes, Richard C. Henry, and Melvyn Savage of NASA Headquarters; Friedrich O. Vonbun of Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); Harris M. Schurmeier of Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Arthur V. Zimmeman of Lewis Research Center; Jack Funk, Charles W. Mathews, Owen E. Maynard, and William F. Rector of MSC; Paul J. DeFries, Ernst D. Geissler, and Helmut J. Horn of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC); Clinton E. Brown, John C. Houbolt, and William H. Michael, Jr., of Langley Research Center; and Merrill H. Mead of Ames Research Center. Each phase of the LOR mission was discussed separately.
The launch vehicle required was a single Saturn C-5, consisting of the S-IC, S-II, and S-IVB stages. To provide a maximum launch window, a low earth parking orbit was recommended. For greater reliability, the two-stage-to-orbit technique was recommended rather than requiring reignition of the S-IVB to escape from parking orbit.
The current concepts of the Apollo command and service modules would not be altered. The lunar excursion vehicle (LEV), under intensive study in 1961, would be aft of the service module and in front of the S-IVB stage. For crew safety, an escape tower would be used during launch. Access to the LEV would be provided while the entire vehicle was on the launch pad.
Both Apollo and Saturn guidance and control systems would be operating during the launch phase. The Saturn guidance and control system in the S-IVB would be "primary" for injection into the earth parking orbit and from earth orbit to escape. Provisions for takeover of the Saturn guidance and control system should be provided in the command module. Ground tracking was necessary during launch and establishment of the parking orbit, MSFC and GSFC would study the altitude and type of low earth orbit.
The LEV would be moved in front of the command module "early" in the translunar trajectory. After the S-IVB was staged off the spacecraft following injection into the translunar trajectory, the service module would be used for midcourse corrections. Current plans were for five such corrections. If possible, a symmetric configuration along the vertical center line of the vehicle would be considered for the LEV. Ingress to the LEV from the command module should be possible during the translunar phase. The LEV would have a pressurized cabin capability during the translunar phase. A "hard dock" mechanism was considered, possibly using the support structure needed for the launch escape tower. The mechanism for relocation of the LEV to the top of the command module required further study. Two possibilities were discussed: mechanical linkage and rotating the command module by use of the attitude control system. The S-IVB could be used to stabilize the LEV during this maneuver.
The service module propulsion would be used to decelerate the spacecraft into a lunar orbit. Selection of the altitude and type of lunar orbit needed more study, although a 100-nautical-mile orbit seemed desirable for abort considerations.
The LEV would have a "point" landing (±½ mile) capability. The landing site, selected before liftoff, would previously have been examined by unmanned instrumented spacecraft. It was agreed that the LEV would have redundant guidance and control capability for each phase of the lunar maneuvers. Two types of LEV guidance and control systems were recommended for further analysis. These were an automatic system employing an inertial platform plus radio aids and a manually controlled system which could be used if the automatic system failed or as a primary system.
The service module would provide the prime propulsion for establishing the entire spacecraft in lunar orbit and for escape from the lunar orbit to earth trajectory. The LEV propulsion system was discussed and the general consensus was that this area would require further study. It was agreed that the propulsion system should have a hover capability near the lunar surface but that this requirement also needed more study.
It was recommended that two men be in the LEV, which would descend to the lunar surface, and that both men should be able to leave the LEV at the same time. It was agreed that the LEV should have a pressurized cabin which would have the capability for one week's operation, even though a normal LOR mission would be 24 hours. The question of lunar stay time was discussed and it was agreed that Langley should continue to analyze the situation. Requirements for sterilization procedures were discussed and referred for further study. The time for lunar landing was not resolved.
In the discussion of rendezvous requirements, it was agreed that two systems be studied, one automatic and one providing for a degree of manual capability. A line of sight between the LEV and the orbiting spacecraft should exist before lunar takeoff. A question about hard-docking or soft-docking technique brought up the possibility of keeping the LEV attached to the spacecraft during the transearth phase. This procedure would provide some command module subsystem redundancy.
Direct link communications from earth to the LEV and from earth to the spacecraft, except when it was in the shadow of the moon, was recommended. Voice communications should be provided from the earth to the lunar surface and the possibility of television coverage would be considered.
A number of problems associated with the proposed mission plan were outlined for NASA Center investigation. Work on most of the problems was already under way and the needed information was expected to be compiled in about one month.
(This meeting, like the one held February 13-15, was part of a continuing effort to select the lunar mission mode).

1962 April 4

Mockup of the Apollo command module made public - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A mockup of the Apollo command module, built by the Space and Information Systems Division of NAA, was made public for the first time during a visit to NAA by news media representatives..

1962 April 6

Thiokol selected for Apollo launch escape tower jettison motors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. The Thiokol Chemical Corporation was selected by NAA to build the solid-fuel rocket motor to be used to jettison the Apollo launch escape tower following a launch abort or during a normal mission..

1962 April 6

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Request for proposal for the Little Joe II launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The request for a proposal on the Little Joe II test launch vehicle was submitted to bidders by a letter from MSC, together with a Work Statement. Five launches, which were to test boilerplate models of the Apollo spacecraft command module in abort situations, were called for: three in 1963 and two in 1964. Additional Details: here....

1962 April 11

DX (highest) priority for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. President John F, Kennedy designated the Apollo program including essential spacecraft, launch vehicles, and facilities as being in the highest national priority category (DX) for research and development and for achieving operational capability..

1962 April 16

Lunar orbit rendezvous technique - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection. Representatives of MSC made a formal presentation at Marshall Space Flight Center on the lunar orbit rendezvous technique for accomplishing the lunar mission..

1962 April 19-20

Monthly NAA-NASA Apollo spacecraft design review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Discussions at the monthly NAA-NASA Apollo spacecraft design review included:
- Results of an NAA study on environmental control system (ECS) heating capabilities for lunar night operations were presented. The study showed that the system could not provide enough heating and that the integration of ECS and the fuel cell coolant system was the most promising source for supplemental heating.
- The launch escape system configuration was approved. It embodied a 120inch tower, symmetrical nose cone, jettison motor located forward of the launch escape motor, and an aerodynamic skirt covering the escape motor nozzles. This configuration change in the escape rocket nozzle cant angle was intended to prevent impingement of hot gases on the command module.
- MSC senior personnel directed NAA to study the technical penalties and scheduling effects of spacecraft design capabilities with direct lunar landing and lunar rendezvous techniques.

1962 April 24

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rosen recommends Saturn C-5 design and lunar orbit rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rosen, Milton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Recovery, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Milton W. Rosen, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight Director of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion, recommended that the S-IVB stage be designed specifically as the third stage of the Saturn C-5 and that the C-5 be designed specifically for the manned lunar landing using the lunar orbit rendezvous technique. The S-IVB stage would inject the spacecraft into a parking orbit and would be restarted in space to place the lunar mission payload into a translunar trajectory. Rosen also recommended that the S- IVB stage be used as a flight test vehicle to exercise the command module (CM), service module (SM), and lunar excursion module (LEM) (previously referred to as the lunar excursion vehicle (LEV)) in earth orbit missions. The Saturn C-1 vehicle, in combination with the CM, SM, LEM, and S-IVB stage, would be used on the most realistic mission simulation possible. This combination would also permit the most nearly complete operational mating of the CM, SM, LEM, and S-IVB prior to actual mission flight.

1962 April 24

Indecision on the lunar mission mode causing delays in Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
MSC Associate Director Walter C. William reported to the Manned Space Flight Management Council that the lack of a decision on the lunar mission mode was causing delays in various areas of the Apollo spacecraft program, especially the requirements for the portions of the spacecraft being furnished by NAA.

1962 April 24

LV Family: Nova. Launch Vehicle: Nova 8L.

Delay in award of a Nova launch vehicle study contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Manned Space Flight Management Council decided to delay the awarding of a Nova launch vehicle study contract until July 1 at the earliest to allow time for an in-house study of bids submitted and for further examination of the schedule for a manned lunar landing using the direct ascent technique.

1962 April

Configuration of the Apollo command module forward compartment changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. The basic design configuration of the command module forward compartment was changed by the relocation of two attitude control engines from the lower to the upper compartment area, where less heat flux would be experienced during reentry..

1962 April

Advantages of lunar orbit rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center, writing in the April issue of Astronautics, outlined the advantages of lunar orbit rendezvous for a manned lunar landing as opposed to direct flight from earth or earth orbit rendezvous. Under this concept, an Apollo-type spacecraft would fly directly to the moon, go into lunar orbit, detach a small landing craft which would land on the moon and then return to the mother craft, which would then return to earth. The advantages would be the much smaller craft performing the difficult lunar landing and takeoff, the possibility of optimizing the smaller craft for this one function, the safe return of the mother craft in event of a landing accident, and even the possibility of using two of the small craft to provide a rescue capability.

1962 April

Apollo inflight nuclear radiation instrumentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
NAA determined that preliminary inflight nuclear radiation instrumentation would consist of an onboard system to detect solar x-ray or ultraviolet radiation and a ground visual system for telemetering solar flare warning signals to the command module. The crew would have eight to ten minutes warning to take protective action before the arrival of solar flare proton radiation.

1962 April

Three major changes made by NAA in the Apollo space-suit circuit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
Three major changes were made by NAA in the Apollo space-suit circuit:
1. The demand oxygen regulator was moved downstream of the crew to prevent a sudden drop of pressure when a crewman opened his face plate.
2. The suit manifold would now have a pressure-controlled bypass to prevent variable flow to other crew members if one crewman increased or decreased oxygen flow. The manifold would also include a venturi in each suit-inlet connection to prevent a loss of oxygen flow to other crew members if the suit of one crewman should rupture. In this situation, the venturi would prevent the damaged suit flow out from exceeding the maximum flow of demand regulators.
3. The circuit water evaporator and coolant loop heat exchanger of the suit were integrated into one by fluid exchange to make it smaller. A coolant-temperature control was also provided for sunlight operation on the moon.
In addition, a suit inlet-outlet was added to the command module sleeping quarters, and the cabin fan was shifted so that it would operate as an intake fan during the post-landing phase.

1962 April

Shock attenuation in the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
NAA developed a concept for shock attenuation along the command module Y-Y axis by the use of aluminum honeycomb material. Cylinders mounted on the outboard edge of the left and right couches would extend mechanically to bear against the side compartment walls.

1962 April

Changes in the Apollo environmental control system (ECS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell, CSM Recovery.
NAA studies resulted in significant changes in the command module environmental control system (ECS).
1. Among modifications in the ECS schematic were included:
  1. Reduction in the cooling water capacity
  2. Combining into one command module tank the potable water and cooling water needed during boost
  3. Elimination of the water blanket for radiation protection.
2. More water would be generated by the fuel cells than necessary and could be dumped to decrease lunar landing and lunar takeoff weight.
3. Airlock valving requirements would permit two or more crewmen to perform extravehicular operation simultaneously. Area control of the space radiator to prevent coolant freezing was specified.
4. A new concept to integrate heat rejection from the spacecraft power system and the ECS into one space radiator subsystem was developed. This subsystem would provide full versatility for both lunar night and lunar day conditions and would decrease weight and complexity.
5. Because of the elimination of the lunar supplemental refrigeration system and deployable radiators, the water-glycol coolant system was modified:
  1. Removal from the service module of the coolant loop regenerative heat exchanger
  2. Replacement by a liquid valving arrangement of the gas-leak check provision at the radiator panels
  3. Changeover to a completely cascaded system involving the suit-circuit heat exchanger, cabin heat exchanger, and electronic component coldplate.
In addition, a small, regenerative heat exchanger was added in the command module to preheat the water-glycol. A separate coolant branch to the inertial measurement unit section of the electronic system provided for the more critical cooling task required in that area.

1962 April 30

Apollo service module propulsion engine contract to Aerojet - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. The contract for the Apollo service module propulsion engine was awarded by NAA to Aerojet-General Corporation. The estimated cost of the contract was $12 million. NAA had given Aerojet-General authority April 9 to begin work..

1962 May 3

Presentation on the lunar orbit rendezvous technique - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
A presentation on the lunar orbit rendezvous technique was made to D. Brainerd Holmes, Director, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, by representatives of the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office. A similar presentation to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., followed on May 31.

1962 May 3

Purchase request for Apollo wind tunnel support services from the Air Force - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
A purchase request was being prepared by NASA for wind tunnel support services from the Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center in the amount of approximately $222,000. These wind tunnel tests were to provide design parameter data on static stability, dynamic stability, pressure stability, and heat transfer for the Apollo program. The funds were to cover tests during June and July 1962. Approximately $632,000 would be required in Fiscal Year 1963 to fund the tests scheduled to December 1962.

1962 May 4

Source Evaluation Board for selecting Apollo navigation and guidance completed its evaluation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
The Source Evaluation Board for selecting Apollo navigation and guidance components subcontractors completed its evaluation of bids and technical proposals and submitted its findings to NASA Headquarters. Preliminary presentation of the Board's findings had been made to NASA Administrator James E. Webb on April 5.

1962 May 4-5

Comprehensive test plan for verifying the overall integrity of the heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
At the monthly Apollo spacecraft design review meeting at NAA, MSC representatives recommended that NAA and Avco Corporation prepare a comprehensive test plan for verifying the overall integrity of the heatshield including flight tests deemed necessary, without regard for anticipated hunch vehicle availability.

1962 May 5

NAA's Apollo spacecraft letter contract increased - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC processed a purchase request to increase NAA's spacecraft letter contract from $32 million to $55 million to cover NAA's costs to June 30, 1962. (Pending the execution of a definitive contract (signed August 14, 1963), actions of this type were necessary).

1962 May 6

Preliminary Statement of Work for Apollo lunar excursion module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection. A preliminary Statement of Work for a proposed lunar excursion module was completed, although the mission mode had not yet been selected..

1962 May 8

Three contractors for the Apollo guidance and navigation system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
NASA announced the selection of three companies for the negotiation of production contracts for major components of the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation system under development by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. The largest of the contracts, for $16 million, would be negotiated with AC Spark Plug Division of General Motor Corporation for fabrication of the inertial, gyroscope-stabilized platform of the Apollo spacecraft; for development and construction of ground support and checkout equipment; and for assembling and testing all parts of the system. The second contract, for $2 million, would be negotiated with the Raytheon Company to manufacture the digital computer aboard the spacecraft. Under the third contract, for about $2 million, Kollsman Instrument Corporation would build the optical subsystems, including a space sextant, sunfinders, and navigation display equipment.

1962 May 11

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Convair contract for the Little Joe II launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA awarded a letter contract to General Dynamics/Convair to design and manufacture the Little Joe II test launch vehicle which would be used to boost the Apollo spacecraft on unmanned suborbital test flights. The Little Joe II would be powered by clustered solid-fuel engines. At the same time, a separate 30-day contract was awarded to Convair to study the control system requirements. White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex., had been selected for the Little Joe II max q abort and high-altitude abort missions.

1962 May 25

LV Family: Nova. Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-8.

Apollo lunar landing mode component schedules and cost breakdowns prepared - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
D. Brainerd Holmes, NASA's Director of Manned Space Flight, requested the Directors of Launch Operations Center, Manned Spacecraft Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to prepare supporting component schedules and cost breakdowns through Fiscal Year 1967 for each of the proposed lunar landing modes: earth orbit rendezvous, lunar orbit rendezvous, and direct ascent. For direct ascent, a Saturn C-8 launch vehicle was planned, using a configuration of eight F-1 engines, eight J-2 engines, and one J-2 engine. MSFC was also requested to submit a proposed schedule and summary of costs for the Nova launch vehicle, using the configuration of eight F-1 engines, two M-1 engines, and one J-2 engine. Each Center was asked to make an evaluation of the schedules as to possibilities of achievement, major problem areas, and recommendations for deviations.

1962 May 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Saturn F-1 engine first fired at full power - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The F-1 engine was first fired at full power more than 1.5 million pounds of thrust) for 2.5 minutes at Edwards Rocket Site, Calif..

1962 May 29

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Mobile launcher concept for the Saturn C-5 approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Manned Space Flight Management Council approved the mobile launcher concept for the Saturn C-5 at Launch Complex 39, Merritt Island, Fla..

1962 May 29

Schedule for contract for development of Apollo lunar excursion module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
A schedule for the letting of a contract for the development of a lunar excursion module was presented to the Manned Space Flight Management Council by MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth in anticipation of a possible decision to employ the lunar rendezvous technique in the lunar landing mission.

1962 May

Urine management system recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
Two NAA analyses showed that the urine management system would prevent a rise in the command module humidity load and atmospheric contamination and that freeze-up of the line used for daily evacuation of urine to the vacuum of space could be prevented by proper orificing of the line.

1962 May

NAA studies on Apollo prototype crew couch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. NAA studies on the prototype crew couch included one on the use of the center couch for supporting a crewman at the astrosextant during lunar approach and another on the displacement of outboard couches for access to equipment areas..

1962 May

Study of integrating the Apollo fuel cell and environmental control heat rejection systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
NAA evaluated the possibility of integrating the fuel cell and environmental control system heat rejection into one system. The integrated system proved to be unsatisfactory, being 300 pounds heavier and considerably more complex than the two separate systems. A preliminary design of separate fuel cell radiators, possibly located on the service module, was started by NAA.

1962 May

Apollo command module reaction control system selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
The command module reaction control system (RCS) selected by NAA was a dual system without interconnections. Either would be sufficient for the entire mission.
For the service module RCS, a quadruple arrangement was chosen which was basically similar to the command module RCS except that squib valves and burst discs were eliminated.

1962 May

Apollo spacecraft crew hatch concept - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
NAA decided to retain the inward-opening pull-down concept for the spacecraft crew hatch, which would use plain through bolts for lower sill attachment and a manual jack-screw device to supply the force necessary to seat and unseat the hatch.
Concurrently, a number of NAA latching concepts were in preparation for presentation to NASA, including that of an outward-opening, quick- opening crew door without an outer emergency panel. This design, however, had weight and complexity disadvantages, as well as requiring explosive charges.

1962 May

Apollo basic spacecraft adapter structure defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The basic spacecraft adapter structure was defined as consisting of six aluminum honeycomb panels, six longerons, and forward and aft bulkheads. The design of the honeycomb panels for the test requirements program was complete..

1962 May

Apollo command module toxic materials - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
NAA began compiling a list of command module materials to be classified selectively for potentially toxic properties. These materials would be investigated to determine location (related to possible venting of gases), fire resistance, exposure to excessive temperatures, gases resulting from thermal decomposition, and toxicity of gases released under normal and material-failure conditions. Although a complete examination of every material was not feasible, materials could be grouped according to chemical constituency and quantity of gases released.

1962 May

Layouts of Apollo command module windows - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. Layouts of three command module observation window configurations were made by NAA. A study disclosed that sufficient direct vision for lunar landing was not feasible and that windows could not be uncovered during reentry..

1962 May

First reliability prediction for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The first reliability prediction study for the Apollo spacecraft was completed by NAA. Assuming all systems as series elements and excluding consideration of alternative modes, redundancies, or inflight maintenance provisions, the study gave a reliability estimate of 0.731. This analysis provided a basis from which means of improving reliability would be evaluated and formulated.

1962 May

Telescope requirements for the Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Telescope requirements for the spacecraft were modified after two study programs had been completed by NAA.
A study on the direct vision requirement for lunar landing showed that, to have a simultaneous direct view of the lunar landing point and the landing feet without changing the spacecraft configuration, a periscope with a large field of view integrated with a side window would be needed. A similar requirement on the general-purpose telescope could thus be eliminated, reducing the complexity of the telescope design.
Another study showed that, with an additional weight penalty of from five to ten pounds, an optical drift indicator for use after parachute deployment could easily be incorporated into the general-purpose telescope.

1962 May

Preliminary requirement for spacecraft docking - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
NAA completed a preliminary requirement outline for spacecraft docking. The outline specified that the two spacecraft be navigated to within a few feet of each other and held to a relative velocity of less than six inches per second and that they be steered to within a few inches of axial alignment and parallelism. The crewman in the airlock was assumed to be adequately protected against radiation and meteoric bombardment and to be able to grasp the docking spacecraft and maneuver it to the sealing faces for final clamp.

1962 May

Apollo emergency flight mode for lunar mission reentry - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
A feasibility study was completed by NAA on the ballistic (zero-lift) maneuver as a possible emergency flight mode for lunar mission reentry. Based upon single-pass and 12 g maximum load-factor criteria, the guidance corridor would be nine nautical miles. When atmospheric density deviations were considered (+/- 50 percent from standard), the allowable corridor would be reduced to four nautical miles. Touchdown dispersions within the defined corridor exceeded 2500 nautical miles.

1962 June 7

von Braun recommends lunar orbit rendezvous mode for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM Recovery, CSM SPS.
Wernher von Braun, Director, Marshall Space Flight Center, recommended to the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight that the lunar orbit rendezvous mode be adopted for the lunar landing mission. He also recommended the development of an unmanned, fully automatic, one-way Saturn C-5 logistics vehicle in support of the lunar expedition; the acceleration of the Saturn C-1B program; the development of high-energy propulsion systems as a backup for the service module and possibly the lunar excursion module; and further development of the F-1 and J-2 engines to increase thrust or specific impulse.

1962 June 10-11

NAA directed to design an earth landing system for an Apollo CM passive touchdown mode - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM LES, CSM Recovery.
NAA was directed by the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office at the monthly design review meeting to design an earth landing system for a passive touchdown mode to include the command module cant angle limited to about five degrees and favoring offset center of gravity, no roll orientation control, no deployable heatshield, and depressurization of the reaction control system propellant prior to impact. At the same meeting, NAA was requested to use a single "kicker" rocket and a passive thrust-vector-control system for the spacecraft launch escape system.

1962 June 16-22

100 percent oxygen atmosphere for Apollo would save 30 pounds - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. Results of a preliminary investigation by NAA showed that a 100 percent oxygen atmosphere for the command module would save about 30 pounds in weight and reduce control complexity..

1962 June 16

Apollo propulsion to be tested at White Sands - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. NASA announced that the Apollo service module propulsion system would be tested at a new facility at White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex..

1962 June 18

Location of the onboard space sextant in the Apollo command module changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
As the result of considerable joint engineering effort and discussion by NAA and MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, the location of the onboard space sextant in the command module was changed from the main instrument panel to the wall of the lower equipment bay. The instrument would penetrate the hull on the hot side during reentry and the navigator would have to leave his couch to make navigation sightings and to align the inertial measurement unit.

1962 Summer-Fall

Microcircuits to be used on the Apollo computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. NASA and MIT agreed that the Instrumentation Laboratory would use the microcircuit for the prototype Apollo onboard computer. The Fairchild Controls Corporation microcircuit was the only one available in the United States..

1962 June 22

Selection of ablative material for Apollo heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the Manned Space Flight Management Council that the selection of the ablative material for the Apollo spacecraft heatshield would be made by September 1. The leading contender for the forebody ablative material was an epoxy resin with silica fibers for improving char strength and phenolic microballoons for reducing density.
In addition, Gilruth noted that a reevaluation of the Saturn C-1 and C-1B launch capabilities appeared to indicate that neither vehicle would be able to test the complete Apollo spacecraft configuration, including the lunar excursion module. Complete spacecraft qualification would require the use of the Saturn C-5.

1962 June 22

Results of the study on lunar mission mode selection - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Joseph F. Shea, NASA Deputy Director of Manned Space Flight (Systems), presented to the Manned Space Flight Management Council the results of the study on lunar mission mode selection. The study included work by personnel in Shea's office, MSC, and Marshall Space Flight Center. The criteria used in evaluating the direct ascent technique, earth orbit rendezvous connecting and fueling modes, and lunar orbit rendezvous were: the mission itself, weight margins, guidance accuracy, communications and tracking requirements, reliability (abort problems), development complexity, schedules, costs, flexibility, growth potential, and military implications.

1962 June 22

Lunar orbit rendezvous selected as mode for the Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
After an extended discussion, the Manned Space Flight Management Council unanimously decided:
- Lunar orbit rendezvous, using the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle, should be the mission mode for lunar exploration.
- The development of a lunar logistics vehicle, using the Saturn C-1B or the C-5 launch vehicle, should be started and a six-month study of this development should begin immediately.
- Time was too short and the expense too great to develop a parallel backup mode.
- Study of the Nova vehicle should continue with the expectation that its development would follow the C-5 by two or three years.
- The C-1B launch vehicle should be started immediately, looking toward the first two-stage flight in mid- 1965.
- Development of a lunar excursion module should begin at once.
These decisions were to be presented to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden, and NASA Administrator James E. Webb for approval.

1962 June

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study of repair of J-2 engine in space - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Five NASA scientists, dressed in pressure suits, completed an exploratory study at Rocketdyne Division of the feasibility of repairing, replacing, maintaining, and adjusting components of the J-2 rocket while in space. The scientific team also investigated the design of special maintenance tools and the effectiveness of different pressure suits in performing maintenance work in space.

1962 June 30

Apollo thermal coverall for space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. A thermal coverall for use in extravehicular space suit design was completed in-house and would be shipped to Vought Astronautics for use in the MSC evaluation contract..

1962 July 1-7

Delta V requirements for the Apollo lunar landing mission were established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance, LM Source Selection. The delta V (rate of incremental change in velocity) requirements for the lunar landing mission were established and coordinated with NAA by the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office..

1962 July

Hamilton Standard to develop the Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft Corporation selected by NASA to develop the Apollo space suit..

1962 July 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contracts to Rocketdyne for production of the Saturn's F-1 and J-2 rocket engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA awarded three contracts totaling an estimated $289 million to NAA's Rocketdyne Division for the further development and production of the F-1 and J-2 rocket engines..

1962 July 6

Apollo employment at NAA reached 14,119 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Employment at NAA's Space and Information Systems Division reached 14,119, an increase of 7,000 in seven months..

1962 July 6

Charter of the MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board revised - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The document entitled "Charter of the MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board," adopted on October 3, 1961, was revised to read "Spacecraft Launch Vehicle Coordination Charter for the Apollo Program MSFC-MSC." The reasons for the revision were: to include the recently formed Management Council, to include the Electrical Systems Integration Panel and Instrumentation and Communications Panel responsibilities, and to establish Integration Offices within MSC and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to manage the Panels.

1962 July 10-11

Apollo atmosphere to be pure oxygen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
At the monthly Apollo spacecraft design review meeting with NAA, MSC officials directed NAA to design the spacecraft atmospheric system for 5 psia pure oxygen. From an engineering standpoint, the single-gas atmosphere offered advantages in minimizing weight and leakage, in system simplicity and reliability, and in the extravehicular suit interface. Additional Details: here....

1962 July 10-11

Report on a simulated lunar landing trainer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection. Charles W. Frick, MSC Apollo Project Office Manager, assigned MIT Instrumentation Laboratory to report on a simulated lunar landing trainer using guidance and navigation equipment and other displays as necessary or proposed..

1962 July 10

First Apollo mockup inspection - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Grissom. Program: Apollo. The first Apollo spacecraft mockup inspection was held at NAA's Space and Information Systems Division. In attendance were Robert R. Gilruth, Director, MSC; Charles W. Frick, Apollo Program Manager, MSC; and Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom..

1962 July 11

Project Apollo to use lunar orbit rendezvous. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA officials announced the basic decision for the manned lunar exploration program that Project Apollo shall proceed using the lunar orbit rendezvous as the prime mission mode. Based on more than a year of intensive study, this decision for the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR), rather than for the alternative direct ascent or earth orbit rendezvous modes, enables immediate planning, research and development, procurement, and testing programs for the next phase of space exploration to proceed on a firm basis.

1962 July 11

Selection of LOR as Apollo Mission Mode - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
Following a long controversy NASA selected Lunar Orbit Rendezvous (LOR) as the fastest, cheapest, and safest mode to accomplish the Apollo mission. LOR solved the engineering problem of how to land. The EOR or Direct Landing approaches required the Apollo crew to be on their backs during the landing and having to use television or mirrors to see the lunar surface. A lunar crasher stage approach had finally emerged as lesser of evils but raised other issues. LOR allowed a purpose-built lander with a logical helicopter-like crew station layout. Studies indicated LOR would allow landing 6-8 months earlier and cost $9.2 billion vs $ 10.6 billion for EOR or direct. Direct flight by this time would not involve Nova, but a scaled-down two-man spacecraft that could be launched by the Saturn C-5. Additional Details: here....

1962 July 16

Beech selected build the Apollo fuel cell vessels - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. Beech Aircraft Corporation was selected by NASA to build the spherical pressure vessels that would be used to store in the supercritical state the hydrogen-oxygen reactants for the spacecraft fuel cell power supply..

1962 July 17

Apollo landing zone defined - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor.
Joseph F. Shea, NASA Deputy Director of Manned Space Flight (Systems) , told an American Rocket Society meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, that the first American astronauts to land on the moon would come down in an area within ten degrees on either side of the lunar equator and between longitudes 270 and 260 degrees. Shea said that the actual site would be chosen for its apparent scientific potential and that the Ranger and Surveyor programs would provide badly needed information on the lunar surface. Maps on the scale of two fifths of a mile to the inch would be required, based on photographs which would show lunar features down to five or six feet in size. The smallest objects on the lunar surface yet identified by telescope were about the size of a football field.

1962 July 17

Nuclear blasts to clear inner radiation belts for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Van Allen. Program: Apollo.
In an address to the American Rocket Society lunar missions meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, James A. Van Allen, Chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, State University of Iowa, said that protons of the inner radiation belt could be a serious hazard for extended manned space flight and that nuclear detonations might be able to clean out these inner belt protons, perhaps for a prolonged period, making possible manned orbits about 300 miles above the earth.

1962 July 20

NASA Mission Control Center would be located at Houston - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb announced that the Mission Control Center for future manned space flights would be located at MSC. The Center would be operational in time for Gemini rendezvous flights in 1964 and later Apollo lunar missions. The overriding factor in the choice of MSC was the existing location of the Apollo Spacecraft Project Office, the astronauts, and Flight Operations Division at Houston.

1962 July 21

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo advanced Saturn launch complex northwest of Cape Canaveral - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced plans for an advanced Saturn launch complex to be built on 80,000 acres northwest of Cape Canaveral. The new facility, Launch Complex 39, would include a building large enough for the vertical assembly of a complete Saturn launch vehicle and Apollo spacecraft.

1962 July 25

Invitation to bid for the Apollo lunar excursion module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Original Specification, LM Source Selection.
MSC invited 11 firms to submit research and development proposals for the lunar excursion module (LEM) for the manned lunar landing mission. The firms were Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, The Boeing Airplane Company, Northrop Corporation, Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc., Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Douglas Aircraft Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Republic Aviation Corporation, Martin- Marietta Company, North American Aviation, Inc., and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Additional Details: here....

1962 July 29-August 4

Adaptation of the Gemini-type heatshield to Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. As a result of an MSC in-house technical review, NAA was directed to investigate the adaptation of the Gemini-type heatshield to the Apollo spacecraft..

1962 July 30

Conclusions on the selection of a lunar mission mode based on studies conducted in 1961 and 1962 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
The Office of Systems under NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight summarized its conclusions on the selection of a lunar mission mode based on NASA and industry studies conducted in 1961 and 1962:
- There were no significant technical problems which would preclude the acceptance of any of the modes, if sufficient time and money were available. (The modes considered were the C-5 direct ascent, C-5 earth orbit rendezvous (EOR), C-5 lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR), Nova direct ascent, and solid-fuel Nova direct ascent.)
- The C-5 direct ascent technique was characterized by high development risk and the least flexibility for further development.
- The C-5 EOR mode had the lowest probability of mission success and the greatest development complexity.
- The Nova direct ascent method would require the development of larger launch vehicles than the C-5. However, it would be the least complex from an operational and subsystem standpoint and had greater crew safety and initial mission capabilities than did LOR.
- The solid-fuel Nova direct flight mode would necessitate a launch vehicle development parallel to the C-5. Such a development could not be financed under current budget allotments.
- Only the LOR and EOR modes would make full use of the development of the C-5 launch vehicle and the command and service modules. Based on technical considerations, the LOR mode was distinctly preferable.
- The Directors of MSC and Marshall Space Flight Center had both expressed strong preference for the LOR mode.
On the basis of these conclusions, the LOR mode was recommended as most suitable for the manned lunar landing mission. (The studies summarized in this document were used by the Manned Space Flight Management Council in their mission mode decision on June 22.)

1962 July

Emergency blow-out hatch study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
NAA's evaluation of the emergency blow-out hatch study showed that the linear-shaped explosive charge should be installed on the outside of the command module, with a backup structure and an epoxy-foam-filled annulus on the inside of the module to trap fragmentation and gases. Detail drawings of the crew hatch were prepared for fabrication of actual test sections.

1962 July

Final design of the command module forward heatshield release mechanism - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. Final design of the command module forward heatshield release mechanism was completed by NAA..

1962 July

Deployment of the Apollo forward heatshield before tower jettison studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
After the determination of the basic design of the spacecraft sequencer schematic, the effect of the deployment of the forward heatshield before tower jettison was studied by NAA. The sequence of events of both the launch escape system and earth landing system would be affected, making necessary the selection of different sequences for normal flights and abort conditions. A schematic was prepared to provide for these sequencing alternatives.

1962 July

Control layouts for Apollo command module windows completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. NAA completed control layouts for all three command module windows, including heatshield windows and sightlines. Structural penalties were investigated, window-panes sized, and a weight-comparison chart prepared..

1962 July

Control layout of the command module aft compartment released - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
The control layout of the command module aft compartment was released by NAA. This revised drawing incorporated the new umbilical locations in the lower heatshield, relocated the pitch-and-yaw engines symmetrically, eliminated the ground support equipment tower umbilical, and showed the resulting repositioning of tanks and equipment.

1962 July

Hamilton Standard contract for the Apollo space suit assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
The Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft Corporation was selected by NASA as the prime contractor for the Apollo space suit assembly. Hamilton's principal subcontractor was International Latex Corporation, which would fabricate the pressure garment. The contract was signed on October 5.

1962 July 31

Apollo spacecraft design criteria - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Manned Space Flight Management Council decided that the Apollo spacecraft design criteria should be worked out under the guidance of the Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF) Office of Systems. These criteria should be included in the systems specifications to be developed. A monthly exchange of information on spacecraft weight status should take place among the Centers and OMSF. Eldon W. Hall of the Office of Space Systems would be responsible for control of the detailed system weights.

1962 July

Preliminary design of the Apollo lunar landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance, LM Source Selection. NAA selected the lunar landing radar and completed the block diagram for the spacecraft rendezvous radar. Preliminary design was in progress on both types of radar..

1962 July

Optimum configuration of Apollo transponder equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
A study was made by NAA to determine optimum location and configuration of the spacecraft transponder equipment. The study showed that, if a single deep space instrumentation facility transponder and power amplifier were carried in the command module instead of two complete systems in the service module, spacecraft weight would be reduced, the system would be simplified, and command and service module interface problems would be minimized. Spares in excess of normal would be provided to ensure reliability.

1962 July

Modified method of cooling Apollo selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A modified method of cooling crew and equipment before launch and during boost was tentatively selected by NAA. Chilled, ground-support-equipment-supplied water-glycol would be pumped through the spacecraft coolant system until 30 seconds before launch, when these lines would be disconnected. After umbilical separation the glycol, as it evaporated at the water boiler, would be chilled by Freon stored in the water tanks.

1962 July

Air recirculation system of Apollo command module rearranged - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Air recirculation system components of the command module were rearranged to accommodate a disconnect fitting and lines for the center crewman's suit. To relieve an obstruction, the cabin pressure regulator was relocated and a design study drawing was completed.

1962 July

Camera selected for Apollo mission photo documentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A 70-mm pulse camera was selected by NAA for mission photodocumentation. The camera was to be carried in the upper parachute compartment. Because of the lack of space and the need for a constant power supply for a 35-watt heating element, NAA was considering placing the camera behind the main display panel. The advantages of this arrangement were that the camera would require less power, be available for changing magazines, and could be removed for use outside the spacecraft.
One 16-mm camera was also planned for the spacecraft. This camera would be positioned level with the commander's head and directed at the main display panel. It could be secured to the telescope for recording motion events in real time such as rendezvous, docking, launch and recovery of a lunar excursion module, and earth landing; it could be hand-held for extravehicular activity.

1962 July

Apollo Command module flotation studies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Command module (CM) flotation studies were made by NAA, in which the heatshield was assumed to be upright with no flooding having occurred between the CM inner and outer walls. The spacecraft was found to have two stable attitudes: the desired upright position and an unacceptable on-the-side position 128 degrees from the vertical. Further studies were scheduled to determine how much lower the CM center of gravity would have to be to eliminate the unacceptable stable condition and to measure the overall flotation stability when the CM heatshield was extended.

1962 July

Design of heatshield for Apollo boilerplates completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. NAA completed the analysis and design of the Fibreglass heatshield. It duplicated the stiffness of the aluminum heatshield and would be used on all boilerplate spacecraft..

1962 July

Docking methods for Apollo investigated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
NAA investigated several docking methods. These included extendable probes to draw the modules together; shock-strut arms on the lunar excursion module with ball locators to position the modules until the spring latch caught, fastening them together; and inflatable Mylar and polyethylene plastic tubing. Also considered was a system in which a crewman, secured by a lanyard, would transfer into the open lunar excursion module. Another crewman in the open command module airlock would then reel in the lanyard to bring the modules together.

1962 August 1

Project Officers for Apollo CSM and LEM contracts named - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. At MSC, J. Thomas Markley was appointed Project Officer for the Apollo spacecraft command and service modules contract, and William F. Rector was named Project Officer for the lunar excursion module contract..

1962 August 2

Heatshield for Apollo boilerplate 1 completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The heatshield for Apollo command module boilerplate model 1 was completed five days ahead of schedule..

1962 August 2

Apollo lunar bus - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Bus.
NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight issued Requests for Proposals for a study of the lunar "bus" and studies for payloads which could be handled by the C-1B and C-5 launch vehicles. Contract awards were expected by September 1 and completion of the studies by December 1.

1962 August 6

MIT ordered Honeywell computer for work on the Apollo spacecraft navigation system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory ordered a Honeywell 1800 electronic computer from the Minneapolis- Honeywell Regulator Company's Electronic Data Processing Division for work on the Apollo spacecraft navigation system. After installation in 1963, the computer would aid in circuitry design of the Apollo spacecraft computer and would also simulate full operation of a spaceborne computer during ground tests.

1962 August 7

Apollo BP- 25 impact test in the Pacific Ocean - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. The first completed boilerplate model of the Apollo command module, BP- 25, was subjected to a one-fourth-scale impact test in the Pacific Ocean near the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor. Three additional tests were conducted on August 9..

1962 August 8

Two Apollo lunar logistic studies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Bus.
At a bidders' conference held at NASA Headquarters, proposals were requested from Centers and industry for two lunar logistic studies: a spacecraft "bus" concept that could be adapted for use first on the Saturn C-1B and later on the Saturn C-5 launch vehicles and a variety of payloads which could be soft-landed near manned Apollo missions. The latter study would determine how a crew's stay on the moon might be extended, how human capability for scientific investigation of the moon might be increased, and how man's mobility on the moon might be facilitated.

1962 August 8

Facilities at El Centro Apollo and Gemini drop-tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. Representatives of the MSC Gemini Project Office and Facilities Division inspected the proposed hangar and office facilities to be refurbished at El Centro Naval Air Facility, Calif., for joint use in the Apollo and Gemini drop-test programs..

1962 August 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract to Douglas for the S-IVB stage - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
NASA awarded a $141.1 million contract to the Douglas Aircraft Company for design, development, fabrication, and testing of the S-IVB stage, the third stage of the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle. The contract called for 11 S-IVB units, including three for ground tests, two for inert flight, and six for powered flight.

1962 August 10

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Apollo advance design on construction facilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC requested the reprogramming of $100,000 of Fiscal Year 1963 funds for advance design on construction facilities. The funds would be transferred from Launch Operations Center to MSC for use on the Little Joe II program at White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex., and would cover Army Corps of Engineers design work on the launch facility.

1962 August 10

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Algol motor for Little Joe II booster - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA selected the Aerojet-General Algol solid-propellant motor to power the Little Joe II booster, which would be used to flight-test the command and service modules of the Apollo spacecraft..

1962 August 11

Eight companies to bid on Apollo lunar excursion module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
Of the 11 companies invited to bid on the lunar excursion module on July 25, eight planned to respond. NAA had notified MSC that it would not bid on the contract. No information had been received from the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and it was questionable whether the Northrop Corporation would respond.

1962 August 11

NASA schedule for Apollo command and service modules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
A NASA program schedule for the Apollo spacecraft command and service modules through calendar year 1965 was established for financial planning purposes and distributed to the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, Marshall Space Flight Center, and MSC. The key dates were: complete service module drawing release, May 1, 1963; complete command module drawing release, June 15, 1963; manufacture complete on the first spacecraft, February 1, 1964; first manned orbital flight, May 15, 1965. This tentative schedule depended on budget appropriations.

1962 August 13

Ten Air Force pilots spend a month in a simulated space cabin - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Ten Air Force pilots emerged from a simulated space cabin in which they had spent the previous month participating in a psychological test to determine how long a team of astronauts could work efficiently on a prolonged mission in space. Project Director Earl Alluisi said the experiment had "far exceeded our expectations" and that the men could have stayed in the cabin for 40 days with no difficulty.

1962 August 13-14

Reduction in reaction control thrust for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. NAA suggested that the pitch, roll, and yaw rates required for the Apollo guidance and navigation system would permit reduction in the reaction control thrust..

1962 August 14

LEM added to Apollo CSM Statement of Work - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM ECS, LM Guidance, LM Hatch, LM Source Selection.
The NAA spacecraft Statement of Work was revised to include the requirements for the lunar excursion module (LEM) as well as other modifications. The LEM requirements were identical with those given in the LEM Development Statement of Work of July 24.
The command module (CM) would now be required to provide the crew with a one-day habitable environment and a survival environment for one week after touching down on land or water. In case of a landing at sea, the CM should be able to recover from any attitude and float upright with egress hatches free of water. Additional Details: here....

1962 Mid-August

First Apollo boilerplate command module, BP-25, delivered for water recovery and handling tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The first Apollo boilerplate command module, BP-25, was delivered to MSC for water recovery and handling tests. Flotation, water stability, and towing tests were conducted with good results. J. Thomas Markley of MSC described all spacecraft structural tests thus far as "successful."

1962 August 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

S-IV successfully static-fired for the first time - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. The second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle was successfully static-fired for the first time in a ten-second test at the Sacramento, Calif., facility by the Douglas Aircraft Company..

1962 August 17

Carl Sagan warned scientists of need for sterilization of lunar spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Carl Sagan, University of California astronomer, warned scientists at a lunar exploration conference, Blacksburg, Va., of the need for sterilization of lunar spacecraft and decontamination of Apollo crewmen, pointing out that Lunik II and Ranger IV probably had deposited terrestrial microorganisms on the moon. Even more serious, he said, was the possibility that lunar microorganisms might be brought to earth where they could multiply explosively.

1962 August 22

Length of the Apollo service module increased - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. The length of the Apollo service module was increased from 11 feet 8 inches to 12 feet 11 inches to provide space for additional fuel..

1962 August 22

Contractor for Apollo CM reaction controls changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. Responsibility for the design and manufacture of the reaction controls for the Apollo command module was shifted from The Marquardt Corporation to the Rocketdyne Division of NAA, with NASA concurrence..

1962 August

Effects of crew motions on Apollo attitude control negligible - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. An NAA study indicated that the effects of crew motions on spacecraft attitude control would be negligible..

1962 August

First tests incorporating data acquisition in the Apollo test program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. The first tests incorporating data acquisition in the Apollo test program were conducted at El Centro, Calif. They consisted of monitoring data returned by telemetry during a parachute dummy-load test..

1962 August

Revised NAA Objectives Document - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The revised NAA Summary Definitions and Objectives Document was released. This revision incorporated the lunar orbit rendezvous concept, without lunar excursion module integration, and a revised master phasing schedule, reflecting the deletion of the second-stage service module. The NAA Apollo Mission Requirements and Apollo Requirements Specifications were also similarly re-oriented and released.

1962 August

Basic Apollo CM airlock and docking design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
The establishment of a basic command module (CM) airlock and docking design criteria were discussed by NAA and NASA representatives. While NASA preferred a closed-hatch, one-man airlock system, NAA had based its design on an open-hatch, two-man airlock operation.
Another closed-hatch configuration under consideration would entirely eliminate the CM airlock. Astronauts transferring to and from the lunar excursion module would be in a pressurized environment constantly.

1962 August

Apollo launch escape control system eliminated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
The launch escape thrust-vector-control system was replaced by a passive system using a "kicker" rocket as directed by NASA at the June 10-11 design review meeting, The rocket would be mounted at the top of the launch escape system tower and fired tangentially to impart the necessary pitchover motion during the initial phase of abort. The main motor thrust was revised downward from 180, 000 to 155, 000 pounds and aligned 2.8 degrees off the center line. A downrange abort direction was selected; during abort the spacecraft and astronauts would rotate in a heels over head movement.

1962 August

Limited testing planned of fire hazards in pure oxygen atmosphere for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. A preliminary NAA report was completed on a literature search concerning fire hazards in 100 percent oxygen and oxygen-enriched atmospheres. This report showed that limited testing would be warranted..

1962 August

Decision to redesign Apollo command module fuel cell radiator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. A final decision was made by NAA to redesign the command module fuel cell radiator and associated tubing to accommodate a 30-psi maximum pressure drop. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Division agreed to redesign their pump for this level..

1962 August

Layouts of Apollo CM telescope installation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Layouts of a command module (CM) telescope installation in the unpressurized upper parachute compartment were completed by NAA. The concept was for the telescope to extend ten inches from the left side of the spacecraft. The light path would enter the upper bulkhead through the main display panel to an eyepiece presentation on the commander's side of the spacecraft. A static seal (one-half-inch-thick window) would be used to prevent leakage in the pressurized compartment. The installation was suitable for use in the lunar orbit rendezvous mission and would allow one man in the CM to accomplish docking with full visual control.

1962 August

Apollo design criteria for food reconstitution bags - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. NAA established design criteria for materials and processes used in food reconstitution bags. An order was placed for polypropylene material with a contoured mouthpiece. This material would be machined and then heat-fused to a thermoplastic bag..

1962 August

Details of the Apollo spacecraft described - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
Robert R. Gilruth, Director of MSC, presented details of the Apollo spacecraft at the Institute of the Aerospace Sciences meeting in Seattle, Wash. During launch and reentry, the three-man crew would be seated in adjacent couches; during other phases of flight, the center couch would be stowed to permit more freedom of movement. The Apollo command module cabin would have 365 cubic feet of volume, with 22 cubic feet of free area available to the crew: "The small end of the command module may contain an airlock; when the lunar excursion module is not attached, the airlock would permit a pressure-suited crewman to exit to free space without decompressing the cabin. Crew ingress and egress while on earth will be through a hatch in the side of the command module."

1962 August

Preliminary studies determine Apollo radiation instrument location - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Preliminary studies were made by NAA to determine radiation instrument location, feasibility of shadow-shielding, and methods of determining direction of incidence of radiation. Preliminary requirements were established for the number and location of detectors and for information display.

1962 August

Apollo command module waste management system analysis completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
The command module waste management system analysis, including a new selection valve, revised tubing lengths, odor removal filter, and three check valves, was completed by NAA for a 5 psia pressure. There was only a small change in the flow rates through the separate branches as a result of the change to 5 psia.

1962 August

Apollo CM high-altitude abort attitude orientation studies completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
NAA completed attitude orientation studies, including one on the control of a tumbling command module (CM) following high-altitude abort above 125,000 feet. The studies indicated that the CM stabilization and control system would be adequate during the reentry phase with the CM in either of the two possible trim configurations.

1962 August

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Structural requirements for Apollo lunar excursion module adapter established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NAA finished structural requirements for a lunar excursion module adapter mating the 154-inch diameter service module to the 260-inch diameter S-IVB stage..

1962 September 4

Interim Apollo flight operation plan for Fiscal Year 1963 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
An interim Apollo flight operation plan for Fiscal Year 1963, dated August 28, calling for funding of $489.9 million, was transmitted to NASA Headquarters from MSC. System requirements were under study to determine the feasibility of cost reduction to avoid schedule slippage.

1962 September 4

Nine industry proposals for the Apollo lunar excursion module received - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
Nine industry proposals for the lunar excursion module were received from The Boeing Company, Douglas Aircraft Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc., Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Martin-Marietta Corporation, Northrop Corporation, and Republic Aviation Corporation. NASA evaluation began the next day. Additional Details: here....

1962 September 5

Studies of Apollo unmanned logistic system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ULS.
Two three-month studies of an unmanned logistic system to aid astronauts on a lunar landing mission would be negotiated with three companies, NASA announced. Under a $150,000 contract, Space Technology Laboratories, Inc., would look into the feasibility of developing a general-purpose spacecraft into which varieties of payloads could be fitted. Under two $75,000 contracts, Northrop Space laboratories and Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation would study the possible cargoes that such a spacecraft might carry. NASA Centers simultaneously would study lunar logistic: trajectories, launch vehicle adaptation, lunar landing touchdown dynamics, scheduling, and use of roving vehicles on the lunar surface.

1962 September 5

Study of Apollo docking and crew transfer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Communications, LM ECS, LM Hatch, LM Source Selection.
Apollo Spacecraft Project Office requested NAA to perform a study of command module-lunar excursion module (CM-LEM) docking and crew transfer operations and recommend a preferred mode, establish docking design criteria, and define the CM-LEM interface. Both translunar and lunar orbital docking maneuvers were to be considered. The docking concept finally selected would satisfy the requirements of minimum weight, design and functional simplicity, maximum docking reliability, minimum docking time, and maximum visibility.
The mission constraints to be used for this study were :
- The first docking maneuver would take place as soon after S-IVB burnout as possible and hard docking would be within 30 minutes after burnout.
- The docking methods to be investigated would include but not be limited to free fly-around, tethered fly-around, and mechanical repositioning.
- The S-IVB would be stabilized for four hours after injection.
- There would be no CM airlock. Extravehicular access techniques through the LEM would be evaluated to determine the usefulness of a LEM airlock.
- A crewman would not be stationed in the tunnel during docking unless it could be shown that his field of vision, maneuverability, and communication capability would substantially contribute to the ease and reliability of the docking maneuver.
- An open-hatch, unpressurized CM docking approach would not be considered.
- The relative merit of using the CM environmental control system to provide initial pressurization of the LEM instead of the LEM environmental control system would be investigated.

1962 September 6

Apollo mockups, and boilerplates deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA deleted five Apollo mockups, three boilerplate spacecraft, and several ground support equipment items from the NAA contract because of funding limitations..

1962 September 7

Apollo boilerplate model BP-1 accepted by NASA - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Apollo command module boilerplate model BP-1 was accepted by NASA and delivered to the NAA Engineering Development Laboratory for land and water impact tests. On September 25, BP-1 was drop-tested with good results. Earth-impact attenuation and crew shock absorption data were obtained.

1962 Early September

Wooden mockup of Apollo command module received - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC reported that it had received a completed wooden mockup of the interior arrangement of the Apollo command module (CM). An identical mockup was retained at NAA for design control. Seven additional CM and service module (SM) mockups were planned: a partial SM and partial adapter interface, CM for exterior cabin equipment, complete SM, spacecraft for handling and transportation (two), crew support system, and complete CSM's. A mockup of the navigation and guidance equipment had been completed. A wooden mockup of the lunar excursion module exterior configuration was fabricated by NAA as part of an early study of spacecraft compatibility requirements.

1962 September 10

Apollo command module boilerplate model BP-3 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Apollo command module boilerplate model BP-3, showing the arrangement of the cabin interior, was shipped to MSC..

1962 September 10

Fire in a simulated Air Force space cabin - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Fire broke out in a simulated space cabin at the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, Tex., on the 13th day of a 14-day experiment to determine the effects of breathing pure oxygen in a long-duration space flight. One of the two Air Force officers was seriously injured. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. The experiment was part of a NASA program to validate the use of a 5 psia pure oxygen atmosphere for the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft.

1962 September 11

Apollo White Sands Missile Range space facility announced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
J. Thomas Markley, command and service module Project Officer at MSC, announced details of the space facility to be established by NASA at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). To be used in testing the Apollo spacecraft's propulsion and abort systems, the WSMR site facilities would include two static-test-firing stands, a control center blockhouse, various storage and other utility buildings, and an administrative services area.

1962 September 12

President Kennedy spoke at Rice University - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy spoke at Rice University, Houston, Tex., where he said:
"Man, in his quest for knowledge and progress, is determined and cannot be deterred. The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time, and no nation which expects to be the leader of other nations can expect to stay behind in this race for space. . . .
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.
"It is for these reasons that I regard the decision last year to shift our efforts in space from low to high gear as among the most important decisions that will be made during my incumbency in the office of the Presidency. . . ."

1962 September 21

Contract with Armour Research Foundation for investigation of conditions on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear, LM Source Selection.
NASA contracted with the Armour Research Foundation for an investigation of conditions likely to be found on the lunar surface. Research would concentrate first on evaluating the effects of landing velocity, size of the landing area, and shape of the landing object with regard to properties of the lunar soils. Earlier studies by Armour had indicated that the lunar surface might be composed of very strong material. Amour reported its findings during the first week of November.

1962 September 23-October 6

Deletion and improvement of equipment reduced the weight of the Apollo CSM by 1,239 pounds - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Television.
Deletion of non-critical equipment and improvement of existing systems reduced the weight of the command and service modules by 1,239 pounds, with a target reduction of 1,500 pounds.
Among the items deleted from the command module (CM) were exercise and recreation equipment, personal parachutes and parachute containers located in the couches, individual survival kits, solar radiation garments, and eight-ball displays. A telescope, cameras and magazines considered scientific equipment, and a television monitor were deleted from the CM instrumentation system.

1962 September 24

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

First Apollo Little Joe II launch to be for qualification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. General Dynamics/Convair recommended and obtained NASA's concurrence that the first Little Joe II launch vehicle be used for qualification, employing a dummy payload..

1962 September 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Plans for Apollo Mississippi Test Facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced that it had completed preliminary plans for the development of the $500-million Mississippi Test Facility. The first phase of a three-phase construction program would begin in 1962 and would include four test stands for static-firing the Saturn C-5 S-IC and S-II stages; about 20 support and service buildings would be built in the first phase. A water transportation system had been selected, calling for improvement of about 15 miles of river channel and construction of about 15 miles of canals at the facility. Additional Details: here....

1962 September

Reliability goal for the Apollo mission set at 90% - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC reported that the reliability goal for design purposes in the spacecraft Statement of Work for the Apollo mission was 0.9. The probability that the crew would not be subjected to conditions in excess of the stated limits was 0.9, and the probability that the crew would not be subjected to emergency limits was 0.999. The initial Work Statement apportionment for the lunar excursion module was 0.984 for mission success and 0.9995 for crew safety. Other major system elements would require reapportionment to reflect the lunar orbit mission.

1962 September

Apollo wind tunnel program in eighth month - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. The Apollo wind tunnel program was in its eighth month. To date, 2,800 hours of time had been used in 30 government and private facilities..

1962 September

External natural environment of the Apollo spacecraft reconsidered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The external natural environment of the Apollo spacecraft as defined in the December 18, 1961, Statement of Work had been used in the early Apollo design work. The micrometeoroid, solar proton radiation, and lunar surface characteristics were found to be most critical to the spacecraft design.

1962 September

Freeze-dried food for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
The freeze-dried food that would be used in the Gemini program would also be provided for the Apollo program. Forty-two pounds of food would be necessary for a 14-day lunar landing mission. Potable water would be supplied by the fuel cells and processed by the environmental control system. A one-day water supply of six pounds per man would be provided at launch as an emergency ration if needed before the fuel cells were fully operative.

1962 September

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo spacecraft weights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight.
The Apollo spacecraft weights had been apportioned within an assumed 90,000 pound limit. This weight was termed a "design allowable." A lower target weight for each module had been assigned. Achievement of the target weight would allow for increased fuel loading and therefore greater operational flexibility and mission reliability. The design allowable for the command module was 9,500 pounds; the target weight was 8,500 pounds. The service module design allowable was 11,500 pounds; the target weight was 11,000 pounds. The S-IVB adapter design allowable and target weight was 3,200 pounds. The amount of service module useful propellant was 40,300 pounds design allowable; the target weight was 37,120 pounds. The lunar excursion module design allowable was 25,500 pounds; the target weight was 24,500 pounds.

1962 September

Apollo lunar excursion module guidance system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC reported that the lunar excursion module guidance system was expected to use as many components as possible identical to those in the command and service modules. Studies at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory indicated that the changes required would simplify the computer and continue the use of the same inertial measurement unit and scanning telescope.

1962 September

Three fuel cells to supply power for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
MSC reported that the three liquid-hydrogen-liquid-oxygen fuel cells would supply the main and emergency power through the Apollo mission except for the earth reentry phase. Two of the fuel cells would carry normal electrical loads and one would supply emergency power. Performance predictions had been met and exceeded in single-cell tests. Complete module tests would begin during the next quarter. The liquid-hydrogen liquid-oxygen reactants for the fuel cell power supply were stored in the supercritical state in spherical pressure vessels. A recent decision had been made to provide heat input to the storage vessels with electrical heaters rather than the water-glycol loop. Three zinc-silver oxide batteries would supply power for all the electrical loads during reentry and during the brief periods of peak loads. One of the batteries was reserved exclusively for the postlanding phase. Eagle Picher Company, Joplin, Mo., had been selected in August as subcontractor for the batteries.

1962 September

Meteoroid test and ballistic ranges established for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
MSC reported that meteoroid tests and ballistic ranges had been established at the Ames Research Center, Langley Research Center, and NAA. These facilities could achieve only about one half of the expected velocity of 75,000 feet per second for the critical-sized meteoroid. A measured improvement in the capability to predict penetration would come from a test program being negotiated by NAA with General Motors Corporation, whose facility was capable of achieving particle velocities of 75,000 feet per second.

1962 September

Renovations required to support the Apollo earth recovery tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC reported that renovation of available buildings at the El Centro Joint Service Parachute Facility was required to support the Apollo earth recovery tests. The Air Force's commitment of a C-133A aircraft to support the qualification tests had been obtained.

1962 September

Tentative Apollo flight plan - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC outlined a tentative Apollo flight plan:

Pad abort:
Two tests to simulate an abort on the pad.
Saturn C-1:
Determine launch exit environment: SA-6 with SA-8 as backup. Flight- test the emergency detection system: SA-7, SA-9, and SA-10
Saturn C-1B:
Four launch vehicle development flights prior to the manned flight.
Saturn C-5:
Six unmanned Saturn C-5 launch vehicle development flights.
Additional Details: here....

1962 September

Structural design of the Apollo command module 65 percent complete - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Release of the structural design of the Apollo command module was 65 percent complete; 100 percent release was scheduled for January 1 963..

1962 September

Study program to define Apollo data processing requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MIT's Lincoln Laboratory began a study program to define Apollo data processing requirements and to examine the problems associated with the unified telecommunications system. The system would permit the use of the lunar mission transponder during near-earth operations and eliminate the general transmitters required by the current spacecraft concept, thus reducing weight, complexity, and cost of the spacecraft system.

1962 September

Apollo lunar excursion module systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The lunar excursion module was defined as consisting of 12 principal systems: guidance and navigation, stabilization and control, propulsion, reaction control, lunar touchdown, structure including landing and docking systems, crew, environmental control, electrical power, communications, instrumentation, and experimental instrumentation. A consideration of prime importance to practically all systems was the possibility of using components from Project Mercury or those under development for Project Gemini.

1962 September

Arnold facilities to be used for development of the Apollo reaction control and propulsion systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
MSC reported that Arnold Engineering Development Center facilities at Tullahoma, Tenn., were being scheduled for use in the development of the Apollo reaction control and propulsion systems. The use of the Mark I altitude chamber for environmental tests of the command and service modules was also planned.

1962 September

Apollo training requirements planning 40 percent complete - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC reported that Apollo training requirements planning was 40 percent complete. The preparation of specific materials would begin during the first quarter of 1964. The crew training equipment included earth launch and reentry, orbital and rendezvous, and navigation and trajectory control part-task trainers, which were special-purpose simulators. An early delivery would allow extensive practice for the crew in those mission functions where crew activity was time-critical and required development of particular skills. The mission simulators had complete mission capability, providing visual as well as instrument environments. Mission simulators would be located at MSC and at Cape Canaveral.

1962 October 1

Apollo pad abort boilerplate command module BP-6 scheduled for delivery by mid-April 1963 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. The pad abort boilerplate command module, BP-6, to qualify the launch escape system, was scheduled for delivery to White Sands Missile Range by mid-April 1963. A pad abort test of BP-6 was scheduled for May 15, 1963..

1962 October 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First full-duration static firing of the Apollo J-2 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocketdyne Division successfully completed the first full-duration (250-seconds) static firing of the J-2 engine..

1962 October 5

Contract to Hamilton Standard for development of a space suit for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
NASA signed a $l.55-million contract with Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft Corporation and International Latex Corporation for the development of a space suit for the Apollo crewmen. As the prime contractor, Hamilton Standard would have management responsibility for the overall program and would develop a life-support, backpack system to be worn by crewmen during lunar expeditions. International Latex Corporation as subcontractor would fabricate the suit, with Republic Aviation Corporation furnishing human factors information and environmental testing. The suit would allow a crewman greater mobility than previous space suits, enabling him to walk, climb, and bend with relative ease.

1962 October 10

Honeywell subcontract for Apollo stabilization and control system amended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. The Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company letter subcontract for the Apollo stabilization and control system was suspended by NAA and amended in accordance with the current design concepts,.

1962 October 16

Selection of the IBM to provide ground-based computer system for Projects Gemini and Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. NASA announced the selection of the International Business Machines Corporation to provide a ground-based computer system for Projects Gemini and Apollo. The computer complex would be part of the mission control center at MSC..

1962 October 22

Soviet lunar photographs analysed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Luna E-3.
The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory of the University of Arizona, directed by Gerard P. Kuiper, reported that its analysis of lunar photographs taken by Lunik III differed from that announced by Soviet scientists. The most extensive feature of the moon's far side, photographed in 1959, had been named "The Soviet Mountains"; this feature was identified by the Arizona laboratory as an elongated area of bright patches and rays, possibly flat. Another feature, named the "Joliot-Curie Crater" by Soviet scientists, was re-identified by the Arizona laboratory as Mare Novum (New Sea), first identified by German astronomer Julius Franz near the turn of the century.

1962 October 23

Gemini ground support equipment for Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. At the request of NASA, about 300 pieces of Gemini ground support equipment were examined by NAA engineers. It appeared that about 190 items would be usable on the Apollo program..

1962 October 24

Final manned lunar landing mode report - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy, Wiesner. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Mode Debate, LM Source Selection.
Faced by opposition of mode selection by Jerome Wiesner, Kennedy's science adviser, NASA let contracts to McDonnell and STL for direct two-man flight modes. Both concluded that it was feasible but would require LH2/LOX stages for descent and ascent from lunar surface, which NASA/STG adamantly opposed. This was also the last stab - for the time being - at 'lunar Gemini'.
The Office of Systems under NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight completed a manned lunar landing mode comparison embodying the most recent studies by contractors and NASA Centers. The report was the outgrowth of the decision announced by NASA on July 11 to continue studies on lunar landing modes while basing planning and procurement primarily on the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) technique. Additional Details: here....

1962 October 25

RCA to build the data acquisition and communications subsystem for Project Fire - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: FIRE. Republic Aviation Corporation selected the Radio Corporation of America to design and build the data acquisition and communications subsystem for Project Fire..

1962 October 26

New numbering system for flight missions of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Flight missions of the Apollo spacecraft were to be numerically identified in the future according to the following scheme :
Pad aborts: PA-1, PA-2, etc.
Missions using Little Joe II launch vehicles: A-001, A-002, etc. Missions using Saturn C-1 launch vehicles: A-101, A-102, etc. Missions using Saturn C-1B launch vehicles: A-201, A-202, etc. Missions using Saturn C-5 launch vehicles: A-501, A-502, etc.
The 'A' denoted Apollo, the first digit stood for launch vehicle type or series, and the last two digits designated the order of Apollo spacecraft flights within a vehicle series.

1962 October 30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract for production of the S-II stage signed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the signing of a contract with the Space and Information Systems Division of NAA for the development and production of the second stage (S-II) of the Saturn C-5 launch vehicle. The $319.9-million contract, under the direction of Marshall Space Flight Center, covered the production of nine live flight stages, one inert flight stage, and several ground-test units for the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. NAA had been selected on September 11, 1961, to develop the S-II.

1962 October 30

NASA management changes - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Dixon, Holmes, Brainard. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the realignment of functions under Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr. D. Brainerd Holmes assumed new duties as a Deputy Associate Administrator while retaining his responsibilities as Director of the Office of Manned Space Flight. NASA field installations engaged principally in manned space flight projects (Marshall Space Flight Center Manned Spacecraft Center, and Launch Operations Center) would report to Holmes; installations engaged principally in other projects (Ames, Langley, Lewis, and Flight Research Centers, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Wallops Station) would report to Thomas F. Dixon, Deputy Associate Administrator for the past year. Previously most field center directors had reported directly to Seamans on institutional matters beyond program and contractual administration.

1962 October 30

Apollo drogue parachutes wind tunnel tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the Manned Space Flight Management Council that the Apollo drogue parachutes would be tested in the Langley Research Center wind tunnels..

1962 October 31

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract for the S-IVB stage for use in the Saturn C- 1B - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that the Douglas Aircraft Company had been awarded a $2.25million contract to modify the S-IVB stage for use in the Saturn C- 1B program..

1962 October

Apollo personal communications system to have a duplex capability with a simplex backup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
The revised NAA recommendation for a personal communications system consisted of a duplex capability with a simplex backup. Simultaneous transmission of voice and biomedical data with a break-in capability would be possible. Two changes in spacecraft VHF equipment would be needed: a dual-channel in place of a single-channel receiver, and a diplexer for use during duplex operation.

1962 October

Proposed designs for Apollo view port covers prepared - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Proposed designs for view port covers on the crew-hatch window, docking ports, and earth landing windows were prepared by NAA. Design planning called for these port covers to be removed solely in the space environment. (Crew members would not use such windows during launch and reentry phases.) NAA,

1962 October

Apollo CM blowout emergency escape hatch not needed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
Elimination of the requirement for personal parachutes nullified consideration of a command module (CM) blowout emergency escape hatch. A set of quick-acting latches for the inward-opening crew hatch would be needed, however, to provide a means of egress following a forced landing. The latches would be operable from outside as well as inside the pressure vessel. Outside hardware for securing the ablative panel over the crew door would be required as well as a method of releasing the panel from inside the CM.

1962 October

Study proposed moving the crew and couches - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
An NAA study on the shift of the command module center of gravity during reentry proposed moving the crew and couches about ten inches toward the aft equipment bay and then repositioning them for landing impact.
A review of body angles used for the current couch geometry disclosed that the thigh-to-torso angle could be closed sufficiently for a brief period during reentry to shorten the overall couch length by the required travel along the Z-Z axis. The more acute angle was desirable for high g conditions. This change in the couch adjustment range, as well as a revision in the lower leg angle to gain structure clearance, would necessitate considerable couch redesign.

1962 October

Incandescent lamps to be used for the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
Incandescent lamps would be used for floodlighting the command module because they weighed less than fluorescent lamps and took up less space while increasing reliability and reducing system complexity. A 28- volt lamp was most desirable because of its compatibility with the spacecraft 28-volt dc power system. Laboratory tests with a 28-volt incandescent lamp showed that heat dissipation would not be a problem in the vacuum environment but that a filament or shock mount would have to be developed to withstand vibration. An incandescent quartz lamp was studied because of its small size and high concentration of light.

1962 October

Gemini fuel cell for the lunar excursion module studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
The feasibility of using the Gemini fuel cell for the lunar excursion module was studied by NAA. However, because of modifications to meet Apollo control and auxiliary requirements, the much lighter Gemini system would ultimately weigh about as much as the Apollo fuel cell. In addition, the Gemini fuel cell schedule would slip if the system had to be adapted to the Apollo mission.

1962 October

Valves of the Apollo CM environmental control system modified for 5.0 psia oxygen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The valves of the command module (CM) environmental control system were modified to meet the 5.0 psia oxygen operating requirements. All oxygen partial pressure controls were deleted from the system and the relief pressure setting of 7 +/- 0.2 psia was changed to 6 +/- 0.2 psia. The CM now could be repressurized from 0 to 5.0 psia in one hour.

1962 October

Preliminary design for the deployment of the Apollo spacecraft deep space antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NAA completed a preliminary design for the deployment of the spacecraft deep space instrumentation facility antenna to the Y axis. The antenna would be shifted into the deploy position by actuation of a spring-loaded swing-out arm..

1962 October

Study of Apollo reentry temperatures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
NAA completed a study of reentry temperatures. Without additional cooling, space suit inlet temperatures were expected to increase from 50 degrees F at 100,000 feet to 90 degrees F at spacecraft parachute deployment. The average heat of the command module inner wall was predicted not to exceed 75 degrees F at parachute deployment and 95 degrees F on landing, but then to rise to nearly 150 degrees F.

1962 October

New launch escape tower configuration designed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
A new launch escape tower configuration with an internal structure that would clear the launch escape motor exhaust plume at 30,000 feet was designed and analyzed by NAA. Exhaust impingement was avoided by slanting the diagonal members in the upper bay toward the interior of the tower and attaching them to a ring.

1962 October

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Technique for separating the Apollo command and service modules during an abort - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
The technique tentatively selected by NAA for separating the command and service modules from lower stages during an abort consisted of firing four 2000-pound-thrust posigrade rockets mounted on the service module adapter. With this technique, no retrorockets would be needed on the S-IV or S-IVB stages. Normal separation from the S-IVB would be accomplished with the service module reaction control system.

1962 October 31

NAA completed the firm-cost proposal for the definitive Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NAA completed the firm-cost proposal for the definitive Apollo program and submitted it to NASA. MSC had reviewed the contract package and negotiated a program plan position with NAA..

1962 October

Digital computer program for calculating Apollo command module loads - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Recovery. An NAA digital computer program for calculating command module heatshield and couch system loads and landing stability was successful. Results showed that a five-degree negative-pitch attitude was preferable for land landings..

1962 First Week

Lunar surface might not be covered with dust layers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Source Selection.
The Amour Research Foundation reported to NASA that the surface of the moon might not be covered with layers of dust. The first Armour studies showed that dust particles become harder and denser in a higher vacuum environment such as that of the moon, but the studies had not proved that particles eventually become bonded together in a rocket substance as the vacuum increases.

1962 November 2

Preliminary design of Apollo CM crew accessories and survival equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. NAA completed the release of the layout and preliminary design of command module crew accessories and survival equipment..

1962 November 3

Hot spots on the moon were discovered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Four "hot spots" on the moon were reported to have been discovered by Bruce C. Murray and Robert L. Wildey of California Institute of Technology, using a new telescope with a heat-sensitive, gold-plated mirror to detect infrared radiation. The two space scientists speculated that hot spots could indicate large areas of bare rock exposed on the lunar surface. The spots were discovered during a survey of the moon which also revealed that the lunar surface became colder at night than previously believed, -270 degrees F compared to -243 degrees F recorded by earlier heat measuring devices. Murray said the new evidence could mean that there were prominences of heat-retaining rock protruding through a thick dust layer on the lunar surface.

1962 November 5

Walls of the Apollo spacecraft to provide most of the radiation shielding required for the crew - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. William L. Gill, Chief of Crew Systems Division's Radiation Branch, MSC, said that the walls of the Apollo spacecraft would provide most of the radiation shielding required for the crew. Astronauts would have special shielding devices only for their eyes..

1962 November 7

Selection of Grumman to build the Apollo lunar excursion module - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Source Selection.
NASA announced that the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation had been selected to build the lunar excursion module of the three-man Apollo spacecraft under the direction of MSC. The contract, still to be negotiated, was expected to be worth about $350 million, with estimates as high as $1 billion by the time the project would be completed. Additional Details: here....

1962 November 8

Dryden describes America's commitment to Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
"Not one or two men will make the landing on the moon, but, figuratively, the entire Nation." That is how NASA's Deputy Administrator, Hugh L. Dryden, described America's commitment to Apollo during a speech in Washington, D.C. "What we are buying in our national space program," Dryden said, "is the knowledge, the experience, the skills, the industrial facilities, and the experimental hardware that will make the United States first in every field of space exploration. . . . The investment in space progress is big and will grow, but the potential returns on the investment are even larger. And because it concerns us all, scientific progress is everyone's responsibility. Every citizen should understand what the space program really is about and what it can do."

1962 November 9

Raytheon contracted for the Apollo spacecraft guidance computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. The Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) and the Raytheon Company came to terms on the definitive contract for the Apollo spacecraft guidance computer..

1962 November 13

Westinghouse to build power conversion units for the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
North American Aviation, Inc., selected the Aerospace Electrical Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation to build the power conversion units for the command module (CM) electrical system. The units would convert direct current from the fuel cells to alternating current.

1962 November 15

Firings of the prototype Apollo service propulsion engine completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
The Aerojet-General Corporation reported completion of successful firings of the prototype service propulsion engine. The restartable engine, with an ablative thrust chamber, reached thrusts up to 21,500 pounds. (Normal thrust rating for the service propulsion engine is 20,500.)

1962 November 17

Four injured when an electrical spark ignited a fire in a Navy altitude chamber - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
Four Navy officers were injured when an electrical spark ignited a fire in an altitude chamber, near the end of a 14-day experiment at the U.S. Navy Air Crew Equipment Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pa. The men were participating in a NASA experiment to determine the effect on humans of breathing pure oxygen for 14 days at simulated altitudes.

1962 November 19

Negotiations on the lunar excursion module (Apollo LEM) contract begin - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Source Selection.
About 100 Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation and MSC representatives began seven weeks of negotiations on the lunar excursion module (LEM) contract. After agreeing on the scope of work and on operating and coordination procedures, the two sides reached fiscal accord. Negotiations were completed on January 3, 1963. Eleven days later, NASA authorized Grumman to proceed with LEM development.

1962 November 19

Requirements for the Apollo CSM stabilization and control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. North American defined requirements for the command and service modules (CSM) stabilization and control system..

1962 November 20

Invitations to ten firms to submit bids for a manned spaceflight control center at Houston - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA invited ten industrial firms to submit bids by December 7 for a contract to build a control center at MSC and to integrate ground operational support systems for Apollo and the rendezvous phases of Gemini. On January 28, 1963, NASA announced that the contract had been awarded to the Philco Corporation, a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company.

1962 November 23

Ground instrumentation support for the near-earth phases of the Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A Goddard Space Flight Center report summarizing recommendations for ground instrumentation support for the near-earth phases of the Apollo missions was forwarded to the Apollo Task Group of the NASA Headquarters Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition (OTDA). This report presented a preliminary conception of the Apollo network.
The tracking network would consist of stations equipped with 9-meter (30foot) antennas for near-earth tracking and communications and of stations having 26-meter (85-foot) antennas for use at lunar distances. A unified S-band system, capable of receiving and transmitting voice, telemetry, and television on a single radio-frequency band, was the basis of the network operation.
On March 12, 1963, during testimony before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Edmond C. Buckley, Director of OTDA, described additional network facilities that would be required as the Apollo program progressed. Three Deep Space Instrumentation Facilities with 26-meter (85- foot) antennas were planned: Goldstone, Calif. (completed); Canberra, Australia (to be built); and a site in southern Europe (to be selected). Three new tracking ships and special equipment at several existing network stations for earth-orbit checkout of the spacecraft would also be needed.

1962 November 26

Inflight practice at orbital maneuvering said to be essential for lunar missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
At a news conference in Cleveland, Ohio, during the 10-day Space Science Fair there, NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden stated that inflight practice at orbital maneuvering was essential for lunar missions. He believed that landings would follow reconnaissance of the moon by circumlunar and near- lunar-surface flights.

1962 November 27

Location for third DSIF discussed. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC officials met with representatives of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the NASA Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition (OTDA). They discussed locating the third Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF) in Europe instead of at a previously selected South African site. JPL had investigated several European sites and noted the communications gap for each. MSC stated that a coverage gap of up to two hours was undesirable but not prohibitive. JPL and OTDA agreed to place the European station where the coverage gap would be minimal or nonexistent. However, the existence of a communications loss at a particular location would not be an overriding factor against a site which promised effective technical and logistic support and political stability. MSC agreed that this was a reasonable approach.

1962 November 27

Negotiations between NASA and North American on the Apollo spacecraft development contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the Manned Space Flight (MSF) Management Council that formal negotiations between NASA and North American on the Apollo spacecraft development contract would begin in January 1963. He further informed the council that the design release for all Apollo systems, with the exception of the space suit, was scheduled for mid-1963; the suit was scheduled for January 1964.

1962 November 27

Contract to Ling-Temco-Vought to develop the velocity package for Project Fire - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: FIRE.
NASA awarded a $2.56 million contract to Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc. (LTV), to develop the velocity package for Project Fire, to simulate reentry from a lunar mission. An Atlas D booster would lift an instrumented payload (looking like a miniature Apollo CM) to an altitude of 122,000 meters (400,000 feet). The velocity package would then fire the reentry vehicle into a minus 15 degree trajectory at a velocity of 11,300 meters (37,000 feet) per second. On December 17, Republic Aviation Corporation, developer of the reentry vehicle, reported that design was 95 percent complete and that fabrication had already begun.

1962 November 27

Sketch of the space suit assembly to be worn on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, LM Communications, LM ECS.
MSC released a sketch of the space suit assembly to be worn on the lunar surface. It included a portable life support system which would supply oxygen and pressurization and would control temperature, humidity, and air contaminants. The suit would protect the astronaut against solar radiation and extreme temperatures. The helmet faceplate would shield him against solar glare and would be defrosted for good visibility at very low temperatures. An emergency oxygen supply was also part of the assembly.
Four days earlier, MSC had added specifications for an extravehicular suit communications and telemetry (EVSCT) system to the space suit contract with Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft Corporation. The EVSCT system included equipment for three major operations:
1. Full two-way voice communication between two astronauts on the lunar surface, using the transceivers in the LEM and CM as relay stations.
2. Redundant one-way voice communication capability between any number of suited astronauts.
3. Telemetry of physiological and suit environmental data to the LEM or CM for relay to earth via the S- band link.
(The EVSCT contract was awarded to International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) Corporation's Kellogg Division).

1962 November 27

Mating the Apollo portable life support system to the ILC space suit configuration discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Representatives of Hamilton Standard and International Latex Corporation (ILC) met to discuss mating the portable life support system to the ILC space suit configuration. As a result of mockup demonstrations and other studies, over-the-shoulder straps similar to those in the mockup were substituted for the rigid "horns."

1962 November

First Apollo CM inertial reference integrating gyro - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors Corporation assembled the first CM inertial reference integrating gyro (IRIG) for final tests and calibration. Three IRIGs in the CM navigation and guidance system provided a reference from which velocity and attitude changes could be sensed. Delivery of the unit was scheduled for February 1963.

1962 November

New heatshield design for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. Extensive material and thermal property tests indicated that a Fiberglas honeycomb matrix bonded to the steel substructure was a promising approach for a new heatshield design for the CM..

1962 November

Motorola to produce the Apollo spacecraft S-band transponder - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
Collins Radio Company selected Motorola, Inc., Military Electronics Division, to develop and produce the spacecraft S-band transponder. The transponder would aid in tracking the spacecraft in deep space; also, it would be used to transmit and receive telemetry signals and to communicate between ground stations and the spacecraft by FM voice and television links. The formal contract with Motorola was awarded in mid-February 1963.
Also, Collins awarded a contract to the Leach Corporation for the development of command and service module (CSM) data storage equipment. The tape recorders must have a five-hour capacity for collection and storage of data, draw less than 20 watts of power, and be designed for in-flight reel changes.

1962 November

Contract for wind tunnel tests of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC awarded a $222,000 contract to the Air Force Systems Command for wind tunnel tests of the Apollo spacecraft at its Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma, Tenn..

1962 November

Changes in the layout of the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Recovery.
North American made a number of changes in the layout of the CM:
- Putting the lithium hydroxide canisters in the lower equipment bay and food stowage compartments in the aft equipment bay.
- Regrouping equipment in the left-hand forward equipment bay to make pressure suit disconnects easier to reach and to permit a more advanced packaging concept for the cabin heat exchanger.
- Moving the waste management control panel and urine and chemical tanks to the right-hand equipment bay.
- Revising the aft compartment control layout to eliminate the landing impact attenuation system and to add tie rods for retaining the heatshield.
- Preparing a design which would incorporate the quick release of the crew hatch with operation of the center window (drawings were released, and target weights and criteria were established).
- Redesigning the crew couch positioning mechanism and folding capabilities.
- Modifying the footrests to prevent the crew's damaging the sextant.

1962 November

Problems with the Apollo CM's aerodynamic characteristics - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
North American reported several problems involving the CM's aerodynamic characteristics; their analysis of CM dynamics verified that the spacecraft could - and on one occasion did - descend in an apex-forward attitude. The CM's landing speed then exceeded the capacity of the drogue parachutes to reorient the vehicle; also, in this attitude, the apex cover could not be jettisoned under all conditions. During low-altitude aborts, North American went on, the drogue parachutes produced unfavorable conditions for main parachute deployment.

1962 November

Study of Apollo CSM-LEM transposition and docking - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM RCS, LM Weight.
North American completed a study of CSM-LEM transposition and docking. During a lunar mission, after the spacecraft was fired into a trajectory toward the moon, the CSM would separate from the adapter section containing the LEM. It would then turn around, dock with the LEM, and pull the second vehicle free from the adapter. The contractor studied three methods of completing this maneuver: free fly-around, tethered fly- around, and mechanical repositioning. Of the three, the company recommended the free fly-around, based on NASA's criteria of minimum weight, simplicity of design, maximum docking reliability, minimum time of operation, and maximum visibility.
Also investigated was crew transfer from the CM to the LEM, to determine the requirements for crew performance and, from this, to define human engineering needs. North American concluded that a separate LEM airlock was not needed but that the CSM oxygen supply system's capacity should be increased to effect LEM pressurization.
On November 29, North American presented the results of docking simulations, which showed that the free flight docking mode was feasible and that the 45-kilogram (100-pound) service module (SM) reaction control system engines were adequate for the terminal phase of docking. The simulations also showed that overall performance of the maneuver was improved by providing the astronaut with an attitude display and some form of alignment aid, such as probe.

1962 December 3

Photographic equipment needed for Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The MSC Apollo Spacecraft Project Office (ASPO) outlined the photographic equipment needed for Apollo missions. This included two motion picture cameras (16- and 70-mm) and a 35-mm still camera. It was essential that the camera, including film loading, be operable by an astronaut wearing pressurized gloves. On February 25, 1963, NASA informed North American that the cameras would be government furnished equipment.

1962 December 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Four firms to design the Apollo Vertical Assembly Building (VAB) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, acting for NASA, awarded a $3.332 million contract to four New York architectural engineering firms to design the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB) at Cape Canaveral. The massive VAB became a space-age hangar, capable of housing four complete Saturn V launch vehicles and Apollo spacecraft where they could be assembled and checked out. The facility would be 158.5 meters (520 feet high) and would cost about $100 million to build. Subsequently, the Corps of Engineers selected Morrison-Knudson Company, Perini Corp., and Paul Hardeman, Inc., to construct tile VAB.

1962 December 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First test of the Apollo main parachute system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first test of the Apollo main parachute system, conducted at the Naval Air Facility, El Centro, Calif., foreshadowed lengthy troubles with the landing apparatus for the spacecraft. One parachute failed to inflate fully, another disreefed prematurely, and the third disreefed and inflated only after some delay. No data reduction was possible because of poor telemetry. North American was investigating.

1962 December 5

General Electric Policy Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The General Electric Policy Review Board, established by the MSF Management Council, held its first meeting. On February 9, the General Electric Company (GE) had been selected by NASA to provide integration analysis (including booster-spacecraft interface), ensure reliability of the entire space vehicle, and develop and operate a checkout system. The Policy Review Board was organized to oversee the entire GE Apollo effort.

1962 December 5

Spacesuited astronaut use of Apollo navigation equipment studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
At a meeting held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Instrumentation Laboratory, representatives of MIT, MSC, Hamilton Standard Division, and International Latex Corporation examined the problem of an astronaut's use of optical navigation equipment while in a pressurized suit with helmet visor down. MSC was studying helmet designs that would allow the astronaut to place his face directly against the helmet visor; this might avoid an increase in the weight of the eyepiece. In February 1963, Hamilton Standard recommended adding corrective devices to the optical system rather than adding corrective devices to the helmet or redesigning the helmet. In the same month, ASPO set 52.32 millimeters 2.06 inches as the distance of the astronaut's eye away from the helmet. MIT began designing a lightweight adapter for the navigation instruments to provide for distances of up to 76.2 millimeters (3 inches).

1962 December 8

North American released the Request For Proposals on the Apollo mission simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
With NASA's concurrence, North American released the Request For Proposals on the Apollo mission simulator. A simulated CM, an instructor's console, and a computer complex now supplanted the three part- task trainers originally planned. An additional part-task trainer was also approved. A preliminary report describing the device had been submitted to NASA by North American. The trainer was scheduled to be completed by March 1964.

1962 December 10

Selection of lunar orbit rendezvous for Apollo explained to Kennedy - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Mode Debate.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb, in a letter to the President, explained the rationale behind the Agency's selection of lunar orbit rendezvous (rather than either direct ascent or earth orbit rendezvous) as the mode for landing Apollo astronauts on the moon. Arguments for and against any of the three modes could have been interminable: "We are dealing with a matter that cannot be conclusively proved before the fact," Webb said. "The decision on the mode . . . had to be made at this time in order to maintain our schedules, which aim at a landing attempt in late 1967."

1962 December 11

First static firing of the Apollo tower jettison motor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. The first static firing of the Apollo tower jettison motor, under development by Thiokol Chemical Corporation, was successfully performed..

1962 December 11

Apollo LEM docking study authorized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. NASA authorized North American's Columbus, Ohio, Division to proceed with a LEM docking study..

1962 December 12

Approaches for sea-markers to indicate the location of the Apollo spacecraft after a water landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
Northrop Corporation's Ventura Division, prime contractor for the development of sea-markers to indicate the location of the spacecraft after a water landing, suggested three possible approaches:
1. A shotgun shell type that would dispense colored smoke.
2. A floating, controlled-rate dispenser (described as an improvement on the current water-soluble binder method).
3. A floating panel with relatively permanent fluorescent qualities.
Northrop Ventura recommended the first method, because it would produce the strongest color and size contrast and would have the longest life for its weight.

1962 December 13

Vacuum chamber required at Florida to test Apollo spacecraft systems during prelaunch checkout - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. MSC officials, both in Houston and at the Preflight Operations Division at Cape Canaveral, agreed on a vacuum chamber at the Florida location to test spacecraft systems in a simulated space environment during prelaunch checkout..

1962 December 15

First working model of the Apollo CM crew couch was demonstrated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
The first working model of the crew couch was demonstrated during an inspection of CM mockups at North American. As a result, the contractor began redesigning the couch to make it lighter and simpler to adjust. Design investigation was continuing on crew restraint systems in light of the couch changes. An analysis of acceleration forces imposed on crew members during reentry at various couch back and CM angles of attack was nearing completion.

1962 December 18

Apollo spacecraft atmosphere of pure oxygen at 5 psia acceptable - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the MSF Management Council that tests by Republic Aviation Corporation, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine SAM at Brooks Air Force Base, Tex., and the U.S. Navy Air Crew Equipment Laboratory (ACEL) at Philadelphia, Pa., had established that, physiologically, a spacecraft atmosphere of pure oxygen at 3.5 newtons per square centimeter (five pounds per square inch absolute (psia)) was acceptable. During the separate experiments, about 20 people had been exposed to pure oxygen environments for periods of up to two weeks without showing adverse effects. Two fires had occurred, one on September 10 at SAM and the other on November 17 at ACEL. The cause in both cases was faulty test equipment. On July 11, NASA had ordered North American to design the CM for 3.5 newtons per square centimeter (5-psia), pure-oxygen atmosphere.

1962 December 20

Apollo LEM's descent engine might create a dust storm on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. MSC prognosticated that, during landing, exhaust from the LEM's descent engine would kick up dust on the moon's surface, creating a dust storm. Landings should be made where surface dust would be thinnest..

1962 December 21

Apollo CM boilerplate (BP) 3 delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery. North American delivered CM boilerplate (BP) 3, to Northrop Ventura, for installation of an earth-landing system. BP-3 was scheduled to undergo parachute tests at El Centro, Calif., during early 1963..

1962 December 26

Honeywell submitted proposal for the Apollo stabilization and control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. The Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company submitted to North American cost proposal and design specifications on the Apollo stabilization and control system, based upon the new Statement of Work drawn up on December 17..

1962 December 28

Radiation to develop the Apollo CM telemetry system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
North American selected Radiation, Inc., to develop the CM pulse code modulation (PCM) telemetry system. The PCM telemetry would encode spacecraft data into digital signals for transmission to ground stations. The $4.3 million contract was officially announced on February 15, 1963.

1962 December 28

First test firings of the Apollo CM reaction control engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. North American's Rocketdyne Division completed the first test firings of the CM reaction control engines..

1962 December 28

Static fireing of launch escape system pitch-control motors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. Lockheed Propulsion Company successfully static fired four launch escape system pitch-control motors. In an off-the-pad or low-altitude abort, the pitch-control motor would fix the trajectory of the CM after its separation from the launch vehicle..

1962 December

General arrangement of the Apollo CM instrument panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. MSC reported that the general arrangement of the CM instrument panel had been designed to permit maximum manual control and flight observation by the astronauts..

1962 December

Project Apollo lunar landing mission design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC prepared the Project Apollo lunar landing mission design. This plan outlined ground rules, trajectory analyses, sequences of events, crew activities, and contingency operations. It also predicted possible planning changes in later Apollo flights..

1962 December

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Convair contract negotiations for the Apollo Little Joe II launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA and General Dynamics/Convair (GD/C) began contract negotiations on the Little Joe II launch vehicle, which was used to flight-test the Apollo launch escape system. The negotiated cost was nearly $6 million. GD/C had already completed the basic structural design of the vehicle.

1962 December

Operational factors in Apollo water and land landings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
MSC Flight Operations Division examined the operational factors involved in Apollo water and land landings. Analysis of some of the problems leading to a preference for water landing disclosed that:
- Should certain systems on board the CM fail, the spacecraft could land as far as 805 kilometers 500 miles from the prime recovery area. This contingency could be provided for at sea, but serious difficulties might be encountered on land.
- Because Apollo missions might last as long as two weeks, weather forecasting for the landing zone probably would be unreliable.
- Hypergolic fuels were to remain on board the spacecraft through landing. During a landing at sea, the bay containing the tanks would flood and seawater would neutralize the liquid fuel or fumes from damaged tanks. On land, the possibility of rupturing the tanks was greater and the danger of toxic fumes and fire much more serious.
- Should the CM tumble during descent, the likelihood of serious damage to the spacecraft was less for landings on water.
- On land, obstacles such as rocks and trees might cause serious damage to the spacecraft.
- The spacecraft would be hot after reentry. Landing on water would cool the spacecraft quickly and minimize ventilation problems.
- The requirements for control during reentry were less stringent in a sea landing, because greater touchdown dispersions could be allowed.
- Since the CM must necessarily be designed for adequate performance in a water landing all aborts during launch and most contingencies required a landing at sea , the choice of water as the primary landing surface could relieve some constraints in spacecraft design.

1962 December

Contract for Apollo CSM C-band transponder to American Car and Foundry - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
The contract for the development and production of the CSM C-band transponder was awarded to American Car and Foundry Industries, Inc., by Collins Radio Company. The C-band transponder was used for tracking the spacecraft. Operating in conjunction with conventional, earth-based, radar equipment, it transmitted response pulses to the Manned Space Flight Network,

1962 - During the last quarter

Grumman agreed to use existing Apollo components and subsystems in the LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Grumman agreed to use existing Apollo components and subsystems, where practicable, in the LEM This promised to simplify checkout and maintenance of spacecraft systems..

1962 December

Static firings of the Apollo launch escape motor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. North American reported three successful static firings of the launch escape motor. The motor would pull the CM away from the launch vehicle if there were an abort early in a mission..

1962 December

Reliability-crew safety design reviews for the Apollo CM environmental control system (ECS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
In the first of a series of reliability-crew safety design reviews on all systems for the CM, North American examined the spacecraft's environmental control system (ECS). The Design Review Board approved the overall ECS concept, but made several recommendations for further refinement. Among these were:
- The ECS should be made simpler and the system's controls should be better marked and located.
- Because of the pure oxygen environment, all flammable materials inside the cabin should be eliminated.
- Sources of possible atmospheric contamination should be further reviewed, with emphasis upon detecting and controlling such toxic gases inside the spacecraft.

1963 January 2

Contract for large vacuum chambers for Apollo testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC awarded a $3.69 million contract to the Radio Corporation of America
RCA Service Company to design and build two vacuum chambers at MSC. The facility was used in astronaut training and spacecraft environmental testing. using carbon arc: lamps, the chambers simulated the sun's intensity, permitting observation of the effects of solar heating encountered on a lunar mission. At the end of July, MSC awarded RCA another contract (worth $3,341,750) for these solar simulators.

1963 January 8

Existing C-band tracking radars to be modified to increase range for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
After studying the present radar coverage provided by ground stations for representative Apollo trajectories, North American recommended that existing C-band radars be modified to increase ranging limits. The current capability for tracking to 920 kilometers (500 nautical miles), while satisfactory for near-earth trajectories, was wholly inadequate for later Apollo missions. Tracking capability should be extended to 59,000 kilometers (32,000 nautical miles), North American said; and to improve tracking accuracy, transmitter power and receiver sensitivity should be increased.

1963 January 8

NASA's contract with Bellcomm for systems engineering support described - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Joseph F. Shea, Director of the Office of Systems in NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF), briefed MSC officials on the nature and scope of NASA's contract with Bellcomm for systems engineering support. Also, Shea familiarized them with the organization and operation of the Office of Systems vis-a-vis Bellcomm. (Bellcomm, a separate corporation formed by American Telephone and Telegraph and Western Electric early in 1962, specifically at NASA's request, furnished engineering support to the overall Apollo program.) Bellcomm's studies, either in progress or planned, included computer support, environmental hazards, mission safety and reliability, communications and tracking, trajectory analyses, and lunar surface vehicles.

1963 January 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Unmanned Apollo spacecraft to be flown on Saturn C-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC and OMSF agreed that an unmanned Apollo spacecraft must be flown on the Saturn C-1 before a manned flight. SA-10 was scheduled to be the unmanned flight and SA-111, the first manned mission..

1963 January 16

Three Apollo operational procedures for the first phase of descent from lunar orbit analyzed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
The MSC Flight Operations Division's Mission Analysis Branch analyzed three operational procedures for the first phase of descent from lunar orbit:
1. The first was a LEM-only maneuver. The LEM would transfer to an orbit different from that of the CSM but with the same period and having a pericynthion of 15,240 meters (50,000 feet). After one orbit and reconnaissance of the landing site, the LEM would begin descent maneuvers.
2. The second method required the entire spacecraft (CSM/LEM) to transfer from the initial circular orbit to an elliptical orbit with a pericynthion of 15,240 meters (50,000 feet).
3. The third technique involved the LEM's changing from the original 147-kilometer (80-nautical-mile) circular orbit to an elliptic orbit having a pericynthion of 15,240 meters (50,000 feet). The CSM, in turn, would transfer to an elliptic orbit with a pericynthion of 65 kilometers (30 nautical miles). This would enable the CSM to keep the LEM under observation until the LEM began its descent to the lunar surface.
Comparisons of velocity changes and fuel requirements for the three methods showed that the second technique would use much more fuel than the others and, therefore, was not recommended for further consideration.
(Apocynthion and pericynthion are the high and low points, respectively, of an object in orbit around the moon (as, for example, a spacecraft sent from earth). Apolune and perilune also refer to these orbital parameters, but these latter two words apply specifically to an object launched from the moon itself.)

1963 January 16-February 15

Airborne Instruments Laboratory contracted for Apollo CM recovery antenna system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. North American awarded Airborne Instruments Laboratory, a division of Cutler-Hammer, Inc., a contract for the CM recovery antenna system. NAA,.

1963 January 16-February 15

Apollo CM reentry heating rates discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Representatives of North American, Langley Research Center, Ames Research Center, and MSC discussed CM reentry heating rates. They agreed on estimates of heating on the CM blunt face, which absorbed the brunt of reentry, but afterbody heating rates were not as clearly defined. North American was studying Project Mercury flight data and recent Apollo wind tunnel tests to arrive at revised estimates.

1963 January 17

Digital up-data link for Gemini acceptable for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications, Gemini.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., of MSC's Flight Operations Division (FOD), advised ASPO that the digital up-data link being developed for the Gemini program appeared acceptable for Apollo as well. In late October 1962, representatives of FOD and ASPO had agreed that an independent up-data link a means by which the ground could feed current information to the spacecraft's computer during a mission was essential for manned Apollo flights. Kraft proposed that the Gemini-type link be used for Apollo as well, and on June 13 MSC ordered North American to include the device in the CM.

1963 January 17

President Kennedy sent his budget request for Fiscal Year 1964 to Congress - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy sent his budget request for Fiscal Year 1964 to Congress. The President recommended a NASA appropriation of $5.712 billion, $3.193 billion of which was for manned space flight. Apollo received a dramatic increase - $1.207 billion compared with $435 million the previous year. NASA Administrator James E. Webb nonetheless characterized the budget, about half a billion dollars less than earlier considered, as one of "austerity." While it would not appreciably speed up the lunar landing timetable, he said, NASA could achieve the goal of placing a man on the moon within the decade.

1963 January 18

Contract to Bell for two Apollo lunar landing research vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
NASA's Flight Research Center (FRC) announced the award of a $3.61 million contract to Bell Aerosystems Company of Bell Aerospace Corporation for the design and construction of two manned lunar landing research vehicles. The vehicles would be able to take off and land under their own power, reach an altitude of about 1,220 meters (4,000 feet), hover, and fly horizontally. A fan turbojet engine would supply a constant upward push of five-sixths the weight of the vehicle to simulate the one-sixth gravity of the lunar surface. Tests would be conducted at FRC.

1963 January 18

Two aerodynamic strakes added to Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM LES.
Two aerodynamic strakes were added to the CM to eliminate the danger of a hypersonic apex-forward trim point on reentry. (During a high-altitude launch escape system (LES) abort, the crew would undergo excessive g forces if the CM were to trim apex forward. During a low-altitude abort, there was the potential problem of the apex cover not clearing the CM. The strakes, located in the yaw plane, had a maximum span of one foot and resulted in significant weight penalties. Additional Details: here....

1963 January 23

Hamilton Standard space suit contract amended to include communications and telemetry - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. The Hamilton Standard space suit contract was amended to include supplying space suit communications and telemetry equipment..

1963 January 24

Crew mobility evaluation of the ILC Apollo pressure suit conducted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
The first evaluation of crew mobility in the International Latex Corporation (ILC) pressure suit was conducted at North American to identify interface problems. Three test subjects performed simulated flight tasks inside a CM mockup. CM spatial restrictions on mobility were shown. Problems involving suit sizes, crew couch dimensions, and restraint harness attachment, adjustment, and release were appraised. Numerous items that conflicted with Apollo systems were noted and passed along to ILC for correction in the continuing suit development program.

1963 January 26

New assignments for the seven original astronauts - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Armstrong, Borman, Carpenter, Conrad, Cooper, Glenn, Grissom, Lovell, McDivitt, Schirra, See, Shepard, Slayton, Stafford, White, Young. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC announced new assignments for the seven original astronauts: L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., and Alan B. Shepard, Jr., would be responsible for the remaining pilot phases of Project Mercury; Virgil I. Grissom would specialize in Project Gemini; John H. Glenn, Jr., would concentrate on Project Apollo; M. Scott Carpenter would cover lunar excursion training; and Walter M. Schirra, Jr., would be responsible for Gemini and Apollo operations and training. As Coordinator for Astronaut Activities, Donald K. Slayton would maintain overall supervision of astronaut duties.
Specialty areas for the second generation were: trainers and simulators, Neil A. Armstrong; boosters, Frank Borman; cockpit layout and systems integration, Charles Conrad, Jr.; recovery system, James A. Lovell, Jr.; guidance and navigation, James A. McDivitt; electrical, sequential, and mission planning, Elliot M. See, Jr.; communications, instrumentation, and range integration, Thomas P. Stafford; flight control systems, Edward H. White II; and environmental control systems, personal equipment, and survival equipment, John W. Young.

1963 January 28

Conference on the Apollo LEM electrical power system (EPS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Following a technical conference on the LEM electrical power system (EPS), Grumman began a study to define the EPS configuration. Included was an analysis of EPS requirements and of weight and reliability for fuel cells and batteries. Total energy required for the LEM mission, including the translunar phase, was estimated at 61.3 kilowatt-hours. Upon completion of this and a similar study by MSC, Grumman decided upon a three-cell arrangement with an auxiliary battery. Capacity would be determined when the EPS load analysis was completed.

1963 January 28

Philco prime contractor for the Mission Control Center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced the selection of the Philco Corporation as prime contractor for the Mission Control Center (MCC) at MSC. To be operational in mid-1964, MCC would link the spacecraft with ground controllers at MSC through the worldwide tracking network..

1963 January 30

Selection of four companies as major Apollo LEM subcontractors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM ECS, LM RCS.
Grumman and NASA announced the selection of four companies as major LEM subcontractors:
1. Rocketdyne for the descent engine
2. Bell Aerosystems Company for the ascent engine
3. The Marquardt Corporation for the reaction control system
4. Hamilton Standard for the environmental control system

1963 January

Contract to Chance Vought for study of guidance of the Apollo LEM in a lunar landing abort - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC awarded a contract to Chance Vought Corporation for a study of guidance system techniques for the LEM in an abort during lunar landing..

1963 February 1

Location of earth landing sites for Gemini and Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Walter C. Williams, MSC's Associate Director, defined the Center's criteria on the location of earth landing sites for Gemini and Apollo spacecraft: site selection as well as mode of landing (i.e., land versus water) for each mission should be considered separately. Constraints on trajectory, landing accuracy, and landing systems must be considered, as well as lead time needed to construct landing area facilities. Both Gemini and Apollo flight planning had to include water as well as land landing modes.Although the Apollo earth landing system was designed to withstand the shock of coming down on varying terrains, some experience was necessary to verify this capability. Because of the complexity of the Apollo mission and because the earth landing system did not provide a means of avoiding obstacles, landing accuracy was even more significant for Apollo than for Gemini. With so many variables involved, Williams recommended that specific landing locations for future missions not be immediately designated.

1963 February 1

Apollo CM heatshield development program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
NASA authorized North American to extend until June 10 the CM heatshield development program. This gave the company time to evaluate and recommend one of the three ablative materials still under consideration. The materials were subjected to tests of thermal performance, physical and mechanical properties, and structural compatibility with the existing heatshield substructure. North American sought also to determine the manufacturing feasibility of placing the materials in a Fiberglas honeycomb matrix bonded to a steel substructure.

1963 February 6

Full-scale firings of redesigned Apollo service propulsion engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. Aerojet-General Corporation, Sacramento, Calif., began full-scale firings of a service propulsion engine with a redesigned injector baffle..

1963 February 7

Simplified terminology for the Saturn booster series - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced a simplified terminology for the Saturn booster series: Saturn C-1 became "Saturn I," Saturn C-1B became "Saturn IB," and Saturn C-5 became "Saturn V.".

1963 February 8

Definitive contract let to Raytheon Company for command module (Apollo CM) onboard digital computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC issued a definitive contract for $15,029,420 to the Raytheon Company, Space and Information Systems Division, to design and develop the CM onboard digital computer. The contract was in support of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which was developing the Apollo guidance and navigation systems. Announcement of the contract was made on February 11.

1963 February 11

The first inertial reference integrating gyro for Apollo was accepted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. The first inertial reference integrating gyro produced by AC Spark Plug was accepted by NASA and delivered to the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory..

1963 February 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Marion Power Shovel selected to build the Saturn V crawler-transport - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA selected the Marion Power Shovel Company to design and build the crawler-transport, a device to haul the Apollo space vehicle (Saturn V, complete with spacecraft and associated launch equipment) from the Vertical Assembly Building to the Merritt Island, Fla., launch pad, a distance of about 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles). The crawler would be 39.6 meters (130 feet) long, 35 meters (115 feet) wide, and 6 meters (20 feet) high, and would weight 2.5 million kilograms (5.5 million pounds). NASA planned to buy two crawlers at a cost of $4 to 5 million each. Formal negotiations began on February 20 and the contract was signed on March 29.

1963 February 13

Reorganization of Apollo SPO - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Caldwell, Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance.
In a reorganization of ASPO, MSC announced the appointment of two deputy managers. Robert O. Piland, deputy for the LEM, and James L. Decker, deputy for the CSM, would supervise cost, schedule, technical design, and production. J. Thomas Markley was named Special Assistant to the Apollo Manager, Charles W. Frick. Also appointed to newly created positions were Caldwell C. Johnson, Manager, Spacecraft Systems Office, CSM; Owen E. Maynard, Acting Manager, Spacecraft Systems Office, LEM; and David W. Gilbert, Manager, Spacecraft Systems Office, Guidance and Navigation.

1963 February 13

Discussions with Rocketdyne on a throttleable Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Grumman began discussions with Rocketdyne on the development of a throttleable LEM descent engine. Engine specifications (helium injected, 10:1 thrust variation) had been laid down by MSC..

1963 February 15

North American Apollo impact test facility completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
The North American Apollo impact test facility at Downey, Calif., was completed. This facility consisted mainly of a large pool with overhead framework and mechanisms for hydrodynamic drop tests of the CM. Testing at the facility began with the drop of boilerplate 3 on March 11.

1963 February 18

Bell to provide propellant tanks for the Apollo CSM reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
North American selected Bell Aerosystems Company to provide propellant tanks for the CSM reaction control system. These tanks were to be the "positive expulsion" type (i.e., fuel and oxidizer would be contained inside flexible bladder; pressure against one side of the device would force the propellant through the RCS lines).

1963 February 18

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Definitive contract let to General Dynamics/Convair for the Little Joe II test vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA issued a definitive contract for $6,322,643 to General Dynamics Convair for the Little Joe II test vehicle. A number of changes defined by contract change proposals were incorporated into the final document:
- Four instead of five vehicles to be manufactured and delivered
- Launching from White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), N.M., instead of Cape Canaveral
- Additional support equipment, better definition of vehicle design, and responsibility for launch support.

1963 February 19

Apollo CM boilerplate 19 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. North American shipped CM boilerplate 19 to Northrop Ventura for use as a parachute test vehicle..

1963 February 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn engine-out capability investigated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
At a meeting of the MSC-MSFC Flight Mechanics Panel, it was agreed that Marshall would investigate "engine-out" capability (i.e., the vehicle's performance should one of its engines fail) for use in abort studies or alternative missions. Not all Saturn I, IB, and V missions included this engine-out capability. Also, the panel decided that the launch escape system would be jettisoned ten seconds after S-IV ignition on Saturn I launch vehicles.

1963 February 20

NASA reorganized the Office of Manned Space Flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard, Rosen, Milton, Shea. Program: Apollo.
In a reorganization of OMSF, Director D. Brainerd Holmes appointed Joseph F. Shea as Deputy Director for Systems and George M. Low as Deputy Director for Programs. All major OMSF directorates had previously reported directly to Holmes. In the new organizational structure, Director of Systems Studies William A. Lee, Director of Systems Engineering John A. Gautraud, and Director of Integration and Checkout James E. Sloan would report to Shea. Director of Launch Vehicles Milton W. Rosen, Director of Space Medicine Charles H. Roadman, and the Director of Spacecraft and Flight Missions (then vacant) would report to Low. William E. Lilly, Director of Administration, would provide administrative support in both major areas.

1963 February 21

MSC issued a Request for Proposals (due by March 13) for a radiation altimeter system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC issued a Request for Proposals (due by March 13) for a radiation altimeter system. Greater accuracy than that provided by available radar would be needed during the descent to the lunar surface, especially in the last moments before touchdown. Preliminary MSC studies had indicated the general feasibility of an altimeter system using a source-detector-electronics package. After final selection and visual observation of the landing site, radioactive material would be released at an altitude of about 30 meters 100 feet and allowed to fall to the surface. The detector would operate in conjunction with electronic circuitry to compute the spacecraft's altitude. Studies were also under way at MSC on the possibility of using laser beams for range determination.

1963 February 24-March 23

Lunar Surface Experiments Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. The MSC Lunar Surface Experiments Panel held its first meeting. This group was formed to study and evaluate lunar surface experiments and the adaptability of Surveyor and other unmanned probes for use with manned missions..

1963 February 25

Batteries independent of the main electrical system in the Apollo CM to fire all pyrotechnics - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. MSC ordered North American to provide batteries, wholly independent of the main electrical system in the CM, to fire all pyrotechnics aboard the spacecraft..

1963 February 25

Talks with Bell on development of the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Grumman began initial talks with the Bell Aerosystems Company on development of the LEM ascent engine. Complete specifications were expected by March 2..

1963 February 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Formal contract with Boeing for the S-IC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the signing of a formal contract with The Boeing Company for the S-IC (first stage) of the Saturn V launch vehicle, the largest rocket unit under development in the United States. The $418,820,967 agreement called for the development and manufacture of one ground test and ten flight articles. Preliminary development of the S-IC, which was powered by five F-1 engines, had been in progress since December 1961 under a $50 million interim contract. Booster fabrication would take place primarily at the Michoud Operations Plant, New Orleans, La., but some advance testing would be done at MSFC and the Mississippi Test Operations facility.

1963 February 26

Apollo centrifuge facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator. NASA selected Ford, Bacon, and Davis, Inc., to design MSC's flight acceleration facility, including a centrifuge capable of spinning a simulated CM and its crew at gravity forces equal to those experienced in space flight..

1963 February 26

Orbital constraints on Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Guidance.
Two aerospace technologists at MSC, James A. Ferrando and Edgar C. Lineberry, Jr., analyzed orbital constraints on the CSM imposed by the abort capability of the LEM during the descent and hover phases of a lunar mission. Their study concerned the feasibility of rendezvous should an emergency demand an immediate return to the CSM.
Ferrando and Lineberry found that, once abort factors are considered, there exist "very few" orbits that are acceptable from which to begin the descent. They reported that the most advantageous orbit for the CSM would be a 147-kilometer (80-nautical-mile) circular one.

1963 February 27

Elgin subcontract for central timing equipment for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
Elgin National Watch Company received a subcontract from North American for the design and development of central timing equipment for the Apollo spacecraft. (This equipment provided time-correlation of all spacecraft time-sensitive events. Originally, Greenwich Mean Time was to be used to record all events, but this was later changed.

1963 February 27

Apollo Mission Planning Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The Apollo Mission Planning Panel held its organizational meeting at MSC. The panel's function was to develop the lunar landing mission design, coordinate trajectory analyses for all Saturn missions, and develop contingency plans for all manned Apollo missions.
Membership on the panel included representatives from MSC, MSFC, NASA Headquarters, North American, Grumman, and MIT, with other NASA Centers being called on when necessary. By outlining the most accurate mission plan possible, the panel would ensure that the spacecraft could satisfy Apollo's anticipated mission objectives. Most of the panel's influence on spacecraft design would relate to the LEM, which was at an earlier stage of development than the CSM. The panel was not given responsibility for preparing operational plans to be used on actual Apollo missions, however.

1963 February 27

Alternate Apollo LEM descent propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Aviation Daily reported an announcement by Frank Canning, Assistant LEM Project Manager at Grumman, that a Request for Proposals would be issued in about two weeks for the development of an alternate descent propulsion system. Because the descent stage presented what he called the LEM's "biggest development problem," Canning said that the parallel program was essential.

1963 February

PACE program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA amended the GE contract, authorizing the company's Apollo Support Department to proceed with the PACE program. PACE (prelaunch automatic checkout equipment) would be used for spacecraft checkout. It would be computer-directed and operated by remote control.

1963 February

One-tenth scale model of the Apollo LEM for stage separation tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
Grumman began fabrication of a one-tenth scale model of the LEM for stage separation tests. In launching from the lunar surface, the LEM's ascent engine fires just after pyrotechnic severance of all connections between the two stages, a maneuver aptly called "fire in the hole."
Also, Grumman advised that, from the standpoint of landing stability, a five-legged LEM was unsatisfactory. Under investigation were a number of landing gear configurations, including retractable legs.

1963 March 4

Apollo solid parachute from Pioneer Parachute - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
As a parallel to the existing Northrop Ventura contract, and upon authorization by NASA, North American awarded a contract for a solid parachute program to the Pioneer Parachute Company. (A solid parachute is one with solid (unbroken) gores; the sole opening in the canopy is a vent at the top. Ringsail parachutes (used on the Northrop Ventura recovery system) have slotted gores. In effect, each panel formed on the gores becomes a "sail.")

1963 March 4

Discussions with Hamilton Standard on Apollo LEM environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. Grumman began initial discussions with Hamilton Standard on the development of the LEM environmental control system..

1963 March 4

Amphibious landing craft to retrieve Apollo boilerplate spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC "acquired" under a loan agreement an amphibious landing craft from the Army. Equipment to retrieve Apollo boilerplate spacecraft and other objects used in air drops and flotation tests was installed. The vessel, later named the Retriever, arrived at its Seabrook, Tex., docking facility late in June.

1963 March 5

American agreement with Australia to build new tracking stations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced an American agreement with Australia, signed on February 26, that permitted the space agency to build and operate several new tracking stations "down under." A key link in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's network of Deep Space Instrumentation Facilities would be constructed in Tidbinbilla Valley, 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of Canberra. Equipment at this site included a 26-meter (85-foot) parabolic dish antenna and electronic equipment for transmitting, receiving, and processing radio signals from spacecraft. Tracking stations would be built also at Carnarvon and Darwin.

1963 March 5

Contract to Perkin-Elmer for an Apollo carbon dioxide measurement system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC awarded a $67,000 contract to The Perkin-Elmer Corporation to develop a carbon dioxide measurement system, a device to measure the partial carbon dioxide pressure within the spacecraft's cabin. Two prototype units were to be delivered to MSC for evaluation. About seven months later, a $249,000 definitive contract for fabrication and testing of the sensor was signed.

1963 March 5

Disadvantages of the land recovery mode for Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The Mission Analysis Branch (MAB) of MSC's Flight Operations Division cited the principal disadvantages of the land recovery mode for Apollo missions. Of primary concern was the possibility of landing in an unplanned area and the concomitant dangers involved. For water recovery, the main disadvantages were the establishment of suitable landing areas in the southern hemisphere and the apex-down flotation problem. MAB believed no insurmountable obstacles existed for either approach.

1963 March 6

First Block I Apollo pulsed integrating pendulum accelerometer delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
The first Block I Apollo pulsed integrating pendulum accelerometer, produced by the Sperry Gyroscope Company, was delivered to the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. (Three accelerometers were part of the guidance and navigation system. Their function was to sense changes in spacecraft velocity.)

1963 March 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

North American completed Apollo boilerplate (BP) 9 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
North American completed construction of Apollo boilerplate (BP) 9, consisting of launch escape tower and CSM. It was delivered to MSC on March 18, where dynamic testing on the vehicle began two days later. On April 8, BP-9 was sent to MSFC for compatibility tests with the Saturn I launch vehicle.

1963 March 7

Report on power sources for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman representatives presented their technical study report on power sources for the LEM. They recommended three fuel cells in the descent stage (one cell to meet emergency requirements), two sets of fluid tanks, and two batteries for peak power loads. For industrial competition to develop the power sources, Grumman suggested Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and GE for the fuel cells, and Eagle-Picher, Electrical Storage Battery, Yardney, Gulton, and Delco-Remy for the batteries.

1963 March 8

Apollo CM boilerplate (BP) 6 moved to the Apollo Test Preparation Interim Area at Downey - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
North American moved CM boilerplate (BP) 6 from the manufacturing facilities to the Apollo Test Preparation Interim Area at Downey, Calif. During the next several weeks, BP-6 was fitted with a pad adapter, an inert launch escape system, and a nose cone, interstage structure, and motor skirt.

1963 March 10

Grumman presented its first monthly progress report on the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman presented its first monthly progress report on the LEM. In accordance with NASA's list of high-priority items, principal engineering work was concentrated on spacecraft and subsystem configuration studies, mission plans and test program investigations, common usage equipment surveys, and preparation for implementing subcontractor efforts.

1963 March 11

Contract talks with Marquardt for Apollo LEM reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS. Grumman began early contract talks with the Marquardt Corporation for development of the LEM reaction control system..

1963 March 11

First Apollo LM fire-in-the-hole model test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Grumman completed its first "fire-in-the-hole" model test. Even though preliminary data agreed with predicted values, they nonetheless planned to have a support contractor, the Martin Company, verify the findings..

1963 March 11

Definitive contract formalized for the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA announced signing of the contract with Grumman for development of the LEM. Company officials had signed the document on January 21 and, following legal reviews, NASA Headquarters had formally approved the agreement on March 7. Under the fixed-fee contract (NAS 9-1100) ($362.5 million for costs and $25.4 million in fees) Grumman was authorized to design, fabricate, and deliver nine ground test and 11 flight vehicles. The contractor would also provide mission support for Apollo flights. MSC outlined a developmental approach, incorporated into the contract as "Exhibit B, Technical Approach," that became the "framework within which the initial design and operational modes" of the LEM were developed.

1963 March 13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First long-duration static test of Saturn SA-5 first stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first stage of the Saturn SA-5 launch vehicle was static fired at MSFC for 144.44 seconds in the first long-duration test for a Block II S-1. The cluster of eight H-1 engines produced 680 thousand kilograms (1.5 million pounds) of thrust. An analysis disclosed anomalies in the propulsion system. In a final qualification test two weeks later, when the engines were fired for 143.47 seconds, the propulsion problems had been corrected.

1963 March 14

Bidders' conference for Apollo LEM mechanically throttled descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM RCS.
A bidders' conference was held at Grumman for a LEM mechanically throttled descent engine to be developed concurrently with Rocketdyne's helium injection descent engine. Corporations represented were Space Technology Laboratories; United Technology Center, a division of United Aircraft Corporation; Reaction Motors Division, Thiokol Chemical Corporation; and Aerojet-General Corporation. Technical and cost proposals were due at Grumman on April 8.

1963 March 14

Unmanned lunar orbiter spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
Homer E. Newell, Director of NASA's Office of Space Sciences, summarized results of studies by Langley Research Center and Space Technology Laboratories on an unmanned lunar orbiter spacecraft. These studies had been prompted by questions of the reliability and photographic capabilities of such spacecraft. Both studies indicated that, on a five-shot program, the probability was 0.93 for one and 0.81 for two successful missions; they also confirmed that the spacecraft would be capable of photographing a landed Surveyor to assist in Apollo site verification.

1963 March 20

Bellcomm testified before a House Committee - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
John A. Hornbeck, president of Bellcomm, testified before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight concerning the nature and scope of Bellcomm's support for NASA's Apollo program. In answer to the question as to how Bellcomm would decide "which area would be the most feasible" for a lunar landing, Hornbeck replied, ". . . the safety of the landing - that will be the paramount thing." He said that his company was studying a number of likely areas, but would "not recommend a specific site at the moment." Further, "Preliminary studies . . . suggest that the characteristics of a 'good' site for early exploration might be (1) on a lunar sea, (2) 10 miles (16 kilometers) from a continent, and (3) 10 miles (16 kilometers) from a postmarial crater." This type of site, Hornbeck said, would permit the most scientific activity practicable, and would enable NASA's planners to design future missions for even greater scientific returns.

1963 March 21

Philco contract to provide flight control display equipment for Apollo Mission Control - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC awarded the Philco Corporation a definitive contract (worth almost $33.8 million) to provide flight information and flight control display equipment (with the exception of the realtime computer complex) for the Mission Control Center at MSC. NASA Headquarters approved the contract at the end of the month.

1963 March 25

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

First Little Joe II completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
General Dynamics Convair completed structural assembly of the first launcher for the Little Joe II test program. During the next few weeks, electrical equipment installation, vehicle mating, and checkout were completed. The launcher was then disassembled and delivered to WSMR on April 25, 1963.

1963 March 25-31

North American analyzed lighting conditions in the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
North American analyzed lighting conditions in the CM and found that glossy or light-colored garments and pressure suits produced unsatisfactory reflections on glass surfaces. A series of tests were planned to define the allowable limits of reflection on windows and display panel faces to preclude interference with crew performance.

1963 March 26-28

Meeting to define Apollo CM-space suit interface problem areas - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A meeting was held at North American to define CM-space suit interface problem areas. Demonstrations of pressurized International Latex suits revealed poor crew mobility and task performance inside the CM, caused in part by the crew's unavoidably interfering with one another.
Other items received considerable attention: A six-foot umbilical hose would be adequate for the astronaut in the CM. The location of spacecraft water, oxygen, and electrical fittings was judged satisfactory, as were the new couch assist handholds. The astronaut's ability to operate the environmental control system (ECS) oxygen flow control valve while couched and pressurized was questionable. Therefore, it was decided that the ECS valve would remain open and that the astronaut would use the suit control valve to regulate the flow. It was also found that the hand controller must be moved about nine inches forward.

1963 March 26

Beginning of Apollo CM environmental control system tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC announced the beginning of CM environmental control system tests at the AiResearch Manufacturing Company simulating prelaunch, ascent, orbital, and reentry pressure effects. Earlier in the month, analysis had indicated that the CM interior temperature could be maintained between 294 K (70 degrees F) and 300 K (80 degrees F) during all flight operations, although prelaunch temperatures might rise to a maximum of 302 K (84 degrees F).

1963 March 26

ITT to manufacture a prototype Apollo extravehicular suit telemetry and communications system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Hamilton Standard Division awarded a contract to ITT/Kellogg for the design and manufacture of a prototype extravehicular suit telemetry and communications system to be used with the portable life support system..

1963 March 27

Firm requirements for the lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The Apollo Mission Planning Panel set forth two firm requirements for the lunar landing mission. First, both LEM crewmen must be able to function on the lunar surface simultaneously. MSC contractors were directed to embody this requirement in the design and development of the Apollo spacecraft systems. Second, the panel established duration limits for lunar operations. These limits, based upon the 48-hour LEM operation requirement, were 24 hours on the lunar surface and 24 hours in flight on one extreme, and 45 surface hours and 3 flight hours on the other. Grumman was directed to design the LEM to perform throughout this range of mission profiles.

1963 - During the second quarter

Stowage of crew equipment in both the Apollo CM and LEM worked out - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Structural.
MSC reported that stowage of crew equipment, some of which would be used in both the CM and the LEM, had been worked out. Two portable life support systems and three pressure suits and thermal garments were to be stowed in the CM. Smaller equipment and consumables would be distributed between modules according to mission phase requirements.

1963 - During the second quarter

Revised angles for the crew couch in the Apollo CM considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
To provide a more physiologically acceptable load factor orientation during reentry and abort, MSC was considering revised angles for the crew couch in the CM. To reduce the couch's complexity, North American had proposed adjustments which included removable calf pads and a movable head pad.

1963 - During the second quarter

Preliminary plans for Apollo scientific instrumentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC reported that preliminary plans for Apollo scientific instrumentation had been prepared with the cooperation of NASA Headquarters, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Goddard Space Flight Center. The first experiments would not be selected until about December 1963, allowing scientists time to prepare proposals. Prime consideration would be given to experiments that promised the maximum return for the least weight and complexity, and to those that were man-oriented and compatible with spacecraft restraints. Among those already suggested were seismic devices (active and passive), and instruments to measure the surface bearing strength, magnetic field, radiation spectrum, soil density, and gravitational field. MSC planned to procure most of this equipment through the scientific community and through other NASA and government organizations.

1963 March

MSC sent MIT and Grumman radar configuration requirements for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance.
MSC sent MIT and Grumman radar configuration requirements for the LEM. The descent equipment would be a three-beam doppler radar with a two-position antenna. Operating independently of the primary guidance and navigation system, it would determine altitude, rate of descent, and horizontal velocity from 7,000 meters (20,000 feet) above the lunar surface. The LEM rendezvous radar, a gimbaled antenna with a two-axis freedom of movement, and the rendezvous transponder mounted on the antenna would provide tracking data, thus aiding the LEM to intercept the orbiting CM. The SM would be equipped with an identical rendezvous radar and transponder.

1963 March

Preliminary design specifications for the Apollo LEM communications system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
Grumman met with representatives of North American, Collins Radio Company, and Motorola, Inc., to discuss common usage and preliminary design specifications for the LEM communications system. These discussions led to a simpler design for the S-band receiver and to modifications to the S-band transmitter (required because of North American's design approach).

1963 March

Study on ablative versus regenerative cooling for the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
RCA completed a study on ablative versus regenerative cooling for the thrust chamber of the LEM ascent engine. Because of low cooling margins available with regenerative cooling, Grumman selected the ablative method, which permitted the use of either ablation or radiation cooling for the nozzle extension.

1963 March

Allison to fabricate the Apollo SM fuel and oxidizer tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. North American selected two subcontractors to build tankage for the SM: Allison Division of General Motors Corporation to fabricate the fuel and oxidizer tanks; and Airite Products, Inc., those for helium storage..

1963 April 1

Grumman began Lunar Hover and Landing Simulation IIIA tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
Grumman began "Lunar Hover and Landing Simulation IIIA," a series of tests simulating a LEM landing. Crew station configuration and instrument panel layout were representative of the actual vehicle.
Through this simulation, Grumman sought primarily to evaluate the astronauts' ability to perform the landing maneuver manually, using semiautomatic as well as degraded attitude control modes. Other items evaluated included the flight control system parameters, the attitude and thrust controller configurations, the pressure suit's constraint during landing maneuvers, the handling qualities and operation of LEM test article 9 as a freeflight vehicle, and manual abort initiation during the terminal landing maneuver.

1963 April 3

Preference for a fixed Apollo CM crew couch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
At a North American design review, NASA representatives expressed a preference for a fixed CM crew couch. This would have the advantages of simplified design, elimination of couch adjustments by the crew, and better placement of the astronauts to withstand reentry loads. NASA authorized North American to adopt the concept following a three-week study by the company to determine whether a favorable center of gravity could be achieved without a movable couch.
Use of the fixed couch required relocation of the main and side display panels and repositioning of the translational and rotational hand controllers. During rendezvous and docking operations, the crew would still have to adjust their normal body position for proper viewing.

1963 April 3

Charles W Frick resigned as Apollo ASPO Manager - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Charles W. Frick resigned as ASPO Manager and Robert O. Piland was named Acting ASPO Manager..

1963 April 10

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Phase I of the range's launch complex completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Wesley E. Messing, MSC WSMR Operations Manager, notified NASA, North American, and General Dynamics/Convair (GD/C) that Phase I of the range's launch complex was completed. GD/C and North American could now install equipment for the launch of boilerplate 6 and the Little Joe II vehicle.

1963 April 10

Link to build Apollo lunar mission simulators - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
North American awarded a $9.5 million letter contract to the Link Division of General Precision, Inc., for the development and installation of two spacecraft simulators, one at MSC and the other at the Launch Operations Center. Except for weightlessness, the trainers would simulate the entire lunar mission, including sound and lighting effects.

1963 April 16-May 15

Simmonds Precision build electronic propellant gauge for Apollo service propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
North American chose Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., to design and build an electronic measurement and display system to gauge the service propulsion system propellants. Both a primary and a backup system were required by the contract, which was expected to cost about 2 million.

1963 April 16-May 15

Changes in Apollo boilerplate 22 LES test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. On the basis of wind tunnel tests and analytical studies, North American recommended a change in the planned test of the launch escape system (LES) using boilerplate 22. . Additional Details: here....

1963 April 16-May 15

North American simplified the Apollo CM water management system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
North American simplified the CM water management system by separating it from the freon system. A 4.5- kilogram (10-pound) freon tank was installed in the left-hand equipment bay. Waste water formed during prelaunch and boost, previously ejected overboard, could now be used as an emergency coolant. The storage capacity of the potable water tank was reduced from 29 to 16 kilograms (64 to 36 pounds) and the tank was moved to the lower equipment bay to protect it from potential damage during landing. These and other minor changes caused a reduction in CM weight and an increase in the reliability of the CM's water management system.

1963 April 17

Preliminary configuration freeze for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
At a mechanical systems meeting at MSC, customer and contractor achieved a preliminary configuration freeze for the LEM. Several features of the design of the two stages were agreed upon:

Descent
four cylindrical propellant tanks (two oxidizer and two fuel); four- legged deployable landing gear
Ascent
a cylindrical crew cabin (about 234 centimeters (92 inches) in diameter) and a cylindrical tunnel (pressurized) for equipment stowage; an external equipment bay.
Additional Details: here....

1963 April 18

Contract for solid propellant motors for the Apollo launch escape system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. North American signed a 6 million definitive contract with Lockheed Propulsion Company for the development of solid propellant motors for the launch escape system. Work on the motors had begun on February 13, 1962, when Lockheed was selected..

1963 April 25-26

Apollo spacecraft landing and recovery procedures reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
At ASPO's request, Wayne E. Koons of the Flight Operations Division visited North American to discuss several features of spacecraft landing and recovery procedures. Koon's objective, in short, was to recommend a solution when ASPO and the contractor disagreed on specific points, and to suggest alternate courses when the two organizations agreed. A question had arisen about a recovery hoisting loop. Neither group wanted one, as its installation added weight and caused design changes. In another area, North American wanted to do an elaborate study of the flotation characteristics of the CM. Koons recommended to ASPO that a full-scale model of the CM be tested in an open-sea environment.
There were a number of other cases wherein North American and ASPO agreed on procedures which simply required formal statements of what would be done. Examples of these were:
- Spacecraft reaction control fuel would be dumped before landing (in both normal and abort operations)
- The "peripheral equipment bay" would be flooded within 10 minutes after landing
- Location aids would be dye markers and recovery antennas.

1963 April

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

NASA and General Dynamics/Convair (GD/C) negotiated a second Little Joe II launch vehicle contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA and General Dynamics/Convair (GD/C) negotiated a second Little Joe II launch vehicle contract. For an additional $337,456, GD/C expanded its program to include the launch of a qualification test vehicle before the scheduled Apollo tests. This called for an accelerated production schedule for the four launch vehicles and their pair of launchers. An additional telemetry system and an instrumentation transmitter system were incorporated in the qualification test vehicle, which was equipped with a simulated payload. At the same time, NASA established earlier launch dates for the first two Apollo Little Joe II missions.

1963 April 30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Earth parking orbit requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Spacecraft Mission Trajectory Sub-Panel discussed earth parking orbit requirements for the lunar mission. The maximum number of orbits was fixed by the S-IVB's 4.5-hour duration limit. Normally, translunar injection (TLI) would be made during the second orbit. The panel directed North American to investigate the trajectory that would result from injection from the third, or contingency, orbit. The contractor's study must reckon also with the effects of a contingency TLI upon the constraints of a free return trajectory and fixed lunar landing sites.

1963 April

Experiments simulating the impact of micrometeoroids on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
NASA issued a technical note reporting that scientists at Ames Research Center Hypervelocity Ballistic Range, Moffett Field, Calif., were conducting experiments simulating the impact of micrometeoroids on the lunar surface. The experimenters examined the threat of surface debris, called secondary ejecta, that would be thrown from resultant craters. Data indicated that secondary particles capable of penetrating an astronaut's space suit nearly equaled the number of primary micrometeoroids. Thus the danger of micrometeoroid impact to astronauts on the moon may be almost double what was previously thought.

1963 April

Grumman studies on common usage of Apollo CSM/LM communications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Television, LM Communications, LM Television. Grumman reported to MSC the results of studies on common usage of communications. Television cameras for the two spacecraft would be identical; the LEM transponder would be as similar as possible to that in the CSM..

1963 April

Apollo LEM reaction control system (RCS) to be equipped with dual interconnected tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
Grumman recommended that the LEM reaction control system (RCS) be equipped with dual interconnected tanks, separately pressurized and employing positive expulsion bladders. The design would provide for an emergency supply of propellants from the main ascent propulsion tanks. The RCS oxidizer to fuel ratio would be changed from 2.0:1 to 1.6:1. MSC approved both of these changes.

1963 May 1

Rocketdyne gvien go ahead for Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Grumman reported that it had advised North American's Rocketdyne Division to go ahead with the lunar excursion module descent engine development program. Negotiations were complete and the contract was being prepared for MSC's review and approval. The go-ahead was formally issued on May 2.

1963 May 2

CM television camera made compatible with that in the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Television, LM Television.
NASA, North American, Grumman, and RCA representatives determined the alterations needed to make the CM television camera compatible with that in the LEM: an additional oscillator to provide synchronization, conversion of operating voltage from 115 AC to 28 DC, and reduction of the lines per frame from 400 to 320.

1963 May 3

Qualification drop test series for the earth landing system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
At El Centro, Calif., Northrop Ventura conducted the first of a series of qualification tests for the Apollo earth landing system (ELS). The test article, CM boilerplate 3, was dropped from a specially modified Air Force C-133. The test was entirely successful. The ELS's three main parachutes reduced the spacecraft's rate of descent to about 9.1 meters (30 feet) per second at impact, within acceptable limits.

1963 May 6

Apollo LEM manual control simulated - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Armstrong, Carpenter, Conrad, McDivitt, Schirra, See, White, Young. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Simulator.
Astronauts M. Scott Carpenter, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Neil A. Armstrong, James A. McDivitt, Elliot M. See, Jr., Edward H. White II, Charles Conrad, Jr., and John W. Young participated in a study in LTV's Manned Space Flight Simulator at Dallas, Tex. Under an MSC contract, LTV was studying the astronauts' ability to control the LEM manually and to rendezvous with the CM if the primary guidance system failed during descent.

1963 May 6

Carbon dioxide sensors to be part of Apollo environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. NASA authorized North American to procure carbon dioxide sensors as part of the environmental control system instrumentation on early spacecraft flights..

1963 May 7

Reorganization of Apollo SPO - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Caldwell. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC announced a reorganization of ASPO:

Acting Manager:
Robert O. Piland
Deputy Manager, Spacecraft:
Robert O. Piland
Assistant Deputy Manager for CSM:
Caldwell C. Johnson
Deputy Manager for System Integration:
Alfred D. Mardel
Deputy Manager LEM:
James L. Decker
Manager, Spacecraft Systems Office:
David W. Gilbert
Manager, Project Integration Office:
J. Thomas Markley

1963 May 10

Communications and Tracking Steering Panel and a Working Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., directed that a Communications and Tracking Steering Panel and a Working Group be organized. They would develop specifications, performance requirements, and implementation plans for the Manned Space Flight Network in support of the Apollo flight missions.

1963 May 10

Division of management responsibilities between operations and development within MSC for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth announced a division of management responsibilities between operations and development within MSC. Walter C. Williams, Deputy Director for Mission Requirements and Flight Operations, would develop mission plans and rules, crew training, ground support and mission control complexes, and would manage all MSC flight operations. At the same time, he would serve as Director of Flight Operations in the NASA Headquarters OMSF with complete mission authority during flight tests of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. James C. Elms, Deputy Director for Development and Programs, would manage all MSC manned space flight projects and would plan, organize, and direct MSC administrative and technical support.

1963 May 10

The first meeting of the Apollo LEM Flight Technology Systems Panel was held at MSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
The first meeting of the LEM Flight Technology Systems Panel was held at MSC. The panel was formed to coordinate discussions on all problems involving weight control, engineering simulation, and environment. The meeting was devoted to a review of the status of LEM engineering programs.

1963 Early in the Month

STL to build the mechanically throttled descent engine for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Grumman selected Space Technology Laboratories (STL) to develop and fabricate a mechanically throttled descent engine for the LEM, paralleling Rocketdyne's effort. Following NASA and MSC concurrence, Grumman began negotiations with STL on June 1..

1963 May 14

Quality Control Program Plan for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Grumman submitted to NASA a Quality Control Program Plan for the LEM, detailing efforts in management, documentation, training, procurement, and fabrication..

1963 May 15

LLRV could be used to test Apollo LEM hardware - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Grumman, reporting on the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle's (LLRV) application to the LEM development program, stated the LLRV could be used profitably to test LEM hardware. Also included was a development schedule indicating the availability of LEM equipment and the desired testing period.

1963 May 20

Contract to Westinghouse for study of potential physiological damage by cosmic radiation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. In support of NASA's manned space flight programs, Ames Research Center awarded a $150,000 contract to Westinghouse Electric Corporation for a one-year study of potential physiological damage in space caused by cosmic radiation..

1963 May 20-22

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Status report on the Apollo LEM landing gear design and Apollo LEM stowage height - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
At a meeting on mechanical systems at MSC, Grumman presented a status report on the LEM landing gear design and LEM stowage height. On May 9, NASA had directed the contractor to consider a more favorable lunar surface than that described in the original Statement of Work. Additional Details: here....

1963 May 22

Grumman representatives met with the Apollo ASPO Electrical Systems Panel (ESP) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM Communications, LM Communications.
Grumman representatives met with the ASPO Electrical Systems Panel (ESP). From ESP, the contractor learned that the communications link would handle voice only. Transmission of physiological and space suit data from the LEM to the CM was no longer required. VHF reception of this data and S-band transmission to ground stations was still necessary. In addition, Grumman was asked to study the feasibility of a backup voice transmitter for communications with crewmen on the lunar surface should the main VHF transmitter fail.

1963 May 23-24

Apollo LEM-space suit interface problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Meeting in Bethpage, N. Y., officials from MSC, Grumman, Hamilton Standard, International Latex, and North American examined LEM-space suit interface problems. This session resulted in several significant decisions:
- Suit evaluation would include a vehicle mockup in an aircraft flying zero and one-sixth g trajectories.
- The suit assembly emergency oxygen supply would serve also as the backup pressurization and oxygen supply during crew transfer from the CM to the LEM.
- The four-hour operating requirement for the portable life support system (PLSS) should not be considered for normal operation.
- Pending final design of a waste management system, Grumman would retain provisions for stowage of human wastes.
- The thermal garment would not normally be worn inside the LEM.
- The PLSS battery would be charged before earth launch.
- Prototype Apollo space suits were to be delivered to Grumman as soon as possible for evaluation and vehicle design.

1963 May 23

Major redesign of the Apollo guidance computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance. MIT suggested a major redesign of the Apollo guidance computer to make the CM and LEM computers as similar as possible. NASA approved the redesign and the Raytheon Company, subcontractor for the computer, began work..

1963 May 23

Apollo LEM and CSM to incorporate phase-coherent S-band transponders - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM SPS, LM Communications.
NASA Headquarters, MSC, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MSFC, North American, and Grumman agreed that the LEM and CSM would incorporate phase-coherent S-band transponders. (The S-band system provides a variety of communications services. Being phase-coherent meant that it could also provide Mission Control Center with information about the vehicle's velocity and position, and thus was a means of tracking the spacecraft.) Each would have its own allocated frequencies and would be compatible with Deep Space Instrumentation Facilities.

1963 May 24

Problems with side-arm controller location and armrest design inside the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
North American demonstrated problems with side-arm controller location and armrest design inside the CM. Major difficulties were found when the subject tried to manipulate controls while wearing a pressurized suit. North American had scheduled further study of these design problems.

1963 May 28

Apollo lunar landing mission duration profiles approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the MSF Management Council that the lunar landing mission duration profiles, on which North American would base the reliability design objectives for mission success and crew safety and which assumed a 14-day mission, had been documented and approved. The contractor had also been asked to study two other mission profile extremes, a 14-day mission with 110-hour transearth and translunar transfer times and the fastest practicable lunar landing mission.

1963 May 29

Grumman presented its Apollo LEM engineering and simulation plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman presented its LEM engineering and simulation plans to MSC, stating that their existing facilities and contracted facilities at North American in Columbus, Ohio, and at LTV would be used throughout 1963. Two part-task LEM simulators would be operational at Grumman early in 1964, with a complete mission simulator available in 1965. MSC had approved the contractor's procurement of two visual display systems for use in the simulators.

1963 May 29

Three methods of providing a recovery hoisting loop on the Apollo CM considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
The Operational Evaluation and Test Branch of MSC's Flight Operations Division considered three methods of providing a recovery hoisting loop on the CM: loop separate from the spacecraft and attached after landing, use of the existing parachute bridle, and loop installed as part of the CM equipment similar to Mercury and Gemini. Studies showed that the third method was preferable.

1963 May 30

Apollo LEM descent engine development program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Rocketdyne reported to Grumman on the LEM descent stage engine development program. Revised measurements for the engine were: diameter, 137 centimeters (54 inches); length, 221 centimeters (87 inches) (30.5 centimeters (twelve inches) more than the original constraint that Grumman had imposed on Rocketdyne).

1963 May

First estimates of reliability for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. In its first estimates of reliability for the LEM, Grumman reported a 0.90 probability for mission success and 0.994 for crew safety. (The probabilities required by NASA were 0.984 and 0.9995, respectively.).

1963 May

Grumman studied use of the PLSS lithium hydroxide cartridges in the Apollo LEM ECS - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman studied the possibility of using the portable life support system lithium hydroxide cartridges in the LEM environmental control system, and determined that such common usage was feasible. This analysis would be verified by tests at Hamilton Standard.

1963 May

Titanium selected for the propellant tanks for the Apollo LEM descent stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. After a detailed comparison of titanium and aluminum propellant tanks for the LEM descent stage, Grumman selected the lighter titanium..

1963 May

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Major change to the Little Joe II launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA and General Dynamics Convair negotiated a major change on the Little Joe II launch vehicle contract. It provided for two additional launch vehicles which would incorporate the attitude control subsystem (as opposed to the early fixed-fin version). On November 1, MSC announced that the contract amendment was being issued. NASA Headquarters' approval followed a week later.

1963 May

Grumman completed the Apollo LEM M-1 mockup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Grumman completed the LEM M-1 mockup and began installing equipment in the vehicle. Also, the contractor began revising cabin front design to permit comparisons of visibility..

1963 June

Most Apollo CM subsystem designs frozen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Most CM subsystem designs frozen..

1963 June 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Length of the spacecraft-Saturn V adapter had been increased from 8.077 meters to 8.89 meters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. MSC informed MSFC that the length of the spacecraft-Saturn V adapter had been increased from 807.7 centimeters to 889 centimeters (318 inches to 350 inches). The LEM would be supported in the adapter from a fixed structure on the landing gear..

1963 June 3

ITT to provide battery chargers for the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. North American announced that it had selected ITT's Industrial Products Division to provide battery chargers for the CSM, designed for an operational lifetime of 40,000 hours..

1963 June 4

Definitive Apollo contract with North American delivered to NASA Headquarters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The $889.3 million definitive Apollo contract with North American was delivered to NASA Headquarters for review and approval. The target date for approval was extended to June 30..

1963 June 5

10 to 15 new astronauts to begin training in October - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Anders, Bassett, Bean, Cernan, Chaffee, Collins, Cunningham, Eisele, Freeman, Gordon, Schweickart, Scott, Williams, Clifton. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced that it would select 10 to 15 new astronauts to begin training in October. Civilian applications were due July 1; those from military personnel, prescreened by their services, were due July 15. New selection criteria reduced the maximum age to 35 years and eliminated the requirement for test pilot certifications.

1963 June 6

Recommendations on Apollo postlanding water survival equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Operational Evaluation and Test Branch of MSC's Flight Operations Division made the following recommendations on Apollo postlanding water survival equipment:
- Development should continue on a three-man life raft for the Apollo mission.
- A 12-hour-duration dye marker packet should be passively deployed on impact. An additional 18 hours of dye marker should be stored in the survival kit.
- Two radio beacons of the type being developed for Gemini should be included in the survival kit.
- Water egress safety features in the Mercury and Gemini space suits should be included in the Apollo space suit.
- All Apollo equipment which might be involved in water egress, survival, and recovery situations should be configured for water landings.

1963 June 10

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Contract to Aerojet-General for Algol solid-propellant motors for Apollo Little Joe II vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA issued a $1,946,450 definitive contract to Aerojet-General Corporation for Algol solid-propellant motors for GD/C's Little Joe II vehicles..

1963 June 10

Backup testing program completed on alternate ablative materials for the Apollo CM heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
North American completed a backup testing program (authorized by MSC on November 20, 1962) on a number of ablative materials for the CM heatshield. Only one of the materials (Avcoat 5026-39) performed satisfactorily at low temperatures. During a meeting on June 18 at MSC, company representatives discussed the status of the backup heatshield program. This was followed by an Avco Corporation presentation on the primary heatshield development. As a result, MSC directed North American to terminate its backup program. Shortly thereafter, MSC approved the use of an airgun to fill the honeycomb core of the heatshield with ablative material.

1963 June 10

Up-data link (UDL) to be included on the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications, LM Communications.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., of the MSC Flight Operations Division, urged that an up-data link (UDL) be included on the LEM. In general, the UDL would function when a great deal of data had to be transmitted during a time-critical phase. It would also permit utilization of the ground operational support system as a relay station for the transmission of data between the CM and LEM. In case of power failure aboard the LEM, the UDL could start the computer faster and more reliably than a manual voice link, and it could be used to resume synchronization in the computer timing system.

1963 June 12

Brainerd-Holmes resignation as NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard. Program: Apollo. D. Brainerd-Holmes announced his resignation as NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator and Director of Manned Space Flight, effective sometime in the fall. He had joined NASA in 1961 and was returning to industry..

1963 June 12

Skip lunar reentry trajectories studied for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. The Mission Analysis Branch (MAB) of MSC's Flight Operations Division studied the phenomenon of a spacecraft's "skip" when reentering the earth's atmosphere from lunar trajectories and how that skip relates to landing accuracies.. Additional Details: here....

1963 June 14

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Final inspection of the Little Joe II launch complex - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC conducted the final inspection of the Little Joe II launch complex at WSMR..

1963 June 14

Definitive contract for the navigation and guidance equipment for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. NASA Headquarters approved a definitive contract for $35,844,550 with AC Spark Plug for the manufacture and testing of navigation and guidance equipment for the CM. This superseded a letter contract of May 30, 1962..

1963 June 14-15

Mockup review of the Apollo mission simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator. At its plant in Binghampton, N. Y., Link Division of General Precision, Inc., held a mockup review of the Apollo mission simulator. A number of modifications in the instructor's console were suggested..

1963 June 16-July 20

MSC and Grumman assessed crew visibility requirements for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC and Grumman assessed crew visibility requirements for the LEM. The study included a series of helicopter flights in which simulated earthshine lighting conditions and LEM window configurations were combined with helicopter landings along representative LEM trajectories. These flights simulated the LEM's attitude, velocity, range, and dive angle in the final approach trajectory.

1963 June 16-July 20

Apollo LEM crew to stand - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC reported that crew systems engineers at the Center were assessing feasibility of having the LEM crew stand rather than sit. MSC requested Grumman also to look into having the crew fly the vehicle from a standing position. The concept was formally proposed at the August 27 crew systems meeting and was approved at the NASA-Grumman review of the LEM M-1 mockup on September 16-18.

1963 June 20

Definitive contract with Allison for the Apollo service propulsion system propellant tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. North American signed (and NASA approved) a definitive contract with Allison Division of General Motors for the service propulsion system propellant tanks..

1963 June 21-27

Apollo LEM guidance and navigation system coordination meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC met with those contractors participating in the development of the LEM guidance and navigation system. Statements of Work for the LEM design concept were agreed upon. (Technical directives covering most of the work had been received earlier by the contractors.)

1963 June 21-27

Avien to develop the steerable S-band antenna for the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. North American awarded a contract, valued at $2.8 million, to Avien, Inc., to develop the steerable S-band antenna for the CSM..

1963 June 22

Design of the Apollo CM's stabilization and control system frozen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. North American officially froze the design of the CM's stabilization and control system..

1963 June 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo LEM landing gear design freeze - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported to the MSF Management Council that the LEM landing gear design freeze was now scheduled for August 31. Grumman had originally proposed a LEM configuration with five fixed legs, but LEM changes had made this concept impractical. The weight and overall height of the LEM had increased, the center of gravity had been moved upward, the LEM stability analysis had expanded to cover a wider range of landing conditions, the cruciform descent stage had been selected, and the interpretation of the lunar model had been revised. These changes necessitated a larger gear diameter than at first proposed. This, in turn, required deployable rather than fixed legs so the larger gear could be stored in the Saturn V adapter. MSC had therefore adopted a four-legged deployable gear, which was lighter and more reliable than the five-legged configuration.

1963 June 26

First full-scale firing of the Apollo SM engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
The first full-scale firing of the SM engine was conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Center. At the start of the shutdown sequence, the engine thrust chamber valve remained open because of an electrical wiring error in the test facility. Consequently the engine ran at a reduced chamber pressure while the propellant in the fuel line was exhausted. During this shutdown transient, the engine's nozzle extension collapsed as a result of excessive pressure differential across the nozzle skin.

1963 June 26

Frictionless platform to simulate extravehicular activity - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC announced that it had contracted with the Martin Company to develop a frictionless platform to simulate the reactions of an extravehicular astronaut in five degrees of freedom-pitch, yaw, roll, forward-backward, and side-to-side. MSC Crew Systems Division would use the simulator to test and evaluate space suits, stabilization devices, tethering lines, and tools.

1963 June 28

Apollo Pioneer tri-conical solid parachutes canceled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. A cluster of two Pioneer tri-conical solid parachutes was tested; both parachutes failed. Because of this unsatisfactory performance, the Pioneer solid-parachute program was officially canceled on July 15..

1963 June 28

RCA named as subcontractor for Apollo LEM electronics subsystems and for engineering support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Guidance.
NASA announced its concurrence in Grumman's selection of RCA as subcontractor for the LEM electronics subsystems and for engineering support. Under the $40 million contract, RCA was responsible for five LEM subsystem areas: systems engineering support, communications, radar, inflight testing, and ground support. RCA would also fabricate electronic components of the LEM stabilization and control system. (Engineers and scientists from RCA had been working at Grumman on specific projects since February.)

1963 June 28

Apollo CSM data storage equipment modified to incorporate a fast-dump capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. The CSM data storage equipment was modified to incorporate a fast-dump capability. Data could thus be recorded at a low speed for later playback at high speed to ground stations..

1963 June

Grumman completed the Apollo LEM circuit design for suit and cabin pressure control systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. Grumman completed the LEM circuit design for suit and cabin pressure control systems. Also the contractor formulated a detailed plan for the evaluation of red and white cockpit lighting; equipment for the test had already been received..

1963 June

Two portable life support systems to be stowed in the Apollo LEM and one in the CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM Electrical.
MSC reported that two portable life support systems would be stowed in the LEM and one in the CM. Resupplying water, oxygen, and lithium hydroxide could be done in a matter of minutes; however, battery recharging took considerably longer, and detailed design of a charger was continuing.

1963 June

Apollo LTV abort simulation negotiations with Grumman completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator. Planning and final details of LTV abort simulation negotiations with Grumman were completed. The abort experiments, to be conducted at LTV's aerospace simulation facility in Dallas, Tex., were scheduled to begin in October..

1963 June

Apollo mission success predictions continued to be less than the apportioned values - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. North American reported that mission success predictions continued to be less than the apportioned values. For example, the environmental control subsystem had a predicted mission reliability of 0.9805, compared to a 0.997675 apportionment..

1963 July 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Pregnant Guppy FAA certification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Aero Spacelines' "Pregnant Guppy," a modified Boeing Stratocruiser, won airworthiness certification by the Federal Aviation Agency. The aircraft would be used to transport major Apollo spacecraft and launch vehicle components..

1963 July 1-2

Apollo CM boilerplate 6 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. North American shipped Apollo CM boilerplate 6 and its ground support equipment to WSMR..

1963 July 3

STL go-ahead to develop a parallel descent engine for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
Space Technology Laboratories received Grumman's go-ahead to develop the parallel descent engine for the LEM. At the same time, Grumman ordered Bell Aerosystems Company to proceed with the LEM ascent engine. The contracts were estimated at $18,742,820 and $11,205,415, respectively.

1963 July 9-10

Review of the Apollo CM main display console - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. North American held a review of the CM main display console, which would be compatible with the fixed couch and new panel location. The contractor's drawings and comments by the astronauts were then reviewed by MSC..

1963 July 10

Several restraint systems for the sleeping area in the equipment bay area of the Apollo CM studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
North American reported that it had tried several types of restraint systems for the sleeping area in the equipment bay area of the CM. A "net" arrangement worked fairly well and was adaptable to the constant wear garment worn by the crew. However, North American believed that a simpler restraint system was needed, and was pursuing several other concepts.

1963 July 10

Apollo Panel Review Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo.
As proposed by Joseph F. Shea, Deputy Director (Systems), OMSF, about six weeks earlier, the MSF Management Council established the Panel Review Board with broad supervisory and appeal powers over inter-Center panels. Board members were the Deputy Director (Systems), OMSF, and technical experts from MSC, MSFC, and the Launch Operations Center. OMSF's representative was the chairman.
Recommendations of the board were not binding. If a Center Director decided against a board recommendation, he would, however, discuss and clear the proposed action with the Director of OMSF.
When the Panel Review Board assumed its duties, the Space Vehicle Review Board was abolished.

1963 July 10

Prototype engine for the Apollo SM reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. The Marquardt Corporation began testing the prototype engine for the SM reaction control system. Preliminary data showed a specific impulse slightly less than 300 seconds..

1963 July 12

Contract let to International Business Machines for the realtime computer complex at MSC's MCC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC signed a definitive contract, valued at $36.2 million, with International Business Machines (IBM) for the realtime computer complex in the MSC Mission Control Center. IBM was responsible for the design of the computer center, mission and mathematical analyses, programming equipment engineering, computer and program testing, maintenance and operation, and documentation. The complex, consisting of four IBM 7094 computers with their associated equipment, would monitor and analyze data from Gemini and Apollo missions.

1963 July 15

271 applications for the astronaut program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC had received 271 applications for the astronaut program. Seventy-one were military pilots (one from the Army, 34 from the Navy, 26 from the Air Force, and 10 from the Marines). Of the 200 civilians applying, three were women..

1963 July 15-16

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Little Joe II qualification test vehicle shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Little Joe II qualification test vehicle was shipped from the General Dynamics Convair plant to WSMR, where the test launch was scheduled for August..

1963 July 16-August 15

Testing of the launch escape system pitch control motor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. North American reported that Lockheed Propulsion Company had successfully completed development testing of the launch escape system pitch control motor..

1963 July 16

Study on Apollo LEM visibility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Grumman presented the results of a study on LEM visibility. A front-face configuration with triangular windows was tentatively accepted by MSC for the ascent stage. Further investigation would be directed toward eliminating the "dead spots" to improve the configuration's visibility.

1963 July 16

Extendable boom for Apollo docking - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Crew Station.
MSC directed North American to concentrate on the extendable boom concept for CSM docking with the LEM. The original impact type of docking had been modified:
1. The primary mode employed an extendable probe. It would establish initial contact and docking at a separation distance sufficient to prevent dangerous impact as a result of pilot error.
2. The backup mode consisted of free-flying the two modules together. Mean relative impact velocities established during free-flying docking simulation studies would be used as the design impact velocities.
North American and Grumman began a hardware testing and flight simulation program in late September to evaluate the feasibility of several types of extendable probe tether systems. The two companies were to determine the stiffness required of the docking structure for compatibility with the stabilization and control system.

1963 July 18

Apollo portable life support system (PLSS) to have three attaching points for stowage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
North American, Grumman, and Hamilton Standard, meeting at MSC with Crew Systems Division engineers, agreed that the portable life support system (PLSS) would have three attaching points for stowage in the spacecraft. In addition, it was agreed that the PLSS should not be used for shoulder restraint in the LEM.

1963 July 18

Pratt and Whitney to develop fuel cells for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman selected Pratt and Whitney to develop fuel cells for the LEM. Current LEM design called for three cells, supplemented by a battery for power during peak consumption beyond what the cells could deliver. Grumman and Pratt and Whitney completed contract negotiations on August 27, and MSC issued a letter go-ahead on September 5. Including fees and royalties, the contract was worth $9.411 million.

1963 July 18

Apollo launch escape system with a redundant tower separation device - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. MSC authorized North American to fit the launch escape system with a redundant tower separation device. This equipment incorporated an explosive bolt and shaped charge cutter..

1963 July 19

Marquardt begins development of the Apollo LEM reaction control thrusters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS. Grumman directed the Marquardt Corporation to begin development of the LEM reaction control system thrusters. Negotiations had begun on March 11 on the definitive subcontract, a cost-plus-incentive-fee type with a total estimated cost of $10,871,186..

1963 July 23

Hamilton Standard began development of the ECS for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman authorized Hamilton Standard to begin development of the environmental control system (ECS) for the LEM. The cost-plus-incentive-fee contract was valued at $8,371,465. The parts of the ECS to be supplied by Hamilton Standard were specified by Grumman.

1963 July 23

George E Mueller named NASA Deputy Associate Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Holmes, Brainard, Mueller. Program: Apollo. George E. Mueller, Vice President for Research and Development of Space Technology Laboratories, was named NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight to succeed D. Brainerd Holmes, effective September 1..

1963 July 28-August 3

ASPO reported that a different type of stainless steel would be used for the Apollo CM heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
ASPO reported that a different type of stainless steel would be used for the CM heatshield. The previous type proved too brittle at cryogenic temperatures. Aside from their low temperature properties, the two metals were quite; similar and no fabrication problems were anticipated.

1963 July 28-August 3

Grumman to design identical connectors for both ends of the space suit hoses in the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
ASPO ordered Grumman to design identical connectors for both ends of the space suit hoses in the LEM. This arrangement, called the "buddy concept," would permit one portable life support system to support two crewmen and thus would eliminate the need for a special suit-to-suit hose.

1963 July 30-31

Installation of the inertial measurement unit and optical telescope in the Apollo LEM discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MIT and Grumman representatives discussed installing the inertial measurement unit and the optical telescope in the LEM. Of several possible locations, the top centerline of the cabin seemed most promising. Grumman agreed to provide a preliminary structural arrangement of the guidance components so that MIT could study problems of installation and integration.

1963 August 1

Three methods of Apollo descent from lunar parking orbit reviewed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Hohmann, Bernhard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
North American, NASA, and Grumman representatives discussed three methods of descent from lunar parking orbit:
1. descent of the LEM only (the minimum energy Hohmann transfer),
2. the combined descent of both spacecraft, and
3. the synchronous equal period method.
While neither contractor felt that weight factors should be of primary concern, Grumman favored the Hohmann transfer and North American the combined descent, which represented the extremes of energy requirements. After considering reliability, fuel consumption, and operational flexibility, NASA chose the synchronous method as the prime mission mode but recommended continued investigation of the other two techniques.

1963 August 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Grumman to design the LEM to have a thrusting capability with the Apollo CSM attached - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM SPS.
North American asked MSC if Grumman was designing the LEM to have a thrusting capability with the CSM attached and, if not, did NASA intend to require the additional effort by Grumman to provide this capability. North American had been proceeding on the assumption that, should the service propulsion system (SPS) fail during translunar flight, the LEM would make any course corrections needed to ensure a safe return trajectory. Additional Details: here....

1963 August 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First static firing test of Saturn S-IV stage for SA-5 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In what was to have been an acceptance test, the Douglas Aircraft Company static fired the first Saturn S-IV flight stage at Sacramento, Calif. An indication of fire in the engine area forced technicians to shut down the stage after little more than one minute's firing. A week later the acceptance test was repeated, this time without incident, when the vehicle was fired for over seven minutes. (The stage became part of the SA-5 launch vehicle, the first complete Saturn I to fly.)

1963 August 9-10

Panel Review Board held its first meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Panel Review Board held its first meeting at the Launch Operations Center (LOC). The board established an Executive Secretariat, composed of Bert A. Denicke (OMSF), Joachim P. Kuettner (MSFC), Emil P. Bertram (LOC), and Philip R. Maloney (MSC). Among other actions, the board abolished the GE Policy Review Board.

1963 August 14

Definitive contract for Apollo command and service modules signed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb signed the definitive contract with North American for the development of the Apollo CSM. This followed by almost two years North American's selection as prime contractor, The $938.4 million cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement was the most valuable single research and development contract in American history. The contract called for the initial production (i.e., through May 15, 1965) of 11 mockups, 15 boilerplate vehicles, and 11 production articles.

1963 Mid-month

First operational prototype Apollo space suit communications system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. ITT's Kellogg Division delivered to Hamilton Standard the first operational prototype space suit communications system..

1963 August 15-September 21

Mobility tests of the Apollo prototype space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC Crew Systems Division conducted mobility tests of the Apollo prototype space suit inside a mockup of the CM. Technicians also tested the suit on a treadmill. The subjects' carbon dioxide buildup did not exceed two percent; their metabolic rates were about 897,000 joules (850 BTU) per hour at vent pressure, 1,688,000 joules at 2.4 newtons per square centimeter (1,600 BTU at 3.5 psi), and 2,320,000 joules at 3.5 newtons per square centimeter (2,200 BTU at 5.0 psi).

1963 August 15

Increased Apollo LEM mission energy requirement - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
At a meeting on the LEM electrical power system, Grumman presented its latest load analysis, which placed the LEM's mission energy requirements at 76.53 kilowatt-hours. The control energy level for the complete LEM mission had been set at 54 kilowatt-hours and the target energy level at 47.12 kilowatt-hours. Grumman and MSC were jointly establishing ground rules for an electrical power reduction program.

1963 Week of August 18

MSC completed a comparison of 17-volt and 28-volt batteries for the portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC completed a comparison of 17-volt and 28-volt batteries for the portable life support system. The study showed that a 28-volt battery would provide comparable energy levels without increase in size and weight and would be compatible with the spacecraft electrical system.

1963 August 21

Mission constraints on the flexibility possible with Apollo lunar launch operations studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
John P. Bryant, of the Flight Operations Division's (FOD) Mission Analysis Branch (MAB), reported to FOD that the branch had conducted a rough analysis of the effects of some mission constraints upon the flexibility possible with lunar launch operations. (As a base, MAB used April and May 1968, called "a typical two-month period.") First, Bryant said, MAB used the mission rules demanded for the Apollo lunar landing (e.g., free-return trajectory; predetermined lunar landing sites; and lighting conditions on the moon - "by far the most restrictive of the lot"). Next, MAB included a number of operational constraints, ones "reasonably representative of those expected for a typical flight," but by no means an "exhaustive" list:
- A minimum daily launch window of three hours.
- A 26-degree maximum azimuth variation.
- An earth landing within 40 degrees of the equator.
- A minimum of three successive daily launch windows.
- A daylight launch with at least three hours of daylight following liftoff.
- Transposition and docking in sunlight.
- Use of but one of the two daily windows available for translunar injection.
Bryant advised that, taken just by themselves, these various constraints, both mission and operational, had a "restrictive effect" and that operational flexibility was thereby "dramatically curtailed." Moreover, "there are still a number of possible constraints which have not been considered which could still further affect the size of the ultimate launch window" (and the list was "increasing almost daily"): requirements for tracking coverage and for lighting during rendezvous and reentry; and restrictions imposed by solar activity, launch environment, and - no small matter - weather conditions at the launch site.
"The consequences," Bryant concluded, "of imposing an ever-increasing number of these flight restrictions is obvious - the eventual loss of almost all operational flexibility. The only solution is . . . (a) meticulous examination of every constraint which tends to reduce the number of available launch opportunities," looking toward eliminating "as many as possible."

1963 Week of August 22-29

Ad Hoc Rendezvous Working Group formed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Communications, LM Communications, LM Guidance. An Ad Hoc Rendezvous Working Group was formed at MSC to study the possibility of substituting a unified S-band system for the rendezvous X-band radar on the LEM and CSM..

1963 August 26

MSC received proposals for the visual displays for the Apollo LEM simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC received proposals for the visual displays for the LEM simulator. Because of the changed shape of that vehicle's windows, however, Grumman had to return those proposals to the original bidders, sending revised proposals to MSC in December. Farrand Optical Company was selected to develop the display, and the Center approved Grumman's choice. Negotiations between Grumman and Farrand were completed during March 1964.

1963 August 27

Apollo LEM crew systems meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
A LEM crew systems meeting was held at Grumman. The standing arrangement proposed for the crew promised to reduce the weight of the LEM by as much as 27.2 kilograms (60 pounds), and would improve crew mobility, visibility, control accessibility, and ingress-egress. Pending more comprehensive analysis, crew systems designers also favored the revised front-face configuration.

1963 August 27

Reorganization of NASA Headquarters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The MSF Management Council decided that, as part of the proposed reorganization of NASA Headquarters, a Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight would become responsible for all manned space flight activities within NASA..

1963 Week of August 30

Apollo CM ablation heatshield thicknesses for lunar reentry defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. North American defined the maximum, nominal, and minimum CM ablation heatshield thicknesses for lunar reentry. The maximum and minimum limits represented variations that might arise as studies progressed..

1963 August 30

Lunar Orbiter program approved - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., approved the Lunar Orbiter program. Objectives of the program were reconnaissance of the moon's topography, investigation of its environment, and collection of selenodetic information.
The document called for five flight and three test articles. The Lunar Orbiter spacecraft would be capable of photographing the moon from a distance of 22 miles above the surface. Overall cost of the program was estimated at between $150 and $200 million.

1963 August

Full-scale cardboard model of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear, LM RCS.
Grumman built a full-scale cardboard model of the LEM to aid in studying problems of cockpit geometry, specifically the arrangement of display panels. This mockup was reviewed by MSC astronauts and the layout of the cockpit was revised according to some of their suggestions.
Also Grumman reported that a preliminary analysis showed the reaction control system plume heating of the LEM landing gear was not a severe problem. (This difficulty had been greatly alleviated by the change from five to four landing legs on the vehicle.

1963 August

Apollo LEM test articles LTA-8 and LTA-9 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
At a meeting at MSC, Grumman representatives submitted the cost proposal for LEM test articles LTA-8 and LTA-9, and suggested a testing program for the two vehicles: LTA-8 should be used for restrained integrated systems testing in the altitude propulsion test facilities at the Atlantic Missile Range; LTA-9 should be used for manned atmospheric tethered operation tests. The contractor also recommended an early flight demonstration program to verify the helicopter tether operation potential, which promised greatly increased mission test capability over fixed-base tether facilities. The tether method (helicopter or fixed- base) should be determined after the verification. LTA-8 should be considered as a constraint to LEM-5, and LTA-9 as a constraint to the lunar landing mission.

1963 September 1-7

Design of control panel for the Apollo CM was 90 percent complete - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. MSC reported that design of the control and displays panel for the CM was about 90 percent complete. North American was expected to release the design by September 20. Qualification testing of the panels would begin around December 1..

1963 September 4

Manned Spacecraft Criteria Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget. Program: Apollo.
Director Robert R. Gilruth established the MSC Manned Spacecraft Criteria Board to set up engineering, design, and procedural standards for manned spacecraft and associated systems. The board was composed of Maxime A. Faget, Chairman; James A. Chamberlin; Kenneth S. Kleinknecht; F. John Bailey, Jr.; G. Barry Graves; Jacob C. Moser; and Norman F. Smith, Secretary. Board criteria would become MSC policy; and - unless specific waivers were obtained, compliance by project offices was mandatory.

1963 September 4

Series of water impact tests recommended for the Apollo CM's recovery systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
MSC Flight Operations Division (FOD) recommended a series of water impact tests to establish confidence in the CM's recovery systems under a variety of operating conditions. FOD suggested several air drops with water landings under various test conditions. Among these were release of the main parachutes at impact, deployment of the postlanding antennas, actuation of the mechanical location aids, and activation of the recovery radio equipment.

1963 September 5-11

Study to define the stability limits of a 4.57 m radius Apollo LEM gear configuration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
MSC began a study to define the stability limits of a 457-centimeter (180inch) radius LEM gear configuration. The study, in two phases, sought to examine factors affecting stability (such as lunar slope, touchdown velocity and direction, and the effects of soil mechanics) in direct support of the one-sixth model and full-scale drop test programs and to complete definition of landing capabilities of the LEM.

1963 September 6

Contract with Kollsman for Apollo CM guidance and navigation optical equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC announced a $7.658 million definitive contract with Kollsman Instrument Corporation for the CM guidance and navigation optical equipment, including a scanning telescope, sextant, map and data viewer, and related ground support equipment. MSC had awarded Kollsman a letter contract on May 28, 1962, and had completed negotiations for the definitive contract on March 29, 1963. "The newly signed contract calls for delivery of all hardware to AC Spark Plug by August 1, 1964."

1963 September 6

72-hour lifetime for Apollo recovery aids - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC Flight Operations Division (FOD) established a 72-hour lifetime for Apollo recovery aids. This limitation was derived from considerations of possible landing footprints, staging bases, and aircraft range and flying time to the landing areas. Primary location aids were the spacecraft equipment (VHF AM transceiver, VHF recovery beacon, and HE transceiver) and the VHF survival radio. Because of battery limitations, current planning called for only a 24-hour usage of the VHF recovery beacon. If electronic aids were needed beyond this time the VHF survival radio would be used. If the spacecraft were damaged or lost, the VHF survival radio would be the only electronic location aid available. MSC had recently selected the Sperry Phoenix Company to produce the Gemini VHF survival radio, which was expected to meet the Apollo requirements. FOD recommended that the current contract with Sperry Phoenix be extended to provide the units needed for Apollo missions.

1963 September 6

Apollo CM boilerplate destroyed during tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
At El Centro, Calif., CM boilerplate (BP) 3, a parachute test vehicle, was destroyed during tests simulating the new BP-6 configuration (without strakes or apex cover). Drogue parachute descent, disconnect, and pilot mortar fire appeared normal. However, one pilot parachute was cut by contact with the vehicle and its main parachute did not deploy. Because of harness damage, the remaining two main parachutes failed while reefed. Investigation of the BP-3 failure resulting in rigging and design changes on BP-6 and BP-19.

1963 September 9

Apollo CM to be able to charge the 28-volt portable life support system battery - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC ordered North American to make provisions in the CM to permit charging the 28-volt portable life support system battery from the spacecraft battery charger.
On the following day, the Center informed North American also that a new mechanical clock timer system would be provided in the CM for indicating elapsed time from liftoff and predicting time to and duration of various events during the mission.

1963 September 12

Unmanned lunar landing spacecraft to be sterilized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor.
NASA announced that, in the future, unmanned lunar landing spacecraft e.g., Rangers and Surveyors) will be assembled in "clean rooms" and treated with germ-killing substances to reduce the number of microbes on exposed surfaces. These sterilization procedures, less stringent than earlier methods, were intended to prevent contamination of the lunar surface and, at the same time, avoid damage to sensitive electronic components. Heat sterilization was suspected as one of the reasons for the failure of Ranger spacecraft.

1963 September 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Apollo launch escape system modified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The launch escape system was modified so that, under normal flight conditions, the crew could jettison the tower. On unmanned Saturn I flights, tower jettison was initiated by a signal from the instrument unit of the S-IV (second) stage..

1963 September 16-18

Inspection of first Apollo LEM ascent stage mockup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA representatives held a formal review of Grumman's LEM M-1 mockup, a full-scale representation of the LEM's crew compartment. MSC decided that (1) the window shape (triangular) and visibility were satisfactory; (2) a standing position for the crew was approved, although, in general, it was believed that restraints restricted crew mobility; (3) the controllers were positioned too low and lacked suitable arm support for fine control; and (4) crew station arrangement was generally acceptable, although specific details required further study.

1963 September 16

Tone warning signal added to the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. A tone warning signal was added to the CM instrumentation system. If a system malfunctioned, this warning would be heard through both the master caution and warning subsystem and the astronauts' earphones..

1963 September 17

LTV presented the preliminary results of a manual rendezvous simulation study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
LTV presented the preliminary results of a manual rendezvous simulation study. Their studies indicated that a pilot trained in the technique could accomplish lunar launch and rendezvous while using only two to three percent more fuel than the automatic system.

1963 September 18

AiResearch awarded contract for the Apollo CM environmental system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. The AiResearch Manufacturing Company announced that it had been awarded a $20 million definitive contract for the CM environmental system. (AiResearch had been developing the system under a letter contract since 1961..

1963 September 19

Changes in the Apollo CM's landing requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
MSC made several changes in the CM's landing requirements. Impact attenuation would be passive, except for that afforded by the crew couches and the suspension system. The spacecraft would be suspended from the landing parachutes in a pitch attitude that imposed minimum accelerations on the crew. A crushable structure to absorb landing shock was required in the aft equipment bay area.

1963 September 19-25

Automatic radiator control added to the Apollo CM's environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
North American incorporated an automatic radiator control into the CM's environmental control system to eliminate the need for crew attention during lunar orbit.
Recent load analysis at North American placed the power required for a 14-day mission at 577 kilowatt-hours, a decrease of about 80 kilowatt-hours from earlier estimates.

1963 September 19-October 16

Ablative nozzle primary design for Apollo LEM's ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Grumman directed Bell Aerosystems Company to establish the ablative nozzle extension as the primary design for the LEM's ascent stage engine. The radiation-cooled nozzle design, a weight-saving alternative, must be approved by NASA..

1963 September 19-25

Apollo space suit umbilical disconnects redesigned for interchangeability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit.
The space suit umbilical disconnects were being redesigned to the "buddy concept" and for interchangeability between the CM and the LEM. MSC was reviewing methods for a crewman to return to the LEM following space suit failure on the lunar surface.

1963 September 20

President Kennedy suggested Russian-American cooperation in space - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
President John F. Kennedy, during an address before the United Nations General Assembly, suggested the possibility of Russian-American "cooperation" in space. Though not proposing any specific program, Kennedy stated that, "in a field where the United States and the Soviet Union have a special capacity - the field of space - there is room for new cooperation, for further joint efforts in the regulation and exploration of space. I include among these possibilities," he said, "a joint expedition to the moon. . . . Surely we should explore whether the scientists and astronauts of our two countries - indeed, of all the world - cannot work together in the conquest of space, sending some day in this decade to the moon, not the representatives of a single nation, but the representatives of all humanity." Additional Details: here....

1963 September 22-29

Check out of the test fixture for the astronaut centrifuge training program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
North American checked out the test fixture that was slated for the astronaut centrifuge training program, resolving interfaces between test fixture, centrifuge, and the test conductor's console, and familiarizing astronauts with controls and displays inside the spacecraft.
On October 1, North American delivered the test fixture to the U.S. Navy Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory, where the first phase of the manned centrifuge program was scheduled to begin that month.

1963 September 24

Television camera in the Apollo CM modified so that ground personnel could observe the astronauts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Television.
MSC advised North American that the television camera in the CM was being modified so that ground personnel could observe the astronauts and flight operations. Television images would be transmitted directly to earth via the Deep Space Instrumentation Facility.

1963 September 25-26

Program reviewed for thermal testing for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
MSC representatives reviewed Grumman's program for thermal testing for the LEM, to be conducted with the test model 2 (TM-2) vehicle. Because the vehicle's configuration had changed so extensively, the Center canceled the currently planned TM-2 ascent stage and ordered another stage to be substituted. TM-2's descent stage needed only small design changes to make it suitable for the program.

1963 September 26

Apollo LEM electrical power system changes recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
At a meeting at MSC, Grumman representatives presented 18 configurations of the LEM electrical power system, recommending a change from three to two fuel cells, still supplemented by an auxiliary battery system, with continued study on tankage design. On December 10, ASPO authorized the contractor to proceed with this configuration.

1963 September 26-27

Evaluation of the Apollo space suit integration into the LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Weight.
MSC representatives visited Grumman for a preliminary evaluation of the Apollo space suit integration into the LEM. A suit failure ended the exercise prematurely. Nonetheless, leg and foot mobility was good, but the upper torso and shoulder needed improvement.
On October 11, MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) tested the suit's mobility with the portable life support system (PLSS). CSD researchers found that the PLSS did not restrict the wearer's movement because the suit supported the weight of the PLSS. Shifts in the center of gravity appeared insignificant. The PLSS controls, because of their location, were difficult to operate, which demanded further investigation.

1963 September 26-October 2

Portable life support system in the Apollo CM be deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit. North American recommended that the portable life support system in the CM be deleted. Current planning placed two units in the LEM and one in the CM..

1963 September 26

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo mission plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
OMSF, MSC, and Bellcomm representatives, meeting in Washington, D.C., discussed Apollo mission plans: OMSF introduced a requirement that the first manned flight in the Saturn IB program include a LEM. ASPO had planned this flight as a CSM maximum duration mission only.
- Bellcomm was asked to develop an Apollo mission assignment program without a Saturn I.
- MSFC had been asking OMSF concurrence in including a restart capability in the S-IVB (second) stage during the Saturn IB program.
ASPO would agree to this, but only if the H-1 engine were uprated from 85,275 to 90,718 kilograms (188,000 to 200,000 pounds) of thrust, resulting in a 907-kilogram (2,000-pound) payload gain.

1963 September 30

Contract to study Apollo experiments for lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. MSC awarded Texas Instruments, Inc., a $194,000 contract to study experiments and equipment needed for scientific exploration of the lunar surface. The analysis was to be completed by the end of May 1964..

1963 September 30

Qualification testing began on fuel tanks for the service propulsion system (SPS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Qualification testing began on fuel tanks for the service propulsion system (SPS). The first article tested developed a small crack below the bottom weld, which was being investigated, but pressurization caused no expansion of the tank. During mid-October, several tanks underwent proof testing. And, on November 1, the first SPS helium tank was burst-tested.

1963 September

Interrelationships between all major Apollo LEM test vehicles clarified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
The interrelationships between all major LEM test vehicles, including all test constraints and documentation requirements, were developed. This logic study, prepared by Grumman and forwarded to MSC, stressed the feasibility of alterations in the LEM test program as needed.

1963 October 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Preliminary configuration freeze for the Apollo LEM-adapter arrangement - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
At a LEM Mechanical Systems Meeting in Houston, Grumman and MSC agreed upon a preliminary configuration freeze for the LEM-adapter arrangement. The adapter would be a truncated cone, 876 centimeters (345 inches) long. The LEM would be mounted inside the adapter by means of the outrigger trusses on the spacecraft's landing gear. This configuration provided ample clearance for the spacecraft, both top and bottom (i.e., between the service propulsion engine bell and the instrument unit of the S-IVB).
At this same meeting, Grumman presented a comparison of radially and laterally folded landing gears (both of 457-centimeter (180-inch) radius). The radial-fold configuration, MSC reported, promised a weight savings of 22-2 kilograms (49 pounds). MSC approved the concept, with an 876-centimeter (345-inch) adapter. Further, an adapter of that length would accommodate a larger, lateral fold gear (508 centimeters (200 inches)), if necessary. During the next several weeks, Grumman studied a variety of gear arrangements (sizes, means of deployment, stability, and even a "bending" gear). At a subsequent LEM Mechanical Systems Meeting, on November 10, Grumman presented data (design, performance, and weight) on several other four-legged gear arrangements - a 457-centimeter (180-inch), radial fold "tripod" gear (i.e., attached to the vehicle by three struts), and 406.4-centimeter (160-inch) and 457-centimeter (180-inch) cantilevered gears. As it turned out, the 406.4-centimeter (160-inch) cantilevered gear, while still meeting requirements demanded in the work statement, in several respects was more stable than the larger tripod gear. In addition to being considerably lighter, the cantilevered design offered several added advantages:
- A reduced stowed height for the LEM from 336.5 to 313.7 centimeters (132.5 to 123.5 inches).
- A shorter landing stroke (50.8 instead of 101.6 centimeters) (20 instead of 40 inches).
- Better protection from irregularities (protuberances) on the surface.
- An alleviation of the gear heating problem (caused by the descent engine's exhaust plume).
- Simpler locking mechanisms.
- A better capability to handle various load patterns on the landing pads.
Because of these significant (and persuasive) factors, MSC approved Grumman's change to the 406.4- centimeter (160-inch) cantilevered arrangement as the design for the LEM's landing gear. By mid- November, MSC reported to OMSF that Grumman was pursuing the 406.4-centimeter (160-inch) cantilevered gear. Although analyses would not be completed for some weeks, the design was "shown . . . to be the lightest gear available to date. . . . Tentative estimates indicate a gear stowed height reduction of about 9" (22.9 centimeters), which will still accommodate the 180" (45.7 centimeter) cantilever or 200" (508-centimeter) lateral fold gear as growth potential." Grumman's effort continued at "firming up" the design, including folding and docking mechanisms.

1963 October 8

Tethered docking of the LEM and Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Crew Station.
At MSC, the Spacecraft Technology Division reported to ASPO the results of a study on tethered docking of the LEM and CSM. The technology people found that a cable did not reduce the impact velocities below those that a pilot could achieve during free flyaround, nor was fuel consumption reduced. In fact, when direct control of the spacecraft was attempted, the tether proved a hindrance and actually increased the amount of fuel required.

1963 October 8

Joseph F Shea named manager of Apollo Spacecraft Project Office - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Shea. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the appointment of Joseph F. Shea as ASPO Manager effective October 22. He had been Deputy Director (Systems) in OMSF. George M. Low, OMSF Deputy Director (Programs), would direct the Systems office as well as his own. Robert O. Piland, Acting Manager of ASPO since April 3, resumed his former duties as Deputy Manager.

1963 October 8

Guidelines for Apollo scientific investigations of the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Verne C. Fryklund, Jr., of NASA's Office of Space Sciences (OSS), in a memorandum to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, recommended some general guidelines for Apollo scientific investigations of the moon (which OSS already was using). "These guidelines," Fryklund told Gilruth, ". . . should be followed in the preparation of your plans," and thus were "intended to place some specific constraints on studies. . . . The primary scientific objective of the Apollo project," Fryklund said, was, of course, the "acquisition of comprehensive data about the moon." With this as a starting point, he went on, ". . . it follows that the structure of the moon's surface, gross body properties and large-scale measurements of physical and chemical characteristics, and observation of whatever phenomena may occur at the actual surface will be the prime scientific objectives." Basically, OSS's guidelines spelled out what types of activity were and were not part of Apollo's immediate goals. These activities were presumed to be mostly reconnaissance, "to acquire knowledge of as large an area as possible, and by as simple a means as possible, in the limited time available." The three principal scientific activities "listed in order of decreasing importance" were: (1) "comprehensive observation of lunar phenomena," (2) "collection of representative samples," and (3) "emplacement of monitoring equipment."
These guidelines had been arrived at after extensive consultation within NASA as a whole as well as with the scientific community.

1963 October 9

Major reorganization of NASA Headquarters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb announced a major reorganization of NASA Headquarters, effective November 1, to consolidate management of major programs and direction of research and development centers and to realign Headquarters management of agency-wide support functions. On October 28, NASA Headquarters announced a similar reorganization within OMSF, also to take effect on November I, to strengthen NASA Headquarters' control of the agency's manned space flight programs. In effect, these administrative adjustments "recombined program and institutional management by placing the field centers under the Headquarters program directors instead of under general management (i.e., the Associate Administrator)."

1963 October 10

Results of tests performed by astronauts in the Manned Space Flight Mission Simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance.
LTV announced the results of tests performed by astronauts in the Manned Space Flight Mission Simulator in Dallas, Tex. These indicated that, should the primary guidance and navigation system fail, LEM pilots could rendezvous with the CM by using a circular slide rule to process LEM radar data.

1963 October 14

LLRF nearing completion - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRF, LM Weight.
Langley Research Center's Lunar Landing Research Facility was nearing completion. A gantry structure 121.9 meters (400 feet) long and 76.2 meters (250 feet) high would suspend a model of the LEM. It would sustain five-sixths of the model's weight, simulating lunar gravity, and thus would enable astronauts to practice lunar landings.

1963 October 14

Combustion stability in the Apollo service propulsion engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. ASPO established criteria for combustion stability in the service propulsion engine. The engine had to recover from any instability, whether induced or spontaneous, within 20 milliseconds during qualification testing..

1963 October 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo Guidance and Performance Sub-Panel first meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Guidance and Performance Sub-Panel, at its first meeting, began coordinating work at MSC and MSFC. The sub-panel outlined tasks for eac Center: MSFC would define the dispersions comprising the launch vehicle performance reserves, prepare a set of typical translunar injection errors for the Saturn V launch vehicle, and give MSC a typical Saturn V guidance computation for injection into an earth parking orbit. MSC would identify the constraints required for free-return trajectories and provide MSFC with details of the MIT guidance method. Further, the two Centers would exchange data each month showing current launch vehicle and spacecraft performance capability. (For operational vehicles, studies of other than performance capability would be based on control weights and would not reflect the current weight status.)

1963 October 16-17

Commonality of displays and controls between Apollo CSM and LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. MSC discussed commonality of displays and controls with its two principal spacecraft contractors. A review of panel components suggested that Grumman might use the same vendors as North American for such items as switches, potentiometers, and indicators..

1963 October 16-23

Apollo weight reduction suggestions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Hohmann, Bernhard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight, LM Weight.
An MSC Spacecraft Technology Division Working Group reexamined Apollo mission requirements and suggested a number of ways to reduce spacecraft weight: eliminate the free-return trajectory; design for slower return times; use the Hohmann descent technique, rather than the equal period orbit method, yet size the tanks for the equal period mode; eliminate the CSM/LEM dual rendezvous capability; reduce the orbital contingency time for the LEM (the period of time during which the LEM could remain in orbit before rendezvousing with the CSM); reduce the LEM lifetime.

1963 October 16-November 15

Apollo CM humidity study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Mercury MA-9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. Because of an electrical equipment failure on Mercury MA-9, North American began a CM humidity study. . Additional Details: here....

1963 October 18

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Amendments to Little Joe II contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA and GD/C negotiated amendments totaling $354,737 to Little Joe II contract. This sum covered study activity and several relatively small changes that came out of a Design Engineering Inspection on May 3. More ground support equipment was authorized, as was fabrication of an additional breadboard autopilot system for use at MSC. The dummy payload was deleted and the instrumentation was limited to a control system on the vehicle to be used for Mission A-002 (BP-23).

1963 October 18

Selection of five organizations for Apollo LEM guidance and navigation equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance.
NASA Headquarters announced the selection of five organizations for contract negotiations totaling $60 million for the development, fabrication, and testing of LEM guidance and navigation equipment: (1) MIT, overall direction; (2) Raytheon, LEM guidance computer; (3) AC Spark Plug, inertial measurement unit, gyroscopes, navigation base, power and servo assembly, coupling display unit, and assembly and testing of the complete guidance and navigation system; (4) Kollsman Instrument Corporation, scanning telescope, sextant, and map and data viewer; and (5) Sperry Gyroscope Company, accelerometers. (All five had responsibility for similar equipment for the CSM as well.)

1963 October 18

Selection of 14 astronauts for Projects Gemini and Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Anders, Bassett, Bean, Cernan, Chaffee, Collins, Cunningham, Eisele, Freeman, Gordon, Schweickart, Scott, Williams, Clifton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA announced the selection of 14 astronauts for Projects Gemini and Apollo, bringing to 30 the total number of American spacemen. They were Maj. Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., Capt. William A. Anders, Capt. Charles A. Bassett II, Capt. Michael Collins, Capt. Donn F. Eisele, Capt. Theodore C. Freeman, and Capt. David R. Scott of the Air Force; Lt. Cdr. Richard F. Gordon, Jr., Lt. Alan L. Bean, Lt. Eugene A. Cernan, and Lt. Roger B. Chaffee of the Navy; Capt. Clifton C. Williams, Jr., of the Marine Corps; R. Walter Cunningham, research scientist for the Rand Corporation; and Russell L. Schweickart, research scientist for MIT.

1963 October 20-November 16

Testing begun on prototype Apollo extravehicular suit systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC reported that preliminary testing had begun on the first prototype extravehicular suit telemetry and communications system and on the portable life support system of which it was an integral part. The hardware had recently been received from the prime contractor, Hamilton Standard.

1963 October 21

The second prototype space suit was received by MSC's Crew Systems Division - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Young. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
The second prototype space suit was received by MSC's Crew Systems Division. Preliminary tests showed little improvement in mobility over the first suit. On October 24-25, a space suit mobility demonstration was held at North American. The results showed that the suit had less shoulder mobility than the earlier version, but more lower limb mobility. Astronaut John W. Young, wearing the pressurized suit and a mockup portable life support system (PLSS), attempted an egress through the CM hatch but encountered considerable difficulty. At the same time, tests of the suit-couch- restraint system interfaces and control display layout were begun at the Navy's Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory centrifuge in Johnsville, Pa. Major problems were restriction of downward vision by the helmet, extension of the suit elbow arm beyond the couch, and awkward reach patterns to the lower part of the control panel. On October 30-November 1, lunar task studies with the suit were carried out at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in a KC-135 aircraft at simulated lunar gravity. Mobility tests were made with the suit pressurized and a PLSS attached.

1963 October 22

OMSF appointments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, appointed Walter C. Williams Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight in OMSF. Williams would direct operations at MSC, MSFC, and LOC for all manned space flight missions.

1963 October 23-30

Contract to Hughes for a study of backup high gain antenna for Apollo LEM lunar surface equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications. MSC Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division awarded a $50,000 contract to the Hughes Aircraft Company for a study of backup high gain directable antennas for the LEM lunar surface equipment..

1963 October 23

Systems and ground rules outlined for the Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC Flight Operations Division defined systems and outlined ground rules for the lunar landing mission. System definitions were: (1) primary, most efficient or economic; (2) alternate, either redundant (identical to but independent of the primary) or backup (not identical but would perform the same function); (3) critical (failure would jeopardize crew safety); (4) repairable (for which tools and spares were carried and which the crew could service in flight); and (5) operational, which must be working to carry out a mission.
Mission rules established crew safety as the major consideration in all mission decisions and detailed actions to be taken in the event of a failure in any system or subsystem.

1963 October 24

Apollo LEM landing site selection studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
Because OMSF had requested OSSA to provide lunar surface microrelief and bearing strength data to support LEM landing site selection and to permit LEM landing-gear design validation, the Ad Hoc Working Group on Follow-On Surveyor Instrumentation met at NASA Headquarters. Attending were Chairman Verne C. Fryklund, Clark Goodman, Martin Swetnick, and Paul Brockman of the NASA Office of Space Sciences and Applications; Harry Hess and George Derbyshire of the National Acadamy of Sciences; Dennis James of Bellcomm (for OMSF); and Milton Beilock of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The group proposed "a fresh look at the problem of instrumenting payloads of Surveyor spacecraft that may follow the currently approved developmental and operational flights, so that these spacecraft will be able to determine that a particular lunar site is suitable for an Apollo landing." The study was assigned to JPL.

1963 October 24

NASA-Industry Apollo Executives Group - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The NASA-Industry Apollo Executives Group, composed of top managers in OMSF and executives of the major Apollo contractors, met for the first time. The group met with George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, for status briefings and problem discussions. In this manner, NASA sought to make executives personally aware of major problems in the program.

1963 October 25

Apollo LEM manned environmental control system development tests scheduled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
MSC directed Grumman to schedule manned environmental control system (ECS) development tests, using a welded-shell cabin boilerplate and air lock. At about the same time, the company was also requested to quote cost and delivery schedule for a second boilerplate vessel, complete with prototype ECS. Although this vessel would be used by the MSC Crew Systems Division for in-house investigation and evaluation of ECS development problems, its major purpose was to serve as a tool for trouble-shooting during the operational phase.

1963 October 29

All up testing required to meet Apollo schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
After a program review at an MSF Management Council meeting, George E. Mueller, head of OMSF, suggested several testing procedures. To meet schedules, "dead-end" testing, that is, "tests involving components or systems that (would) not fly operationally without major modification," should be minimized. Henceforth, Mueller said, NASA would concentrate on "all-up" testing. (In"all-up" testing, the complete spacecraft and launch vehicle configuration would be used on each flight. Previously, NASA plans had called for a gradual buildup of subsystems, systems stages, and modules in successive flight tests.) To simplify both testing and checkout at Cape Canaveral, complete systems should be delivered. An instrumentation task force with senior representatives from each Center, one outside member, and Walter C. Williams of OMSF should be set up immediately; a second task force, to study storable fuels and small motors, would include members from Lewis Research Center, MSC, MSFC, as well as representatives from outside the government.

1963 October 30

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Manned Saturn I earth orbital flights canceled - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA canceled four manned earth orbital flights with the Saturn I launch vehicle. Six of a series of 10 unmanned Saturn I development flights were still scheduled. Development of the Saturn IB for manned flight would be accelerated and "all-up" testing would be started. This action followed Bellcomm's recommendation of a number of changes in the Apollo spacecraft flight test program. The program should be transferred from Saturn I to Saturn IB launch vehicles; the Saturn I program should end with flight SA-10. All Saturn IB flights, beginning with SA-201, should carry operational spacecraft, including equipment for extensive testing of the spacecraft systems in earth orbit.
Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller had recommended the changeover from the Saturn I to the Saturn IB to NASA Administrator James E. Webb on October 26. Webb's concurrence came two days later.

1963 October 31

Marquardt production of reaction control engines for the SM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
The Marquardt Corporation received a definitive $9,353,200 contract from North American for development and production of reaction control engines for the SM. Marquardt, working under a letter contract since April 1962, had delivered the first engine to North American that November.

1963 October

Project Luster - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA tentatively approved Project Luster, a program designed to capture lunar dust deflected from the moon by meteorites and spun into orbit around the earth. An Aerobee 150 sounding rocket containing scientific equipment built by Electro-Optical Systems, Inc., was scheduled for launch in late 1964.

1963 October 31

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First production F-1 engine delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The first production F-1 engine for the Apollo Saturn V was flown from Rocketdyne's Canoga Park, Calif., facility, where it was manufactured, to MSFC aboard Aero Spacelines' "Pregnant Guppy.".

1963 November 1

Major reorganization of NASA - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller notified the Directors of MSC, MSFC, and LOC that he intended to plan a flight schedule which would have a good chance of being met or exceeded. To this end, he directed that "all-up" spacecraft and launch vehicle tests be started as soon as possible; all Saturn IB flights would carry CSM and CSM LEM configurations; and two successful unmanned flights would be flown before a manned mission on either the Saturn IB or Saturn V.
On November 18, Mueller further defined the flight schedule planning. Early Saturn IB flights might not be able to include the LEM, but every effort must be made to phase the LEM into the picture as early as possible. Launch vehicle payload capability must be reached as quickly as practicable. Subsystems for the early flights should be the same as those intended for lunar missions. To conserve funds, the first Saturn V vehicle would be used to obtain reentry data early in the Saturn test program.

By December 31 the official schedule showed:
Final Saturn I flight (SA-10):
June 1965
First Saturn IB flight (SA-201):
first quarter, 1966
First manned Saturn IB flight:
either SA-203, third quarter of 1966, or SA-207, third quarter of 1967
First Saturn V flight (SA-501):
first quarter, 1967
First manned Saturn V flight:
either SA-503, third quarter of 1967, or SA-507, second quarter of 1968.

1963 November 1

Advantages outlined of Apollo CSM's HF transceiver capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
MSC Flight Operations Division outlined the advantages inherent in the CSM's capability to use the HF transceiver during earth orbit. The HF transceiver would allow the CSM to communicate with any one tracking station at any time during earth orbit, even when the spacecraft had line-of-sight (LOS) contact with only one or two ground stations in some orbits. It would give the astronauts an additional communications circuit. Most important, this HF capability could alert the network about any trouble in the spacecraft and give the Flight Director more time to make a decision while the spacecraft was out of LOS communication with the ground stations.

1963 November 5

Results of a three-month study on radiation instrumentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
North American presented to MSC the results of a three-month study on radiation instrumentation. Three general areas were covered: radio-frequency (RF) warning systems, directional instrumentation, and external environment instrumentation. The company concluded that, with the use of an RE system, astronauts would receive about two hours' notice of any impending solar proton event and could take appropriate action. Proper orientation of the spacecraft could reduce doses by 17 percent, but this could be accomplished only by using a directional detection instrument. There was a 70 percent chance that dosages would exceed safe limits unless such an instrument was used. Consequently North American recommended prompt development.
Despite the contractor's findings, MSC concluded that there was no need for an RE warning system aboard the spacecraft, believing that radiation warning could be handled more effectively by ground systems. But MSC did concur in the recommendation for a combined proton direction and external environment detection system and authorized North American to proceed with its design and development.

1963 November 5

Apollo vibration test system from LTV accepted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
MSC accepted the final items of a $237,000 vibration test system from the LTV Electronics Division to be used in testing spacecraft parts.
On this same day, MSC awarded a $183,152 contract to Wyle Laboratories to construct a high-intensity acoustic facility, also for testing spacecraft parts. The facility would generate noise that might be encountered in space flight.

1963 November 5

Reorganization of MSC - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Kraft, Shea, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth announced a reorganization of MSC to strengthen the management of the Apollo and Gemini programs. Under Gilruth and Deputy Director James C. Elms, there were now four Assistant Directors, Managers for both the Gemini and Apollo programs, and a Manager for MSC's Florida Operations. Assigned to these positions were:
Maxime A. Faget, Assistant Director for Engineering and Development Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Assistant Director for Flight Operations Donald K. Slayton, Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations Wesley L. Hjornevik, Assistant Director for Administration Joseph F. Shea, Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program Office Charles W. Mathews, Manager, Gemini Program Office and G. Merritt Preston, Manager, MSC Florida Operations.

1963 November 7

Apollo Pad Abort Mission 1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES, CSM Parachute.
Apollo Pad Abort Mission I (PA-1), the first off-the-pad abort test of the launch escape system (LES), was conducted at WSMR. PA-1 used CM boilerplate 6 and an LES for this test.
All sequencing was normal. The tower-jettison motor sent the escape tower into a proper ballistic trajectory. The drogue parachute deployed as programmed, followed by the pilot parachute and main parachutes. The test lasted 165.1 seconds. The postflight investigation disclosed only one significant problem: exhaust impingement that resulted in soot deposits on the CM.

1963 November 8

Flammability tests on Apollo constant wear garment material - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC Crew Systems Division, conducting flammability tests on the constant wear garment material in a 3.5 newtons per square centimeter (5 psi), 100 percent oxygen atmosphere, reported that no fires had been experienced thus far..

1963 November 8

Drop test to evaluate dual drogue parachute for Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
At El Centro, Calif., a drop test was conducted to evaluate a dual drogue parachute arrangement for the CM. The two drogues functioned satisfactorily. The cargo parachute used for recovery, however, failed to fully inflate, and the vehicle was damaged at impact. This failure was unrelated to the test objectives.

1963 November 8

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Uprated H-1 engine for the first stage of the Saturn IB - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSFC directed Rocketdyne to develop an uprated H-1 engine to be used in the first stage of the Saturn IB. In August, Rocketdyne had proposed that the H-1 be uprated from 85,275 to 90,718 kilograms (188,000 to 200,000 pounds) of thrust. The uprated engine promised a 907-kilogram (2,000 pound) increase in the Saturn IB's orbital payload, yet required no major systems changes and only minor structural modifications.

1963 November 8

Go-ahead to RCA to develop the Apollo LEM radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Guidance.
Grumman issued a go-ahead to RCA to develop the LEM radar. Negotiations on the $23.461 million cost- plus-fixed-fee contract were completed on December 10. Areas yet to be negotiated between the two companies were LEM communications, inflight test, ground support, and parts of the stabilization and control systems.

1963 November 12-15

Farrand Optical subcontract for displays in the Apollo Mission Simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
North American representatives reviewed Farrand Optical Company's subcontract with Link for visual displays in the Apollo Mission Simulator. MSC officials attended the technical portion of the meeting, which was held at Link. Farrand and Link had established window fields of view and optical axis orientations. Designs were to be reviewed to verify accuracy and currency of window locations and crew eye position parameters.

1963 November 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Supplemental agreement for the S-IC stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Boeing Company and NASA signed a $27.4 million supplemental agreement to the contract for development, fabrication, and test of the S-IC (first) stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle..

1963 November 12

Meeting reviewed the tower flap versus canard concept for the Apollo earth landing system (ELS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
A joint North American-MSC meeting reviewed the tower flap versus canard concept for the earth landing system (ELS). During a low-altitude abort, MSC thought, the ELS could be deployed apex forward with a very high probability of mission success by using the tower flap configuration. The parachute system proposed for this mode would be very reliable, even though this was not the most desirable position for deploying parachutes. Dynamic stability of the tower flap configuration during high- altitude aborts required further wind tunnel testing at Ames Research Center. Two basic unknowns in the canard system were deployment reliability, and the probability of the crew's being able to establish the flight direction and trim the CM within its stability limits for a safe reentry. Design areas to be resolved were a simple deployment scheme and a spacecraft system that would give the crew a direction reference.
MSC directed North American to proceed with the tower flap as its prime effort, and attempt to solve the stability problem at the earliest possible date. MSC's Engineering and Development Directorate resumed its study of both configurations, with an in-depth analysis of the canard system, in case the stability problem on the tower flap could not be solved by the end of the year.

1963 November 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract for the construction of Saturn V LC-39A - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA awarded a $19.2 million contract to Blount Brothers Corporation and M. M. Sundt Construction Company for the construction of Pad A, part of the Saturn V Launch Complex 39 at LOC..

1963 November 12-19

Evaluation of propellant feed systems for the Apollo LEM ascent stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
ASPO reviewed Grumman's evaluation of series and parallel propellant feed systems for the LEM ascent stage. Because of the complications involved in minimizing propellant residuals in a parallel system, a series feed appeared preferable, despite an increase in LEM structural weight. Further study of the vehicle showed the feasibility of a two-tank configuration which would be lighter and have about the same propellant residual as the four-tank series-feed arrangement.

1963 November 13-14

Means for reducing the weight of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical, LM RCS.
After careful study, Grumman proposed to MSC 15 possible means for reducing the weight of the LEM. These involved eliminating a number of hardware items in the spacecraft; two propellant tanks in the vehicle's ascent stage and consequent changes in the feed system; two rather than three fuel cells; and reducing reaction control system propellants and, consequently, velocity budgets for the spacecraft. If all these proposed changes were made, Grumman advised, the LEM could be lightened significantly, perhaps by as much as 454 kilograms (1000 pounds).

1963 November 14

Emergency impact limits for Apollo spacecraft design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
ASPO revised the normal and emergency impact limits (20 and 40 g, respectively) to be used as human tolerance criteria for spacecraft design. (These limits superseded those established in the August 14, 1963, North American contract and subsequent correspondence.)

1963 November 15

An engine hard-over maximum q manual abort was impractical for the Apollo CSM on Saturn I and IB - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA and contractor studies showed that, in the event of an engine hard-over failure during maximum q, a manual abort was impractical for the Saturn I and IB, and must be carried out by automatic devices. Studies were continuing to determine whether, in a similar situation, a manual abort was possible from a Saturn V.

1963 November 16-December 15

Eight-day trial of the prototype Apollo diet - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
North American conducted an eight-day trial of the prototype Apollo diet. Three test subjects, who continued their normal activities rather than being confined, were given performance and oxygen consumption tests and lean body mass and body compartment water evaluations. The results showed insignificant changes in weight and physiology.

1963 November 16-December 15

All production drawings for the Apollo CM ECS released - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
All production drawings for the CM environmental control system were released. - AiResearch Manufacturing Company reported the most critical pacing items were the suit heat exchanger, cyclic accumulator selector valve, and the potable and waste water tanks.

1963 November 17-December 21

Hamilton Standard to develop a micrometeoroid protective garment to be worn over the A7L Space Suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. As a result of an MSC Crew Systems Division-Hamilton Standard meeting on the space suit, MSC directed the company to develop a micrometeoroid protective garment to be worn over the suit..

1963 November 19-20

Probe and drogue docking concept adopted for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
At a meeting of the Apollo Docking Interface Panel, North American recommended and Grumman concurred that the center probe and drogue docking concept be adopted.MSC emphasized that docking systems must not compromise any other subsystem operations nor increase the complexity of emergency operations. In mid-December, MSC/ASPO notified Grumman and North American of its agreement. At the same time, ASPO laid down docking interface ground rules and performance criteria which must be incorporated into the spacecraft specifications.
There would be two ways for the astronauts to get from one spacecraft to the other. The primary mode involved docking and passage through the transfer tunnel. An emergency method entailed crew and payload transfer through free space. The CSM would take an active part in translunar docking, but both spacecraft must be able to take the primary role in the lunar orbit docking maneuver. A single crewman must be able to carry out the docking maneuver and crew transfer.

1963 November 21

Apollo subcontract with Rocketdyne for the LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. MSC approved Grumman's $19,383,822 cost-plus-fixed-fee subcontract with Rocketdyne for the LEM descent engine development program..

1963 November 22

Ground rules for the Spacecraft Development Test Program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. ASPO developed ground rules and guidelines for the Spacecraft Development Test Program being conducted by Grumman, North American, and MIT Instrumentation Laboratory..

1963 November 22

10 lunar landing areas recommended for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
MSC's Space Environment Division (SED) recommended (subject to reconnaissance verification) 10 lunar landing areas for the Apollo program:
1. 36 degrees 55' E. 1 degree 45' N.
2. 31 degrees E. 0 degrees N.
3. 28 degrees 22' E. 1 degree 10' N.
4. 24 degrees 10' E. 0 degrees 10' N.
5. 12 degrees 50' E. 0 degrees 20' N.
6. 1 degree 28'W. 0 degrees 30' S.
7. 13 degrees 15' W. 2 degrees 45' N.
8. 28 degrees 15' W. 2 degrees 45' N.
9. 31 degrees 30' W. 1 degree 05' S.
10. 41 degrees 30'W. 1 degree 10' S.
SED chose these sites on the basis of regional slopes, surface texture and strength, landmarks, isolated features, and the size, shape, and position of the various areas. The list included several sites that the Division had designated earlier in the year.

1963 November 27

Velocity budgets for the Apollo spacecraft reduced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Hohmann, Bernhard, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea asked NASA Headquarters to revise velocity budgets for the Apollo spacecraft. (Studies had indicated that those budgets could be reduced without degrading performance.) He proposed that the 10 percent safety margin applied to the original budget be eliminated in favor of specific allowances for each identifiable uncertainty and contingency; but, to provide for maneuvers which might be desired on later Apollo missions, the LEM's propellant tanks should be oversized.
The ASPO Manager's proposal resulted from experience that had arisen because of unfortunate terminology used to designate the extra fuel. Originally the fuel budget for various phases of the mission had been analyzed and a 10 percent allowance had been made to cover - at that time, unspecified - contingencies, dispersions, and uncertainties. Mistakenly this fuel addition became known as a "10% reserve"! John P. Mayer and his men in the Mission Planning and Analysis Division worried because engineers at North American, Grumman, and NASA had "been freely 'eating' off the so-called 'reserve'" before studies had been completed to define what some of the contingencies might be and to apportion some fuel for that specific situation. Mayer wanted the item labeled a "10% uncertainty."
Shea recommended also that the capacity of the LEM descent tanks be sufficient to achieve an equiperiod orbit, should this become desirable. However, the spacecraft should carry only enough propellant for a Hohmann transfer. This was believed adequate, because the ascent engine was available for abort maneuvers if the descent engine failed and because a low altitude pass over the landing site was no longer considered necessary. By restricting lunar landing sites to the area between ±5 degrees latitude and by limiting the lunar stay time to less than 48 hours, a one-half-degree, rather than two-degree, plane change was sufficient.
In the meantime, Shea reported, his office was investigating how much weight could be saved by these propellant reductions.

1963 November 27

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First long-duration test firing of Apollo J-2 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At its Santa Susana facility, Rocketdyne conducted the first long-duration (508 seconds) test firing of a J-2 engine. In May 1962 the J-2's required firing time was increased from 250 to 500 seconds..

1963 November 28-December 4

Active thermal control system for Apollo SM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
MSC reviewed a North American proposal for adding an active thermal control system to the SM to maintain satisfactory temperatures in the propulsion and reaction control engines. The company's scheme involved two water-glycol heat transport loops with appropriate nuclear heaters and radiators. During December, MSC directed North American to begin preliminary design of a system for earth orbit only. Approval for spacecraft intended for lunar missions was deferred pending a comprehensive review of requirements.

1963 November 28

John F Kennedy Space Center (KSC) named - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon, Kennedy. Program: Apollo.
In honor of the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated six days earlier, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that LOC and Station No. 1 of the Atlantic Missile Range would be designated the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), ". . . to honor his memory, and the future of the works he started . . . ," Johnson said. On the following day, he signed an executive order making this change official. With the concurrence of Florida Governor Farris Bryant, he also changed the name of Cape Canaveral to Cape Kennedy.

1963 November 29

Apollo mission plan development study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. After a meeting with Grumman officials on November 27, ASPO directed the contractor to begin a Grumman-directed Apollo mission plan development study..

1963 November

Procedure for determining Apollo landing sites - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor.
Verne C. Fryklund of NASA's Manned Space Sciences Division advised Bellcomm of the procedure for determining Apollo landing sites on the moon. The Manned Space Sciences chief outlined an elimination for the site selection process. For the first step, extant selenographic material would be used to pick targets of interest for Lunar Orbiter spacecraft photography. After study of the Lunar Orbiter photography, a narrower choice of targets then became the object of Surveyor spacecraft lunar missions, with final choice of potential landing sites to be made after the Surveyor program.
The selection criteria at all stages were determined by lunar surface requirements prepared by OMSF. Fryklund emphasized that a landing at the least hazardous spot, rather than in the area with the most scientific interest, was the chief aim of the site selection process.

1963 November

Apollo LEM tethered flight vehicle considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC directed Grumman to halt work on LEM test article 9, pending determination of its status as a tethered flight vehicle. As a result, the proposed flight demonstration of the tether coupler, using an S-64A Skycrane helicopter, was canceled..

1963 November

Simulated meteoroid impact tests on the Apollo heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Ames Research Center performed simulated meteoroid impact tests on the Avco Corporation heatshield structure. Four targets of ablator bonded to a stainless steel backup structure were tested. The ablator, in a Fiberglas honeycomb matrix, was 4.369 millimeters (0.172 inch) thick in two targets and 17.424 millimeters (0.686 inch) thick in the other two. Each ablator was tested at 116.48 K (-250 degrees F) and at room temperature, with no apparent difference in damage.
Penetration of the thicker targets was about 13.970 millimeters (0.55 inch). In the thinner targets, the ablator was pierced. Debris tore through the steel honeycomb and produced pinholes on the rear steel sheet. Damage to the ablator was confined to two or three honeycomb cells and there was no cracking or spalling on the surface.
Tests at Ames of thermal performance of the ablation material under high shear stress yielded favorable preliminary results.

1963 December 2

AiResearch to supply cryogenic storage tanks for the Apollo LEM electrical power system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Grumman selected AiResearch Manufacturing Company to supply cryogenic storage tanks for the LEM electrical power system. Final negotiations on the cost-plus-incentive-fee contract were held in June 1964.
On this same date, Grumman concluded negotiations with Allison Division of General Motors Corporation for design and fabrication of the LEM descent engine propellant storage tanks (at a cost of $5,479,560).

1963 December 3-5

Design review of the Apollo CSM part-task trainer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator. A design review of the CSM part-task trainer was held at North American. Briefings included general design criteria and requirements, physical configuration, simulation models, and scheduling. The trainer was expected to be operational in December 1964..

1963 December 5

Apollo SLA was shortened - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Primarily to save weight, the length of the adapter was shortened to 853 centimeters (336 inches), as recommended by Grumman..

1963 December 9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Space required in the S-IVB instrument unit for different Apollo LEM landing gear designs defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. ASPO requested that Grumman make a layout for transmittal to MSFC showing space required in the S-IVB instrument unit for 406.4- and 457-centimeter (160- and 180-inch) cantilevered gears and for 508-centimeter (200-inch)-radius lateral fold gears..

1963 December 10-17

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Apollo LEM Little Joe II configuration aerodynamically unstable - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
As a result of wind tunnel tests, Langley Research Center researchers found the LEM Little Joe II configuration to be aerodynamically unstable. To achieve stability, larger booster fins were needed. However, bigger fins caused more drag, shortening the length of the flight. MSC was investigating the possibility of using more powerful rocket engines to overcome this performance degradation.

1963 December 10-17

Operational demands upon Apollo CM from separation to splashdown - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The MSC Operations Planning Division (OPD) reviewed the operational demands upon the CM from the time of CM-SM separation until splashdown. OPD concluded that the CM should be designed to operate for 45 minutes during this phase of the mission..

1963 December 11

Douglas contracted for 10 additional Apollo S-IVB stages - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA Headquarters approved a $48,064,658 supplement to the Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., contract for 10 additional S-IVB stages, four for the Saturn IB and six for the Saturn V missions..

1963 December 15

Final recommendations on Apollo's principal scientific objectives - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Ad Hoc Working Group on Apollo Experiments submitted its final recommendations on what should be Apollo's principal scientific objectives:
1. Examination of the physical and geological properties of the moon in the area surrounding the spacecraft.
2. Geological mapping.
3. Investigations of the moon's interior.
4. Studies of the lunar atmosphere.
5. Radio astronomy from the surface.
This group, which had as its chairman Charles P. Sonett of NASA's Ames Research Center and thus was known as the Sonett Committee, had been formed wholly within NASA for just this purpose. Much of the Sonett Committee's report already was contained in the Office of Space Sciences' guidelines transmitted earlier to MSC; their reception was not what one could call enthusiastic.

1963 December 16-January 15

Adequacy of the Apollo CM RCS for automatic reentry - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. North American completed a study to determine, for automatic modes of reentry, adequacy of the current CM reaction control system (RCS) and compatibility of the RCS with other reentry subsystems..

1963 December 16-January 15

Phase I of the Apollo manned centrifuge program completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Phase I of the Apollo manned centrifuge program was completed at the U.S. Navy Aerospace Medical Acceleration Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pa. The tests pointed up interface problems between couch, suit, and astronaut. For example, pressurizing the suit increased the difficulty of seeing the lower part of the instrument panel. The test fixture was disassembled and the couch, framework, and empty instrument panel were shipped to International Latex Corporation to serve as a mockup for further study.

1963 December 16

Redundant gimbal actuation system in the Apollo LEM's descent engine deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO concurred in Grumman's recommendation to delete the redundant gimbal actuation system in the LEM's descent engine. A nonredundant configuration would normally require mission abort in case of actuator failure. Consequently, in making this change, Grumman must ensure that mission abort and the associated staging operation would not compromise crew survival and mission reliability.

1963 December 16

Contract for computer display equipment for the Apollo Mission Control Center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. General Dynamics Corporation announced the receipt of a contract (worth about $4 million) from the Philco Corporation for fabrication of the computer display equipment for the Integrated Mission Control Center at MSC..

1963 December 16-January 15

Apollo CM environmental control system redesign - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC directed North American to redesign the CM environmental control system compressor to provide 0.283 cubic meters (10 cubic feet) of air per minute to each space suit at 1.8 newtons per square centimeter (3.5 psi), 16.78 kilograms (37 pounds) per hour total.

1963 December 16

NASA subsystem manager assigned to each of the major subsystems in the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
To ensure MSC's use of its manpower resources to the fullest extent possible, the Engineering and Development Directorate (EDD) assigned a subsystem manager to each of the major subsystems in the Apollo program. EDD provided such support as was needed for him to carry out his assignment effectively. These subsystem managers were responsible to ASPO for the development of systems within the cost and schedule constraints of the program. Primary duties were management of contractor efforts and testing.

1963 December 16

Safety for Apollo of breathing 100 percent oxygen at 5 psi for 30 days proven - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC and the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Medical Division completed a joint manned environmental experiment at Brooks Air Force Base, Tex. After spending a week in a sea-level atmospheric environment, the test subjects breathed 100 percent oxygen at 3.5 newtons per square centimeter (5 psi) at a simulated altitude of 8,230 meters (27,000 feet) for 30 days. They then reentered the test capsule for observation in a sea-level environment for the next five days. This experiment demonstrated that men could live in a 100 percent oxygen environment under these conditions with no apparent ill effects.

1963 December 17

Grumman proposed a two-tank ascent stage configuration for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Weight.
Grumman proposed a two-tank ascent stage configuration for the LEM. On January 17, 1964, ASPO formally concurred and authorized Grumman to go ahead with the design. The change was expected to reduce spacecraft weight by about 45 kilograms (100 pounds) and would make for a simpler, more reliable ascent propulsion system. ASPO also concurred in the selection of titanium for the two propellant tanks.

1963 December 18-January 14

Feasibility of unmanned Apollo earth orbit mission without a guidance system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The System Engineering Division (SED) examined the feasibility of performing an unmanned earth orbital mission without the guidance and navigation system. SED concluded that the stabilization and control system could be used as an attitude reference for one to two orbits and would have accuracies at retrofire suitable for recovery. The number of orbits depended upon the number of maneuvers performed by the vehicle, since the gyros tended to drift.

1963 December 18-January 14

Bioinstrumentation channels to the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC directed North American to assign bioinstrumentation channels to the CM for early manned flights for monitoring the crew's pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, and temperature. These readings could be obtained simultaneously on any one crew member and by switching from man to man for monitoring the entire crew.

1963 December 19

First three prototype Apollo fuel cells delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. Pratt and Whitney Aircraft delivered the first three prototype-A fuel cells to North American..

1963 December 20

Hamilton Standard contract for Apollo LEM environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. MSC announced that Grumman and Hamilton Standard had signed an $8,371,465 definitive contract for the LEM environmental control system. A go-ahead had been issued to Hamilton Standard on July 23..

1963 December 20-January 18

Houston Mission and Training Facility contracts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC awarded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contracts valued at $4,211,377 (to be subcontracted to W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation and Peter Kiewit and Sons, Inc.) for the construction of the MSC Mission and Training Facility and for additions to several existing facilities at the Center.

1963 December 20

Boeing Company to build five Lunar Orbiter spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
NASA selected The Boeing Company to build five Lunar Orbiter spacecraft. Beginning in 1966, Lunar Orbiters would take close-range photographs of the moon and transmit them by telemetry back to earth. The spacecraft would also detect radiation and micrometeoroid density and supply tracking data on the gravitational field of the moon. Information derived from the project (managed by Langley Research Center) would aid in the selection of lunar landing sites.

1963 December 21

MSC defined the Apollo LEM terminal rendezvous maneuvers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM RCS.
MSC defined the LEM terminal rendezvous maneuvers. That phase of the mission would begin at a range of 9.3 kilometers (five nautical miles) from the CSM and terminate at a range of 152.4 meters (500 feet). Before rendezvous initiation, closing velocity should be reduced to 61 meters (200 feet) per second by use of the ascent engine. The reaction control system should be used exclusively thereafter.

1963 December 23

Motorola contract for subsystems for NASA's Deep Space Network - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Motorola, Inc., received a follow-on contract from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the manufacture and integration of at least three S-band receiving subsystems for NASA's Deep Space Network and Manned Space Flight Network ground stations. Within the unified S-band system adopted by NASA, receiving equipment of the two networks would be identical except for a slight difference in operating frequency. This enabled all communications between ground stations and spacecraft to be on a single frequency. It also allowed more efficient power transfer between the directive antennas and the spacecraft and would greatly reduce galactic noise encountered with UHF frequencies.

1963 December 29-January 4

Hamilton Standard to modify the Apollo space suit helmet - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Based upon centrifuge test results, MSC directed Hamilton Standard to modify the space suit helmet. The vomitus port and other obstructions to the line of sight in the downward direction were deleted..

1963 December

Ryan selected for Apollo landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. RCA, contractor to Grumman for the LEM rendezvous and landing radars, chose Ryan Aeronautical Company as vendor for the landing radar. The contract was signed March 16, 1964..

1963 December 31

Samuel C Phillips new NASA Deputy Director for Apollo Program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the appointment of Air Force Brig. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips as Deputy Director of the NASA Headquarters Apollo Program Office. General Phillips assumed management of the manned lunar landing program, working under George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator of Manned Space Flight and Director of the Apollo Program Office.

1963 December 31

LV Family: Minuteman.

Phillips appointed Deputy Director of the Apollo Program - . Spacecraft Bus: Apollo Lunar Landing. Spacecraft: Apollo. Brigadier General Samuel C. Phillips, Vice Commander, Ballistic Systems Division, and former Minuteman program director, was appointed Deputy Director of the Apollo Manned Lunar Landing Program (NASA).

1963 December

Apollo television cameras for the LEM to be government-furnished - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Television.
MSC decided to supply television cameras for the LEM as government-furnished items. Grumman was ordered to cease its effort on this component.
Resizing of the LEM propulsion tanks was completed by Grumman. The cylindrical section of the descent tank was extended 34.04 millimeters (1.34 inches), for a total of 36.27 centimeters (14.28 inches) between the spherical end bells. The ascent tanks (two-tank series) were 1240.54 centimeters (48.84 inches) in diameter.

1964 January 3

Contract to Control Data for Apollo preflight acceptance checkout equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC forwarded a $1.4 million contract to Control Data Corporation for two computer systems and peripheral equipment which would be supplied to GE as part of the preflight acceptance checkout equipment..

1964 January 3

Apollo contractors joint report on spacecraft test plan - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
North American, Grumman, and MIT Instrumentation Laboratory summarized results of a six-week study, conducted at ASPO's request, on requirements for a Spacecraft Development Program. Purpose of the study was to define joint contractor recommendations for an overall development test plan within resource constraints set down by NASA. ASPO required that the plan define individual ground test and mission objectives, mission descriptions, hardware requirements (including ground support equipment), test milestones, and individual subsystem test histories.
Intermediate objectives for the Apollo program were outlined: the qualification of a manned CSM capable of earth reentry at parabolic velocities after an extended space mission; qualification of a manned LEM both physically and functionally compatible with the CSM; and demonstration of manned operations in deep space, including lunar orbit. The most significant basic test plan objective formulated during the study was the need for flexibility to capitalize on unusual success or to compensate for unexpected difficulties with minimum impact on the program.
Only one major issue in the test plan remained unresolved - lunar descent radar performance and actual lunar touchdown. Two possible solutions were suggested:
1. Landing of an unmanned spacecraft. If this failed, however, there would be little or no gain, since there was not yet a satisfactory method for instrumenting the unmanned vehicle for necessary failure data. If the landing were successful, it would prove only that the LEM was capable of landing at that particular location.
2. Designing the LEM for a reasonably smooth surface. This would avoid placing too stringent a requirement on the landing criteria to accommodate all lunar surface unknowns. A block change to the LEM design could then be planned for about mid-1966. By that time, additional lunar data from Ranger, Surveyor, and Lunar Orbiter flights would be available. The group agreed the second solution was more desirable.
The contractors recommended:
1. ASPO concur with the proposed plan as a planning basis for implementation;
2. ASPO issue a Development Test Plan to all three contractors (preferably within 30 to 60-days);
3. each contractor analyze the effect of the plan upon spacecraft, facility, and equipment contracts; and
4. ASPO and the contractors conduct periodic reviews of the plan once it was formalized.
In addition, the test plan should be coordinated with the lunar landing mission study, as well as development testing and systems engineering for the complete Apollo program.
The complete findings of this joint study were contained in a five-volume report issued by North American and submitted to MSC early in February 1964. (This document became known informally as the "Project Christmas Present Report.")

1964 January 7

Grumman to implement changes to space suit oxygen umbilical hoses - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
ASPO directed Grumman to implement a number of recommendations on space suit oxygen umbilical hoses discussed at a joint Grumman/North American meeting and forwarded to ASPO on December 4, 1963:
1. adopt a design that would permit use of CM hose sets in the LEM after crew transfer;
2. place connectors on short hoses permanently attached to the suit, because suit vision and arm mobility did not permit use of on-suit connectors;
3. determine exact placement and hose angles to route the suit portable life support system umbilicals between the legs of the suit;
4. build the "buddy concept" into the umbilical design by ensuring that one of the LEM hoses had valve and safety provisions; and
5. design the CM and LEM oxygen hose umbilicals to be interchangeable. (MSC would select a contractor for the connectors.)

1964 January 8

Apollo LEM translation and descent engine thrust controllers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM RCS.
MSC directed Grumman to integrate LEM translation and descent engine thrust controllers. The integrated controller would be lighter and easier to install; also it would permit simultaneous reaction control system translation and descent engine control. Grumman had predicted that such a capability might be required for touchdown.

1964 January 10

Apollo LEM extravehicular suit telemetry and communications system review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
The Flight Data Systems Branch of the Engineering and Development Directorate provided ASPO's Lunar Mission Planning Branch with information about the LEM extravehicular suit telemetry and communications system. No line of sight (LOS) communications were possible, and there would be no ground wave propagation and no atmospheric reflection. The link between astronaut and LEM would be limited to LOS of the two antennas, and surface activities by an extravehicular astronaut must be planned accordingly.

1964 January 11

Three U S Air Force test pilots in a simulated seven- day lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
Three U. S. Air Force test pilots began a five-week training period at the Martin Company leading to their participation in a simulated seven- day lunar landing mission. This was part of Martin's year-long study of crew performance during simulated Apollo missions (under a $771,000 contract from NASA).

1964 January 14

Criteria for redundancy of controls and displays in the Apollo LEM crew station - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Based on the LEM mockup review of September 16-18, 1963, MSC established criteria for redundancy of controls and displays in the LEM crew station. Within the framework of apportioned reliability requirements for mission success and crew safety, these guidelines applied:
1. the LEM must be provisioned so that hover to touchdown could be flown manually by the crew;
2. no single failure in the controls and displays should cause an abort; and
3. the unknowns associated with lighting conditions or dust caused by rocket exhaust impingement on the lunar surface might require a joint effort by the crew.
Although duplication of all equipment was not required, dual flight controls and windows, as well as gross attitude, attitude error, and vehicle rates information, were necessary. Other flight displays should be dual or be readable from either station.

1964 January 14

Spacecraft communications problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
At an MSC-North American meeting, spacecraft communications problems were reviewed. Testing had indicated that considerable redesign was essential to ensure equipment operation in a high-humidity environment. Also antenna designs had created several problem areas, such as the scimitar antenna's causing the CM to roll during reentry. The amount of propellant consumed in counteracting this roll exceeded reentry allowances. Further, because the CM could float upside down, the recovery antenna might be pointed at the ocean floor. In fact, many at this meeting doubted whether the overall communications concept was satisfactory "without having detailed ground receiver characteristics." The situation derived from "one of the primary problems in the area of communications system design . . . the lack of functional requirements specifications."

1964 January 15-23

Feasibility of manual maneuver required by the Apollo canard abort system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
MSC's Systems Engineering Division met with a number of astronauts to get their comments on the feasibility of the manual reorientation maneuver required by the canard abort system concept. The astronauts affirmed that they could accomplish the maneuver and that manual control during high-altitude aborts was an acceptable part of a launch escape system design. They pointed out the need to eliminate any possibility of sooting of the windows during normal and abort flight. Although the current design did not preclude such sooting, a contemplated boost protective cover might satisfy this requirement.

1964 January 15

Plans for testing the Apollo heatshield under reentry conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: FIRE.
MSC and Bellcomm agreed upon a plan for testing the Apollo heatshield under reentry conditions. Following Project Fire and Scout tests, the Saturn IB would be used to launch standard "all-up" spacecraft into an elliptical orbit; the SM engine would boost the spacecraft's velocity to 8,839 meters
(29,000 feet) per second. Additional Details: here....

1964 January 15

Crushable aluminum honeycomb for Apollo LEM landing gear - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Landing Gear.
Bendix Products Aerospace Division was awarded a 99973 contract by MSC to study crushable aluminum honeycomb, a lightweight, almost non-elastic, shock-absorbing material for LEM landing gears. Bendix would test the honeycomb structures in a simulated lunar environment.

1964 January 15-23

Apollo LEM manual orientation 36,600 meters above the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. ASPO asked the Flight Crew Operations Directorate to study whatever was necessary to ensure that the LEM crew could reorient their spacecraft manually in an abort 36,600 meters (120,000 feet) above the moon..

1964 January 15-23

Recommendations for Apollo LEM bioinstrumentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC's Center Medical Office was reevaluating recommendations for LEM bioinstrumentation. The original request was for three high-frequency channels (two electrocardiogram and one respiration) that could be switched to monitor all crew members. Grumman wanted to provide one channel for each astronaut with no switching.

1964 January 15-23

Apollo crew food could be eaten in a semi-liquid form during emergency pressurized operation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
ASPO and the Astronaut Office agreed to provide the crew with food that could be eaten in a liquid or semi-liquid form during emergency pressurized operation. This would permit considerable reduction in the diameter of the emergency feeding port in the helmet visor.

1964 January 15

First Apollo fuel cell delivered by Pratt and Whitney - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
The first fuel cell module delivered by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft to North American was started and put on load. The module operated normally and all test objectives were accomplished. Total operating time was four hours six minutes, with one hour at each of four loads-20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes. The fuel cell was shut down without incident and approximately 1,500 cubic centimeters (1.6 quarts) of water were collected.

1964 January 16

First monthly progress report on the Lunar Mission Planning Study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman presented to MSC the first monthly progress report on the Lunar Mission Planning Study. The planning group, designated the Apollo Mission Planning Task Force (AMPTF), established ground rules and constraints to serve as a base line around which mission flexibilities and contingency analyses could be built. Main topics of discussion at the meeting were the reference mission, study ground rules, task assignments, and future plans. The following week, MSC Flight Operations Directorate provided a reference trajectory for the AMPTF's use. Major constraints were daylight launch, translunar injection during the second earth parking orbit, free-return trajectory, daylight landing near the lunar equator, 24-hour lunar surface staytime, and a water landing on earth.

1964 January 16

Apollo LEM's electrical power system planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Electrical.
Representatives of Grumman, MSC's Instrumentation and Electronics Systems Division, ASPO, and Resident Apollo Spacecraft Program Office (RASPO) at Bethpage met at Grumman to plan the LEM's electrical power system. The current configuration was composed of three fuel cell generators with a maximum power output of 900 watts each, spiking stabilizing batteries, one primary general-purpose AC inverter, and a conventional bus arrangement. To establish general design criteria, the primary lunar mission of the LEM-10 vehicle was analyzed. This "critical" mission appeared to be the "worst case" for the electrical power system and established maximum power and usage rate requirements.
Those attending the meeting foresaw a number of problems:
- Grumman allowed only 10 percent margin for all contingencies and errors in energy requirements.
- Fuel cells and cryogenic fuels needed testing in a simulated space environment.
- Grumman depended upon its subcontractors to develop component testing procedures.
- Optimum power supply modes and motors for the environmental control system were still to be selected.
- "Essential loads" needed standardizing to allow the proper bus loading structure.
- Proper charging rates and equipment for the portable life support system extravehicular suit batteries needed to be selected.

1964 January 16-February 12

First full-throttle firing of STL Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
The first full-throttle firing of Space Technology Laboratories' LEM descent engine (being developed as a parallel effort to the Rocketdyne engine) was carried out. The test lasted 214 seconds, with chamber pressures from 66.2 to 6.9 newtons per square centimeter (96 to 10 psi). Engine performance was about five percent below the required level.

1964 January 16-February 15

Design completed of all components of Apollo CM ECS - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. AiResearch Manufacturing Company reported that it had completed design effort on all components of the CM environmental control system..

1964 January 16-February 15

Equipment stowage location tests in Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
Two astronauts took part in tests conducted by North American to evaluate equipment stowage locations in CM mockup 2. Working as a team, the astronauts simulated the removal and storage of docking mechanisms. Preliminary results indicated this equipment could be stowed in the sleeping station. When his suit was deflated, the subject in the left couch could reach, remove, and install the backup controllers if they were stowed in the bulkhead, couch side, or headrest areas. When his suit was pressurized, he had difficulty with the bulkhead and couch side locations. The subject in the center couch, whose suit was pressurized, was unable to be of assistance.

1964 January 17

Design review of the Apollo CM reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
A design review of the CM reaction control system (RCS) was held. Included was a discussion of possible exposure of the crew to hazardous fumes from propellants if the RCS ruptured at earth impact. For the time being, the RCS design would not be changed, but no manned flights would be conducted until the matter had been satisfactorily resolved. A detailed study would be made on whether to eliminate, reduce, or accept this crew safety hazard.

1964 January 17

LEM missed rendezvous comm problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications, CSM Docking.
Grumman was studying problems of transmitting data if the LEM missed rendezvous with the CSM after lunar launch. This meant that the LEM had to orbit the moon and a data transmission blackout would occur while the LEM was on the far side of the moon. There were two possible solutions, an onboard data recorder or dual transmission to the CSM and the earth. This redundancy had not previously been planned upon, however.

1964 January 19

George M Low assigned to the position of Deputy Director of MSC - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo.
NASA assigned George M. Low to the position of Deputy Director of MSC. He would replace James C. Elms, who had resigned on January 17 to return to private industry. Although Low continued as Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight at NASA Headquarters until May 1, he assumed his new duties at MSC the first part of February.

1964 January 21

North American design concept for the Apollo Block II - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Weight.
North American gave a presentation at MSC on the block change concept with emphasis on Block II CSM changes. These were defined as modifications necessary for compatibility with the LEM, structural changes to reduce weight or improve CSM center of gravity, and critical systems changes. (Block I spacecraft would carry no rendezvous and docking equipment and would be earth-orbital only. Block II spacecraft would be flight-ready vehicles with the final design configuration for the lunar missions.)

1964 January 22

Redesign of the Apollo unified S-band - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Representatives of MSC, North American, Collins Radio Company, and Motorola, Inc., met in Scottsdale, Ariz., to discuss a proposed redesign of the unified S-band to make it compatible with the Manned Space Flight Network. To ensure that there would be no schedule impact, North American proposed only a limited capability on the Block I vehicles. MSC deferred a decision on the redesign pending equipment compatibility tests at Motorola; spacecraft network compatibility tests by MSC, North American, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; and cost analyses.

1964 January 23

Contract amendment to North American for buildings for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC issued a $9.2 million contract amendment to North American for the construction and modification of buildings at Downey, Calif., and for research and development work on the CM..

1964 January 23-29

Qualification testing of components of the Apollo CM environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. The AiResearch Manufacturing Company began qualification testing of the first group of components of the CM environmental control system..

1964 January 23

Visibility requirements on the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA and North American discussed visibility requirements on the CM and came to the following conclusions: the contractor would provide four portholes in the protective shroud so the astronauts could see through both side and forward viewing windows, and ensure that all windows were clean after launch escape tower separation. North American proposed the addition to Block II CM of a collimated optical device for orientation and alignment during docking. MSC Flight Crew Operations Directorate recommended that mirrors be added to increase external and internal field of vision.

1964 January 24

Second phase of docking simulation studies ended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator. The second phase of docking simulation studies ended at North American- Columbus (Ohio). Tests included 170 runs simulating transposition and lunar orbital docking with stable and unstable targets, and two extendible probe concepts: cable and rigid boom..

1964 January 24

Design review of crew systems checkout for the Apollo CM waste management system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
A design review of crew systems checkout for the CM waste management system was held at North American. As a result, MSC established specific requirements for leakage flow measurement and for checkout at North American and Cape Kennedy. The current capability of the checkout unit restricted it to measuring only gross leakage of segments of the system.
Further analysis of the management system was necessary to determine changes needed in the checkout unit.

1964 January 26-February 1

AiResearch and Linde to manufacture high-pressure insulated tanks for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
MSC authorized AiResearch Manufacturing Company and the Linde Company to manufacture high- pressure insulated tanks. This hardware, to be available about May 15, would be used in a study of the feasibility of a supercritical helium pressurization system for the LEM.

1964 January 27

Attitude control of docked vehicles using the Apollo LEM's RCS - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Hohmann, Bernhard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
ASPO asked Grumman to study whether attitude control of the docked vehicles was practicable using the LEM's stabilization and control system (RCS). Grumman also was to evaluate the RCS fuel requirements for a five-minute alignment period to permit two star sightings. ASPO further directed the contractor to determine RCS fuel requirements for a second alignment of the LEM's inertial measurement unit during descent coast. This second alignment was needed for the required landing accuracy from a Hohmann descent.

1964 January 27

Apollo LEM's capability as active vehicle for lunar orbit docking - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Studies on the LEM's capability to serve as the active vehicle for lunar orbit docking showed the forward docking tunnel to be the best means of accomplishing this. ASPO requested Grumman to investigate the possibility of this docking approach and the effect it might have on the spacecraft's configuration.

1964 January 28

Agreement on space tracking station west of Madrid. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The United States and Spain agreed to the construction and operation of a $1.5 million space tracking and data acquisition station about 48 kilometers (30 miles) west of Madrid, Spain. Linked with the NASA Deep Space Instrumentation Facility, the station included a 26-meter (85-foot)-diameter parabolic antenna and equipment for transmitting, receiving, recording, data handling, and communications with the spacecraft. Additional Details: here....

1964 January 29

Contract for Apollo tracking antennae - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the award of a $1.356 million contract to the Blaw-Knox Company for design and construction of three parabolic antennas, each 26 meters (85 feet) in diameter, for the Manned Space Flight Network stations at Goldstone, Calif.; Canberra, Australia; and near Madrid, Spain.

1964 January 29

16:25 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn 5 - . Payload: Saturn-SA 5. Mass: 17,100 kg (37,600 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Huntsville. Program: Apollo. Class: Technology. Type: Re-entry test vehicle. Spacecraft: Jupiter nose cone. Decay Date: 1966-04-30 . USAF Sat Cat: 744 . COSPAR: 1964-005A. Apogee: 740 km (450 mi). Perigee: 274 km (170 mi). Inclination: 31.40 deg. Period: 94.80 min.
First first mission of Block II Saturn with two live stages. SA-5, a vehicle development flight, was launched from Cape Kennedy Complex 37B at 11:25:01.41, e.s.t. This was the first flight of the Saturn I Block II configuration (i.e., lengthened fuel tanks in the S-1 and stabilizing tail fins), as well as the first flight of a live (powered) S-IV upper stage. The S-1, powered by eight H-1 engines, reached a full thrust of over 680,400 kilograms (1.5 million pounds) the first time in flight. The S-IV's 41,000 kilogram (90,000-pound-thrust cluster of six liquid-hydrogen RL-10 engines performed as expected. The Block II SA-5 was also the first flight test of the Saturn I guidance system.

1964 January 30-February 5

Preliminary analysis of the probabilities of mission success if Apollo spacecraft hit by meteoroids - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield, LM Weight.
MSC and North American representatives discussed preliminary analysis of the probabilities of mission success if the spacecraft were hit by meteoroids. The contractor believed that pressurized tankage in the SM must be penetrated before a failure was assumed. To MSC, this view appeared overly optimistic. MSC held that, as the failure criterion, no debris should result from meteoroid impact of the SM outer structure. (This change in criteria would cost several hundred pounds in meteoroid protection weight in the SM and LEM.) North American thought that penetration of one half the depth of the heatshield on the conical surface of the CM was a failure. Here, MSC thought the contractor too conservative; full penetration could probably be allowed.

1964 January

All-ablative concept for the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Grumman began initial talks with Bell Aerosystems Company looking toward concentrating on the all-ablative concept for the LEM's ascent engine, thus abandoning the hope of using the lighter, radiatively cooled nozzle extension. These talks culminated in July, when Bell submitted to Grumman a revised development and test plan for the engine, now an all-ablative design.

1964 February 1

Apollo Program Review told that metabolic rate in an unpressurized suit twice that in clothes - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
At an Apollo Program Review held at MSC, Maxime A. Faget reported that Crew Systems Division had learned that the metabolic rate of a man walking in an unpressurized suit was twice that of a man in everyday clothes. When the suit was pressurized to 1.8 newtons per square centimeter (3.5 psi), the rate was about four times as much. To counteract this, a watercooled undergarment developed by the British Ministry of Aviation's Royal Aircraft Establishment was being tested at Hamilton Standard. These "space-age long johns" had a network of small tubes through which water circulated and absorbed body heat. Advantages of the system were improved heat transfer, low circulating noise levels, and relatively moderate flow rates required. An MSC study on integration of the suit with the LEM environmental control system showed a possible weight savings of 9 kilograms (20 pounds).

1964 February 3

Fourteen new astronauts reported for training - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Anders, Bassett, Bean, Cernan, Chaffee, Collins, Cunningham, Eisele, Freeman, Gordon, Schweickart, Scott, Williams, Clifton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. Fourteen new astronauts, chosen in October 1963, reported at MSC for training for the Gemini and Apollo programs..

1964 February 4

Development flight tests for Apollo heatshield qualification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC and MSFC officials discussed development flight tests for Apollo heatshield qualification. Engineers from the Houston group outlined desired mission profiles and the number of missions needed to qualify the component. MSFC needed this information to judge its launch vehicle development test requirements against those of MSC to qualify the heatshield. By the middle of the month, Richard D. Nelson of the Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD) had summarized the profiles to be flown with the Saturn V that satisfied MSC's needs. Nelson compiled data for three trajectories that could provide reentry speeds of around 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) per second, simulating lunar return. As an example, "Trajectory 1" would use two of the booster's stages to fire into a suborbital ballistic path, and then use a third stage to accelerate to the desired reentry speed.
Flight profiles for Saturn IB missions for heatshield qualification purposes proved to be a little more difficult because "nobody would or could define the requirements or constraints, or test objectives." In other words, MSFC requirements for booster development test objectives and those of MSC for the spacecraft heatshield conflicted. So compromises had to be forged. Finally Ted H. Skopinski and other members of MPAD bundled up all of ASPO's correspondence on the subject generated from the various pertinent sources: MSFC, MSC, and contractors. From this, the Skopinski group drafted "broad term test objectives and constraints" for the first two Saturn IB flights (missions 201 and 202). Generally, these were to man-rate the launch vehicle and the CSM and to "conduct entry tests at superorbital entry velocities" (8,500 to 8,800 meters per second) (28,000 to 29,000 feet per second). Skopinski also enumerated specific test objectives covering the whole spacecraft-launch vehicle development test program. These were first distributed on March 27, and adjustments were made several times later in the year.

1964 February 6

Honeywell developed an all-attitude display unit for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company reported it had developed an all-attitude display unit for the CM to monitor the guidance and navigation system and provide backup through the stabilization and control system. The Flight Director Attitude Indicator (or "eight-ball") would give enough information for all spacecraft attitude maneuvers during the entire mission to be executed manually, if necessary.

1964 February 7

Gemini and Apollo food and survival equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. During a meeting at MSC, North American and MSC Crew Systems Division agreed that there should be a central authority with total cognizance over Gemini and Apollo food and survival equipment, and that all this equipment should be government furnished..

1964 February 7

Status of the tower flap versus the canard Apollo launch escape vehicle (LEV) configurations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
Engineers from ASPO and Engineering and Development Directorate (EDD) discussed the current status of the tower flap versus the canard launch escape vehicle (LEV) configurations. Their aim was to select one of the two LEV configurations for Block I spacecraft. ASPO and EDD concluded that the canard was aerodynamically superior; that arguments against the canard, based on sequencing, mechanical complexity, or schedule effect, were not sufficient to override this aerodynamic advantage; and that this configuration should be adopted for Block I spacecraft. However, further analysis was needed to choose the design for the Block II LEV.

1964 February 7

Grumman reevaluated its testing concept for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman received MSC's response to the "Project Christmas Present Report", and accordingly reevaluated its testing concept for the LEM. On February 19, the contractor proposed to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea a flight program schedule, which was tentatively approved. ASPO's forthcoming proposal was identical to Grumman's proposal. It called for 11 LEMs (which were now renumbered consecutively) and two flight test articles. All LEMs were to have full mission capability, but numbers one through three had to be capable of either manned or unmanned flight.

1964 February 10

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Grumman to stop all work on the Apollo LEM Little Joe II program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC directed Grumman to stop all work on the LEM Little Joe II program. This action followed the ASPO Manager's decision against a testing program for the LEM comparable to that for the CSM..

1964 February 11

Apollo LEM to use an inertial reference system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
ASPO directed Grumman to provide an abort guidance system (AGS) in the LEM using an inertial reference system attached to the structure of the vehicle. Should the spacecraft's navigation and guidance system fail, the crew could use the AGS to effect an abort. Such a device eliminated the need for redundancy in the primary guidance system (and proved to be a lighter and simpler arrangement).

1964 February 12

Harness system for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
NASA gave credit to two MSC engineers, George C. Franklin and Louie G. Richard, for designing a harness system for the LEM that enabled the crew to fly the vehicle from a standing position. Eliminating the seats reduced the LEM's weight and gave the crew better visibility and closer observation of controls and instruments.

1964 February 13-19

Apollo boilerplate (BP) 13 spacecraft delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Boilerplate (BP) 13 spacecraft was flown from North American, Downey, Calif., to MSC's Florida Operations facility at Cape Kennedy, where the vehicle was inspected and checked out. On April 2, the spacecraft and launch escape system were moved to the pad and mated to the launch vehicle, SA-6. After exhaustive testing, a Flight Readiness Review on May 19 established that BP-13 was ready for launch.

1964 February 13

Studies on post-Apollo lunar exploration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC issued Requests for Proposals to more than 50 firms asking for studies and recommendations on how the lunar surface should be explored. Studies should show how lunar surveys could be performed and how points on the lunar surface might be located for future lunar navigation. Maximum use of equipment planned for the LEM and CM was expected. Part of the scientific apparatus aboard the LEM would be selenodetic equipment. The study would not include actual fabrication of hardware but might give estimates of cost and development times.

1964 February 13-20

Apollo Block II CSM configuration based on three classes of changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Block II CSM configuration was based on three classes of changes: mandatory changes necessary to meet the
1. Functional requirements of the lunar mission.
2. Manufacturing or fabrication changes (identified only with improved fabrication techniques).
3. Technically desirable and weight reduction changes.

1964 February 14

Apollo SM RCS to have emergency deorbit capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. MSC ordered North American to design the SM's reaction control system with the capability for emergency retrograde from earth orbit..

1964 February 16-March 15

Crew transfer tests using a mockup of the Apollo CM/LEM transfer tunnel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
North American completed its initial phase of crew transfer tests using a mockup of the CM/LEM transfer tunnel. Subjects wearing pressure suits were suspended and counterbalanced in a special torso harness to simulate weightlessness; hatches and docking mechanisms were supported by counterweight devices. The entire tunnel mockup was mounted on an air-bearing, frictionless table. Preliminary results showed that the crew could remove and install the hatches and docking mechanisms fairly easily.

1964 February 16-March 15

Apollo potable water system was changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. The potable water system was changed to meter both hot and cold water in one-ounce increments to provide accurate measurements for food rehydration. The previous water valve was a full-flow tap..

1964 February 16-March 21

Plan for changing the relationship of the Apollo navigation and guidance contractors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC completed and forwarded to NASA Headquarters a plan for changing the relationship of the navigation and guidance contractors. AC Spark Plug would become the principal contractor, with the Raytheon Company and Kollsman Instrument Corporation as subcontractors. MIT would still have primary responsibility for system design and analysis.

1964 February 16-March 21

Grumman subcontracts for engines for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
MSC gave its formal consent to two of Grumman's subcontracts for engines for the LEM: (1) With Bell Aerosystems for the ascent engine ($11,205,416 incentive-fee contract) (2) With Space Technology Laboratories for a descent engine to parallel that being developed by Rocketdyne ($18,742,820 fixed-fee contract).

1964 February 17

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Second Little Joe II launch vehicle delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. General Dynamics Convair delivered to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) the second Little Joe II launch vehicle, the first Little Joe II scheduled to fly with a production Apollo spacecraft..

1964 February 17

During a lunar mission, fuel cells in the Apollo CSM would produce 220 liters of potable water - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. MSC announced that, during a 14-day lunar mission, fuel cells in the Apollo CSM would produce about 220 liters (60 gallons) of potable water while furnishing power to operate the electronic equipment..

1964 February 17

Motorola proposal for the Apollo Unified S-band Test Program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
Motorola, Inc., submitted a proposal to NASA for the Apollo Unified S-band Test Program, a series of tests on the unified S-band transponder and premodulation processor. Motorola had already begun test plans, analytical studies, and fabrication of special test equipment.

1964 February 19-20

Acceptance testing of prototype Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC officials conducted acceptance testing of the 024 prototype space suit at the International Latex Corporation. (Reviewers identified several faults, but they were minor and the suit was accepted.).

1964 February 20-26

Three tests on the Apollo CSM fuel cell - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Fuel Cell, LM Electrical.
North American conducted three tests (4, 20, and 88 hours) on the CSM fuel cell. The third ended prematurely because of a sudden drop in output. (Specification life on the modules was 100 hours.)
During this same week, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft tested a LEM-type fuel cell for 400 hours without shutdown and reported no leaks.

1964 February 20-26

Apollo LEM's reaction control system propellant tank contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS. Grumman completed negotiations with Bell Aerosystems Company for the LEM's reaction control system propellant tanks..

1964 February 20-26

Backup mode for the crew getting from the Apollo LEM back to the CM. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Crew Station.
ASPO decided upon transfer through free space as the backup mode for the crew's getting from the LEM back to the CM if the two spacecraft could not be pressurized. North American had not designed the CM for extravehicular activity nor for passage through the docking tunnel in a pressurized suit. Thus there was no way for the LEM crew to transfer to the CM unless docking was successfully accomplished. ASPO considered crew transfer in a pressurized suit both through the docking tunnel and through space to be a double redundancy that could not be afforded.

1964 February 20-26

Dynamic testing of the Apollo docking subsystem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
North American submitted to ASPO a proposal for dynamic testing of the docking subsystem, which called for a full-scale air-supported test vehicle. The contractor estimated the program cost at $2.7 million for facilities, vehicle design, construction, and operation.

1964 February 20-26

Apollo tower flap configuration issues - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. Trajectory analyses by North American indicated that, with the tower flap configuration, it was highly probable that crew acceleration limits would be exceeded during high-altitude abort..

1964 February 22

Studies of the dangers of meteoroids and radiation in the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, summarized recent studies of the dangers of meteoroids and radiation in the Apollo program. Data from the Explorer XVI satellite and ground observations indicated that meteoroids would not be a major hazard. Clouds of protons ejected by solar flares would present a risk to astronauts, but studies of the largest solar flares recorded since 1959 showed that maximum radiation dosages in the CM and the Apollo space suit would have been far below acceptable limits (set in July 1962 by the Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences). Cosmic rays would not be a hazard because of their rarity. Radiation in the Van Allen belts was not dangerous because the spacecraft would fly through the belts at high speeds.

1964 February 24

Weight and power tradeoff study on the Apollo LEM's radar systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
RCA presented results of a weight and power tradeoff study on the LEM's radar systems, which were over Grumman's specification in varying amounts from 100 to 300 percent. RCA proposed that the accuracy requirements be relaxed to cope with this problem. MSC requested Grumman, on the basis of this report, to estimate a slippage in the schedule and the effects of additional weight and power.

1964 February 25

Design Engineering Inspection of the Apollo LEM timing equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC conducted a Design Engineering Inspection of the LEM timing equipment at the Elgin National Watch Company..

1964 February 25

Configuration for the Apollo launch escape vehicle - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
At a NASA-North American technical management meeting, the tower flap versus canard configuration for the launch escape vehicle was settled. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea decided that canards should be the approach for Block I vehicles, with continued study on eliminating this device on Block II vehicles.

1964 February 25

Apollo earth landings to be primarily on water - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
At a NASA-North American Technical Management Meeting at Downey, Calif., North American recommended that Apollo earth landings be primarily on water. On the basis of analytical studies and impact tests, the contractor had determined that "land impact problems are so severe that they require abandoning this mode as a primary landing mode." In these landings, North American had advised, it was highly probable that the spacecraft's impact limits would be surpassed. In fact, even in water landings "there may be impact damage which would result in leakage of the capsule." (ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, at this meeting, "stated that MSC concurs that land impact problems have not been solved, and that planning to utilize water impact is satisfactory."
Three days later, Shea reported to the MSC Senior Staff that Apollo landings would be primarily on water. The only exceptions, he said, would be pad aborts and emergency landings. With this question of "wet" versus "dry" landing modes settled, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Assistant Director for Flight Operations, brought up the unpleasant problem of the CM's having two stable attitudes while afloat - and especially the apex-down one. This upside-down attitude, Kraft emphasized, submerged the vehicle's recovery antennas and posed a very real possibility of flooding in rough seas. Shea countered that these problems could be "put to bed" by using some type of inflatable device to upright the spacecraft.

1964 February 25

Contract on the Apollo LEM communications subsystem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications. Grumman and RCA signed a contract on the LEM communications subsystem..

1964 February 27

Improved version of the Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) received an improved version of the Apollo space suit (the A-3H-024 Phase B). In the course of the following week, CSD engineers examined the suit for weight, leakage, donning, and mobility..

1964 February 27-March 4

Study on the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The MSC Primary Propulsion Branch (PPB) completed a study on the current LEM ascent engine and performance that might be gained if the chamber pressure and characteristic exhaust velocity efficiency were increased. PPB also evaluated the use of hard versus soft chamber throats. A study by Bell Aerosystems Company had predicted a slightly lower performance than the MSC investigation (which estimated a drop of about six points below specification values if the current design were retained). PPB thought that specifications might be reached by increasing the chamber pressure to 82.7 newtons per square centimeter (120 psia) and the exhaust velocity efficiency to 97.3 percent, and by using a hard, rather than a soft, throat.

1964 February 27-March 4

Capability of the Apollo LEM landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
A joint Grumman, RCA, Ryan Aeronautical Company, ASPO, and Flight Crew Support Division (FCSD) meeting was held at Bethpage to review capability of the LEM landing radar to meet FCSD's requirements for ascent and for orbit circularization. A preliminary (unfunded) Ryan study (requested by ASPO earlier in the month) indicated some doubt that those accuracy requirements could be met. RCA advised that it would be possible to make these measurements with the rendezvous radar, if necessary. A large weight penalty, about 38 to 56 kilograms (84 to 124 pounds), would be incurred if the landing radar were moved from the descent to the ascent stage to become part of the abort guidance system. Adding this weight to the ascent stage would have to be justified either by improved abort performance or added crew safety. MSC authorized RCA and Ryan to study this problem at greater length. In the meantime, ASPO and FCSD would analyze weights, radar accuracies, and abort guidance performance capability.

1964 February 27-March 4

Apollo space suit development review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A1C, A7L.
Representatives from MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) visited Hamilton Standard to discuss space suit development. The prototype suit (024) was demonstrated and its features compared with the Gemini suit. Deficiencies in the Apollo helmet were noted and suggestions were made on how to improve the design. (At this time, CSD began looking into the possibility of using Gemini suits during Apollo earth orbital flights, and during the next several weeks began testing Gemini suits in Apollo environments.)

1964 February 27-29

Amendments to AC Spark Plug contract for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC and AC Spark Plug negotiated amendments to AC's contract for a research and development program for inertial reference integrating gyroscopes. The amendments covered cost overruns, an additional 30 pieces of hardware, and conversion of the contract to an incentive-fee type (target price, $3.465 million; ceiling price, $3.65 million).

1964 February 27

Apollo boilerplate (BP) 19 drop tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Boilerplate (BP) 19 was drop tested at El Centro, Calif., simulating flight conditions and recovery of BP-12. A second BP-19 drop, on April 8, removed all constraints on the BP-12 configuration and earth landing system. Another aim, to obtain information on vehicle dynamics, was not accomplished because of the early firing of a backup drogue parachute.

1964 March 2-9

Mockup of the crew transfer tunnel reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
At North American, a mockup of the crew transfer tunnel was reviewed informally. The mockup was configured to the North American-proposed Block II design (in which the tunnel was larger in diameter and shorter in length than on the existing spacecraft). MSC asked the contractor to place an adapter in the tunnel to represent the physical constraints of the current design, which would permit the present design to be thoroughly investigated and to provide a comparison with the Block II proposal.

1964 March 9

Funds for scientific instruments for lunar exploration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC received an additional $1.035 million in Fiscal Year 1964 funds to cover development of equipment and operational techniques for scientific exploration of the moon:
- Power supplies for long-life equipment to be installed on the lunar surface during Apollo missions.
- Telemetry and Deep Space Instrumentation Facility requirements for this equipment.
- Tools and materials needed for examining, packaging, and transporting lunar samples.
- Cameras and film suitable for use on the moon by a space-suited astronaut.
- Methods of obtaining and returning lunar samples without contaminating or changing them.
- Techniques and instrumentation for geological mapping in the lunar environment.
- Processes for obtaining water, hydrogen, and oxygen from indigenous material on the moon.
Additionally, MSC would evaluate current techniques in seismology used to determine subsurface structural conditions.

1964 March 10

Yardney Electric selected for an auxiliary battery for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. Grumman completed negotiations with Yardney Electric Corporation for an auxiliary battery for the LEM. A contract would be awarded when size requirements were determined by Grumman and MSC..

1964 March 10

Common usage of Apollo ground support equipment (GSE) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman and North American began working out ways for common usage of ground support equipment (GSE). Through informal meetings and telephone discussions, the two prime contractors agreed to a formal procedure for the GSE's use, maintenance, and training procedures.

1964 March 12

Australian data acquisition facility at Canberra - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Goddard Space Flight Center awarded a $1.963 million contract to the Commonwealth of Australia's Department of Supply to construct and install a data acquisition facility, including an antenna 26 meters (85 feet) in diameter, at Canberra, Australia. The station would become part of the NASA Space Tracking and Data Acquisition Network to track unmanned satellites and part of the Deep Space Network to track lunar and planetary probes. Unified S-band equipment was later installed to support the Manned Space Flight Network during Apollo lunar missions.

1964 March 12-18

Pressure in the Apollo LEM's descent stage helium tank reduced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. Primarily as a weight-saving measure, the gas storage pressure in the LEM's descent stage helium tank was reduced from 3,103 to 2,413 newtons per square centimeter (4,500 to 3,500 psia). This allowed the thickness of the tank wall to be reduced..

1964 March 12-18

Kearfott to build the Apollo LEM rate gyro assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Grumman completed negotiations with Kearfott Products Division, General Precision, Inc., for the LEM rate gyro assembly, and a contract was awarded later in the month..

1964 March 12

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Contract for 12 Algol solid rocket motors for Apollo Little Joe II vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA completed formal negotiations with Aerojet-General Corporation for 12 Algol 1-D solid rocket motors, to be used in the Little Joe II vehicles. The contract was a fixed-price-plus-incentive-fee type with a target price of about $1.4 million. A maximum price of 20 percent more than the target cost was allowed.

1964 March 12

Apollo LEM propulsion as backup to the SM engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
North American was directed by NASA to study feasibility of using the LEM propulsion system as backup to the SM propulsion system. The most important item in the contractor's analysis was strength of the docking structure and its ability to withstand LEM main-engine and reaction control system thrusting.

1964 March 13

Apollo LM weight saving program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical, LM Weight. ASPO notified Grumman that certain items were no longer to be considered in the weight saving program: guidance and navigation components, drinking water tankage, scientific equipment, pyrotechnic batteries, among others..

1964 March 16-April 15

First prototype of the Apollo CM reentry battery was delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. The first prototype of the CM battery for use during reentry was delivered to North American by Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc..

1964 March 16-April 15

Design review of the Apollo CM heatshield substructure - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American held a design review of the CM heatshield substructure. Use of titanium in place of stainless steel was being evaluated as part of a weight reduction study for the Block II spacecraft. Added reliability and a weight saving of several hundred pounds might be achieved thereby. Three factors would be considered: the brittleness of stainless steel at extremely cold temperatures, the higher cost of titanium, and the verification of diffusion bonding of titanium honeycomb.

1964 March 16

RCA to build the Apollo LEM lunar landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Ryan Aeronautical Company signed a contract with RCA for the LEM lunar landing radar. Ryan was instructed to design for altitudes of 21,300 meters (70,000 feet) and accuracies of 0.5 percent..

1964 March 16-April 15

Apollo CM ECS component testing completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. AiResearch Manufacturing Company completed testing on development components of the CM environmental control system. Specifications for components had been submitted to North American..

1964 March 17

Progress report on Apollo lunar surface experiments study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Texas Instruments, Inc., presented a progress report on their lunar surface experiments study to the MSC Lunar Surface Experiments Panel. Thus far, the company had been surveying and rating measurements to be made on the lunar surface. Areas covered included soil mechanics, mapping, geophysics, magnetism, electricity, and radiation. Equipment for gathering information, such as hand tools, sample return containers, dosimeters, particle spectrometers, data recording systems, seismometers, gravity meters, cameras, pentrometers, and mass spectrometers had been considered. The next phase of the study involved integrating and defining the measurements and instruments according to implementation problems, mission needs, lunar environment limitations, and relative importance to a particular mission. Texas Instruments would recommend a sequence for performing the experiments.

1964 March 19-26

Apollo CM couch width studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) evaluated a CM couch width of 58.4 centimeters (23 inches). CSD found that the couch hampered an astronaut's movement in an unpressurized suit and totally restricted him if his suit was pressurized..

1964 March 19-26

Hard boost protective cover for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. After the decision to use canards instead of tower flaps, North American returned to the concept of a hard boost protective cover. The tower jettison motor would remove the cover along with the tower..

1964 March 19

Apollo CM crew couches fixed except in zero-G flight phases - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. NASA instructed North American to fix the CM crew couches along all axes during normal and emergency acceleration, except at impact. During nonacceleration mission phases, the couches would be adjustable for crew comfort..

1964 March 19-20

Projected load growth for the Apollo LEM electrical power system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman reported to MSC the current load status and projected load growth for the LEM's electrical power system, requesting a mission profile of 121 kilowatt-hours total energy. The company also presented its latest recommendation for the LEM power generation subsystem configuration: two 900-watt fuel cells, a descent stage peaking battery, an ascent stage survival battery, and four cryogenic storage tanks. To compensate for voltage drops in the power distribution subsystem, Grumman recommended that two cells be added to the current fuel cell stack; however, on March 23 ASPO directed the contractor to continue development of the 900-watt, three-fuel-cell assembly and a five-tank cryogenic storage system. MSC's position derived from the belief that the load growth would make the two-cell arrangement inadequate. Also the three-cell configuration, through greater redundancy, afforded greater safety and chances of mission success: the mission could continue in spite of a failure in one of the cells; should two cells fail, the mission could be aborted on the final power source. The cryogenic tanks should be sized for a usable total energy of 121 kilowatt-hours to permit immediate tank procurement.

1964 March 20

Breaking the Apollo CM windows for postlanding ventilation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch, CSM Recovery. Tests at North American demonstrated the possibility of using onboard tools to break the CM hatch windows for postlanding ventilation of the spacecraft..

1964 March 20

Groups of scientists to assist NASA in defining the scientific objectives of Project Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications began organizing several groups of scientists to assist the agency in defining more specifically the scientific objectives of Project Apollo. In a number of letters to prominent American scientists, Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell asked them to propose suitable experiments in such fields as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, biology, and atmospheric science. This broadly based set of proposals, Newell explained, is "for the purpose of assuring that the final Apollo science program is well balanced, as complete as possible, and that all potential investigators have been given an opportunity to propose experiments." The proposals would then be reviewed by subcommittees of NASA's Space Sciences Steering Committee.

1964 March 23

Apollo missions defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield.
OMSF outlined launch vehicle development, spacecraft development, and crew performance demonstration missions, using the Saturn IB and Saturn V:
1. Launch vehicle and unmanned CSM (at least two flights planned).
2. CSM long-duration.
3. CSM and LEM (two flights planned).
4. Launch vehicle and heatshield (at least two flights).
5. Lunar mission simulation.
6. Lunar exploration.
Missions (1) through (3) would use the Saturn IB and (4) through (6) the Saturn V. Additional launch vehicles and spacecraft would be provided for contingency or repeated flights. If necessary, repeat flights could provide additional crew training.

1964 March 23

Apollo-type experiments to be included into the Gemini program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Members of the Gemini Flights Experiments Review Panel discussed procedures for incorporating Apollo-type experiments into the Gemini program, experiments that directly supported the three-man space program. These experiments encompassed crew observations, photography, and photometry.

1964 March 24-26

Apollo LEM mockup TM-1 inspection and review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Hatch.
The first formal inspection and review of the LEM test mockup TM-1 was held at Grumman. TM-1 allowed early assessment of crew mobility, ingress, and egress. It was a full-size representation of crew stations, support and restraint systems, cabin equipment arrangement, lighting, display panels and instrument locations, and hatches. The TM-1 evaluation became the basis for the final LEM mockup, TM-5, from which actual hardware fabrication would be made. Additional Details: here....

1964 March 24

Narrower hatch configuration for Apollo Block II - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
To verify a narrower hatch configuration proposed for Block II spacecraft, North American evaluated the capability of an astronaut wearing a pressurized space suit and a portable life support system to pass through the main hatch of the CM for extravehicular activities. Subjects were able to enter and leave the mockup without undue difficulty despite the presence of gravity.

1964 March 25

Boeing to develop the Lunar Orbiter spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
The Boeing Company received NASA's go-ahead to develop the Lunar Orbiter spacecraft. Two significant changes were made in the original Statement of Work:
1. for the selenodetic part of the mission, the spacecraft lifetime was extended from 60 days to one year; and
2. to expand the area of photographic coverage, the film capacity was increased.

1964 March 25

Final phase of Apollo Acceptance Checkout Equipment program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The General Electric (GE) Company submitted its cost quotations to NASA, starting the final phase of a program to provide Acceptance Checkout Equipment (ACE - formerly PACE (see February 1963)) ground stations for Apollo spacecraft. The overall "ACE" plan slated three ground stations for North American, two for Grumman, four for Cape Kennedy, and one for MSC. GE's contract called for spacecraft systems integration and checkout and for maintenance of the ACE stations. Much of the ACE equipment was government furnished and had been procured by NASA from several sources: Control Data Corporation - computer; Radiation, Inc. - "decommutators and pulse code modulation simulators." By May, GE had set up and commenced operating an experimental ACE station at Cape Kennedy.

1964 March 26-April 1

Because of pure oxygen atmosphere specified, Apollo requirements for component testing reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
Because of the pure oxygen atmosphere specified for the spacecraft, North American reviewed its requirements for component testing. Recent evaluation of the CM circuit breakers had indicated a high probability that they would cause a fire. The company's reliability office recommended more flammability testing, not only on circuit breakers but on the control and display components as well. The reliability people recommended also that procurement specifications be amended to include such testing.

1964 March 29-April 4

Apollo CM might not withstand water impact - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. Impact tests indicated that, because of oscillations and consequent high angles of attack, the CM might not withstand water impact and could sink. North American planned a series of water impact tests using boilerplate 28 to study the problem..

1964 March 30

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Apollo mated to Little Joe II launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES. CSM boilerplate 12 (with launch escape system) was mated to its Little Joe II launch vehicle..

1964 March 30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Contract for production of 76 F-1 engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSFC awarded Rocketdyne a definitive contract (valued at $158.4 million) for the production of 76 F-1 engines for the first stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle and for delivery of ground support equipment..

1964 April 1

Contract for 27 prototype Apollo space suits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC negotiated a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract, valued at $1.65 million, with Hamilton Standard for 27 prototype Apollo space suits and 12 pairs of gloves..

1964 April 2-9

Static firing of the Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Space Technology Laboratories (STL) began using its new San Juan Capistrano, Calif., test facility to static fire the firm's LEM descent engine. Hereafter, the bulk of STL's development firings were made at this site..

1964 April 2-9

Revisions to Apollo's communications requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Guidance.
The MSC Operations Planning Division (OPD) reviewed recent revisions by OMSF to Apollo's communications requirements:
- Elimination of the requirement for continuous tracking of the spacecraft during translunar injection
- Sequential rather than simultaneous transmission of data from the ground to the two spacecraft (to be compatible with the Manned Space Flight Network)
- A five-kilometer (three-nautical-mile) communications range on the lunar surface (to be compatible with the design of the portable life support system)
- Elimination of the requirement for direct transmission to the CSM from an extravehicular astronaut; instead, such transmission would be relayed via the LEM.
Thus were resolved, OPD reported, a number of conflicting items (i.e., incompatibilities between OMSF's requirements and the capabilities of the two spacecraft). Two other items that OMSF made into firm requirements were already compatible with the design of the spacecraft:
1. A radar in the CSM capable of tracking the LEM (provided the LEM had a compatible transponder)
2. Three-way communications between an astronaut on the moon, his fellow crewman inside the LEM, and with mission control.

1964 April 6-13

Contract to AiResearch for design of cryogenic tank assemblies for Apollo LEM fuel cells - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. Grumman issued a letter contract to AiResearch Manufacturing Company to start design of cryogenic tank assemblies for the LEM fuel cells. AiResearch received the formal contract on June 23..

1964 April 7

First of two Apollo lunar landing research vehicles completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV. Bell Aerosystems Company completed the first of two lunar landing research vehicles, to be delivered to the NASA Flight Research Center for testing..

1964 April 7-8

Shea summarized recent activities concerning the Block II spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
At the April 7-8 NASA-North American Technical Management Meeting (the first of these meetings to be held at MSC's new home, "NASA Clear Lake Site 1"), ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea summarized his office's recent activities concerning the Block II spacecraft. He spelled out those areas that ASPO was investigating - which included virtually the whole vehicle between escape tower and service engine bell. Shea outlined procedures for "customer and contractor" to work out the definitive Block II design, aiming at a target date of mid-May 1965. These procedures included NASA's giving North American descriptions of its Block II work, estimates of weight reduction, and a set of ground rules for the Block II design. And to ensure that both sides cooperated as closely as possible in this work, Shea named Owen E. Maynard, Chief of MSC's Systems Engineering Division, and his counterpart at Downey, Norman J. Ryker, Jr., to "honcho" the effort.

1964 April 13

Specific instructions on insulating wiring in the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
ASPO gave Grumman specific instructions on insulating wiring in the LEM: Teflon-insulated wiring was mandatory in a pure oxygen atmosphere. If the standard-thickness Teflon insulation was too heavy, a thin- wall Teflon-insulated wiring with abrasion-resistant coating should be considered. Teflon-insulated wiring should also be used outside the pressurized cabin, wherever that wiring was exposed. Any approved spacecraft insulation could be used within subsystem modules which were hermetically sealed in an inert gas atmosphere or potted within the case.

1964 April 14

Phase I tests of the Apollo SM engine completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Firings at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) and at Aerojet-General Corporation's Sacramento test site completed Phase I development tests of the SM propulsion engine. The last simulated altitude test at AEDC was a sustained burn of 635 seconds, which demonstrated the engine's capability for long-duration firing. Preliminary data indicated that performance was about three percent below specification, but analysis was in progress to see if it could be improved.

1964 April 15-16

Demonstration of space suits using the LEM TM-1 mockup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Hatch.
MSC Crew Systems Division representatives attended a demonstration at Grumman of Apollo Phase B and Gemini space suits using the LEM TM-1 mockup and a mockup portable life support system. Tests demonstrated ingress egress capability through the forward and top hatches, operation of controls and displays, and methods of getting out on the lunar surface and returning to the spacecraft. Generally, the A7L Space Suit proved sufficiently mobile for all these tasks, though there was no great difference between its performance and that of the Gemini suit during these trials.

1964 April 15

Apollo LEM environmental control system water management configuration study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman completed an environmental control system water management configuration study and concluded that a revised design would significantly improve the probability of mission success and crew safety. This design would combine water tanks for the water management functions into one easily accessible package.

1964 April 15

Flotation attitude studied for Apollo CM's - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. ASPO asked North American to investigate the possibility of designing apex-upright, stable flotation attitude into Block I and Block II CM's..

1964 April 15

Flight attitude indicator and associated equipment for the Apollo LEM approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. ASPO gave Grumman a go-ahead on procurement of the flight attitude indicator ("8-ball") and associated equipment for the LEM..

1964 April 15

Dale D Myers named North American's program manager for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Dale D. Myers, North American's Space and Information Systems Division vice president, succeeded John W. Paup as the contractor's program manager for the CM..

1964 April 16

Apollo scientist-astronaut program planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) were planning a scientist-astronaut program. The screening-for-selection process could be scheduled for February 1965.. Additional Details: here....

1964 April 16

Apollo changes for Block II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Joseph F. Shea, ASPO Manager, in a letter to North American's Apollo Program Manager, summarized MSC's review of the weight status of the Block I and the design changes projected for Block II CSM's.
The Block II design arose from the need to add docking and crew transfer capability to the CM. Reduction of the CM control weight (from 9,500 to 9,100 kilograms (21,000 to 20,000 pounds)) and deficiencies in several major subsystems added to the scope of the redesign. Additional Details: here....

1964 April 16-22

Preliminary study on removal of one of three fuel cells from the Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American conducted a preliminary study on removal of one of three fuel cells from the Block II CSM. The contractor predicted a total weight saving of about 168 kilograms (370 pounds), with potential indirect reductions in the cryogenic systems, but this change would require a significant increase in reliability.

1964 April 16-23

Problems in Apollo reaction control thrust chambers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC, North American, and Grumman reviewed development problems in the LEM and SM reaction control thrust chambers. They agreed that a reassessment of the chambers' operational and thermal parameters was necessary..

1964 April 16-May 15

Simulations to evaluate Apollo astronauts' ability to perform attitude change maneuvers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
North American completed the first of a series of simulations to evaluate the astronauts' ability to perform attitude change maneuvers under varying rates and angles. Subjects were tested in a shirtsleeve environment and in vented and pressurized International Latex Corporation state-of-the-art pressure suits. The subjects had considerable difficulty making large, multi-axis attitude corrections because the pressurized suit restricted manipulation of the rotational hand controller.

1964 April 17

Manned Apollo LEM drop tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
Grumman conducted manned drop tests to determine the LEM crew's ability to land the spacecraft from a standing position. All tests were run with the subject in an unpressurized suit in a "hands off" standing position with no restraint system or arm rests.

1964 April 20

IBM to build the instrument units for the Saturn launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA selected IBM, Federal Systems Division, to develop and build the instrument units (IU) for the Saturn IB and Saturn V launch vehicles. (IBM had been chosen by NASA in October 1963 to design and build the IU data adapters and digital guidance computers and to integrate and check out the IUs.) Under this new contract, expected to be worth over $175 million, IBM would supply the structure and the environmental control system. NASA would furnish the telemetry system and the stabilized platform (ST-124M) of the guidance system. MSFC would manage the contract.

1964 April 21

Urine storage in the Apollo space suit for prelaunch and launch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. ASPO directed Hamilton Standard to provide urine storage in the Apollo space suit for prelaunch and launch. The contractor was to investigate the suitability of a Mercury-Gemini type urinal for storage and subsequent disposal..

1964 April 21

Basic rules for Apollo space suit operation established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Officials from ASPO, Flight Crew Operations Directorate, Crew Systems Division, and Hamilton Standard established the basic ground rules for Apollo space suit operation:
1. At least one crewman would wear his space suit at all times.
2. All three crewmen would wears their suits continuously during launch through translunar injection, lunar operations, and reentry.
3. The three crewmen could remain suited at all times, although they could remove the suits during translunar and transearth phases.
4. The crew would be able to return from any point in the mission in pressurized suits.
5. Two men in the CM would be able to don their suits within five minutes.
Operations Planning Division reported that these rules required no modifications to the suit and only minor changes to the environmental control system.

1964 April 23

Apollo CM heatshield design philosophy modified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
After completing estimates of the heating conditions for a series of MIT guided reentry trajectories, the MSC Engineering and Development Directorate recommended that the heatshield design philosophy be modified from the current "worst possible entry" to the "worst possible entry using either the primary or backup guidance mode." North American had drawn up the requirements early in 1962, with the intent of providing a heatshield that would not be a constraint on reentry. However, it was now deemed extremely unlikely that an entry, employing either the primary or backup guidance mode, would ever experience the heat loads that the contractor had designed for earlier. The ablator weight savings, using the MIT trajectories, could amount to several hundred pounds.

1964 April 23-30

Grumman redesigned Apollo LEM environmental control system to use PLSS cartridges for emergencies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman redesigned the LEM environmental control system to incorporate a replaceable lithium hydroxide cartridge with a portable life support system cartridge in parallel for emergency backup. The LEM cartridge would be replaced once during a two-day mission.
Also MSC advised Grumman that estimates of the metabolic rates for astronauts on the lunar surface had been increased. The major effect of this change was an increase in the requirements for oxygen and water for the portable life support system.

1964 April 23-30

First firing of a prototype thrust chamber for Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Rocketdyne conducted the first firing of the prototype thrust chamber assembly for its LEM descent engine..

1964 April 24

Apollo manual abort simulations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator. To train astronauts in various mission procedures, LTV had completed simulations of manual abort and, within a week, would be able to conduct simulated final maneuver phases of a rendezvous..

1964 April 24

Deletion of the Apollo LEM's front docking capability - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: See, White. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM ECS, LM Hatch.
Representatives from a number of elements within MSC (including systems and structural engineers, advanced systems and rendezvous experts, and two astronauts, Edward H. White II and Elliot M. See, Jr.) discussed the idea of deleting the LEM's front docking capability (an idea spawned by the recent TM-1 mockup review). Rather than nose-to-nose docking, the LEM crew might be able to perform the rendezvous and docking maneuver, docking at the spacecraft's upper (transfer) hatch, by using a window above the LEM commander's head to enable him to see his target. Additional Details: here....

1964 April 24

Contract with Philco for Apollo spacecraft flight control support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA definitized the letter contract with the Philco Corporation Techrep Division for spacecraft flight control support. The definitive contract covered the period from September 16, 1963, through March 31, 1965, and the total cost-plus-fixed-fee was $720,624.

1964 April 24

Apollo scientific experiments program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. The NASA Manned Space Science Division was planning a scientific experiments program for manned and unmanned earth orbital flights. The manned program would be a direct outgrowth of the Gemini experiments program..

1964 April 28-30

Mockup inspection and review for Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Caldwell, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
At Downey, Calif., MSC and North American officials conducted a mockup review on the Block I CSM. Major items reviewed were:
- Cabin interior (complete except for hatches, display panel lighting, survival equipment, umbilical connections, and zero-g restraints).
- CM exterior (complete except for hatches and boost protective cover).
- Earth landing system.
- Launch escape system.
- SM.
One hundred and eleven request for change forms were submitted to the mockup review board, composed of Robert O. Piland (Chairman), Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Donald K. Slayton, Caldwell C. Johnson, Owen E. Maynard, and Clinton L. Taylor of MSC; and H. G. Osbon and Charles H. Feltz of North American.
For the first time, three representative Apollo space suits were used in the CM couches. Pressurized suit demonstrations, with three suited astronauts lying side by side in the couches, showed that the prototype suit shoulders and elbows overlapped and prevented effective operation of the CM displays and controls. Previous tests, using only one suited subject, had indicated that suit mobility was adequate. Gemini suits, tested under the same conditions, proved much more usable. Moreover, using Gemini suits for Apollo earth orbital missions promised a substantial financial saving. As a result of further tests conducted in May, the decision was made to use the Gemini suits for these missions. The existing Apollo space suit contract effort was redirected to concentrate on later Apollo flights. A redesign of the Apollo suit shoulders and elbows also was begun.

1964 May 4

Apollo Mission Planning Task Force specified the program's mission objectives and ground rules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Apollo Mission Planning Task Force specified the program's mission objectives and ground rules..

1964 May 28

17:07 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn 6 - . Payload: Apollo CSM Boilerplate 13. Mass: 16,900 kg (37,200 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Decay Date: 1964-06-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 800 . COSPAR: 1964-025A. Apogee: 204 km (126 mi). Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 88.20 min. Apollo Saturn Mission A-101, using CM BP-13 atop SA-6 Saturn I launch vehicle, launched at Cape Kennedy, Fla., to prove spacecraft/launch vehicle compatibility. Boilerplate CSM, LM adapter, LES. LES jettison demonstrated..

1964 June 11

Mandatory changes to Apollo Block I and Block II spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I, CSM Block II. NASA directed North American Aviation, Inc. (NAA), to make certain mandatory changes to both Block I and Block II spacecraft systems..

1964 September 14

Ground rules for lunar excursion module guidance and control system firmly defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Ground rules for lunar excursion module guidance and control system firmly defined..

1964 September 18

Apollo Mission A-102 / SA-7 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Apollo Mission A-102, using BP-15 for the command and service modules (CSM) and SA-7 for the launch vehicle, confirmed Saturn Block II and CSM compatibility as well as the launch escape vehicle system..

1964 September 18

16:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Saturn 7 - . Payload: Apollo CSM Boilerplate 15. Mass: 16,700 kg (36,800 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Decay Date: 1964-09-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 883 . COSPAR: 1964-057A. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi). Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 88.50 min. Apollo systems test. Third orbital test. First closed-loop guidance test..

1964 September 30

Formal inspection of Block II Apollo CSM mockup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. NAA conducted formal inspection and review of Block II CSM mockup..

1964 October 1

Sixth anniversary of NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon, Webb. Program: Apollo.
Ceremonies in Washington marked the sixth anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Administrator James E. Webb reminded those present of NASA's unique contribution to America's mission and destiny, then read a message from President Johnson: "We must be first in space and in aeronautics," the President said, "to maintain first place on earth. . . . Significant as our success has been, it is but indicative of the far greater advances that mankind can expect from our aeronautical and space efforts in the coming years. We have reached a new threshold . . . which opens to us the widest possibilities for the future." Two days later, in an address in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Webb observed that "as the national space program moves into its seventh year, the United States has reached the half-way point in the broad-based accelerated program for the present decade." America was halfway to the moon.

1964 October 1-2

Plan for testing the Apollo LEM rendezvous and landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Representatives from Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, North American Aviation, Inc., and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Instrumentation Laboratory, three of the Manned Spacecraft Center's (MSC) principal contractors, met with radar and guidance and navigation experts from Houston and Cape Kennedy. They formulated a detailed plan for testing and checkout of the lunar excursion module (LEM) rendezvous and landing radar systems both at the factory and at the launch site.

1964 October 1-8

Spring-activated pop-up antenna for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. North American switched to a spring-activated pop-up antenna for the command module (CM) high-frequency recovery radio..

1964 October 1-8

Auxiliary battery for the Apollo LEM recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
On the basis of new abort criteria (failure of one fuel cell), extended operating periods, and additional data on fuel cell performance, Grumman recommended a 20.4 kg (45-lb), 1,800 watt-hour auxiliary battery for the LEM. MSC approved the recommendation and Grumman completed the redesign of the electrical power distribution system and resizing of the battery during late October and early November.

1964 October 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Plan to verify the Apollo CM's radiation shielding - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC's Apollo Spacecraft Program Office (ASPO) approved a plan (put forward by the MSC Advanced Spacecraft Technology Division to verify the CM's radiation shielding. Checkout of the radiation instrumentation would be made during manned earth orbital flights. The spacecraft would then be subjected to a radiation environment during the first two unmanned Saturn V flights. These missions, 501 and 502, with apogees of about 18,520 km (10,000 nm), would verify the shielding. Gamma probe verification, using spacecraft 008, would be performed in Houston during 1966. Only Block I CM's would be used in these ground and flight tests. Radiation shielding would be unaffected by the change to Block II status.

1964 October 2

Two additional Apollo spacecraft checkout ground stations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC submitted a Request for Proposals to General Electric Company (GE) for two additional spacecraft acceptance checkout ground stations. Eight million dollars was the estimated cost of the added equipment..

1964 October 2-29

Apollo part task trainers canceled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator. ASPO notified Grumman and North American that it had canceled requirements for Apollo part task trainers..

1964 October 5-8

Formal review of the Apollo LEM mockup M-5 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Kraft, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Electrical, LM Landing Gear.
NASA conducted a formal review of the LEM mockup M-5 at the Grumman factory. This inspection was intended to affirm that the M-5 configuration reflected all design requirements and to definitize the LEM configuration. Members of the Mockup Review Board were Chairman Owen E. Maynard, Chief, Systems Engineering Division, ASPO; R. W. Carbee, LEM Subsystem Project Engineer, Grumman; Maxime A. Faget, Assistant Director for Engineering and Development, MSC; Thomas J. Kelly, LEM Project Engineer, Grumman; Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. (represented by Sigurd A. Sjoberg), Assistant Director for Flight Operations, MSC; Owen G. Morris, Chief, Reliability and Quality Assurance Division, ASPO; William F. Rector III, LEM Project Officer, ASPO; and Donald K. Slayton, Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations, MSC.
The astronauts' review was held on October 5 and 6. It included demonstrations of entering and getting out of the LEM, techniques for climbing and descending the ladder, and crew mobility inside the spacecraft. The general inspection was held on the 7th and the Review Board met on the 8th. Those attending the review used request for change (RFC) forms to propose spacecraft design alterations. Before submission to the Board, these requests were discussed by contractor personnel and NASA coordinators to assess their effect upon system design, interfaces, weight, and reliability.
The inspection categories were crew provisions; controls, displays, and lighting; the stabilization and control system and the guidance and navigation radar; electrical power; propulsion (ascent, descent, reaction control system, and pyrotechnics ; power generation cryogenic storage and fuel cell assemblies ; environmental control; communications and instrumentation; structures and landing gear; scientific equipment; and reliability and quality' control. A total of 148 RFCs were submitted. Most were aimed at enhancing the spacecraft's operational capability; considerable attention also was given to quality and reliability and to ground checkout of various systems. No major redesigns of the configuration were suggested.
As a result of this review, the Board recommended that Grumman take immediate action on those RFC's which it had approved. Further, the LEM contractor and MSC should promptly investigate those items which the Board had assigned for further study. On the basis of the revised M-5 configuration, Grumman could proceed with LEM development and qualification. This updated mockup would be the basis for tooling and fabrication of the initial hardware as well.

1964 October 8

Contract for the Apollo LEM attitude translation control assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Guidance, LM RCS.
Radio Corporation of America's (RCA) Aerospace Systems Division received a 9 million contract from Grumman for the LEM attitude translation control assembly (ATCA). The ATCA, a device to maintain the spacecraft's attitude, would fire the reaction control system motors in response to signals from the primary guidance system.

1964 October 8-15

Apollo CM instrument changes recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
On the basis of reentry simulations, North American recommended several CM instrument changes. An additional reaction control system display was needed, the company reported. Further, the flight attitude and the stabilization and control system indicators must be modified to warn of a system failure before it became catastrophic. The entry monitor system for Block I spacecraft would have to be replaced and the sample g-meter was not wholly satisfactory.

1964 October 8-15

Block I Apollo CM's heat rejection capability inadequate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Analysis by MSC of the performance of the environmental control system radiators for Block I CM's placed their heat rejection capability at 4,000 Btus per hr, far below the anticipated mission load of 7,220.. Additional Details: here....

1964 October 8-15

Configuration established of the reaction control system engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block I, LM RCS.
MSC established the configuration of the reaction control system engines for both the service module (SM) and the LEM, and informed North American and Grumman accordingly. The Center also directed North American to propose a design for an electric heater that would provide thermal control in lunar orbit and during contingency operations. The design would be evaluated for use in Block I spacecraft as well.

1964 October 8-15

Weight of the Apollo LEM rendezvous radar 319.8 kg - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. RCA reduced the weight of the LEM rendezvous radar from 39.9 to 31.98 kg (88 to 70.5 lbs)..

1964 October 8-15

Electroluminescent lighting on the Apollo LEM for Block II CMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Crew Station. North American representatives visited the Grumman plant to discuss design features and to inspect the electroluminescent lighting on the LEM. North American intended to adopt this same feature on Block II CMs..

1964 October 9

Selection of Airite to supply the Apollo LEM helium tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. NASA approved Grumman's selection of Airite to supply the LEM helium tanks, and the two firms started negotiations..

1964 October 9

Weight reduction program for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
NASA and Grumman representatives discussed a weight reduction program for the LEM. Changes approved at the M-5 mockup review portended an increase in LEM separation weight of from 68 to 453 kg (150 to 1,000 lbs). Both parties agreed to evaluate the alternatives of either resizing the spacecraft or finding ways to lighten it about nine percent, thus keeping the improved LEM within the present control weight.

1964 October 11-November 10

Contract with Arma for the Apollo LEM caution and warning electronics assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. Grumman completed contract negotiations with Arma Division, American Bosch Arma Corporation, for the LEM caution and warning electronics assembly..

1964 October 11-November 10

Self-luminous materials found them feasible for use in Apollo LEM docking lighting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. Grumman lighting experts evaluated self-luminous materials produced by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company and found them feasible for use in docking lighting..

1964 October 12

Apollo CSM-LM active docking interfaces discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM RCS.
At a North American-Grumman interface meeting on September 23-24, two possible relative role alignments for CSM-active docking were agreed upon. The major item blocking final selection was the effect of the SM's reaction control system engines upon the LEM antennas. ASPO requested Grumman to investigate the problem, to analyze the design penalties of the two-attitude docking mode, and to report any other factors that would influence the final attitude selection.

1964 October 12

Apollo LEM guidance and navigation ground rules for the coasting phase of the mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance.
MSC notified Grumman of several additional LEM guidance and navigation ground rules that were applicable to the coasting phase of the mission. During this portion of the flight, the LEM abort guidance system must be capable of giving attitude information and of measuring velocity changes. Navigational data required to take the LEM out of the coasting phase and to put it on an intercept course with the CSM would be provided by the CSM's rendezvous radar and its guidance and navigation system, and through the Manned Space Flight Network back on earth.

1964 October 13

Electrical power requirements for the guidance and control systems in Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American and MIT Instrumentation Laboratory representatives met in Houston to discuss electrical power requirements for the guidance and control systems in Block II CMs. They had determined the additional electrical power needed for the guidance and control system 24 volts was available,

1964 October 14

Qualification testing of the reentry batteries for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Eagle-Picher Company completed qualification testing on the 25-amperehour reentry batteries for the CM. Shortly thereafter, Eagle-Picher received authorization from North American to proceed with design and development of the larger 40-ampere-hour batteries needed for the later Block I and all Block II spacecraft.

1964 October 14

Duplication of STL subcontracts - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo.
In a letter to Apollo Program Director General Samuel C. Phillips, ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea pointed out that Bellcomm, under contract to NASA, had a subcontract with Space Technology Laboratories (STL) and that MSC had a contract with STL covering the same basic areas as the Bellcomm-STL subcontract. Shea told Phillips that STL was not allowed to use the information on the MSC contract which had been obtained on the Bellcomm contract, and requested that STL be permitted to use the information on the MSC contract.

1964 October 14

First Apollo guidance system shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
In a letter to NASA Administrator James E. Webb, AC Spark Plug reported that the first Apollo guidance system completed acceptance testing and was shipped at 11:30 p.m. and arrived at Downey, California, early the following day. AC reported that in more than 2,000 hours of operation they had found the system to be "remarkably reliable, accurate and simple to operate."

1964 October 15

Remote operation of the Apollo CSM's rendezvous radar transponder and SCS not necessary - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Guidance.
Remote operation of the CSM's rendezvous radar transponder and its stabilization and control system (SCS) was not necessary, ASPO told North American. Should the CSM pilot be incapacitated, it was assumed that he could perform several tasks before becoming totally disabled, including turning on the transponder and the SCS. No maneuvers by the CSM would be required during this period. However, the vehicle would have to be stabilized during LEM ascent, rendezvous, and docking.

1964 October 15-22

Elimination of propellant dispersal systems for the Apollo SM and LEM accepted by USAF - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM SPS.
The Air Force Eastern Test Command concurred in the elimination of propellant dispersal systems for the SM and the LEM. Costs, schedules, and spacecraft designs, NASA felt, would all benefit from this action. ASPO thus notified the appropriate module contractors.

1964 October 15-22

Apollo LM fuel cell assembly thermal study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman completed the fuel cell assembly thermal study and was preparing a specific directive to Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company which would incorporate changes recommended by the study. These changes would include the cooling of electrical components with hydrogen and the shifting of other components (water shutoff valves, and oxygen purge valve) so that they would operate at their higher design temperatures.

1964 October 15-22

Decisions on Apollo crew transfer and space suit procedures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Representatives from the MSC Astronaut Office, and ASPO's Systems Engineering, Crew Systems, and Mission Planning divisions made several significant decisions on crew transfer and space suit procedures:
- Crew transfer, both pressurized and unpressurized, would be accomplished using the environmental control system umbilicals. The CM and LEM umbilicals would be designed accordingly. Crew Systems would request the necessary engineering changes.
- The requirement for "quick-don" capability for the space suit would be reevaluated by Systems Engineering people. If the probability of a rapid decompression of the spacecraft during "noncritical" mission phases was negligible, "quick-don" capability might be eliminated. This would ease several design constraints on the suit.
- The question of a crossover valve in the CM, for ventilation during open-faceplate operation, was postponed pending the decompression study and ventilation tests at Hamilton Standard.

1964 October 15-22

Castings for the Apollo CM data storage equipment to be of aluminum - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
Because they were unable to find a satisfactory means of plating the magnesium castings for the CM data storage equipment (to fulfil the one percent salt spray requirement), Collins Radio Company and the Leach Corporation were forced to use aluminum as an alternative. This change would increase the weight of the structure by about 2.3 kg (5 lbs) and, perhaps even more significant, could produce flutter when the recorder was subjected to vibration tests. These potential problems would be pursued when a finished aluminum casting was available.

1964 October 15

Consequences of eliminating the Apollo CSM rendezvous radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Guidance.
MSC's Systems Engineering Division reported on the consequences of eliminating the command and service module (CSM) rendezvous radar:

Coasting period:
During this phase of the mission, the rendezvous radar on the CSM would be used to track the LEM and the rendezvous radar on the LEM would be used to track the CSM. With the use of Mission Control through the Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN), three sources of information could be used as a vote for guidance system monitoring. Without the CSM rendezvous radar, the monitoring task would become more difficult; however, this was not to imply that it was impossible. The conclusion was that CSM rendezvous radar was highly desirable, but not absolutely necessary.
Lunar descent and ascent:
During powered flight, the CSM would be tracking the LEM. This was desirable because if the LEM guidance computer (LGC) failed, it was very doubtful that the astronauts could manually acquire radar lock-on with the CSM. Also, if the LEM rendezvous radar failed, CSM lock-on would be highly desirable. There were several alternative solutions to this problem. First of all, Mission Control through the MSFN could relieve the problem. If this did not satisfy all requirements, it was possible for the LEM rendezvous radar to track the CSM during powered descent and ascent. If the LGC then failed, the tracking acquisition would no longer be a problem. In summary, there did appear to be other ways of fulfilling the functions of the CSM rendezvous radar during the powered phases.
Lunar surface:
While the LEM was on the lunar surface, it would be tracked with the CSM rendezvous radar in order to update launch conditions. This could be accomplished by the LEM tracking the CSM and the MSFN.
Rendezvous:
This was the most critical phase for the use of the rendezvous radar on the CSM. If the LEM primary guidance system should fail (i.e., the LGC, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and LEM rendezvous radar), navigation information for long-range midcourse corrections would be provided by the rendezvous radar on the CSM. The MSFN, however, could supply this information. The terminal rendezvous maneuver would become a problem if the LEM rendezvous radar failed and there was not a rendezvous radar on the CSM. It had not been established that the MSFN could supply the required terminal rendezvous information. If MSFN could, a restricted mission profile would have to be employed. There were other methods of supplying terminal rendezvous information such as optical tracking. The scanning telescope or sextant on the CSM could be used with the IMU and Apollo guidance computer on the CSM to derive navigation information, meaning that the LEM would require flashing lights. There was a delta-V penalty associated with using angle-only information in place of range range rate and angle information, its importance depending on the accuracy of the angle data and the range/range rate data.

1964 October 15

Joint MSC-Grumman meeting on Apollo LEM communications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
A number of outstanding points were resolved at a joint MSC-Grumman meeting on LEM communications. Most significant, the VHF key mode was deleted, and it was decided that, during rendezvous, voice links must have priority over all other VHF transmissions. Further, the echo feature of the current configuration (i.e., voice sent to the LEM by the ground operational support system, then relayed back via the S-band link) was undesirable.

1964 October 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo guidance and control interfaces - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Guidance and Control Implementation Sub-Panel of the MSC-MSFC Flight Mechanics Panel defined the guidance and control interfaces for Block I and II missions. In Block II missions the CSM's guidance system would guide the three stages of the Saturn V vehicle; it would control the S- IVB (third stage) and the CSM while in earth orbit; and it would perform the injection into a lunar trajectory. In all of this, the CSM guidance backed up the Saturn ST-124 platform. Actual sequencing was performed by the Saturn V computer.

1964 October 16-November 15

Block II Apollo CSM entry monitor subsystem compatibility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American and Honeywell reviewed the Block II CSM entry monitor subsystem's compatibility with the stabilization and control system. The proposed configuration, they found, combined maximum reliability with minimum size and weight and would provide adequate mission performance.

1964 October 16

Problem of Apollo CSM stabilization if the crewman disabled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Guidance.
In a letter on August 25, 1964, the LEM Project Office had requested Grumman to define the means by which CSM stabilization and rendezvous radar transponder operation could be provided remotely in the event the CSM crewman was disabled.
In another letter on October 16, the Project Office notified Grumman that no requirement existed for remote operation of either the rendezvous radar transponder or the stabilization and control system. The letter added, however, that the possibility of an incapacitated CSM astronaut must be considered and that for design purposes Grumman should assume that the astronaut would perform certain functions prior to becoming completely disabled. These functions could include turning on the transponder and the SCS. No CSM maneuvers would be required during the period in which the CSM astronaut was disabled but the CSM must remain stabilized during LEM ascent coast and rendezvous and docking phases.

1964 October 16-November 15

Three Apollo fuel cells operated in a simulated space vacuum - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. Three Pratt and Whitney fuel cells were operated in a simulated space vacuum at North American for 19, 20, and 21 hours. This was the first time three cells were operated as an electrical power generating subsystem..

1964 October 17

IBM contract for the Apollo backup computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. MSC and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) negotiated a $1,500,000 fixed-price contract for the Apollo guidance and navigation system backup computer..

1964 October 19

Supplemental agreement on the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. On October 19, a supplemental agreement in the amount of $115,000,000 was issued to North American, bringing the total funded amount of the CSM contract to $1,136,890,000..

1964 October 19

Work stopped on Apollo LTA 10 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC ordered Grumman to halt work on the LEM test article (LTA) 10. The LTA-10's descent stage would be replaced with one cannibalized from LEM test mockup 5..

1964 October 22

No lunar mapping or survey capability necessary for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: Apollo MSS.
In response to inquiries from General Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Deputy Director, ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea declared that, for Apollo, no lunar mapping or survey capability was necessary. Shea reported that the Ranger, Surveyor, and Lunar Orbiter programs should give ample information about the moon's surface. For scientific purposes, he said, a simpler photographic system could be included without requiring any significant design changes in the spacecraft.

1964 October 22-29

Heavy black deposits discovered on the environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Heavy black deposits were discovered on the environmental control system (ECS) cold plates when they were removed from boilerplate 14. Several pinholes were found in the cold plate surfaces, and the aluminum lines were severely pitted. This was, as ASPO admitted, a matter of "extreme concern" to the ECS design people at North American, because the equipment had been charged with coolant for only three weeks. This evidence of excessive corrosion reemphasized the drawbacks of using ethylene glycol as a coolant.

1964 October 22-29

Use of Gemini suits in Apollo Block I missions studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC's Crew Systems Division investigated environmental control system (ECS) implications of using Gemini suits in Block I missions. The results indicated that the ECS was capable of maintaining nominal cabin temperature and carbon dioxide partial pressure levels; however, this mode of operation always had an adverse effect on cabin dewpoint temperature and water condensation rate.

1964 October 23

ASPO deleted the requirement for Apollo LEM checkout during the translunar phase of the mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM ECS.
ASPO deleted the requirement for LEM checkout during the translunar phase of the mission. Thus the length of time that the CM must be capable of maintaining pressure in the LEM (for normal leakage in the docked configuration) was reduced from 10 hours to three.

1964 October 23

Surveyor Block II study related to the Apollo landing aid problem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Surveyor. Spacecraft: Surveyor Block II.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory proposed a meeting on October 29 between representatives of NASA Headquarters, Bellcomm, MSC, MIT, and JPL to present the requirements and status of projects underway as they related to the landing aid problem. The Surveyor Block II study effort was concentrating on determining needs of obtaining data on the lunar surface and environment for Apollo. Additional Details: here....

1964 October 26

Trajectory summary of Apollo Design Reference Mission sent to Grumman - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
The trajectory summary of the Design Reference Mission (DRM) prepared by the Apollo Mission Planning Task Force was sent to Grumman by the LEM Project Office with a note that the operational sequence-of-events would be forwarded in November.
It was acknowledged that a single mission could not serve to "completely define all the spacecraft functional requirements" but "such a mission has considerable value as a standard for various purposes on the Apollo Program."
Specifically, the DRM would be used for weight reporting, electrical power reporting, reliability modeling, engineering simulation, crew task analyses, mission-related Interface Control Documents, and trade-off studies.

1964 October 27

Samuel C Phillips named Director of Apollo Program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the appointment of Major General Samuel C. Phillips as Director of the Apollo Program. Phillips thus assumed part of the duties of George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator of Manned Space Flight, who had been serving as Apollo Director as well. Phillips had been Deputy Director since January 15.

1964 October 27

North American to halt procurement of a Apollo CM simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC ordered North American to halt procurement of a CM simulator. Instead, the company was to begin a simulator program using the two existing evaluator-type CMs in conjunction with the digital-analog computer facility. These evaluators would be used to verify the guidance and navigation and stabilization and control system software, and to analyze crew tasks and failure effects.

1964 October 27

Single-point failures that would cause loss of crew during an Apollo mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. ASPO requested Grumman to list all single-point failures that would cause loss of the crew during a lunar orbit rendezvous mission. Grumman was to consider only the equipment that it was responsible for..

1964 October 27

Apollo drops the buddy system concept - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM ECS.
Because of the redesign of the portable life support system that would be required, MSC directed Grumman and North American to drop the "buddy system" concept for the spacecraft environmental control system (ECS) umbilicals. The two LEM crewmen would transfer from the CM while attached to that module's umbilicals. Hookup with the LEM umbilicals, and ventilation from the LEM ECS, would be achieved before disconnecting the first set of lifelines. MSC requested North American to cooperate with Grumman and Hamilton Standard on the design of the fetal end of the umbilicals. Also, the two spacecraft contractors were directed jointly to determine umbilical lengths and LEM ECS control locations required for such transfer.

1964 October 28

Testing of the first flight-weight Apollo LEM fuel cell - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Testing of the first flight-weight 15-cell stack of the LEM fuel cell assembly began. Although the voltage was three percent below design, the unit had a 980-watt capability. Earlier, the unit completed 150 hours of operation, and single cell life had reached 662 hours.

1964 October 28

Apollo mission programming - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO's Operations Planning Division defined the current Apollo mission programming as envisioned by MSC. The overall Apollo flight program was described in terms of its major phases: Little Joe II flights (unmanned Little Joe II development and launch escape vehicle development); Saturn IB flights (unmanned Saturn IB and Block I CSM development, Block I CSM earth orbital operations, unmanned LEM development, and manned Block II CSM/LEM earth orbital operations); and Saturn V flights (unmanned Saturn V and Block II CSM development, manned Block II CSM/LEM earth orbital operations, and manned lunar missions).

1964 October 28

Results of Scout test of the Apollo heatshield material - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
At Langley Research Center, representatives from Langley, MSC, Ames Research Center, Avco Corporation, and North American met to discuss their independent conclusions of the data gathered from the Scout test of the Apollo heatshield material and to determine whether a second test was advisable. Langley's report revealed that: the heatshield materials performed as predicted within the flight condition appropriate to Apollo; the excessive recession rates occurred during flight conditions which were more severe than those considered for the design of the heatshield or expected during Apollo reentries.
Each group represented had a different interpretation of the reasons for the excessively high surface recession. The conclusion was that a second flight of the heatshield materials on the Scout would not particularly improve the understanding of the material's performance because of the limited variation in reentry trajectory and flight conditions obtainable with the Scout vehicle.

1964 October 29-November 5

Portable light assembly for the Apollo CM canceled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC directed North American to halt development of a portable light assembly for the CM. It was not required, the Center said, because the spaceship's primary lighting system included extendable floodlights. Small lights on the fingertips of the space suit and a flashlight in the survival kit were also available if needed.

1964 October 29-November 5

Tests on the welding of the Apollo LEM cabin's thin-gauge aluminum alloy - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman reported to MSC the results of development tests on the welding of the LEM cabin's thin-gauge aluminum alloy. The stress and corrosion resistance of the metal, Grumman found, was not lessened by environments of pure oxygen, varying temperatures, and high humidity.

1964 October 29-November 5

Salt spray test on the Apollo CM television camera's magnesium housing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Television.
MSC conducted a week-long salt spray test on the CM television camera's magnesium housing. This was necessitated by similar tests on the Leach data storage structure, which had disclosed the inadequacy of that equipment's nickel plating. The television camera, with its protective coating (AMS 2478, Dow 17 treatment), withstood the ordeal quite well. MSC therefore decided that the magnesium housing was acceptable.

1964 October 29-November 5

Apollo hard shell meteoroid garment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
The MSC Meteoroid Technology Branch inspected a hard shell meteoroid garment built by the Center's Crew Systems Division. It was only a crude prototype, yet it in no way hampered mobility of the pressurized suit. The Meteoroid Technology people were satisfied that, should a hard garment be necessary for protection of the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit, this concept was adequate. The garment might present stowage problems, however, and investigations were underway to determine the minimum area in the LEM that would be required.

1964 October 29-November 5

Flush-mounted VHF antennas recommended for the Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. After studying the merits of three flush-mounted versus two scimitar VHF antennas for the Block II CSM, the MSC Instrumentation and Electronics Systems Division recommended the flush-mounted type..

1964 October 29-November 5

Frst operational deployment of the launch escape system canards - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
North American conducted the first operational deployment of the launch escape system canards. No problems were encountered with the wiring or the mechanism. Two more operational tests remained to complete the minimum airworthiness test program, a constraint on boilerplate 23.

1964 October 29

Problems of bonding the secondary structure to the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
North American conferred with representatives from Shell Chemical Company, Narmco, Epoxylite, and Ablestick on the problems of bonding the secondary structure to the CM. They agreed on improved methods of curing and clamping to strengthen the bond and prevent peeling.

1964 October 29-November 5

Radiation effects on astronauts discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
An MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) medical representative attended a meeting on U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) participation in those NASA Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF) and MSC radiobiology pro grams aimed at delineating the effects of high doses of whole-body radiation on man. The meeting was attended by NASA's Dr. W. R. Lovelace, Director, Office of Space Medicine; Dr. Dunham, Medical Director of the AEC; Dr. Grahn, head of the Argonne National Laboratory, Biology Division; Dr. Gould Andrews, Chief, Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies, Medicine Division; and OMSF and NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology. CSD requested that the AEC whole-body radiation analysis be extended to include all future cases throughout the country and that the low dose rates being planned for a number of clinical conditions particularly be included. The ultimate objective was a computer, for MSC use, which would accept sequential radiation flux and type information and predict the occurrence of subsequent acute or chronic radiation illness or death. The program was agreed by everyone to be highly desirable. Dr. Dunham said that the AEC would not undertake it unless he had reasonable assurance of long-term support from NASA. A letter giving such assurance was being prepared for Dr. George E. Mueller's signature.

1964 October 30

First drop test of boilerplate 28 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
North American conducted the first drop test of boilerplate 28 at Downey, Calif. The test simulated the worst conditions that were anticipated in a three-parachute descent and water landing. The second drop, it was expected, would likewise simulate a landing on two parachutes. The drop appeared normal, but the spacecraft sank less than four minutes after hitting the water. Additional Details: here....

1964 October 31

Astronaut Theodore C Freeman died in an aircraft accident - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Freeman. Program: Apollo.
Astronaut Theodore C. Freeman died in an aircraft accident at Ellington Air Force Base, near Houston. Freeman, an Air Force captain and a member of NASA's third group of spacemen, was preparing to land his T-38 training jet when it struck a goose and lost power. He ejected from his aircraft, but did not have sufficient altitude for his parachute to open. Freeman thus became the first American astronaut to lose his life in the quest for the moon.

1964 - During the third quarter

Apollo LEM environmental control system (ECS) umbilical arrangements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
MSC spelled out additional details of the LEM environmental control system (ECS) umbilical arrangements. The hoses were to be permanently bonded to the ECS; a crossover valve, to permit flow reversal, was mandatory; and a bypass relief would be added, if necessary, to prevent fan surge. Grumman was to coordinate with North American to ensure that all umbilicals were long enough for crew transfer and to determine the optimum location for the spacecraft's ECS switches.

1964 November 2

Bellcomm evaluation of the q-ball in the Apollo emergency detection system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
Bellcomm, Inc., presented its evaluation of the requirement for a q-ball in the emergency detection system. (The device, enclosed in the nose cone atop the launch escape tower, measured dynamic pressures and thus monitored the vehicle's angle of attack, and was designed to warn the crew of an impending breakup of the vehicle.) Bellcomm's findings confirmed that the q-ball was absolutely essential and that the device was ideally suited to its task.

1964 November 3

Brig Gen David Jones named NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. David M. Jones as Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight (effective December 15). Most recently, Jones had been Deputy Chief of Staff, Systems, in the Air Force Systems Command. He would be "primarily concerned with major development problems in the Gemini and Apollo Programs, the planning for Advanced Missions and all Mission Operations." Further, Jones would "work with other NASA program offices to insure optimum use of other elements of NASA to accomplish program objectives."

1964 November 3

ITTcontract for S-band acquisition receivers for Apollo ground-based dish antennas - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT) Federal Laboratories' Astrionics Center received a $125,000 contract from Collins Radio for the S-band acquisition receivers that position the ground-based dish antennas toward the spacecraft..

1964 November 5-12

All-battery electrical power system for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
ASPO officials completed a preliminary evaluation of the design and weight implications of an all-battery electrical power system (EPS) for the LEM. Investigators reviewed those factors that resulted in the decision (in March 1963) to employ fuel cells; also, they surveyed recent technological improvements in silver-zinc batteries.
At about the same time, Grumman was analyzing the auxiliary battery requirements of the spacecraft. The contractor found that, under the worst possible conditions (i.e., lunar abort), the LEM would need about 1,700 watt-hours of auxiliary power. Accordingly, Grumman recommended one 1,700 watt-hour or two 850 watt-hour batteries (23 and 29.5 kg (50 and 65 lbs), respectively) in the spacecraft's ascent stage.

1964 November 5-12

Flashing light on the Apollo CSM, as an aid for visual rendezvous, not required - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC informed North American that a flashing light on the CSM, as an aid for visual rendezvous, was not required. (A request for some such device had been generated at the Block II mockup review.) Houston's position was based on the current CSM/LEM configuration, which called for rendezvous radar on both spacecraft and the ability of both vehicles to effect the rendezvous using either its own radar or that in the target vehicle.

1964 November 5-12

Testing of the Apollo breadboard environmental control system discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Engineers from the MSC Crew Systems Division and from North American discussed testing of the breadboard environmental control system. During all flights - both manned and unmanned - North American must monitor the cabin atmosphere by gas chromatography and mass spectrography. The company should also compare the materials for the breadboard with those for Mercury, Gemini, and other applicable space chambers.

1964 November 5-12

During 20-g loading test Apollo CM aft heatshield failed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
During a mechanical loading test (simulating a 20-g reentry) the CM aft heatshield failed at 120 percent of maximum load. Structures and Mechanics Division engineers inspected the structure. They found that the inner skin had buckled, the damage extending three quarters of the way around the bolt circle that secured the heatshield to the spacecraft's inner structure. Their findings would be used along with data from the recent drop of boilerplate 28 to determine what redesign was necessary.

1964 November 5-12

Coverage requirements for Apollo LEM's S-band radio reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
Engineers from Grumman and the MSC Instrumentation and Electronics Systems Division (IESD) reviewed the coverage requirements for the LEM's S-band radio and the incompatibility of those requirements with the present location of the steerable antenna. Most observers felt that a deployable boom was the only feasible solution. The two groups therefore recommended that IESD verify with ASPO the S-band coverage requirements and that Grumman analyze the design effects of such a boom. In the meantime, Dalmo-Victor, the antenna vendor, should continue its design effort on the basis of the current location.

1964 November 5

Apollo Space Suit designated Extravehicular Mobility Unit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. The Apollo Space Suit Assembly received a new designation, the Apollo Extravehicular Mobility Unit. The purpose of the change was to make it more descriptive of its function in the Apollo mission..

1964 November 5

Battery charger for Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical. MSC authorized Grumman to proceed with procurement of a battery charger for the LEM, to replenish the portable life support system's power source. On the following day, Houston informed North American such a device was no longer needed in the CSM..

1964 November 6

All major Apollo LEM subcontracts issued - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.

1964 November 6

Significant milestones for the Apollo LEM planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
NASA anticipated five significant milestones for the LEM during the forthcoming year:
1. A major review of the entire LEM program (with especial emphasis upon the fiscal picture for 1965 and 1966)
2. Start of production on LEM-1 (the first LEM flight article)
3. Delivery of LEM Test Article (LTA)-2 (a dynamic test article) to Huntsville
4. Start of vibration and static testing on the complete LEM structure
5. Sea level and altitude qualification testing in the continuing development of the LEM's propulsion systems.

1964 November 9

Apollo guidance and navigation equipment contract amended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. NASA and AC Spark Plug amended the company's contract for guidance and navigation equipment. The change embodied an incentive clause, based on a cost-schedule-performance scheme, and placed the estimated cost of the contract at $235,000,000..

1964 November 10

Apollo LEM LTA-10 test program reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
MSC's Structures and Mechanics Division and ASPO reviewed the LTA-10 test program to resolve the stop-work imposed upon Grumman. The review resulted in an agreement to have LTA-10 remain in the program with a modified configuration. LTA-10 would be used by North American at Tulsa, Oklahoma, for adapter/LEM modal and separation testing and would consist only of descent stage structure. Subsystems for LTA-10 which were eliminated were the ascent stage, landing gear, ascent propulsion and descent propulsion.

1964 November 10

First firing of the service propulsion system engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
Joseph G. Thibodaux, Jr., MSC Propulsion and Power Division, reported at an Apollo Engineering and Development technical management meeting that the first J-2 firing of the service propulsion system engine was conducted at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). Two fuel cell endurance tests of greater than 400 hours were completed at Pratt and Whitney. MSC would receive a single cell for testing during the month.

1964 November 12-19

Alternatives to the current design of the space suit helmet - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC reviewed a number of alternatives to the current design of the space suit helmet. Engineers selected a modified concept, one with the smallest feasible dimensions and began fabricating a thin fiber glass shell. The product would serve as the test article in a series of tests of an immobile, bubble-type helmet. The whole of this effort would support MSC's in-house program to find the best possible helmet design.

1964 November 12-19

Program to resize the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC analyzed Grumman's report on their program to resize the LEM. On the basis of this information, ASPO recommended that the propellant tanks be resized for separation and lunar liftoff weights of 14,742 and 4,908 kg (32,500 and 10,820 lbs), respectively. Studies should investigate the feasibility of an optical rendezvous device and the substitution of batteries for fuel cells. And finally, engineering managers from both Grumman and MSC should examine a selected list of weight reduction changes to determine whether they could immediately be implemented.

1964 November 12-19

Lump considered for the Apollo CM's blunt face - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
In its search for some method of reducing water impact pressures, North American was considering adding a 15- to 30.5-cm (6- to 12-in) "lump" to the CM's blunt face. The spacecraft manufacturer was also investigating such consequent factors as additional wind tunnel testing, the effect on heatshield design, and impact upon the overall Apollo program.

1964 November 12-19

Apollo boilerplate 28 aft heatshield showed shear failures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. More careful examination of the boilerplate 28 aft heatshield indicated that the shear failures were in the face sheet splices which were not in the same locations as the core splices..

1964 November 12-19

Shorting a problem in the Apollo LEM fuel cells - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. Shorting had become a significant problem in the LEM fuel cells, and exemplified the continuing difficulties that plagued the system's development..

1964 November 12-19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Disagreement on number of reentry tests to qualify Apollo CM heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
There appeared to be some confusion and/or disagreement concerning whether one or two successful Saturn V reentry tests were required to qualify the CM heatshield. A number of documents relating to instrumentation planning for the 501 and 502 flight indicated that two successful reentries would be required. The preliminary mission requirements document indicated that only a single successful reentry trajectory would be necessary. The decision would influence the measurement range capability of some heatshield transducers and the mission planning activity being conducted by the Apollo Trajectory Support Office. The Structures and Mechanics Division had been requested to provide Systems Engineering with its recommendation.

1964 November 13

Reliability figures for the Apollo space suit assembly reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Robert E. Smylie, of the MSC Crew Systems Division, cited Hamilton Standard's reliability figures for the Apollo space suit assembly, including the suit per se and the portable life support system (PLSS):
Item Mission Success Crew Safety

Space suit 0.9995 0.99991

PLSS (Liquid cooled) 0.9995 0.99999

Complete assembly 0.999 0.9999

Item	Mission Success	Crew Safety
Space suit	0.9995	0.99991
PLSS (Liquid cooled)	0.9995	0.99999
Complete assembly	0.999	0.9999

1964 November 13

Requirements for visual docking aids on both of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
MSC defined the requirements for visual docking aids on both of the Apollo spacecraft:
- At a range of 305 m (1,000 ft), the astronaut must be able to see the passive spacecraft and determine its gross attitude.
- From 61 m (200 ft) away, he must be able to judge the target's relative attitude and the alignment of his own vehicle.
- And from this latter distance - and still solely through visual means the pilot must be able to calculate the distance between the two spacecraft and the closing rate.

1964 November 16

Apollo inflight metabolic simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM ECS.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) was proceeding with procurement of an inflight metabolic simulator in response to a request by Systems Engineering Division. The simulator would be used to support the LEM mission for SA-206 and would be compatible for use in the CM. Responsibility for the project had been assigned to the Manager of the LEM Environmental Control System Office. It was projected that the Statement of Work would be completed by January 15, 1965; the proposals evaluated by April 1; the contract awarded by June 1, 1965; the prototype delivered by April 1, 1966, with two qualified simulator deliveries by July 1, 1966.

1964 November 16-December 15

Apollo nuclear particle detection system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
After investigating the maximum radiation levels that were anticipated during Apollo earth orbit missions, North American confirmed the need for some type of nuclear particle detection system (NPDS). Except for periods of extremely high flux rates, the current design of the NPDS was considered adequate. During the same reporting period, North American awarded a contract to Philco to build the system.

1964 November 16

Apollo LLRV first successful flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
NASA test pilot Joseph A. Walker flew the LLRV for the second time. The first attempted liftoff, into a 9.26-km (5-nm) breeze, was stopped because of excessive drift to the rear. The vehicle was then turned to head downwind and liftoff was accomplished. While airborne the LLRV drifted with the wind and descent to touchdown was accomplished. Touchdown and resulting rollout (at that time the vehicle was on casters) took the LLRV over an iron-door-covered pit. One door blew off but did not strike the vehicle.

1964 November 17-18

Prelaunch handling procedures at the launch complex - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Mission Planning Task Force met in Bethpage, New York, to define prelaunch handling procedures at the launch complex during lunar missions. At the meeting were representatives of those groups most intimately concerned with pad operations ASPO and the MSC Flight Operations Directorate, Grumman, North American, GE, and the Kennedy launch center. The task force agreed on several fundamental items:
- The mobile arming tower (MAT) would be installed just once, and would be moved back only for the final launch preparations (at T minus seven hours).
- All operations that had to be performed with the MAT removed should be accomplished before that structure was mated to the launch umbilical tower.
- Checkout equipment would be removed for simulated flights and would be reconnected only after data from the simulation had been evaluated.
- Total pad time was set at 12 days.

1964 November 17-18

Apollo-Saturn Emergency Detection System Design Sub-Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
The Emergency Detection System (EDS) Design Sub-Panel of the Apollo-Saturn Electrical Systems Integration Panel held its first meeting at North American's Systems and Information Division facility at Downey, Calif. A. Dennett of MSC and W. G. Shields of MSFC co-chaired the meeting.
Personnel from MSC, MSFC, KSC, OMSF, and North American attended the meeting. Included in the discussions were a review of the EDS design for both the launch vehicle and spacecraft along with related ground support equipment; a review of the differences of design and checkout concepts; and a review of EDS status lights in the spacecraft.

1964 November 18

Unmanned testing of Gemini and Apollo space suits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A1C, A7L, Gemini. Ling-Temco-Vought received a contract from MSC, valued at $365,000, for unmanned testing of Gemini and Apollo space suits in the firm's space environment simulator..

1964 November 19-26

Apollo extravehicular mobility unit micrometeoroid protection garment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
The MSC Crew Systems Division reviewed the extravehicular mobility unit micrometeoroid protection garment. It was estimated a total weight of 13 to 18 kg (30 to 40 lbs) would be required for the two micrometeoroid protection garments which had a crew safety reliability goal of 0.9999 for the meteoroid hazard. Ground rules for their design were being defined.

1964 November 19-26

Prototype for a lunar sample return container - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC asked Grumman to design and fabricate a prototype for a lunar sample return container. This effort would explore handling procedures and compatibility with both spacecraft. Concurrently, the Center's Advanced Spacecraft Technology Division was studying structural and packaging requirements for such a container.

1964 November 19-26

Apollo LEM subsystem test logic - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC and Grumman representatives reviewed individual subsystem test logics for the LEM and agreed on test logic and associated hardware requirements for the entire subsystem development. Agreement was also reached on the vehicle ground test program which Grumman proposed to implement with their respective subcontractors during December. Cost and effort associated with the revised program would be jointly reviewed by MSC and Grumman during January and February 1965.

1964 November 19-26

Problem with thrust buildup time for the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The current thrust buildup time for the LEM ascent engine was 0.3 second. To avoid redesigning the engine valve-which was already the pacing item in the ascent engine's development - MSC directed Grumman simply to change the specification value from 0.2 to 0.3 second.
At the same time, engineers at the Center began studying ways to increase the engine's thrust. Because of the LEM's weight gains, the engine must either be uprated or it would have to burn longer. Preliminary studies showed that, by using a phase "B" chamber (designed for a chamber pressure of 689.5 kilonewtons per sq m (100 psia)), thus producing chamber pressure of about 792.9 kilonewtons (115 psia), the thrust could be increased from 1,587 to 1,814 kg (3,500 to 4,000 lbs). Moreover, this could be accomplished with the present pressurization and propellant feed systems.

1964 November 19-26

Flights evaluate removal of scientific packages from the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
In flights that simulated the moon's gravity, MSC technicians evaluated the astronaut's ability to remove scientific packages from the descent stage of the LEM. They affirmed the relative ease with which large containers (about 0.226 cu m (8 cu ft) and weighing 81.65 kg (180 lbs)) could be extracted and carried about.

1964 November 19-26

Redesigned landing gear on the resized Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
To ensure that the redesigned landing gear on the resized LEM would be consistent with earlier criteria, MSC sent to Grumman revisions to those design criteria:
- Maximum rate of descent - 3.05 m (10 ft) per sec
- Maximum horizontal velocity - 1.22 m (4 ft) per sec
- Maximum attitude rates (any axis) - 3 degrees per sec

1964 November 19-26

Container design and stowage of survival kits in the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Officials from North American and MSC Crew Systems Division defined the container design and stowage of survival kits in the Block II CM. The equipment would be packed in fabric rucksacks and would be installed in the spacecraft's stowage compartment. (This method eliminated a removable hard container used in the Block I vehicle and would save weight.)

1964 November 19-26

Problems in donning and doffing the Apollo space suit elements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC conducted studies to determine problems in donning and doffing the Apollo external thermal garment (ETG) and portable life support system (PLSS) by a subject in a full-pressure suit. The subject donned and doffed the ETG and PLSS unassisted with the suit in a vented condition and with assistance while the suit was pressurized to 25.5 kilonewtons per sq m (3.7 psig). Tests showed the necessity of redesigning the ETG in the neck and chest area to prevent a gathering of excess material which restricted downward visibility.

1964 November 19-26

Alignment agreed for the two Apollo spacecraft during docking maneuvers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Crew Station. North American and Grumman agreed on the alignment of the two spacecraft during docking maneuvers: the LEM's overhead window would be aligned with right-hand docking window of the CM..

1964 November 19-26

Integrity of the Apollo CM's aft heatshield during water impacts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
To solve the persisting problem of the integrity of the CM's aft heatshield during water impacts, MSC engineers were investigating several approaches: increasing the thickness of the face sheet (but with no change to the core itself); and replacing the stainless-steel honeycomb with a type of gridwork shell. Technicians felt that, of these two possibilities, the first seemed more efficient structurally.

1964 November 19-26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo procedural rules for translunar injection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The MSC-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Guidance and Control Implementation Sub-Panel set forth several procedural rules for translunar injection (TLI):
- Once the S-IVB ignition sequence was started, the spacecraft would not be able to halt the maneuver. (This would occur about 427 sec before the stage's J-2 engine achieved 90 percent of its thrust capability.)
- Because the spacecraft would receive no signal from the instrument unit (IU), the exact time of sequence initiation must be relayed from the ground.
- The vehicle's roll attitude would be reset prior to injection.
- And when the spacecraft had control of the vehicle, the IU would not initiate the ignition sequence.

1964 November 19

Radioisotope generators considered for Apollo lunar surface experiments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC was giving serious thought to using radioisotope generators to power the Apollo lunar surface experiments packages. If some method could be found to control waste heat, such a device would be the lightest source of power available. Accordingly, the Center asked Grumman to study the feasibility of incorporating it into the LEM's scientific payload. The company should analyze thermal and radiological problems, as well as methods of stowage, together with the possibility of using the generator for power and heat during the flight. To minimize the problem of integration, Grumman was allowed much flexibility in designing the unit. Basically, however, it would measure about 0.07 cu m (2.5 cu ft) and would weigh between 13 and 18 kg (30 and 40 lbs). Its energy source (plutonium 238) would produce about 50 watts of electricity (29 volts, direct current).

1964 November 19

Displays and keyboards for the Apollo CSM and LEM not compatible - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II, CSM Cockpit.
MSC's Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations, Donald K. Slayton, told the Apollo Program Manager that the current display and keyboard (DSKY) for the Block II CSM and for the LEM were not compatible with existing display panel design of both vehicles from the standpoint of lighting, nomenclature presentation, and caution warning philosophy. In his memorandum, Slayton pointed out mandatory operational requirements of the DSKY to ensure compatibility and consistency with the existing spacecraft display panel design.
With reference to lighting, he said all numerics should be green, nomenclature and status lights white, and caution lights should be aviation yellow. All panel lighting should be dimmable throughout the entire range of brightness, including off.
In regard to nomenclature, Slayton pointed out that abbreviations on the DSKY should conform to the North American Interface Control Document (ICD). The referenced ICD was being reviewed by Grumman and North American and was scheduled to be signed December 1, 1964.
Referring to the caution and warning system, he pointed out that all caution lights on the DSKY should be gated into the primary navigation and guidance system (PNGS) caution light on the main instrument panel of both vehicles and into the PNGS caution light on the lower equipment bay panel of the CM.
Slayton requested that preliminary designs of the DSKY panel be submitted to the Subsystem Managers for Controls and Displays for review and approval.

1964 November 19-26

Lights on the fingertips of space suits adequate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC determined that the lights on the fingertips of the space suits were adequate to supplement the CM's interior lighting. Thus North American's efforts to develop a portable light in the spacecraft were canceled. The exact requirements for those fingertip lights now had to be defined. The astronauts preferred red bulbs, which would necessitate a redesign of the existing Gemini system. (See October 29-November 5.)

1964 November 23

Apollo CSM Configuration Control Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. The CSM Configuration Control Panel, at its first meeting, approved several engineering changes. Perhaps the most significant was the substitution of an elapsed time display for the clock on the main display console..

1964 November 23-25

Ground test program for the Apollo LEM guidance and navigation subsystem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance.
MSC and Grumman reviewed the ground test program for the LEM guidance and navigation subsystem (including radar). All major milestones for hardware qualification would be met by the revised test logic, and both LEM and CSM radar were expected to be delivered on time. The major problem area was permissible deviations from fully qualified parts for pre-production equipment. Since this was apparently true for all LEM electronics equipment, it was recommended that an overall plan be approved by ASPO.

1964 November 23

New hardware delivery schedule for the Apollo LEM ground development test program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman and MSC representatives met at Bethpage, New York, to establish requirements for a new hardware delivery schedule for the LEM ground development test program. This program would involve changes in the workload at the subcontractors, WSMR, AEDC, and Grumman. New delivery schedules for flight engines were also finalized at the meeting.

1964 November 23

Preliminaries for the formal Flight Readiness Review of Apollo boilerplate 23 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. A "pre-FRR" laid some preliminaries for the formal Flight Readiness Review (ERR) of boilerplate 23 (held at WSMR on December 4, 1964). . Additional Details: here....

1964 November 23

Formal go-ahead on the Apollo Block II spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. North American received NASA's formal go-ahead on manufacture of the Block II spacecraft..

1964 November 25

Apollo LEM descent engine subcontractors reviewed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that it was his desire to review the progress of the two subcontractors (Space Technology Laboratory and Rocketdyne) prior to the final evaluation and selection of a subcontractor for the LEM descent engine.
Shea had asked MSC's Maxime A. Faget to be chairman of a committee to accomplish the review, and would also ask the following individuals to serve: C. H. Lambert, W. F. Rector III, and J. G. Thibodaux, all of MSC; L. F. Belew, MSFC; M. Dandridge and J. A. Gavin, Grumman; I. A. Johnsen, Lewis Research Center; C. H. King, OMSF; Maj. W. R. Moe, Edwards Rocket Research Laboratory; and A. O. Tischler, NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology.
The Committee should
1. establish review criteria during a planning meeting at MSC during the week of November 30, 1964;
2. visit the two subcontractors' facilities during the week of December 7, 1964, for review of technical status, manufacturing resources, and test facilities; and
3. prepare a written report and brief appropriate NASA personnel on their findings by December 18, 1964.
"Both GAEC and NASA will be parties to the final selection and it is not my intent to usurp GAEC's responsibility in this matter; but I do feel we should have the intelligence at our disposal to appreciate all ramifications of GAEC's final selection," Shea said.

1964 November 26-December 3

Leach to supply data storage electronics assemblies for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Grumman selected the Leach Corporation to supply data storage electronics assemblies for the LEM. Conclusion of contract negotiations was anticipated about February 1, 1965. The resident Apollo office at Grumman gave its approval to the selection, with only two conditions:
1. because of its toxic characteristics, beryllium must not be used in the assemblies; and
2. Leach should demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed time-voice multiplexing scheme.

1964 November 26-December 3

Apollo space suit manufacturers to provide personal communications equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Crew Systems Division gave space suit manufacturers the responsibility of providing personal communications equipment in their products..

1964 November 26-December 3

Deployment angle of 45 degrees for the Apollo adapter panels - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Configuration Control Panel approved a deployment angle of 45 degrees for the adapter panels on Block I flights. North American anticipated no schedule impact. MSC and North American were jointly evaluating the acceptability of this angle for Block II missions as well. A most important consideration was the necessity to communicate via the CM's high-gain antenna during the transposition and docking phase of the flight.

1964 November 26-December 3

Emergency nitrogen deluge into the SM and SLA studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC's Flight Operations Directorate accepted KSC's proposal for emergency nitrogen deluge into the SM and spacecraft LEM adapter (SLA) in case of a hydrogen leak on the pad. The proposal was based upon no changes to the spacecraft and insertion to the SM SLA area in about three minutes. However, errors in volume estimation and inlet conditions in the spacecraft required reevaluation of the proposal to assure that insertion could be accomplished in a reasonable length of time without changes in the spacecraft.

1964 November 26-December 3

Serious thermal problem for equipment in the rear of the Apollo SM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Because of heat from the service propulsion engine (especially during insertion into lunar orbit), a serious thermal problem existed for equipment in the rear of the SM. Reviewing the rendezvous radar's installation, the Guidance and Control Division felt that a heatshield might be needed to protect the equipment. Similar problems might also be encountered with the steerable antenna.

1964 November 26-December 3

NASA to furnish VHF transmitter as a telemetry dump for all manned Block I flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC informed North American that the Center would furnish a VHF transmitter to serve as a telemetry dump for all manned Block I flights. This would permit wide flexibility in testing the CSM S-band's compatibility with the Manned Space Flight Network prior to Block II missions.

1964 November 26-December 3

Radiator for the environmental control system in Apollo Block I inadequate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers evaluated the radiator for the environmental control system in Block I CSM's. The division was certain that, because of that item's inadequacy, Block I missions would have to be shortened.
During the same period, however, the Systems Engineering Division (SED) reported "progress" in solving the radiator problem. SED stated that some "disagreement" existed on the radiator's capability. North American predicted a five-day capability; CSD placed the mission's limit at about two days. SED ordered further testing on the equipment to reconcile this difference.

1964 November 26-December 3

High-performance injector for the Apollo LEM ascent engine tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Bell Aerosystems Company tested a high-performance injector for the LEM ascent engine. The new design was similar to the current one, except that the mixture ratio of the barrier flow along the chamber wall had been changed from 0.85 to 1.05. Bell reported a performance increase of 0.8 percent (about 2.5 sec of specific impulse). Subsequent testing, however, produced excessive erosion in the ablative wall of the thrust chamber caused by the higher temperature. The MSC Propulsion and Power Division (PPD) felt this method of increasing the ascent engine's performance might not be practicable.
At the same time, PPD reported that Bell had canceled its effort to find a lighter ablative material (part of the weight reduction program). A number of tests had been conducted on such materials; none was successful.

1964 November 27

General Precision's Link Group contract for two Apollo LEM simulators - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
General Precision's Link Group received a $7 million contract from NASA, through a subcontract with Grumman, for two LEM simulators, one at Houston and the other at Cape Kennedy. Along with comparable equipment for the CSM (also being developed by Link), the machines would serve as trainers for Apollo astronauts. The devices would duplicate the interior of the spacecraft; and visual displays would realistically simulate every phase of the mission.

1964 November 30

Canard thrusters for the Apollo launch escape system tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
North American tested the canard thrusters for the launch escape system, using both single and dual cartridges. These tests were to determine whether the pressure of residual gases was sufficient to maintain the canards in a fully deployed position. Investigators found that residual pressures remained fairly constant; further, the firing of a single cartridge produced ample pressure to keep the canards deployed.

1964 November 30

Acceptance testing completed on three principal systems trainers for the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Acceptance testing was completed at Downey, California, on three principal systems trainers for the CSM (the environmental control, stabilization and control, and electrical power systems). The trainers were then shipped to Houston and installed at the site, arriving there December 8. They were constructed under the basic Apollo Spacecraft contract at a cost of $953,024.

1964 November

Six flights of the Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Six flights of the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) were made during the month, bringing the total number to seven. The project pilot, Joseph Walker, made all flights and demonstrated a rapid increase in the ease and skill with which he handled the craft as the flights progressed.
Altitudes to between 18 and 21 m (60 and 70 ft) and flight duration up to three minutes were attained. Additional Details: here....

1964 December 3-10

Apollo LEM's ascent engine redesigned for a longer firing duration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. After studying increased thrust versus increased burn time, Grumman ordered Bell Aerosystems Company to redesign the LEM's ascent engine for a longer firing duration..

1964 December 3-10

Plans for mockups of the Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC approved plans put forth by North American for mockups of the Block II CSM. For the crew compartment mockup, the company proposed using the metal shell that had originally been planned as a simulator. Except for the transfer tunnel and lighting, it would be complete, including mockups of all crew equipment. Additional Details: here....

1964 December 3-10

Design frozen of the Apollo drogue mortar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. MSC froze the design of the drogue mortar for the launch escape system. Laboratory qualification was scheduled to begin about the middle of the month. Qualification of the mortars for the pilot parachute would then follow..

1964 December 3-10

Dumping helium into cabin during an emergency studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Engineering and medical experts of the Crew Systems Division reviewed dumping helium from the CM's gas chromatograph into the cabin during reentry or in a pad abort. Reviewers decided that the resultant atmosphere (9.995 kilonewtons (1.45 psi) helium and 31.349 kilonewtons (4.55 psia) oxygen) posed no hazard for the crew. Systems Engineering Division recommended, however, that dump time be reduced from 15 minutes to three, which could readily be done.

1964 December 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Battleship S-IVB second stage static-fired - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
At its Sacramento test site, Douglas Aircraft Company static-fired a "battleship" S-IVB second stage of the Saturn IB vehicle, for 10 sec. (A battleship rocket stage was roughly the vehicle's equivalent to a boilerplate spacecraft.) On January 4, 1965, after further testing of the stage's J-2 engine, the stage underwent its first full-duration firing, 480 sec.

1964 December 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First S-IVB stage delivered for testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Douglas Aircraft Company delivered the first S-IVB stage to Marshall Space Flight Center for extensive vibration, bending, and torsional testing. The stage was not an actual flight stage and contained mockups of the engine and other components, but it duplicated the flight article in weight, mass, center of gravity, and stiffness.

1964 December 7

Rotation angle of the adapter panels set at 45 degrees - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC ordered North American to fix the rotation angle of the adapter panels at 45 degrees. (This angle should give ample clearance during an SM abort.) Also, so that each panel would have two attenuators, North American should include such a device at each thruster location.
On the same day, the Center directed North American to put a standard mechanical clock (displaying Greenwich Mean Time) in the lower equipment bay of the CM. (The spacecraft also had an elapsed time device on the main display console.)

1964 December 7

Apollo LEM to be the active vehicle during lunar rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM RCS. MSC advised Grumman that, normally, the LEM would be the active vehicle during lunar rendezvous. This would conserve reaction control system propellants aboard the CSM..

1964 December 8

Apollo main parachute drop-tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A single main parachute was drop-tested at El Centro, Calif., to verify the ultimate strength. The parachute was designed for a disreef load of 11,703 kg (25,800 lbs) and a 1.35 safety factor. The test conditions were to achieve a disreef load of 15,876 kg (35,000 lbs. Preliminary information indicated the parachute deployed normally to the reefed shape (78,017 kg (17,200 lbs) force), disreefed after the programmed three seconds, and achieved an inflated load of 16,193 kg (35,700 lbs), after which the canopy failed. Additional Details: here....

1964 December 8

Communications during LEM and Apollo CSM rendezvous - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Communications, LM Communications.
Representatives of MSC's Information and Electronic Systems Division, Flight Operations Division, Flight Crew Operations Division, Guidance and Control Division, Astronaut Office, and ASPO, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Bellcomm, Inc., met to discuss communications during LEM and CSM rendezvous.
Capability of the Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN) to provide data for rendezvous was studied. Aaron Cohen of ASPO stated sufficient data could be collected, processed, and transmitted via MSFN to the LEM to achieve rendezvous. Dr. F. O. Vonbun of Goddard showed that MSFN data did little to improve data already available in the LEM before launch. Although five tracking stations would communicate with the LEM during ascent and the first 10 minutes of orbit, there would be only a slight improvement in spacecraft position and motion data over the data already contained in the LEM computer. No decision was made concerning the MSFN's capability.
Alternate rendezvous methods were discussed.

1964 December 8

Evaluation of the need for an Apollo lunar sampling handling facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences was asked to give NASA an independent evaluation of the need for a lunar sampling handling facility at Houston. NASA asked that the following questions be answered:
- What types of lunar sample analyses need to be done immediately upon return of the samples from the moon?
- What types of research can better be postponed until analyses can be handled at the best available research facility?
- What types of scientific research and handling facilities do you anticipate will be needed for such analyses?
- What do you anticipate in terms of manpower requirements for MSC to handle scientific activities in such a facility?

1964 December 9

Criteria for firing times of the SM RCS - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
Grumman received from Houston criteria for firing times of the SM reaction control system (RCS). These served as a basis for the design of the LEM's steerable antenna. The thermal design proposed by Dalmo-Victor, the vendor, appeared feasible to watchdogs in MSC's Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division. On the other hand, the unbalanced wind torque produced by the RCS engines was still a problem. RCA and Dalmo-Victor's estimates of the amount of torque varied considerably, and Grumman consequently undertook a study of this problem.

1964 December 9

Weight allocation for the Apollo LEM's R&D instrumentation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. MSC revised the weight allocation for the LEM's R&D instrumentation to bring it in line with current mission planning. Limitations established were 295 kg (650 lbs) for 206A and 181 kg (400 lbs) for all other missions..

1964 December 9

Use of one auxiliary battery for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. MSC approved the use of one 23.68-kg (50-lb) auxiliary battery for the LEM, as recommended by Grumman, and preparations began for negotiations with Yardney Electric Corp..

1964 December 9

Effects of radiation and vacuum on the materials of space suits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Avco Corporation was under a 10-month contract amounting to $124,578 to MSC to study the effects of solar radiation and ultra-high vacuum on the materials and components of space suits. Testing would be performed in the Avco space environment chamber..

1964 December 9-10

LEM split bus distribution system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman and LEM Project Office representatives met to discuss the split bus distribution system. They decided there would be two circuit breaker panels similar to those of Mockup 5. All power distribution system controls would be located on the system engineer's center side console with remote controls and valves on the commander's center side console.

1964 December 10-January 7

Tooling concepts for the Apollo Block II spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
The resident Apollo office at North American discussed the company's tooling concepts for the Block II spacecraft with the chief of Marshall's Planning and Tool Engineering Division and the local Marshall representative. These reviewers agreed on the suitability of North American's basic approach. Though they recognized that the initial tooling cost would be high, they nonetheless felt that the total costs of manufacturing would not be appreciably affected. The substitution of mechanical for optical checking devices, it was agreed, would eliminate much of the "judgment factor" from the inspection process; mechanical checking also would assure uniformity of major components or subsystems.

1964 December 10-January 7

Plugging eliminated the Apollo LEM's fuel cell assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
By improving filling and preparation procedures and by using nickel foil in the oxygen electrode, Pratt and Whitney eliminated both short- and long-term plugging in the LEM's fuel cell assembly. Since then, Pratt and Whitney had consistently operated single cells for over 400 hours and - as far as the company was concerned - felt this settled the matter.

1964 December 10-January 7

Positive expulsion tanks for Apollo CSM RCS failed tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. Because of faults in both design and in testing procedures, the positive expulsion tanks for the CSM reaction control system failed their verification tests (begun during the preceding month)..

1964 December 10-January 7

Mockup of the food stowage compartment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Crew Systems Division received from North American a mockup of the proposed design of the food stowage compartment in the Block II CSM. This article would be used for packaging studies in preparation for the lower equipment bay mockup review in February..

1964 December 11

Updated criteria for the Apollo LEM's landing gear - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear, LM RCS.
From MSC, Grumman received updated criteria to be used in the design of the LEM's landing gear. The gear must be designed to absorb completely the landing impact; it must also provide adequate stability for the vehicle under varying surface conditions, which were spelled out in precise detail.) Maximum conditions that MSC anticipated at touchdown were:
vertical velocity - 3.05 m (10 ft) per sec
horizontal velocity - 1.22 m (4 ft) per sec
spacecraft attitude
pitch - 3 degrees
roll - 3 degrees
yaw - random
attitude rates - 3 degrees per sec
At touchdown, all engines (descent and reaction control would be off. "It must be recognized," MSC emphasized, "that the vertical and horizontal velocity values . . . are also constraints on the flight control system."

1964 December 11

Apollo LEM abort guidance section - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC directed Grummann to provide a LEM abort guidance section (AGS) having
- a computer memory of 4096 words
- the provision for in-flight null bias gyro drift compensation
- a general purpose input output device
- Bell 3B accelerometers
- input registers for rendezvous radar information such that a future interface could be mechanized if desired
- an interface between the primary navigation and guidance system (PNGS) and the AGS for position and velocity updating of the AGS from the PNGS.

1964 December 14

Apollo LM to provide six recharges and three batteries to the portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. ASPO's Operations Planning Division directed Grumman to provide six recharges of the portable life support system (PLSS) and three PLSS batteries (rechargeable and replaceable)..

1964 December 15

Mission Control Center renamed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller informed MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that the Integrated Mission Control Center at MSC should be renamed Mission Control Center. He said, "By calling it the Mission Control Center, it has the advantage of retaining as much as possible of the original name which has become so well known to the press, the Congress and the public."

1964 December 15-16

Thermal-demanded weight increases for the Apollo LEM's steerable antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM RCS, LM Weight.
Dalmo-Victor studied thermal-demanded weight increases for the LEM's steerable antenna. Investigators reported to Grumman and RCA that, in the plume of the CSM's reaction control engines, 1.18 kg (2.5 lbs) was necessary merely for the survival of the antenna; another 1.18 kg would be required for tracking during this impingement.

1964 December 16

First test of Apollo fecal canister and urine relief tube under zero-g conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. Aboard a KC-135 from Wright-Patterson AFB, the fecal canister and urine relief tube were first tested under zero-g conditions. Similar manned tests of a complete unit were scheduled for February 1965..

1964 December 16

Mission planning presentation for flights AS-201; AS-202 and AS-203 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
A mission planning presentation was given to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, Assistant Director for Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton covering missions AS-201, AS-202, and AS-203. Additional Details: here....

1964 December 16-January 15

Phase II Apollo service propulsion system engine tests begun - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. Phase II service propulsion system engine tests at Arnold Engineering Development Center were begun under simulated high altitude conditions with a successful first firing of 30 seconds. A total of nine firings were completed..

1964 December 16-January 15

Flight test instrumentation compatible with heatshield of Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield. Ames researchers conducted 23 runs in the Center's wind tunnel to confirm the flight test instrumentation's compatibility with the aft heatshield of the CM. The instrumentation performed satisfactorily..

1964 December 17

Selection of two firms to supply electronics equipment for the Manned Space Flight Network - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the selection of two firms to supply electronics equipment for the Manned Space Flight Network:
1. Dynatronics, Inc., to design and manufacture pulse code modulation (PCM) telemetry systems. (The main function of the PCM system would be to decode, or as the NASA news release put it, "decommutate," telemetry signals from the spacecraft). Dynatronics' contract would be worth an estimated 3.5 million.
2. Univac Division of Sperry Rand, to furnish data processors. (These machines, as their name indicates, would process those signals received by the PCM system. This information then would be transmitted to the Mission Control Center at Houston. The value of Univac's contract was placed at $4.5 million.

1964 December 18

Modifications to the thermal garment for Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers, in their continuing effort to improve the design of the space suit, recommended a number of modifications to the thermal garment for example, a larger sleeve opening to facilitate inserting the second arm; and alterations to the neck and chest to increase the astronaut's downward view. By the middle of January, CSD's Robert E. Smylie could report several major design changes improved greatly the suit's don doff characteristics and made it less bulky.

1964 December 18

C-135 Apollo support aircraft program initiated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb thanked Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara for providing aircraft support for the Apollo program. Webb informed McNamara that NASA had transferred $600,000 to the Electronic Systems Division of the Air Force, and "this should provide us the ability to initiate the definition phase of the C-135 Apollo support aircraft program." The aircraft would be used to supplement telemetry and communications coverage of the pre-injection phase of the flights.
Webb added that the Bureau of the Budget had the question of identifying four additional C-135's well on its way toward resolution; and that NASA would continue planning on the basis of 12 C-135 aircraft for the Apollo program.
McNamara had written Webb on November 27, 1964, that "The Air Force has completed a study of a number of alternative combinations of aircraft to meet Apollo requirements. They conclude that the optimum solution is to equip twelve C-135's to support Apollo . . ." Total cost of instrumenting 12 C-135's was estimated to cost $27.7 million, including the $600,000 for the definition phase.

1964 December 18

North American delivered Apollo CM 001 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. North American delivered spacecraft 001's CM to White Sands. The SM was shipped several days later, and would be used for propulsion engine development. Aerojet-General shipped the service propulsion engine to the facility on January 6, 1965..

1964 December 21-22

New criteria for the landing gear of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery, LM Landing Gear.
In response to MSC's new criteria for the landing gear of the LEM, Grumman representatives met with Center officials in Houston to revise the design. Grumman had formulated a concept for a 419-cm (165-in) radius, cantilever-type configuration, In analyzing its performance, Grumman and Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) engineers, working separately, had reached the same conclusion: namely, that it did not provide sufficient stability nor did it absorb enough of the landing impact. Both parties to this meeting agreed that the gear's performance could be improved by redesigning the foot pads and beefing up the gear struts. Grumman was modifying other parts of the spacecraft's undercarriage accordingly.
At the same time, Grumman advised MSC that it considered impractical a contrivance to simulate lunar gravity in the drop program for test Mockup 5. Grumman put forth another idea: use a full-sized LEM, the company said, but one weighing only one-sixth as much as a flight-ready vehicle. SMD officials were evaluating this latest idea, while they were reviewing the entire TM-5 program.

1964 December 21

Thermal status of antennas for the Apollo CSM and LEM spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM SPS, LM RCS, LM Weight.
The Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) summarized the thermal status of antennas for the Apollo spacecraft (both CSM and LEM). Generally, most troubles stemmed from plume impingement by the reaction control or radiation from the service propulsion engines. These problems, SMD reported, were being solved by increasing the weight of an antenna either its structural weight or its insulation; by shielding it from the engines' exhaust; by isolating its more critical components; or by a combination of these methods.

1964 December 23

Molds for the one-piece bubble helmets for the Apollo space suits constructed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
NASA Technical Services constructed the molds that would be used to make the one-piece bubble helmets for the Apollo space suits. These forms would be delivered to General Electric and to Texstar, the two firms that would actually fabricate the helmets, with the first shell expected about mid-January.
At the same time, Crew Systems Division completed drop tests on the new helmet concept. The division's engineers also began designing and fabrication of support items (neck rings, feed ports, and skull caps), as well as exploring methods of maintaining the helmet's hygiene and habitability.

1964 December 24

Realignment within the Apollo Office of Manned Space Flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus. Program: Apollo.
To strengthen the Agency's managerial organization, NASA announced a realignment within the Office of Manned Space Flight:
- The post of Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Operations was eliminated. (It had, in fact, been vacant since April 24, 1964, when Walter C. Williams had resigned. In its stead, the position of Mission Operations Director was created and filled by E. E. Christensen.
- Two positions as mission directors were created under Christensen. Each director would have overall responsibility for a particular mission.
- A new organization to coordinate ground support efforts was created, the Operations Support Requirements Office, headed by B. Porter Brown.
Also included in this reorganization was a consolidation of activities at Cape Kennedy aimed at bringing assembly, checking, and launch responsibilities within the scope of a single organization. MSC's Florida Operations was absorbed; Kurt H. Debus assumed the title of Director of Launch Operations; and G. Merritt Preston, who had headed the local MSC group, became Debus' deputy.

1964 December 28

Apollo CM to be modified so that the sight assembly could be used from either docking window - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. MSC directed North American to modify the CM so that the sight assembly could be used from either docking window..

1964 December 29

Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory mission defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory, currently being planned for construction at MSC, would support - in addition to its vital role as a quarantine area - two important activities:
1. Research on the samples to support succeeding Apollo flights.
2. Sorting and distribution of lunar samples to the scientific community.
Technical requirements for the facility were being defined by MSC's Space Environment Group, various Apollo science teams, and an ad hoc committee established by NASA Headquarters.

1964 - During the last quarter

Apollo portable life support system (PLSS) power growth impacts LEM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
In September 1964, Hamilton Standard, manufacturer of the portable life support system (PLSS), had established a 108-watt-hour capacity for the system's batteries. And on the basis of that figure, Grumman had been authorized to proceed with the development of the LEM's battery charger. (The size of the charger was determined by several factors, but primarily by the size of the battery and time limits for recharging.)
During November, however, Hamilton Standard and Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers advised the Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division (IESD) that the PLSS's power requirements had increased to about 200 watt-hours. (CSD had jurisdiction over the PLSS, including battery requirements; IESD was responsible for the charger.) Hamilton Standard placed most of the blame on the cooling pump motor, which proved far less efficient than anticipated, as well as on the addition of biosensor equipment. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, reviewing the company's explanation, commented that "this says what happened . . . but is far from a justification - this is the type of thing we should understand well enough to anticipate." "How can this happen," he wondered, ". . . in an area which has been subjected to so much discussion and delay?"
Representatives from Grumman and Hamilton Standard, meeting at MSC on December 17, redefined PLSS battery and charging requirements, and Grumman was directed to proceed with the development of the battery charger. This episode was accompanied by some sense of urgency, since Grumman had to have firm requirements before the end of year to prevent a schedule slippage.

1964 December 31

Identical bioinstrumentation for both blocks of Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
After conferring with the Space Medicine Branch and with the Gemini and Apollo support offices, Crew Systems Division officials opted for identical bioinstrumentation in both blocks of Apollo spacecraft. Hamilton Standard would also try to use identical harnesses.

1964 December

Apollo LEM major subcontractors to revise test programs and hardware schedules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Guidance.
Grumman ordered its major subcontractors supplying electronic equipment for the LEM to implement revised test programs and hardware schedules (in line with the new design approach). A similar directive went to RCA to modify the attitude and translation and the descent engine control assemblies as required for the new concept of an integrated assembly for guidance, navigation, and control of the spacecraft.

1964 - During the last quarter

Use of modified Gemini space suits for Block I Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A1C, A7L, Gemini. Crew Systems Division approved the use of modified Gemini space suits in Block I Apollo spacecraft. MSC and David Clark Company amended their Gemini suit contract to cover design and fabrication of a prototype Block I suit..

1964 - During the last quarter

Large-scale testing of the radiator for Apollo Block II CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Ling-Temco-Vought began large-scale developmental testing of the radiator for the Block II CSM environmental control system. One problem immediately apparent was the radiator's performance under extreme conditions..

1965 January 5

Qualification program for Apollo launch escape and pitch control motors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
North American and Lockheed summarized the qualification program for the launch escape and pitch control motors. While several performance deviations were reported, these were minor and, in general, the presentation was deemed satisfactory. North American followed up on the discrepancies and, on March 22, the motors were declared flight-qualified.

1965 January 5

Study of manual control of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. 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.. Additional Details: here....

1965 January 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo trajectory with a launch azimuth of 108 degrees - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
At the fourth meeting of the Reference Trajectory Sub-Panel, MSC and MSFC members agreed on a trajectory with a launch azimuth of 108 degrees. Translunar injection would be performed over the Pacific Ocean during the first or second orbits. First-orbit injection would fix the minimum time required before the maneuver. Injection on the second pass would determine consequent penalties. The actions were initiated by Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD) and were required to solidify and minimize analytical studies and operational planning.

1965 January 6

Modified Gemini space suits to used for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini. William A. Lee, chief of ASPO's Operations Planning Division, outlined the space suit design criteria for Apollo missions 204 and 205. Modified Gemini space suits were to be used..

1965 January 6

Apollo program review with MIT - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that he planned to conduct a program review with MIT during January 1965, similar to the North American, AC Spark Plug, and Grumman program reviews, but with certain differences, since MIT was a non- profit organization and the scope of its work much narrower than the prime hardware contractors. Shea pointed out that 1965 would be the most critical year of the MIT effort; during that year all drawings for the Block I, Block II, and LEM guidance navigation and control programs should be released. Consequently, the program review at MIT would examine only that one year.
Shea said he would meet with C. Stark Draper on January 14 and discuss with him "where we stand with respect to the MIT work of the past and our concerns for the future." During the week of January 18, MSC would send 14 teams to MIT to meet with their counterparts, and the following week a review board, chaired by R. C. Duncan of MSC, would go over the work of the individual MIT-NASA teams in depth and agree upon the program for 1965. The 14 teams would be: Reliability and Quality Assurance, Field Operations, Documentation and Configuration Management, Systems Assembly and Test, Guidance and Mission Analysis, Simulation, Ground Support Equipment, Optics, Inertial Systems and Sensors, Computer, Radar, Training; Terms, Conditions, Rates and Factors; and Statement of Work Integration.
Shea felt that the review would give MIT a clearer understanding of their part in the guidance, navigation, and control system development. He recommended that Phillips discuss the general nature of the program review with George E. Mueller and Robert C. Seamans, Jr., so they would both understand ASPO's objectives.
Phillips forwarded the letter to Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller along with his comments on the proposal. He said, "I think it is a good plan and that the results will be beneficial to the program. I urge your support should it become necessary."

1965 January 6

Partial donning of the Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO's Systems Engineering Division (SED) investigated the possibility of partial donning of the space suit (sans helmet and gloves) and the consequent effects upon operation of the CM environmental control system (ECS). (Current ECS design called for shirtsleeve and full-suited operations.) The systems engineers found that, with vehicle reliability based upon shirtsleeve environments, wearing part of the suit contributed little toward protecting the astronaut against loss of cabin pressure.
Most pressure-seal failures in the spacecraft would still allow the astronaut time to don the complete suit. Catastrophic failures (i.e., loss of windows or hatches) were highly improbable, but if one of this type occurred, depressurization would be so rapid as to preclude the astronaut's donning even a part of the suit. Actually, overall mission reliability was greatest with the shirtsleeve environment; continuous suit wear degraded the garment's reliability for the lunar exploration phase of the flight. Moreover, a number of design changes in the spacecraft would be required by partial suit wear.
SED concluded that, to build confidence in the spacecraft's pressurization system, Block I CM's should be outfitted for partial suit wear. In Block II vehicles the suit should not be worn during translunar mission phases (again because of mission reliability). SED recommended to the ASPO Manager, therefore, that he direct North American to incorporate provisions for partial suit wear in Block I and to retain the shirtsleeve concept for the Block II spacecraft.

1965 January 6-8

Preliminary Design Review of the Apollo Block II CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Weight.
The Preliminary Design Review of the Block II CM was held at North American's Downey, Calif., plant. Ten working groups evaluated the spacecraft design and resolved numerous minor details. They then reported to a review board of NASA and North American officials. Additional Details: here....

1965 January 7-14

Change in the Apollo CM back-face temperature - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Changing the CM back-face temperature requirement from 600 degrees F at touchdown to 600 degrees F at parachute deployment threatened to increase the cabin air temperature. Physiologists at MSC had previously declared that the cabin temperature should not exceed 100 degrees F. The proposed change in the back-face requirement, North American reported, would raise the cabin's interior to 125 degrees F. MSC's Crew Systems Division reviewed these factors and decided the increased cabin temperature would not be acceptable.

1965 January 7

Revised Apollo launch schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
William A. Lee, chief of ASPO's Operations Planning Division, announced a revised Apollo launch schedule for 1966 and 1967. In 1968, a week-long earth orbital flight would be a dress rehearsal for the lunar mission. "Then the moon," Lee predicted. "We have a fighting chance to make it by 1970," he said, "and also stay within the 20 billion price tag set . . . by former President Kennedy."

1965 January 7

Differences in the Apollo schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Deputy Director George M. Low issued a memorandum regarding differences in the Apollo schedule as made public in an Associated Press release with a Houston, Texas, dateline. Low cited the following statement by George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, and said it "represents our official and only position on Apollo schedules:
- "The Apollo schedule for accomplishment of major milestones leading to the first manned lunar landing has not changed.
- The first Saturn IB flight is scheduled in 1966.
- Apollo manned flights on Saturn IB are scheduled for 1967.
- Unmanned Saturn V flights are scheduled for 1967.
- Manned Apollo earth orbital flights are scheduled for 1968.
"We believe these major milestones will be met and our goal of a manned lunar landing in this decade can be accomplished."

1965 January 8

Reviewing of the control-display systems of the Apollo CSM and LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Crew Station. MSC was reviewing the control-display systems of the CSM and LEM to assess operational constraints. North American was requested to study all controls, displays, and systems functions for manned spacecraft to identify and eliminate single-point failures..

1965 January 11

Dalmo-Victor to supply antennas for Apollo CSM's - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
North American selected Dalmo-Victor to supply S-band high-gain antennas for Apollo CSM's. (The deployable antenna would be used beyond 14,816 km (8,000 nm) from the earth.) Dalmo-Victor would complete the antenna design and carry out the development work, and North American would procure production units under a supplemental contract.

1965 January 11

LC 16 to be converted to test stands for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
NASA announced that Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 16, a Titan missile facility, would be converted into static test stands for Apollo spacecraft. This decision eliminated the need for such a facility originally planned on Merritt Island and, it was predicted, would cost little more than a fourth of the $7 million estimated for the new site.

1965 January 12

Various designs for the extravehicular mobility unit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
Grumman and Hamilton Standard were exploring various designs for the extravehicular mobility unit. On the basis of some early conclusions, the MSC Crew Systems Division (CSD) recommended that meteoroid and thermal protection be provided by a single garment. Preliminary hypervelocity tests placed the garment's reliability at 0.999. Each would weigh about 7.7 kg (17 lbs), about 2.3 kg (5 lbs) less than the two-garment design. CSD further recommended that the unit be stored either in the LEM's descent stage or in a jettisonable container in the ascent portion.

1965 January 12

Apollo LEM VHF communications requirements reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
MSC evaluated the VHF communications requirements and determined that there was no requirement for the LEM to communicate simultaneously over VHF with:
1. the CSM in lunar orbit
2. an extravehicular astronaut on the lunar surface.
There also was no requirement for the CSM to communicate simultaneously over VHF with:
1. an extravehicular astronaut
2. an astronaut in the LEM.
Grumman and North American were advised that voice communications during this mission phase would be maintained by the unified S-band equipment via the Manned Space Flight Network relay.

1965 January 12

Apollo Crew Station Branch of Flight Crew Support Division given consolidated responsibilities - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Donald K. Slayton, MSC Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations, pointed out to Managers of the ASPO and the Gemini Program Office that a number of units of spacecraft control and display equipment were needed to support the Spacecraft Control Office in the areas of spacecraft crew procedures development, crew station equipment development, flight crew familiarization, training, and spacecraft mission preparation. Such equipment was needed within MSC, at other NASA Centers, and at contractor facilities to support centrifuge programs, research vehicle programs, launch abort simulations, rendezvous and docking simulations, retrofire and reentry simulations, and other mission phase simulations. Slayton emphasized that uncoordinated requests for hardware procurement to support these programs were excessively costly in terms of equipment.
Slayton said that a "satisfactory method to reduce costs and increase equipment utilization and effectiveness is to assign responsibility as custodian to one technically cognizant organization which will ascertain the total requirement for equipment and be responsible for coordinating procurement and allocating and transferring hardware assignment required to meet program requirements." He recommended that the Crew Station Branch of Flight Crew Support Division be given the consolidated responsibilities.

1965 January 13

Configuration Control Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Guidance, LM Weight.
The first meeting of the Configuration Control Board was held at MSC with ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea as chairman. Approval was given to delete 10 Apollo guidance and navigation systems; and W. F. Rector III was directed to look into the use of computers and prototype units for electronic systems integration. In other actions, a decision on changes to CSM specifications to provide for the heavyweight LEM (a proposed increase from 12,705 to 14,515 kg (28,000 to 32,000 lbs)) was deferred until the next meeting; and Owen Maynard was directed to identify all Block II changes that must be implemented regardless of impact and have them ready for Board action by February 18, 1965.

1965 January 14-21

Development firings of the Apollo parachute mortars completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. Development firings of the launch escape system's drogue and pilot parachute mortars were completed, and the units were slated for qualification trials the following month..

1965 January 14

Acceptance tests for Apollo CSM sequential and propulsion systems trainers - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
North American completed acceptance tests for the CSM sequential and propulsion systems trainers. On January 15 the equipment was shipped to MSC, where it was installed the following week. This terminated the procurement program for the Apollo systems trainer.

1965 January 14

Apollo CM/SM umbilical cutter caused damage to the heatshield - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
During testing, it was found that blast effects of the linear charge for the CM/SM umbilical cutter caused considerable damage to the heatshield. To circumvent this problem, North American designed a vastly improved pyrotechnic-driven, guillotine-type cutter. MSC readily approved the new' device for both Block I and II spacecraft.

1965 January 14-21

Meteoroid environment in cislunar space defined for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
OMSF asked MSC to provide NASA Headquarters with a statement of "the minimum definition of meteoroid environment in cislunar space" which would be necessary for confidence that Apollo could withstand the meteoroid flux. The "desirable degree of definition" was also requested. This material was to be used as inputs to the current cislunar Pegasus studies being conducted by OMSF.

1965 January 14-21

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

S-IVB Stage attitude control capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Significant agreements from the Eleventh MSC-MSFC Flight Mechanics, Dynamics, Guidance and Control Panel meeting were:
- There was no requirement to inhibit the S-IVB attitude and attitude rate hold modes during the transposition and docking phase.
- The S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system had sufficient propellant to perform 21 roll maneuvers in earth orbit at 0.5 deg/sec for inertial measurement unit alignment and earth landmark sightings, one yaw maneuver at 0.3 deg/sec for sun avoidance before transposition and docking, and one pitch and or yaw maneuver at 0.3 deg/sec before the final CSM/LEM separation maneuver from the S-IVB.

1965 January 18

Presentation on Apollo mission plans - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea, Slayton. Program: Apollo.
The MSC Mission Planning and Analysis Division made a presentation to Joseph F. Shea, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton on Apollo Missions 201, 202, 204, 206, 207, 501, 503, and 504. It was stated that 204B was to be a repeat of 202; 204C was to be a repeat of 201; and 204D was to be the same as 204A but would be flown unmanned.

1965 January 18

Alternates considered for Apollo S-band high-gain antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Communications, LM Guidance.
MSC was studying several approaches to the problems of automatic thermal control and automatic reacquisition of the earth by the S-band high-gain antenna while the CSM circled the moon. (The Block II spacecraft, MSC had stated, must have the ability to perform these functions wholly on its own. During an extended stay of the LEM on the lunar surface, when the CSM pilot needed uninterrupted sleep periods, antenna reacquisition was absolutely essential for telemetering data back to earth. And although the requirements for passive thermal control were not yet well defined, the spacecraft's attitude must likewise be automatically controlled.)
Robert C. Duncan, chief of the MSC Guidance and Control Division, presented his section's recommendations for solving these problems, which ultimately won ASPO's concurrence. Precise spacecraft body rates, Duncan said, should be maintained by the stabilization and control system. The position of the S-band antenna should be telemetered to the ground, where the angle required for reacquisition would be computed. The antenna would then be repositioned by commands sent through the updata link.

1965 January 18

Low-burst factor for the gaseous helium tanks on the Apollo LEM approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
The Structures and Mechanics Division approved a low-burst factor for the gaseous helium tanks on the LEM (as recommended by Grumman). This change permitted a substantial lightening of the spacecraft's propulsion systems: descent 45 kg (99 lbs); ascent, 13 kg (29 lbs); reaction control, 2.3 kg (5 lbs).

1965 January 18

MSC White Sands Missile Operations renamed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC White Sands Missile Operations was renamed MSC White Sands Operations to eliminate the similarity to the Army's White Sands Missile Range..

1965 January 18

Requirement for extravehicular transfer from the Apollo LEM to the CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch.
After reviewing the requirement for extravehicular transfer (EVT) from the LEM to the CM, MSC reaffirmed its validity. The Center already had approved additional fuel for the CM, to lengthen its rendezvousing range, and modifications of the vehicle's hatch to permit exterior operation. The need for a greater protection for the astronaut during EVT would be determined largely by current thermal tests of the pressure suit being conducted by NASA and Hamilton Standard. While the emergency oxygen system was unnecessary during normal transfer from one vehicle to the other, it was essential during EVT or lunar surface activities.

1965 January 18

Qualification testing completed of the tanks for the Apollo service propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. General Motors' Allison Division completed qualification testing of the propellant tanks for the service propulsion system..

1965 January 19-20

Apollo LEM crew restraints tested in zero-g - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
In simulated zero-g conditions aboard KC-135s, technicians evaluated a number of different devices for restraining the LEM crewmen. These trials demonstrated clearly the need for a hip restraint and for a downward force to hold the astronaut securely to the cabin floor. In mid-February a second series of flights tested the combination that seemed most promising: Velcro shoes that would be used together with Velcropile carpeting on the cabin floor of the spacecraft; a harness that enveloped the astronaut's chest and, through an intricate system of cables and pulleys, exerted a constant downward pressure; and a waist strap that secured the harness to the lighting panel immediately facing the crewman. These evaluations permitted Grumman to complete the design of the restraint system.

1965 January 20

Test altitude for Apollo mission A-004 decreased - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. The test altitude for mission A-004 was decreased from 22,860 to 19,507 m (75,000 to 64,000 ft) to ensure the attainment of limit loads on the CM during a tumbling power-on abort..

1965 January 20

Manned Spacecraft Criteria and Standards Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin. Program: Apollo.
The new membership of the MSC Manned Spacecraft Criteria and Standards Board, established September 4, 1963, was: F. John Bailey, Jr., Chairman; James W. Donnell, Secretary; James A. Chamberlin, Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, W. R. Durrett, William M. Bland, and Norman F. Smith.

1965 January 21-28

STL sole contractor for the Apollo LEM descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, LM Descent Propulsion.
Parallel development of the LEM descent engine was halted. Space Technology Laboratories was named the sole contractor; the Rocketdyne contract was canceled. Grumman estimated that the cost of Rocketdyne's program would be about $25 million at termination.

1965 January 21-28

Combustion instability in the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The persistent problem of combustion instability in the LEM ascent engine, unyielding to several major injector redesigns, was still present during test firings at Bell Aerosystems. Following reviews by MSC and Grumman, the "mainstream effort" in the injector program was "reoriented" to a design that included baffles on the face of the injector. Largely because of this troublesome factor, it now appeared that the ascent engine's development cost, which only four months earlier Bell and Grumman had estimated at $20 million, would probably approach $34 million. Bell also forecast a 15.4-kg (34-lb) weight increase for the engine because of a longer burn design and a strengthened nozzle extension.

1965 January 21

Apollo dual drogue parachutes in drop test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Northrop-Ventura verified the strength of the dual drogue parachutes in a drop test at El Centro, Calif. This was also the first airborne test of the new mortar by which the drogues were deployed and of the new pilot parachute risers, made of steel cables. All planned objectives were met. Additional Details: here....

1965 January 21

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Requirements for Apollo spacecraft launched by Saturn IB assessed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
At the request of Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, ASPO reexamined the performance requirements for spacecraft slated for launch with Saturn IBs. MSC currently assessed that the launch vehicle was able to put 16,102 kg (35,500 lbs) into a circular orbit 105 nm above the earth. Based on the spacecraft control weights, however, it appeared that the total injected weight of the modules would exceed this amount by some 395 kg (870 lbs). Additional Details: here....

1965 January 21-28

Space Ordnance Systems selected for the explosive bolts for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. Space Ordnance Systems was selected to develop the explosive bolts that held the LEM's two stages together..

1965 January 21-28

Main parachute disconnects verified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. Two underwater firings verified the design concept of the main parachute disconnects..

1965 January 22

Apollo LEM adapter panels might interfere with radio communications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
The MSC-MSFC Mechanical Integration Panel discussed the possibility that, when deployed, the LEM adapter panels might interfere with radio communications via the S-band high-gain antenna. On earth-orbital missions, the panel found, the S-band antenna would be rendere useless. They recommended that MSC's Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division investigate alternative modes for communications during the transposition and docking phase of the flight. During lunar missions, on the other hand, the panel found that, with panels deployed at a 45 degree angle, the high-gain antenna could be used as early as 15 minutes after translunar injection. Spacecraft-to-ground communications during transposition and docking could thus be available and manual tracking would not be needed. North American was informed that the high-gain antenna would be used during this maneuver, and was directed to fix the panel deployment angle for all Block II spacecraft at 45 degrees.

1965 January 22

Vacuum chamber at Lewis Research Center - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Two construction companies, Blount Brothers Corporation, Montgomery, Ala., and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Oak Park, Ill., received a joint contract (worth $5,178,000) for construction of a vacuum chamber at the Lewis Research Center's Plum Brook Station. The facility, which would be used for spacecraft and propulsion system testing, would be one of the largest such simulators in the world.

1965 January 22

Apollo qualification test plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips forecast "heavy ground testing" for Apollo during 1965. The coming months, he said, should see the completion of testing on the first Apollo spacecraft intended for manned space flight, as well as flight qualification of the Saturn IB and initial testing of the Saturn V launch vehicles.

1965 January 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Technique for Apollo LEM / S-IVB separation during manned mission approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
ASPO approved the technique for LEM S-IVB separation during manned missions, a method recommended jointly by North American and Grumman. After the CSM docked with the LEM, the necessary electrical circuit between the two spacecraft would be closed manually. Explosive charges would then free the LEM from the adapter on the S-IVB.

1965 January 25

Dalmo-Victor freezes the design of the Apollo LEM S-band antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications. Dalmo-Victor, vendor of the LEM S-band antenna, was given firm requirements for tracking and coverage, thus enabling the company to freeze the antenna design..

1965 January 25

Optimism permeated Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo.
The optimism that permeated the Apollo program was reflected in statements by NASA's Associate Administrator, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., during budget briefings for the forthcoming year. He was "greatly encouraged" by recent design freezes and "very reassured" by testing of propulsion systems and launch vehicle stages. "We really feel," Seamans said, ". . . that we can get off the (lunar landing) flight on an earlier mission than I would have said a year ago?' Certainly it was "conceivable" that the moon landing could come "in early 1970."

1965 January 25

Flotation characteristics of the Apollo CM studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
To determine flotation characteristics of the spacecraft, the Stevens Institute of Technology began a testing program using one-tenth scale models of the CM. Researchers found that the sequence in which the uprighting bags were deployed was equally critical in both a calm sea and in various wave conditions; improper deployment caused the vehicle to assume an apex-down position. These trials disproved predictions that wave action would upright the spacecraft from this attitude.
Further testing during the following month reinforced these findings. But because sequential deployment would degrade reliability of the system, North American held that the bags must upright the spacecraft irrespective of the order of their inflation. Stevens' investigators would continue their program, examining the CM's characteristics under a variety of weight and center of gravity conditions.

1965 January 25

Backup Apollo Block II space suit development program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC negotiated a backup Block II space suit development program with David Clark Company, which paralleled the Hamilton Standard program, at a cost of $176,000. Criteria for selecting the suit for ultimate development for Block II would be taken from the Extravehicular Mobility Unit Design and Performance Specification. A selection test program would be conducted at MSC using the CM mockup, the lunar simulation facility, and the LEM mockup.

1965 January 25

Operational requirement for propellant gauges in the Apollo LEM descent stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. ASPO established an operational requirement for propellant gauges in the LEM descent stage, the exact details to be worked out by Grumman. The gauges must be accurate to within one-half of one percent when less than one-fourth of the propellants remained..

1965 January 26

Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle results - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Warren J. North, Chairman of the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) Coordination Panel, reported to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that the LLRV had been flown 10 times by Flight Research Center pilots - eight times by Joe Walker and twice by Don Mallick. Maximum altitude achieved was 91 m (300 ft) and maximum forward velocity was 12 m (40 ft) per sec. Additional Details: here....

1965 January 26

Thermal effects for a fixed Apollo CSM rendezvous radar antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM SPS. At a meeting held at Grumman, RCA presented its study on thermal effects for a fixed rendezvous radar antenna assembly which would be protected from the CSM service propulsion system by a thermal shield..

1965 January 27

Proposal to stage the Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC evaluated Grumman's proposal to stage components of the extravehicular mobility unit to achieve a substantial weight reduction..

1965 January 28

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First major Saturn V flight component delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first major Saturn V flight component, a 10-m (33-ft) diameter, 27,215 kg (60,000 lb corrugated tail section which would support the booster's 6,672 kilonewtons (1.5-million-lb) thrust engines, arrived at MSFC from NASA's Michoud Operations near New Orleans. The section was one of five major structural units comprising Saturn V's first stage.

1965 January 28-February 4

Device to detect failures in the reaction control system (RCS) for Block I Apollo CSMs cancelled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM RCS, LM Weight.
MSC canceled plans (originally proposed by North American) for a device to detect failures in the reaction control system (RCS) for Block I CSMs. This was done partly because of impending weight, cost, and schedule penalties, but also because, given an RCS failure during earth orbit, the crew could detect it in time to return to earth safely even without the proposed device. This action in no way affected the effort to devise such a detection system for the Block II CSM or the LEM, however.

1965 January 28-February 4

Initial development testing of Apollo LEM restraint systems completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Initial development testing of LEM restraint systems was completed. Under zero-g conditions, investigators found, positive restraints for the crew were essential. While the system must be further refined, it consisted essentially of a harness that secured the astronaut's hips (thus providing a pivot point) and held him firmly on the cabin floor.

1965 January 28

Gemini pistol-type water dispenser could not be used in the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit, , Gemini. After examining the CM's potable water system, engineers in the MSC Crew Systems Division found that the Gemini pistol-type water dispenser could not be used in the Apollo spacecraft without some changes in the dispenser design..

1965 January 29

Emergency defecation capability added to the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
ASPO concurred with the requirement to provide an emergency defecation capability aboard the LEM as established by MSC's Center Medical Programs Office. The addition of a Gemini-type defecation glove appeared to present a satisfactory solution. Crew Systems Division was directed to proceed with their recommendation and add the Gemini gloves to the LEM crew provisions.

1965 January 29

Apollo boilerplate 28 second water impact test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Apollo boilerplate 28 underwent its second water impact test. Despite its strengthened aft structure, in this and a subsequent drop on February 9 the vehicle again suffered damage to the aft heatshield and bulkhead, though far less severe than that experienced in its initial test. The impact problem, it was obvious, was not yet solved.

1965 January

Scientific experiments for the first manned Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Nine areas of scientific experiments for the first manned Apollo lunar landing mission had been summarized and experimenters were defining them for NASA. Space sciences project group expected to publish the complete report by March 1, to be followed by requests for proposals from industry on designing and producing instrument packages. A major effort was under way by a NASA task force making a time-motion study of how best to use the limited lunar stay-time of two hours' minimum for the first flight.

1965 January

Grumman modified the Apollo LEM's forward hatch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Hatch.
To make it easier to get in and out of the spacecraft, Grumman modified the LEM's forward hatch. During mobility tests on the company's mockup, a hinged, trapezoidal-shaped door had proved superior to the original circular hatch, so the earlier design was dropped.

1965 January

Shea pleased with the pace of the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea reiterated the space agency's phasic view of the Apollo program. He was well pleased with the pace of the program and reported that ground testing of all CSM subsystems was "well along." Reflecting on the year just past, Shea observed that it was one in which Apollo objectives were achieved "milestone by milestone?' He was equally optimistic about Apollo's progress during the coming months, predicting that there would be "three Apollo spacecraft in continuous ground testing" by the end of the year.

1965 February 1

Pacific Crane and Rigging contract to install ground equipment at Launch Complex 39 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Pacific Crane and Rigging Company received a NASA contract, worth $8.3 million, to install ground equipment at Kennedy Space Center's Saturn V facility, Launch Complex 39. On the following day, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $2,179,000 contract to R. E. Carlson Corporation, St. Petersburg, Fla., to modify Launch Complex 34 to handle the Saturn IB.

1965 February 2-3

Emergency detection system (EDS) and abort procedures for the early Apollo flights decided - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo-Saturn Crew Safety Panel decided on a number of emergency detection system (EDS) and abort procedures for the early Apollo flights:
- If any of the three redundant automatic abort circuits so indicated, the launch vehicle would not be released.
- The EDS would be flight-tested on the SA-201 and SA-202 missions.
- Unmanned Apollo flights should be aborted from the ground only under the most severe conditions.
- Liftoff permitted automatic abort without manual backup.
- To ensure a successful abort, a redundant mode of EDS-commanded engine shutdown was mandatory.
After hearing the results of several supporting studies, the Panel further agreed that Saturn IB flights would be automatically aborted if the vehicle's roll rate reached 20 degrees per second; if two engines should fail during the first 30 seconds of flight, the Saturn IB must be capable of aborting automatically, and the Saturn V must have the same capability for the first 60 seconds of flight; and, finally, the Panel stated that during the Saturn V's initial stages, automatic abort might be required if even one engine shut down.

1965 February 3

ASPO established radiation reliability goals for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO established radiation reliability goals for Apollo. These figures would be used to coordinate the radiation program, to define the allowable dosages, and to determine the effect of radiation on mission success. The crew safety goal (defined as the probability of a crewman's not suffering permanent injury or worse, nor his being incapacitated and thus no longer able to perform his duties) was set at 0.99999. The major hazard of a radiation environment, it was felt, was not the chance of fatal doses. It was, rather, the possibility of acute radiation sickness during the mission. The second reliability goal, that for success of the mission (the probability that the mission would not be aborted because of radiation environment), was placed at 0.98.
These values, ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea emphasized, were based on the 8.3-day reference mission and on emergency dose limits previously set forth. They were not to be included in overall reliability goals for the spacecraft, nor were they to be met by weight increases or equipment relocations.

1965 February 4

Constant attitude device added to the Apollo LEM's attitude control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
A device to maintain the spacecraft in a constant attitude was added to the LEM's primary attitude control system (ACS). The feature brought with it some undesirable handling characteristics, however: it would cause the vehicle to land long. Although this overshoot could be corrected by the pilot, and therefore was not dangerous operationally, it would require closer attention during final approach. The attitude hold, therefore, hardly eased the pilot's control task, which was, after all, its primary function. Instead of moving the device to the backup ACS (the abort section), the Engineering Simulation Branch of MSC's Guidance and Control Division recommended that the system be modified so that, if desired, the pilot could disengage the hold mechanism.

1965 February 4-11

Real-time commands added to the up-data link equipment on Apollo command modules 012 and 014 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. After considering possible impacts, MSC directed North American to implement real-time commands to the up-data link equipment on command modules 012 and 014..

1965 February 4-11

Use of high purity oxygen during manned ground testing of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
MSC questioned the necessity of using highly purified (and expensive) fuel-cell-type oxygen to maintain the cabin atmosphere during manned ground testing of the spacecraft. The Center, therefore, undertook a study of the resultant impurities and effect on crew habitability of using a commercial grade of aviation oxygen.

1965 February 5

Apollo SM 001's service propulsion engine static-fired - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. SM 001's service propulsion engine was static-fired for 10 sec at White Sands. The firing was the first in a program to verify the mission profiles for later flight tests of the module. (SM 001 was the first major piece of flight-weight Apollo hardware.).

1965 February 8

Development tests on Apollo space suit heat exchanger - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Development tests recently completed by AiResearch on the water evaporator control system for the space suit heat exchanger disclosed its inadequacy because of its slow response time. To solve this problem, AiResearch and North American proposed an alternate control system approach similar to the glycol evaporator scheme used elsewhere in the environmental control system. This alternate design, which was tested and appeared a more desirable approach, would be incorporated on airframes 008 and 012 through Block II spacecraft. No schedule impact was anticipated.

1965 February 8

Scientists invited to a conference on the Gemini and Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA invited 113 scientists and 23 national space organizations to a conference at MSC to brief them on the Gemini and Apollo missions. As a result of the conference, NASA hoped to receive proposals for biomedical experiments to be performed in Gemini and Apollo spacecraft.

1965 February 8

Requirement deleted for a rendezvous radar in the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking. MSC deleted the requirement for a rendezvous radar in the CSM..

1965 February 8

Apollo LEM-active docking simulation reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC, North American, and Grumman reviewed the results of Langley Research Center's LEM-active docking simulation. While the overhead mode of docking had been found to be acceptable, two items still caused some concern: (1) propellant consumption could exceed supply; and (2) angular rates at contact had occasionally exceeded specifications. Phase B (Grumman's portion) of the docking simulations, scheduled to begin in about two weeks, would further investigate these problems. Langley researchers also had evaluated several sighting aids for the LEM and recommended a projected image collimated (parallel in lines of direction) reticle as most practicable. Accordingly, on March 9, MSC directed Grumman to incorporate this type of sighting device into the design of their spacecraft.

1965 February 9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First ground test model of the S-II stage completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. North American completed the first ground test model of the S-II stage of the Saturn V..

1965 February 10

Electromagnetic compatibility testing of hardware aboard the Apollo CSM and LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block I, LM Electrical.
ASPO and the MSC Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division (IESD) formulated a program for electromagnetic compatibility testing of hardware aboard the CSM and LEM. The equipment would be mounted in spacecraft mockups, which would then be placed in the Center's anechoic chamber. In these tests, scheduled to begin about the first of September, IESD was to evaluate the compatibility of the spacecraft in docked and near-docked configurations, and of Block I spacecraft with the launch vehicle. The division was also to recommend testing procedures for the launch complex.

1965 February 10

Proposal for an all battery system for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
ASPO evaluated Grumman's proposal for an "all battery" system for the LEM descent stage. ASPO was aiming at a 35-hour lunar stay for the least weight; savings were realized by lessening battery capacities, by making the water tanks smaller, and by reducing some of the spacecraft's structural requirements.

1965 February 11

Drogue parachutes tested to ultimate load - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A drop test at EI Centro, Calif., demonstrated the ability of the drogue parachutes to sustain the ultimate disreefed load that would be imposed upon them during reentry. (For the current CM weight, that maximum load would be 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) per parachute.) Preliminary data indicated that the two drogues had withstood loads of 8,803 and 8,165 kg (19,600 and 18,000 lbs). One of the drogues emerged unscathed; the other suffered only minor damage near the pocket of the reefing cutter.

1965 February 11-18

Three-foot probes on the Apollo LEM landing gear - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
Evaluations of the three-foot probes on the LEM landing gear showed that the task of shutting off the engine prior to actual touchdown was even more difficult than controlling the vehicle's rate of descent. During simulated landings, about 70 percent of the time the spacecraft was less than 0.3 m (1 ft) high when shutdown came; on 20 percent of the runs, the engine was still burning at touchdown. Some change, either in switch location or in procedure, thus appeared necessary to shorten the delay between contact light and engine cutoff (an average of 0.7 sec).

1965 February 11-18

Panel thrusters for the Apollo lunar adapter - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. North American selected the Ordnance Division of General Precision Link Group to supply the panel thrusters for the spacecraft lunar adapter..

1965 February 11-18

Use of the Apollo LEM as a backup for the service propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
To make room for a rendezvous study, MSC was forced to end, prematurely, its simulations of employing the LEM as a backup for the service propulsion system. Nonetheless, the LEM was evaluated in both manual and automatic operation. Although some sizable attitude changes were required, investigators found no serious problems with either steering accuracy or dynamic stability.

1965 February 11-18

Apollo bubble helmet design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC modified its bubble helmet design to fit on an International Latex "state-of-the-art" space suit. A mockup of the helmet was used in don doff tests. Mean donning time was 4.2 sec; doff time averaged 1.47 sec. Further tests would be performed when a prototype helmet was completed (expected by February 26).

1965 February 11-18

Two-week wearing test of the Apollo liquid-cooled undergarment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Hamilton Standard, the extravehicular mobility unit contractor, completed a two-week wearing test of the Apollo liquid-cooled undergarment. Investigators found that the garment could be worn for the entire lunar mission without any serious discomfort..

1965 February 12

Apollo CM airlock costs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC relayed to NASA Headquarters North American's cost estimates for airlocks on the Apollo CM:
Spacecraft Development Unit Cost

Block I $840,000 $185,000

Block II $960,000 $112,000

Blocks I & II $1,050,000 $111,000
(The unit costs presumed two flight items for Block I and 12 for Block II spacecraft.)
During late February and early March, North American completed a conceptual design study of an airlock for the Block I CMs. Designers found that such a device could be incorporated into the side access hatch. A substitute cover for the inner hatch and a panel to replace the window on the outer hatch would have to be developed, but these modifications would not interfere with the basic design of the spacecraft.

Spacecraft	Development	Unit Cost
Block I	$840,000	$185,000
Block II	$960,000	$112,000
Blocks I & II	$1,050,000	$111,000

1965 February 12

Corrosion in the Apollo coolant loops due to glycol - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM ECS.
MSC's Systems Engineering Division (SED) requested support from the Structures and Mechanics Division in determining the existence or extent of corrosion in the coolant loops of the SM electrical power subsystem (EPS) and the CM and LEM environmental control subsystems (ECS), resulting from the use of water glycol as coolant fluid. Informal contact had been made with W. R. Downs of the Structures and Mechanics Division and he had been given copies of contractor reports and correspondence between MSC, North American, and MIT pertaining to the problem. The contractors had conflicting positions regarding the extent and seriousness of glycol corrosion.
SED requested that a study be initiated to:
1. determine the existence or extent of corrosion in the EPS and ECS coolant loops; and
2. make recommendations regarding alternate materials, inhibitors, or fluids, and other tests or remedial actions if it were determined that a problem existed.

1965 February 15

Steerable S-band antenna for communications between Apollo spacecraft and the ground - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A study by General Electric affirmed the necessity for the steerable S-band antenna for communications between the spacecraft and the ground at lunar distances. Communications margins were so small that, at those distances, any degradation of equipment would seriously affect the spacecraft's contact with earth.

1965 February 16

Specialty areas for 13 astronauts not assigned to Gemini - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Anders, Bassett, Bean, Cernan, Chaffee, Collins, Cunningham, Eisele, Freeman, Gordon, Schweickart, Scott, Williams, Clifton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM Communications, LM ECS, LM Guidance.
MSC announced a realignment of specialty areas for the 13 astronauts not assigned to forthcoming Gemini missions (GT 3 through 5) or to strictly administrative positions:

Operations and Training
Edwin E. Aldrin, branch chief - mission planning
Charles A. Bassett - operations handbooks, training, and simulators
Alan L. Bean - recovery systems
Michael Collins - pressure suits and extravehicular activity
David R. Scott - mission planning and guidance and navigation
Clifton C. Williams - range operations, deep space instrumentation, and crew safety.
Project Apollo
Richard F. Gordon, branch chief - overall astronaut activities in Apollo area and liaison for CSM development
Donn F. Eisele - CSM and LEM
William A. Anders - environmental control system and radiation and thermal systems
Eugene A. Cernan - boosters, spacecraft propulsion, and the Agena stage
Roger B. Chaffee - communications, flight controls, and docking
R. Walter Cunningham - electrical and sequential systems and non-flight experiments
Russell L. Schweickart - in-flight experiments and future programs.

1965 February 16-March 15

Apollo CM's waste management system demonstrated under zero-g conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. The CM's waste management system demonstrated its feasibility under zero-g conditions during flights from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The system successfully contained both solid and liquid wastes and did not leak even when filled to capacity..

1965 February 16

Contract to Univac for digital data processors for the Apollo project - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA awarded an $8,879,832 fixed-price contract to the Univac Division of Sperry Rand Corporation for digital data processors for the Apollo project. Univac also would assist in modifying extant computer programs to meet Apollo requirements..

1965 February 16

Apollo hardware delivery schedules changed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In a memorandum to ASPO, Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, inquired about realigning the schedules of contractors to meet revised delivery and launch timetables for Apollo. Phillips tentatively set forth deliveries of six spacecraft (CSM/LEMs) during 1967 and eight during each succeeding year; he outlined eight manned launches per year also, starting in 1969.

1965 February 16

Astronaut training suits included in the Apollo Block II program plan - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Collins. Program: Apollo.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) informed the Astronaut Office that the requirements submitted by Astronaut Michael Collins on February 5 had been included in the Block II suit program plans. Those requirements for astronaut training suits were:
Suit Quantity Type Date Available

1 A-5H June 1965

6 A-5H December 1965 (or sooner if possible)

6 A-6H1 March 1966
14 A-6H2 August 1966
CSD requested the Astronaut Office to provide the type and schedule of training programs in which suit use was anticipated, stating: "This information will be of value in assessing suit support requirements and the type of suit interface information to be gained from astronaut participation in these programs."

Suit Quantity	Type	Date Available
1	A-5H	June 1965
6	A-5H	December 1965 (or sooner if possible)
6	A-6H1	March 1966
14	A-6H2	August 1966

1965 February 16

Apollo LEM tooling program behind schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
In the first of a series of manufacturing review meetings at Bethpage, N.Y., it was learned that Grumman's tooling program was behind schedule (caused primarily by engineering changes). Tool manufacturing might recoup much of the lost time, but this process was highly vulnerable to further design changes. Completion of tooling for the ascent stage of LTA-3 was now set for late April, a production delay of about two months.

1965 February 16

14:37 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Pegasus 1 - . Payload: Pegasus 1. Mass: 10,400 kg (22,900 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Huntsville. Program: Apollo. Class: Earth. Type: Micrometeoroid satellite. Spacecraft: Pegasus satellite. Decay Date: 1978-09-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 1085 . COSPAR: 1965-009A. Apogee: 726 km (451 mi). Perigee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 97.00 min.
A Saturn I vehicle SA-9 launched a multiple payload into a high 744 by 496 km (462 by 308 mi) earth orbit. The rocket carried a boilerplate (BP) CSM (BP-16) and, fitted inside the SM, the Pegasus I meteoroid detection satellite. This was the eighth successful Saturn flight in a row, and the first to carry an active payload. BP-16's launch escape tower was jettisoned following second-stage S-IV ignition. After attaining orbit, the spacecraft were separated from the S-IV. Thereupon the Pegasus I's panels were deployed and were ready to perform their task, i.e., registering meteoroid impact and relaying the information to the ground.

Apollo-Model 3 - . Payload: Apollo CSM Boilerplate 16. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Decay Date: 1985-07-10 . USAF Sat Cat: 1088 . COSPAR: 1965-009B. Apogee: 736 km (457 mi). Perigee: 500 km (310 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 97.06 min.

1965 February 17

Navy testing of the Gemini Block I Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A1C, A7L, Gemini.
The U.S. Navy Air Crew Equipment Laboratory began testing the Gemini Block I Apollo space suit in a wide range of environmental temperatures to determine the comfort and physiological responses of the wearer. The program, delayed because of difficulties with humidity control, was to be completed in three to four weeks.

1965 February 17

Rendezvous radar delete from Block II Apollo CSMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Guidance.
MSC directed North American to delete the rendezvous radar from Block II CSMs. On those spacecraft North American instead would install LEM rendezvous radar transponders. Grumman, in turn, was ordered to halt its work on the CSM rendezvous radar (both in-house and at RCA) as well as all support efforts. At the same time, however, the company was directed to incorporate a tracking light on the LEM (compatible with the CSM telescope sextant) and to modify the spacecraft's VHF equipment to permit range extraction in the CSM.

1965 February 17

Increase in the Apollo CM's land landing capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. North American proposed an idea for increasing the CM's land landing capability. This could be done, the company asserted, by raising the water impact limits (thus exceeding normal tolerances) and stiffening the shock struts.. Additional Details: here....

1965 February 17

Unmanned capabilities required of Block I Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea clarified the manned unmanned capabilities required of Block I CSM spacecraft to ensure that end-item specifications appropriately reflect those capabilities. . Additional Details: here....

1965 February 18

Apollo EMU single garment for thermal and meteoroid protection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
MSC's Crew Systems Division decreed that the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) would employ a single garment for both thermal and meteoroid protection. By an earlier decision, the penetration probability requirement had been lowered from 0.9999 to 0.999. This change, along with the use of newer, more efficient materials, promised a substantial lightening of the garment (hopefully down to about 7.7 kg (17 lbs), excluding visors, gloves, and boots). The division also deleted the requirement for a separate meteoroid visor, because the thermal and glare visors provided ample protection against meteoroids as well. Tests by Ling-Temco-Vought confirmed the need for thermal protection over the pressure suit during extravehicular transfer by the LEM crewmen.

1965 February 18-25

Launch escape system no longer met specification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES, CSM Parachute.
Because of the CM's recent weight growth, the launch escape system (LES) was incapable of lifting the spacecraft the "specification" distance away from the booster. The performance required of the LES was being studied further; investigators were especially concerned with the heat and blast effects of an exploding booster, and possible deleterious effects upon the parachutes.

1965 February 18

Apollo LEM Test Article 2 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. LEM Test Article 2 was shipped to Marshall Space Flight Center to undergo a series of Saturn booster vibration tests..

1965 February 19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Deployment angle of the Apollo adapter panels changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Communications.
To eliminate interference between the S-IVB stage and the instrument unit, MSC directed North American to modify the deployment angle of the adapter panels. Originally designed to rotate 170 degrees, the panels should open but 45 degrees (60 degrees during abort), where they were to be secured while the CSM docked with and extracted the LEM.
But at this smaller angle, the panels now blocked the CM's four flush- mounted omnidirectional antennas, used during near-earth phases of the mission. While turning around and docking, the astronauts thus had to communicate with the ground via the steerable high gain antenna. For Block II spacecraft, therefore, MSC concurrently ordered North American to broaden the S-band equipment's capability to permit it to operate within 4,630 km (2,500 nm) of earth.

1965 February 19

Philco to design a penetrometer for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA selected Philco's Aeronutronic Division to design a penetrometer for possible use in the Apollo program. Impacting on the moon, the device would measure the firmness and bearing strength of the surface. Used in conjunction with an orbiting spacecraft, the system could provide scientific information about areas of the moon that were inaccessible by any other means. Langley Research Center would negotiate and manage the contract, estimated to be worth $1 million.

1965 February 23

IBM to design backup guidance and navigation computer for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. NASA awarded a fixed-price contract (worth l.5 million) to IBM to design a backup guidance and navigation computer for the Apollo CM..

1965 February 23

Expected firing date for the heavyweight Apollo ascent rig slipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
William F. Rector III, MSC's LEM Project Officer, reported at an ASPO Manager's Staff Meeting that the expected firing date for the heavyweight ascent (HA) rig #3 at WSTF had been slipped from March 18, 1965, until April 13. Grumman personnel at White Sands said the slip was necessary because
1. a propellant loading control assembly to be mounted on the rig could not be used in the planned location because it was not accessible for checkout and would require two weeks for refabrication of certain pipelines and further checkout;
2. checkout of various wiring between the HA-3 rig and the facilities did not occur on schedule and two weeks would be required to complete the task; and
3. adequate interfacing between the fluid and gaseous ground support equipment (GSE) and various facility pipes was not maintained with many pieces of GSE putting out higher pressure than the facility pipes design allowed.

1965 February 23-26

Mockup review of the Apollo CM's forward compartment and lower equipment bay - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC and North American conducted Part 2 of the mockup review of the CM's forward compartment and lower equipment bay. (Part 1 was accomplished January 14-15. This staged procedure was in line with the contractor's proposal for a progressive review program leading up to the Critical Design Review scheduled for July 19-23.) Except for minor changes, the design was acceptable.

1965 February 24

Contract to Collins for Apollo S-band telemetry equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
NASA awarded a $2,740,000 fixed-price contract to the Collins Radio Company for S-band telemetry equipment. Collins would install the equipment at three antenna facilities that supported Apollo lunar missions (at Goldstone, Calif.; Canberra, Australia; and Madrid, Spain).

1965 February 24

John B Alldredge Contracting Officer for the Apollo North American contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC's Procurement and Contracts Division notified ASPO that John B. Alldredge had been assigned as the Contracting Officer for Contract NAS 9-150 (the North American contract), replacing Henry P. Yschek..

1965 February 25

David Clark contracted for Apollo Block I space suits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC and the David Clark Company reached an agreement on a contract for Apollo Block I space suits. The first suits, expected by July 1, would go to North American for testing..

1965 February 25-March 4

Deployment tests of the Apollo CM's pop-up recovery antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. DeHavilland completed deployment tests of the CM's pop-up recovery antenna..

1965 February 25-March 4

Exterior lighting scheme for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
On the basis of in-house tests, Grumman recommended a scheme for exterior lighting on the LEM. The design copied standard aeronautical practice (i.e., red, port; green, starboard; and amber, underside). White lights marked the spacecraft, both fore and aft; to distinguish between the two white lights, the aft one contained a flasher.

1965 February 25-March 4

Thermal and vacuum effects on the Apollo CM's parachute material tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
To determine thermal and vacuum effects on the CM's parachutes, MSC Structures and Mechanics Division tested nylon samples in a vacuum under varying temperature conditions. After two weeks of exposure to this spacelike environment, the samples exhibited only a 16 percent loss of strength (as against a design allowable of 25 percent).

1965 February 25

Apollo Block I pressure garment emergency donning tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Using a mockup Apollo CM, MSC Crew Systems Division tested the time in which an astronaut could don and doff the Block I pressure garment assembly while at various stations inside the spacecraft. The two subjects' average donning times were nine min 33 sec and 10 min; mean doffing times were four min five sec and five min 23 sec.

1965 February 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Chrysler contract for support services for the Saturn I and IB launch programs modified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. KSC supplemented Chrysler Corporation's contract for support services for the Saturn I and IB launch programs. Effective through June 30, 1968, the agreement would cost NASA $41 million plus an award fee..

1965 February 26

William A Lee assumed responsibility for Apollo Operations - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea named William A. Lee as an assistant program manager. Lee, who previously headed the Operations Planning Division (which had been absorbed into Owen E. Maynard's Systems Engineering Division), now assumed responsibility for Apollo Operations (both the flight-test program and the lunar mission). Lee thus joined Harry L. Reynolds, also an assistant manager, who was assigned to the LEM's development. Deputy Manager Robert O. Piland continued overseeing the CSM's development and, along with Shea, overall program management.

1965 February 26

Tektites indicated the lunar surface may be sandy - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
Louis Walter, Goddard Space Flight Center geochemist, reported that his research with tektites indicated the lunar surface may be sandlike. Waiter had discovered the presence of coesite in tektites, believed to be particles of the moon sent into space when meteorites impact the lunar surface. Coesite, also found at known meteorite craters, is a form of silicon dioxide - a major constituent of sand - produced under high pressure. "If we accept the lunar origin of tektites," Walter said, "this would prove or indicate that the parent material on the moon is something like the welded tuft that we find in Yellowstone Park, Iceland, New Zealand, and elsewhere." Welded tuft was said to have some of the qualities of beach sand.

1965 February

Pointing accuracy of Apollo control system at transearth injection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
Because of a change in the size of the entry corridor, North American technicians sought to determine whether they might relax the requirements for pointing accuracy of the stabilization and control system at transearth injection. They could not. To ensure a delta-V reserve, the accuracy requirement must remain unchanged.

1965 February

Three major problems with the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Grumman reported three major problems with the LEM:
1. To enable the manufacturer to complete the design of the aft equipment bay, NASA must define the ground support equipment that would be supported by the LEM adapter platforms.
2. Space Technology Laboratories' difficulties with the descent engine injector (the combustion instability in the variable-thrust engine)
3. The need for a lightweight thrust chamber for the descent engine, one that would still meet the new duty cycle.

1965 March 1

Apollo Configuration Control Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO organized a new management group, the Configuration Control Board, to oversee proposals for engineering changes. The board comprised groups representing management, the three Apollo modules, and critical Apollo systems (guidance and navigation, spacecraft checkout equipment, and the extravehicular mobility unit).

1965 March 2

All-battery Apollo LEM decision - replaces fuel cells - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC decided in favor of an "all-battery" LEM (i.e., batteries rather than fuel cells in both stages of the vehicle) and notified Grumman accordingly. Pratt and Whitney's subcontract for fuel cells would be terminated on April 1; also, Grumman would assume parenthood of GE's contract (originally let by Pratt and Whitney) for the electrical control assembly. Additional Details: here....

1965 March 2

Apollo spacecraft's thermal protection could be qualified in a single mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
MSC Structures and Mechanics Division presented their findings on the possibility of qualifying the spacecraft's thermal protection in a single mission. While one flight was adequate to prove the ablator's performance, the division asserted, it would not satisfy the requirements as defined in the specification.

1965 March 3

Apollo Block I environmental control increased coolant - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
To prevent radiator freezing - and consequent performance degradation - in the Block I environmental control system, MSC ordered North American to supplement the system's coolant. Forty-five kg (100 lbs) of water would be stored in the SMs of airframes 012 and 014.

1965 March 3

Definitive contract for guidance and navigation systems for the Apollo CM and LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
NASA and General Motors' AC Spark Plug Division signed the definitive contract (cost-plus-incentive-fee type) for primary guidance and navigation systems for the Apollo spacecraft (both CMs and LEMs). The agreement, extending through December 1969, covered manufacturing and testing of the systems.

1965 March 4

Apollo Boilerplate 28 third water drop test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
North American gave boilerplate 28 its third water drop test. Upon impact, the spacecraft again suffered some structural damage to the heatshield and the core, though much less than it had experienced on its initial drop. Conditions in this test were at least as severe as in previous ones, yet the vehicle remained watertight.

1965 March 5

Wind tunnel testing of stability of Apollo Block II CM and escape tower - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Researchers at Ames Research Center began testing the stability of the Block II CM and escape tower (with canards) in the Center's wind tunnel. Tests would be conducted on the CM itself and while mated with the tower..

1965 March 8

Passive thermal control of all-battery Apollo LEM doubtful - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Electrical.
Preliminary investigation by Grumman indicated that, with an all-battery LEM, passive thermal control of the spacecraft was doubtful. (And this analysis did not include the scientific experiments package, which, with its radioisotope generator, only increased the problem. Grumman and MSC Structures and Mechanics Division engineers were investigating alternate locations for the batteries and modifications to the surface coatings of the spacecraft as possible solutions.

1965 March 8

Qualification testing of the Apollo CM's earth landing sequence controller - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. Northrop-Ventura began qualification testing of the CM's earth landing sequence controller..

1965 March 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

No serious weight problems with the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Missiles and Rockets reported a statement by Joseph F. Shea, ASPO manager, that MSC had no serious weight problems with the Apollo spacecraft. The current weight, he said, was 454 kg (1,000 lbs) under the 40,823 kg (90,000 lb) goal. Moreover, the increased payload of the Saturn V to 43,091 kg (95,000 lbs) permitted further increases. Shea admitted, however, that the LEM was growing; recent decisions in favor of safety and redundancy could raise the module's weight from 13,381 kg to 14,575 kg (29,500 lbs to 32,000 lbs).

1965 March 9

Initial flights of the LLRV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Guidance.
Initial flights of the LLRV interested MSC's Guidance and Control Division because they represented first flight tests of a vehicle with control characteristics similar to the LEM. The Division recommended the following specific items for inclusion in the LLRV flight test program:
- The handling qualities of the LEM attitude control system should be verified using the control powers available to the pilot during the landing maneuver. The attitude controller used in these tests should be a three-axis LEM rotational controller.
- The ability of pilots to manually zero the horizontal velocities at altitudes of 30.48 m (100 ft) or less should be investigated. The view afforded the pilot during this procedure should be equivalent to the view available to the pilot in the actual LEM.
- The LEM descent engine throttle control should be investigated to determine proper relationship between control and thrust output for the landing maneuver.
- Data related to attitude and attitude rates encountered in landing approach maneuvers were desirable to verify LEM control system design limits.
- Adequacy of LEM flight instrument displays used for the landing maneuver should be determined.
Guidance and Control Division would provide information as to control system characteristics and desired trajectory characteristics. D. C. Cheatham, a member of the Lunar Lander Research Vehicle Coordination Panel, would coordinate such support.

1965 March 9

Cracking of Apollo heatshield during cure - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Avco found that cracking of the ablator during cure was caused by incomplete filling, leaving small voids in the material. The company ordered several changes in the manufacturing process: a different shape for the tip of the "filling gun" to facilitate filling those cells that were slightly distorted; manual rather than automatic retraction of the gun; and x-raying of the ablator prior to curing. Using these new methods, Avco repaired the aft heatshield and toroidal corner of airframe 006, which was then re-cured. No cracking was visible. The crew compartment heatshield for airframe 009 came through its cure equally well. Voids in the ablator had been reduced to about two percent. "It appears," Structures and Mechanics Division reported, "that the problem of cracking . . . has been solved by better manufacturing."

1965 March 10

Contract to Raytheon for digital systems for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced that it had awarded a$3,713,400 contract to Raytheon Company for digital systems for the Apollo program. The equipment, which would be installed at control and tracking stations, would display information telemetered from the spacecraft, and thus would support mission decisions on the ground.

1965 March 11

Kit-type mapping and survey system in the basic Apollo Block II - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: Apollo MSS.
MSC directed North American to incorporate the capability for storing a kit-type mapping and survey system into the basic Block II configuration. The actual hardware, which would be installed in the equipment bay of certain SMs (designated by MSC), would weigh up to 680 kg (1,500 lbs).

1965 March 11

Recharger for the portable life support system (PLSS) batteries not required - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC notified Grumman that a device to recharge the portable life support system's (PLSS) batteries was no longer required in the LEM. Instead, three additional batteries would be stored in the spacecraft (bringing the total number of PLSS batteries to six).

1965 March 11

Studies of lunar landing conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
MSC's Structures and Mechanics Division was conducting studies of lunar landing conditions. In one study, mathematical data concerning the lunar surface, LEM descent velocity, and physical properties of LEM landing gear and engine skirt were compiled. A computer was programmed with these data, producing images on a video screen, allowing engineers to review hypothetical landings in slow motion.
In another study, a one-sixth scale model of the LEM landing gear was dropped from several feet to a platform which could be adjusted to different slopes. Impact data, gross stability, acceleration, and stroke of the landing gear were recorded. Although the platform landing surface could not duplicate the lunar surface as well as the computer, the drop could verify data developed in the computer program. The results of these studies would aid in establishing ground rules for lunar landings.

1965 March 11-18

27½ degrees Apollo CM hang angle during parachute descent retained - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. MSC concurred in North American's recommendation that the 27½ degrees hang angle during parachute descent be retained. . Additional Details: here....

1965 March 11-18

Gemini program items applicable to Apollo studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers were studying several items that, though intended specifically for the Gemini program, were applicable to Apollo as well:
- During recent tests of the urine nozzle by McDonnell, microorganisms had been found in the sample. This indicated that explosive decompression into very low temperatures had failed to sterilize the urine. To determine possible shifts in the microbial pattern, CSD was examining samples both before and after dumping.
- Division researchers completed microbiological examinations of Gemini food bags. They found that, even though disinfectant tablets were not completely effective, storage of the containers for periods up to two weeks was nonetheless feasible. (These studies thus reinforced earlier findings of bacterial growth in the bags.)
CSD engineers also evaluated the Gemini-type water dispenser and found it suitable for the Apollo CM as well.

1965 March 11-18

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Apollo boilerplate (BP) 23 failure analysis - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
During the flight of boilerplate (BP) 23, the Little Joe II's control system had coupled with the first lateral bending mode of the vehicle. To ensure against any recurrence of this problem on the forthcoming flight of BP-22, MSC asked North American to submit their latest figures on the stiffness of the spacecraft and its escape tower. These data would be used to compute the first bending mode of BP-22 and its launch vehicle.

1965 March 12

During a pad abort, propellants from the Apollo CM's RCS to be dumped overboard - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
During a pad abort, propellants from the CM's reaction control system (RCS) would be dumped overboard. Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) therefore established a test program to evaluate possible deleterious effects on the strength of the earth landing system's nylon components. SMD engineers would expose test specimens to RCS fuel (monomethyl hydrazine) and oxidizer (nitrogen tetroxide). This testing series would encompass a number of variables: the length of exposure; the time period between that exposure and the strength test; the concentration of propellant; and the rate and direction of the air flow. Testing was completed near the end of the month. SMD reported that "no significant degradation was produced by any of the test exposure conditions."

1965 March 15

Radioisotope power supply for the Apollo scientific equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Electrical.
In November 1964, MSC asked Grumman to conduct a study on the feasibility of carrying a radioisotope power supply as part of the LEM's scientific equipment. The subsequent decision to use batteries in the LEM power system caused an additional heat load in the descent stage. Therefore, MSC requested the contractor to continue the study using the following ground rules: consider the radioisotope power supply a requirement for the purpose of preliminary design efforts on descent stage configuration; determine impact of the radioisotope power supply - in particular its effect on passive thermal control of the descent stage; and specify which characteristics would be acceptable if any existing characteristics of the radioisotope power supply had an adverse effect. The radioisotope power was used only to supply power for the descent stage.

1965 March 15

Descent engine cutoff light during the Apollo LEM lunar touchdown - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear, LM RCS.
An evaluation was made of the feasibility of utilizing a probe-actuated descent engine cutoff light during the LEM lunar touchdown maneuver. The purpose of the light, to be actuated by a probe extending 0.9 m (3 ft) beyond the landing gear pads, was to provide an engine cutoff signal for display to the pilot. Results of the study indicated at least 20 percent of the pilots failed to have the descent engine cut off at the time of lunar touchdown. The high percentage of engine-on landings was attributed to
1. poor location of the cutoff switch,
2. long reaction time (0.7 sec) of the pilot to a discrete stimulus (a light), and
3. the particular value of a descent rate selected for final letdown (4 ft per sec).
It was concluded that a 0.9-m (3-ft) probe would be adequate to ensure pilot cutoff of the descent engine before touchdown provided the pilot reaction time could be reduced to 0.4 sec or less by improving the location of the cutoff switch.

1965 March 15

Tracking light on the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
MSC defined the functional and design requirements for the tracking light on the LEM:
- The light must be compatible for use with CSM scan telescope sextant optics in visual mode during darkside lunar and earth operations.
- The light must provide range capability of 324.1 km (175 nm) for darkside lunar operations when viewed with the CSM sextant.
- The probability of detection within three-minute search time at maximum range when viewed with CSM sextant must exceed 99 percent for worst lunar background.
- The light must flash at the optimum rate for ease of detection and tracking (60 flashes per minute ±5 fpm).
- Brightness attenuation must be available for terminal phase operation and for minimizing spacecraft electrical energy drain.
- The light must be capable of inflight operation for continuous periods of one hour duration over four cycles.
- The light must have a total operating life of 30 hours at rated output with a shelf life of two years.
- The light was not required to be maintainable at the component level.
- The total system weight including cooling and electromagnetic interference shielding, if required, should not exceed 5.44 kg (12 lbs).

1965 March 15-17

Acoustic tests on Apollo boilerplate 14 interior - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
North American conducted acoustic tests on the spacecraft's interior, using boilerplate (BP) 14. Noise levels generated by the spacecraft's equipment exceeded specifications. Prime culprits appeared to be the suit compressor and the cabin fans. North American engineers asserted, however, that the test vehicle itself, because of its sheet metal construction, compounded the problem. These tests with BP-14, they affirmed, were not representative of conditions in flight hardware. Data on communications inside the spacecraft were inconclusive and required further analysis, but the warning alarm was sufficiently loud to be heard by the crewmen.

1965 March 16

Navigational sighting requirements during an Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC estimated the number of navigational sightings that Apollo crewmen would have to make during a lunar landing mission:
- Translunar coast
  1. four maneuvers to align the inertial measurement unit (IMU)
  2. 20 navigational sightings requiring 10 maneuvers
- Transearth coast
  1. four maneuvers for IMU alignment
  2. 50 sightings, 25 maneuvers
- Lunar orbit
  1. 10 maneuvers for IMU alignment
  2. 24 sightings, 24 maneuvers.
(The Manned Space Flight Network was the primary source for navigational data during the coasting phases of the mission; and although the network could supply adequate data during the circumlunar phase as well, onboard capability must be maintained.)

1965 March 16

Adapter panels deployed to 45 degrees would block the command link with the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Because the adapter panels, when deployed to 45 degrees, would block the command link with the LEM, a command antenna system on the adapter was mandatory. MSC therefore directed North American to provide such a device on the adapters for spacecraft 014, 101, and 102. This would permit command acquisition of the LEM in the interval between panel deployment and the spacecraft's clearing the adapter.

1965 March 16

Nine scientific experiments on Apollo SA 204/Airframe 012 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
MSC directed North American to include nine scientific experiments on SA 204/Airframe 012: cardiovascular reflex conditioning, bone demineralization, vestibular effects, exercise ergometer, inflight cardiac output, inflight vector cardiogram, measurement of metabolic rate during flight, inflight pulmonary functions, and synoptic terrain photography. On June 25, the last five experiments were deleted and a cytogenic blood studies experiment was added.

1965 March 16

Requirement deleted for relaying transmissions from astronaut via the Apollo LEM/CSM VHF link - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
MSC eliminated the requirement for relaying, via the LEM/CSM VHF link, transmissions from a moon-exploring astronaut to the earth. This change allowed the 279.0 megacycle (Mc) transmitters in both vehicles to be eliminated; cleared the way for a common VHF configuration; and permitted duplex voice communications between astronaut and spacecraft. For communicating with the LEM, MSC directed North American to provide a 259.7 Mc transmitter in the CSM.

1965 March 16

Deletion of liftoff light in the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO proposed deletion of a liftoff light in the Block II CM. The Block I design provided a redundant panel light which came ON at liftoff as a part of the emergency detection system (EDS). This light gave a cue to the pilot to verify enabling of the EDS automatic abort, for which manual backup was provided. The Block II CM would incorporate improved EDS circuitry without manual backup. Deletion of the liftoff light in the CM was proposed to save weight, power, space, and reliability, and to eliminate a crew distraction during the boost phase of flight.

1965 March 16-April 15

Apollo high-angle water impact tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American dropped boilerplate 1 twice to measure the maximum pressures the CM would generate during a high-angle water impact. These figures agreed quite well with those obtained from similar tests with a one-tenth scale model of the spacecraft, and supported data from the model on side wall and tunnel pressures.

1965 March 17

Shirtsleeve environment to be retained in Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
After extensive analysis, Crew Systems Division recommended that the "shirtsleeve" environment be kept in the CM. Such a design was simpler and more reliable, and promised much greater personal comfort than wearing the space suit during the entire mission.

1965 March 18-25

Optimum weight of Block II Apollo CMs without impact to landing reliability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Structures and Mechanics Division engineers were studying several schemes for achieving the optimum weight of Block II CMs without compromising landing reliability: reducing velocity by retrorockets or "explosions" in the parachutes; controlling roll attitude to 0 degrees at impact through a "rotatable pot" structure; changing landing medium (i.e., shape hole in water and/or aeration of the water).

1965 March 18-25

Isotope generator for the Surveyor Apollo lunar roving vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Surveyor. Spacecraft: Surveyor Lunar Rover.
The Atomic Energy Commission evaluated proposals by Radio Corporation of America and General Electric (GE) for an isotope generator for the Surveyor lunar roving vehicle, and assigned follow-on work to the latter firm. GE's concept, it was felt, was compatible with the possible requirement that the fuel source might have to be carried separately aboard the LEM. MSC's Propulsion and Power Division reported that the generator's "prospects . . . look(ed) very promising."

1965 March 18-25

Evaluation of Apollo liquid-cooled garment LCG-8 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers, continuing their evaluation of liquid-cooled garments (LCG), tested Hamilton Standard's newest version (the LCG-8). The manufacturer had modified placement of the tubes and had used a stretchable, more closely knit fabric. CSD found this style an improvement over its predecessor (the LCG-3): it was more efficient, more comfortable, and easier to don and doff. CSD officials accordingly froze the configuration of the garment around this latest model. Further design work would be minimal (chiefly interface modifications and improvements in fabrication techniques).

1965 March 18

Oxygen storage systems for the Apollo LEM studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Electrical.
Grumman officials presented their findings on supercritical versus gaseous oxygen storage systems for the LEM (supercritical: state of homogeneous mixture at a certain pressure and temperature, being neither gas nor liquid). After studying factors of weight, reliability, and thermal control, as well as cost and schedule impacts, they recommended gaseous tanks in the ascent stage and a supercritical tank in the descent stage. They stressed that this configuration would be about 35.66 kg (117 lbs) lighter than an all-gaseous one. Though these spokesmen denied any schedule impact, they estimated that this approach would cost about 2 million more than the all-gaseous mode. MSC was reviewing Grumman's proposal.
During the latter part of the month, Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers also looked into the several approaches. In contrast to Grumman, CSD calculated that, at most, an all-gaseous system would be but 4.08 kg (9 lbs) heavier than a supercritical one. CSD nonetheless recommended the former. It was felt that the heightened reliability, improved schedules, and "substantial" cost savings that accompanied the all-gaseous approach offset its slim weight disadvantage.
During late April, MSC ordered Grumman to adopt CSD's approach (gaseous systems in both stages of the vehicle). (Another factor involved in this decision was the lessened oxygen requirement that followed substitution of batteries for fuel cells in the LEM.)

1965 March 18

Subcontractor change for the garment portion of the Apollo space suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Because of continuing developmental problems, Hamilton Standard chose B. F. Goodrich to replace International Latex as subcontractor for the garment portion of the Apollo space suit..

1965 March 18

Preliminary requirements for space in the Lunar Sample Receiving Station - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Lawrence B. Hall, Special Assistant for Planetary Quarantine, Bioscience Programs, Office of Space Science and Applications, NASA Headquarters, listed preliminary requirements for space in the Lunar Sample Receiving Station as recommended by the Communicable Disease Center of the Public Health Service. The estimates were based on CDC experience involving the design, construction, and operation of similar biological facilities and called for net space amounting to 7,201 sq m (77,492 sq ft) for laboratories, scientific support service facilities, offices and other areas, and did not reflect requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or experimenters who could justify their work being done under quarantine conditions. Hall noted that Dr. Randolph Lovelace and the Chief of CDC were in agreement that the facility should be isolated, certainly not in or near a metropolitan area, and that an island would be favored.

1965 March 19

Bell study to significantly increase simulation time for Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Bell Aerosystems Company reported that a study had been made to determine if it were practical to significantly increase simulation time without major changes to the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV). This study had been made after MSC personnel had expressed an interest in increased simulation time for a trainer version of the LLRV. The current LLRV was capable of about 10 minutes of flight time and two minutes of lunar simulation with the lift rockets providing one-sixth of the lift. It was concluded that lunar simulation time approaching seven minutes could be obtained by doubling the 272-kg (600-lb) peroxide load and employing the jet engine to simulate one-half of the rocket lift needed for simulation.
A major limiting factor, however, was the normal weather conditions at Houston, where such a training vehicle would be located. A study showed that in order to use a maximum peroxide load of 544 kg (1,200 lbs), the temperature could not exceed 313K (40 degrees F); and at 332K (59 degrees F) the maximum load must be limited to 465 kg (1,025 lbs) of peroxide. On the basis of existing weather records it was determined there would be enough days on which flights could be made in Houston on the basis of 544 kg (1,200 lbs) peroxide at 313K (40 degrees F), 465 kg (1,025 lbs) at 332K (59 degrees F), and 354 kg (775 lbs) at 353K (80 degrees F) to make provisions for such loads.

1965 March 22

Requirements for entry monitoring and backup reentry range control - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO summarized their requirements for entry monitoring and backup reentry range control:
- The flight crew would monitor the entry to detect a skip or excessive "g" trajectory early enough to allow manual takeover and safe reentry.
- The entry corridor should be verified and indications of too steep or shallow an entry displayed to the crew.
- The spacecraft guidance and control systems should provide manual range control capability after failures in the primary guidance and navigation system (PGNS) prior to reentry, and after discrete or catastrophic failures in the PGNS during reentry.

1965 March 22

Linear-shaped charge cutters for the Apollo LEM deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC ordered Grumman to halt development of linear-shaped charge cutters for the LEM's interstage umbilical separation system, and to concentrate instead on redundant explosive-driven guillotines. By eliminating this parallel approach, and by capitalizing on technology already worked out by North American on the CSM umbilical cutter, this decision promised to simplify hardware development and testing. Further, it promised to effect significant schedule improvements and reductions in cost.

1965 March 22

Apollo LEM change to batteries eliminates the interstage fuel cells umbilical - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
The change from LEM fuel cells to batteries eliminated the need for a hard-line interstage umbilical for that system and the effort on a cryogenic umbilical disconnect was canceled. The entire LEM pyrotechnic effort was redefined during the program review and levels of effort and purchased parts cost were agreed upon.

1965 March 22

Glynn S Lunney named Assistant Flight Director for Apollo missions 201 and 202 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Lunney. Program: Apollo.
Glynn S. Lunney was named by MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth as Assistant Flight Director for Apollo missions 201 and 202. Lunney would continue to serve as Chief of the Flight Dynamics Branch, Flight Control Division, and as MSC Range Safety Coordinator with the U.S. Air Force Eastern Test Range.

1965 March 23-24

Critical Design Review of the Apollo CM Block II - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Part I of the Critical Design Review of the crew compartment and the docking system in the Block II CM was held at North American. Systems Engineering (SED) and Structures and Mechanics (SMD) divisions, respectively, evaluated the two areas.. Additional Details: here....

1965 March 24

Increased lifetime for the Apollo LEM's descent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Grumman ordered Space Technology Laboratories to increase the lifetime of the thrust chamber in the LEM's descent engine. This required substantial redesigning and was expected to delay the engine's qualification date about seven months..

1965 March 24

Study of coolant loop corrosion in the Apollo CM's environmental control system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO requested the Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) to study the problem of corrosion in the coolant loops of the CM's environmental control system, and to search for effective inhibitors. Current efforts at North American to lessen corrosion included improved hardware and operating procedures, but stopped short of extensive redesigning; and it would be some time before conclusive results could be expected. Early in May, Owen E. Maynard, chief of the Systems Engineering Division, directed SMD immediately to begin its search for inhibitors. If by July 1966 the corrosion problem remained unresolved, SMD could thus recommend stopgap measures for the early spacecraft.

1965 March 24

Apollo LEM ascent engine environmental tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM ECS.
MSC contacted Grumman with reference to the LEM ascent engine environmental tests at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), scheduled for cell occupancy there from May 1, 1965, until September 1, 1965. It was MSC's understanding that the tests might begin without a baffled injector. It was pointed out, however, that the first test was expected to begin July 1, and since the recent baffle injector design selection had been made, time remained for the fabrication of the injector, checkout of the unit, and shipment to AEDC for use in the first test.
Since the baffled injector represented the final hardware configuration, it was highly desirable to use the design for these tests. MSC requested that availability of the injector constrain the tests and that Grumman take necessary action to ensure compliance.

1965 March 24

Apollo spacecraft AFRM 009 test paces the CSM program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea said that the first major test of an Apollo spacecraft AFRM 009 tended to pace the CSM program and therefore had taken on a special program significance. . Additional Details: here....

1965 March 25-April 1

Common personal communications equipment for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. Crew Systems Division confirmed the feasibility of commonality of personal communications equipment for the entire Apollo program..

1965 March 25-April 1

Boarding ladder on Apollo LEM reconfigured - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Hatch, LM Landing Gear.
After further design studies following the M-5 mockup review (October 5-8, 1964), Grumman reconfigured the boarding ladder on the forward gear leg of the LEM. The structure was flattened, to fit closer to the strut. Two stirrup-type steps were being added to ease stepping from the top rung to the platform or "porch" in front of the hatch.

1965 March 25-April 1

Ling-Temco-Vought design support on the environmental control radiators for Block II Apollo CSMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. North American completed negotiations with Ling-Temco-Vought for design support on the environmental control radiators for Block II CSMs..

1965 March 26

Water impact tests with Apollo CM boilerplate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American began a series of water impact tests with boilerplate 1 to obtain pressure data on the upper portions of the CM. Data on the side walls and tunnel agreed fairly well with those obtained from 1/10 scale model drops; this was not the case with pressures on the top deck, however.

1965 March 27

Test Series I on Apollo spacecraft 001 completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Test Series I on spacecraft 001 was completed at WSTF Propulsion Systems Development Facility. Vehicle and facility updating in progress consisted of activating the gimbal subsystem and installing a baffled injector and pneumatic engine propellant valve. The individual test operations were conducted satisfactorily, and data indicated that all subsystems operated normally. Total engine firing time was 765 seconds.

1965 March 29

Grid-type landing point designator for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC decided upon a grid-type landing point designator for the LEM. Grumman would cooperate in the final design and would manufacture the device; MIT would ensure that the spacecraft's guidance equipment could accept data from the designator and thus change the landing point.

1965 March 29

Apollo LEM Project Officer replied to Grumman's weight reduction study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Electrical, LM Landing Gear.
William F. Rector, the LEM Project Officer in ASPO, replied to Grumman's weight reduction study (submitted to MSC on December 15, 1964). Rector approved a number of the manufacturer's suggestions:
- Delete circuit redundancy in the pulse code modulation telemetry equipment
- Eliminate the VHF lunar stay antenna
- Delete one of two redundant buses in the electrical power system
- Move the batteries for the explosive devices (along with the relay and fuse box assembly) from the ascent to the descent stage
- Reduce "switchover" time (the length of time between switching from the oxygen and water systems in the descent stage to those in the ascent portion of the spacecraft and the actual liftoff from the moon's surface). Grumman had recommended that this span be reduced from 100 to 30 min; Rector urged Grumman to reduce it even further, if possible. He also ordered the firm to give "additional consideration" to the whole concept for the oxygen and water systems:
  1. in light of the decisions for an all-battery LEM during translunar coast; and
  2. possibility of transferring water from the CM to the LEM.
But ASPO vetoed other proposals to lighten the spacecraft:
- Delete the high intensity light. Because the rendezvous radar had been eliminated from the CSM, Rector stated flatly that the item could "no longer be considered as part of the weight reduction effort."
- Combine the redundant legs in the system that pressurized the reaction control propellants, to modularize" the system. MSC held that the parallel concept must be maintained.
- Delete the RCS propellant manifold.
- Abridge the spacecraft's hover time. Though the Center was reviewing velocity budgets and control weights for the spacecraft, for the present ASPO could offer "no relief."
And lastly, Rector responded to Grumman's proposals for staging components of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). These proposals had been made on the basis of a LEM crew integration systems meeting on January 27, at which staging had been explored. Those discussions were no longer valid, however. MSC had since required a capability for extravehicular transfer to the LEM. In light of this complicating factor, MSC engineers had reevaluated the entire staging concept. Although staging still offered "attractive" weight reductions, they determined that, at present, it was impractical. Accordingly, Rector informed Robert S. Mullaney, the LEM Program Manager at Grumman, that his firm must revert to the pre-January 27 position - i.e., the EMU and other assorted gear must be stored in the ascent stage of the spacecraft.

1965 March 29-April 4

All acceptance tests of Apollo hydrogen and oxygen tanks stopped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
Beech Aircraft Corporation stopped all end-item acceptance tests of hydrogen and oxygen tanks as a result of interim failure reports issued against three tanks undergoing tests. Failures ranged from exceeding specification tolerances and failure to meet heat leak requirements to weld failure on the H2 tank. Beech would resume testing when corrective action was established and approved by North American.

1965 March 31

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Apollo LEMs 1, 2, and 3 to have remote command of the transponder feature - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
MSC requested that Grumman incorporate in the command list for LEMs 1, 2, and 3 the capability for turning the LEM transponder off and on by real-time radio command from the Manned Space Flight Network. Necessity for capability of radio command for turning the LEM transponder on after LEM separation resulted from ASPO's decision that the LEM and Saturn instrument unit S-band transponders would use the same transmission and reception frequencies.

1965 March

Supercritical helium to be used only in the descent stage of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. MSC directed Grumman to use supercritical helium only in the descent stage of the LEM; Grumman completed negotiations with AiResearch for the storage system..

1965 March

Work resumed on the thrust chamber of the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Bell Aerosystems Company received Grumman's go-ahead to resume work on the thrust chamber of the LEM ascent engine. Bell conducted a dozen stability tests using an injector fitted with a 31.75 mm (1.25 in), Y-shaped baffle. Thus far, the design had recovered from every induced disturbance (including widely varied fuel-to-oxygen ratios). Also, to ease the thermal soakback problem, Bell planned to thicken the chamber wall.

1965 March

Stroking gear pad recommended for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. Grumman recommended to MSC that the stroking gear pad be used on the LEM and that design effort to refine crushing performance should continue..

1965 March

Development program on the Apollo LEM landing gear - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. Grumman reported the status of their development program on the LEM landing gear..

1965 March

Apollo LEM descent engine problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. Space Technology Laboratories' major problems with the LEM descent engine, Grumman reported, were attaining high performance and good erosion characteristics over the entire throttling range..

1965 March

Three flights with the Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Three flights were made with the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) for the purpose of checking the automatic systems that control the attitude of the jet engine and adjusting the throttle so the jet engine would support five-sixths of the vehicle weight.
On March 11 representatives of Flight Research Center (FRC) visited MSC to discuss future programs with Warren North and Dean Grimm of Flight Crew Support Division. A budget for operating the LLRV at FRC through fiscal year 1966 was presented. Consideration was being given to terminating the work at FRC on June 30, 1966, and moving the vehicles and equipment to MSC. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 1-8

Backup mode of entering and leaving the Apollo LEM while on the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Hatch.
MSC and Grumman reviewed the requirement for a backup mode of entering and leaving the LEM while on the moon. The new rectangular hatch was deemed "inherently highly reliable," and the only failure that was even "remotely possible" was one of the hatch mechanism. The proposal to use the top (or transfer) hatch was impractical, because it would cost 13.6 kg (30 lb) and would impose an undue hazard on both the crew and the spacecraft's thermal shield.

1965 April 1-8

Nondestructive techniques for testing Apollo honeycomb structures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
North American reviewed nondestructive techniques for testing honeycomb structures. The principal method involved ultrasonic testing, but this approach was highly dependent upon equipment and procedure. At best, ultrasonic testing could do no more than indicate faulty bond areas, and these could be confirmed only through destructive tests. A number of promising nondestructive methods were being investigated, but thus far none was satisfactory. The danger in this situation was that, if design allowables had to be lowered to meet the results of strength distribution tests, the weight advantage of honeycomb construction might be lost.

1965 April 1-8

Apollo cryoformed steel bottle for the portable life support system passed its first tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. The cryoformed steel bottle for the portable life support system, manufactured by Arde-Portland, Inc., passed its first burst and cycling tests, which Crew Systems Division called a "major milestone" in its development..

1965 April 1-8

Thrust mount for the Apollo LEM ascent engine cracked during testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The thrust mount for the LEM ascent engine cracked during vibration testing. The mount would be strengthened.
During the same period, Bell tested the first one-piece ablative chamber for the ascent engine (designed to replace the molded-throat design, which developed cracks during testing . In firings that totaled over eight minutes, Bell engineers found that the unit suffered only negligible throat erosion and decay of chamber pressure.

1965 April 1

Systems engineering study of Apollo lunar landing dynamics - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance, LM Landing Gear.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that Bellcomm, Inc., was conducting a systems engineering study of lunar landing dynamics to determine "functional compatibility of the navigation, guidance, control, crew, and landing gear systems involved in Apollo lunar landing." Phillips asked that he be advised of any specific assignments in these areas which would prove useful in support of the ASPO operation.
Shea replied, "We are currently evaluating the LEM lunar landing system with the Apollo contractors and the NASA Centers. We believe that the landing problem is being covered adequately by ourselves and these contractors." Shea added that a meeting would be held at Grumman April 21 and 22 to determine if there were any deficiencies in the program, and that he would be pleased to have Bellcomm attend the meeting and later make comments and recommendations.

1965 April 1

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

First stage of the Saturn IB first static firing at MSFC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The first stage of the Saturn IB booster (the S-IB-1) underwent its first static firing at Huntsville, Alabama. The stage's eight uprated H-1 engines produced about 71,168-kilonewtons (1.6 million lbs) thrust. On April 23, Marshall and Rocketdyne announced that the uprated H-1 had passed qualification testing and was ready for flight.

1965 April 1

All-battery electrical power system for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman presented to MSC its recommendations for an all-battery electrical power system for the LEM:
- Two batteries in the ascent stage
- Four batteries in the descent stage
- A new power distribution system
- Active cooling for the descent batteries and electrical control assemblies
Following a review of cost and resources proposals, MSC approved Grumman's configuration, and on April 15 gave the LEM manufacturer a go-ahead. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 1-7

Revised Apollo LM ascent engine combustion chamber completed four test firings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
H. I. Thompson Company's first combustion chamber with a tape-wrapped throat successfully withstood a series of four test firings. If further testing confirmed its performance, reported the resident Apollo office at Bethpage, N.Y., the design would be used in the LEM's ascent engine. (It would replace the current compression-molded throat, which suffered from excessive cracking.)

1965 April 2

Electrical power system for Apollo spacecraft 011 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American presented final results of their modification to the electrical power system for spacecraft 011 to solve the power and energy problem. This consisted of the addition of three batteries which would be mounted on the center platform and used to supply instrumentation and mission control programmer loads during flight. These batteries would be paralleled with the entry and landing batteries at impact to provide power for postlanding recovery loads. MSC concurred with this approach.

1965 April 2

Apollo adapter design changes required - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Following a presentation by North American on the status of the adapter, MSC spelled out specific and detailed design changes required..

1965 April 5-11

Qualification tests completed on two Apollo CM reaction control engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. Rocketdyne completed qualification tests on two CM reaction control engines. These were successful. One of the nozzle extensions failed to seat, however, and was rejected. Its failure was being analyzed..

1965 April 5-16

Evaluation by simulator of the Apollo Block 11 CSM's manual thrust vector control - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
To evaluate the Block 11 CSM's manual thrust vector control, five pilots, among them two astronauts, flew the Apollo simulator at Honeywell. These mock flights demonstrated that the manual control was sufficiently accurate for transearth injection. Also, researchers determined that the optical alignment sight provided the crewmen with attitude references adequate for midcourse maneuvers.

1965 April 6

Quality verification vibration tests were completed on the command module of Apollo spacecraft 006 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Quality verification vibration tests were completed on the command module of spacecraft 006..

1965 April 7

A LEM/Apollo CSM interface meeting uncovered a number of design problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM Communications, LM RCS.
A LEM/CSM interface meeting uncovered a number of design problems and referred them to the Systems Engineering Division (SED) for evaluation: the requirement for ground verification of panel deployment prior to LEM withdrawal; the requirement for panel deployment in earth orbit during the SA-206 flight; the absence of a backup to the command sequencer for jettisoning the CSM (Flight Projects Division (FPD) urged such a backup signal); and Grumman's opposition to a communications link with the LEM during withdrawal of the spacecraft (FPD felt that such a link was needed through verification of reaction control system ignition). SED's recommendations on these issues were anticipated by April 22.

1965 April 8

Contract for Apollo deep space tracking and data acquisition system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Goddard Space Flight Center awarded a $4.6 million contract to RCA for a deep space tracking and data acquisition system. The equipment, to be installed on Cooper's Island, Bermuda, would support a variety of NASA space missions, including Apollo flights..

1965 April 8-15

Evaluation of external thermal garments and Apollo portable life support systems (PLSS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
The MSC Crew Performance Section evaluated the ability of two pressure-suited astronauts to put on and take off their external thermal garments and portable life support systems (PLSS). The subjects had considerable difficulty positioning the PLSS; also, though these modified thermal garments were much easier to don and doff, the subjects still experienced some trouble inserting the second arm.

1965 April 8-15

Pressure transducer for the Apollo LEM's ascent engine tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Bell Aerosystems tested a pressure transducer for the LEM's ascent propulsion system (the first time such a device was ever used with hypergolic fuels). The transducer proved extremely accurate at sensing pressure differences between the propellant lines..

1965 April 9

Manned space flight control transferred to Houston - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo.
George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, announced the transfer of control over manned space flights from Cape Kennedy, Fla., to Houston, Texas. MSC's Mission Control Center would direct the flights from end of liftoff through recovery.

1965 April 9

Single garment selected for both thermal and micrometeoroid protection for Apollo astronauts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) decided on a single garment for both thermal and micrometeoroid protection for Apollo astronauts. CSD's Richard S. Johnston summarized factors underlying this decision:
- The integrated garment would be easier to don and thus would simplify preparations for leaving the LEM; it would fit better and afford greater visibility, mobility, and access to suit controls.
- The dual-purpose garment would weigh about 2.3 kg (5 lbs) less than would two separate protective covers. And because it would consume less storage space, the ascent stage of the spacecraft could be lightened by about three pounds. Involved here, also, was the abort weight of the LEM. It was assumed that the most adverse conditions would be encountered during an "immediate abort," before the crew could depressurize the cabin or jettison now-superfluous equipment (such as the thermal/meteoroid garment).
- Conversely, separate protective garments - and the "staging" procedure they entailed - would require modifications to the spacecraft and would shorten the astronauts' stay outside the LEM. Moreover, and perhaps even more important, separate garments would limit rescue possibilities and would lessen crew safety.
Johnston emphasized that, if for any reason the integration scheme proved impracticable, the division could still return to the concept of separate thermal and micrometeoroid garments.

1965 April 9

Recommendation for an up-data system in the Apollo LEM during manned missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Guidance, LM Guidance, LM Weight.
Systems Engineering Division (SED) reviewed the Flight Operations Directorate's recommendation for an up-data system in the LEM during manned missions. (Currently the LEM's guidance computer received data either from the computer in the CSM or from MSC.) SED concluded that, because the equipment was not essential for mission success, an up-data system did not warrant the cost and weight penalties ($750,000 and 4.54 kg (10 lbs)) that it would entail.

1965 April 12

Apollo LEM fuel cell terminated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
The Apollo Program Director, Samuel C. Phillips, informed the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, George E. Mueller, that action was underway by Grumman to terminate all Pratt & Whitney LEM fuel cell activity by June 30, 1965. Pratt & Whitney would complete testing of LEM fuel cell hardware already produced and one complete LEM fuel cell module plus spare parts would be sent to MSC for in- house testing.
North American's Space and Information Systems Division would continue development at Pratt & Whitney on the CSM fuel cell for 18 months at a cost not to exceed $2.5 million, to ensure meeting the 400-hour lifetime requirement of the CSM system.
MSC would contract directly with Pratt & Whitney for CSM cell development followed by complete CSM module testing for a 1,000-hour CSM module at a cost of approximately $2.5 million. Grumman was scheduled to propose to ASPO their battery contractor selection on April 29, 1965.

1965 April 12

MIT contract to design guidance and navigation equipment for Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance. MSC awarded MIT a new $15,529,000 contract to design guidance and navigation equipment for Apollo spacecraft..

1965 April 13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Environmental testing of a full-scale Apollo S-IVB stage simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Marshall Space Flight Center finalized a $2,697,546 addition to an existing contract with Douglas Aircraft Company to provide for environmental testing of a full-scale S-IVB forward stage simulator, a full-scale test instrument unit, and an Apollo thermal simulator. Testing would be conducted in Douglas' 11.89-m- (39-ft-) diameter space simulator at Huntington Beach, California, and would simulate a typical Saturn V flight from launch to earth orbit and injection into lunar path.

1965 April 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Final beam in the structural skeleton of the Vertical Assembly Building - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Construction workers emplaced the final beam in the structural skeleton of the Vertical Assembly Building at Merritt Island (KSC), Florida. Scheduled for completion in 1966, the cavernous structure (160 m (525 ft) tall and comprising 10,968,476 cu m (129 million cu ft)) would provide a controlled environment for assembling Saturn V launch vehicles and mating them to Apollo spacecraft.

1965 April 15-22

Improvement in Apollo bonding process - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. At North American, ultrasonic inspection of the forward portion of airframe 007 disclosed only minor imperfections in the bonding, called "a dramatic demonstration of the improvement in the bonding process.".

1965 April 15-22

Testing on the Apollo CM's uprighting system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. North American began full-scale developmental testing on the CM's uprighting system..

1965 April 15-22

Program for the Apollo LEM's reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
MSC and Grumman reviewed the program for the LEM's reaction control system. The only issue outstanding was Grumman's in-house effort: MSC felt that that effort was "overestimated" and that the manufacturer alone should not handle support from subcontractors.

1965 April 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First ground test firing of S-II stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

1965 Mid month

Environmental umbilical arrangement for the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch.
Officials from North American and the three NASA centers most concerned (MSFC, KSC, and MSC) discussed the environmental umbilical arrangement for the CM. The current configuration hampered rapid crew egress and therefore did not meet emergency requirements. This group put forth several alternative designs, including lengthening the umbilical hood and relocating the door or hatch.

1965 April 15

First firing of the Apollo LEM ascent engine test rig - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The first firing of the LEM ascent engine test rig (HA-3) was successfully conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. A second firing on April 23 lasted 14.45 sec instead of 10 sec as planned. A third firing, lasting 30 sec, completed the test series. A helium pressurization system would be installed before additional testing could begin.

1965 April 15

Apollo Block I and Block II suit interface control documents - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM.
ASPO informed North American that a meeting would be held at its Downey, California, plant April 20-23 to negotiate and have signed off all Block I and Block II suit interface control documents (ICDs) and the government furnished equipment ICDs. Hamilton Standard, Grumman, and David Clark were being instructed to have representation present to achieve the signed ICDs. North American was instructed to have the ICDs in final form to be signed or negotiated.

1965 April 15-22

Apollo LM engineering simulation program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Grumman reviewed the engineering simulation program. The total cost was anticipated at $9 million..

1965 April 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First clustered firing of Saturn V's first stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSFC conducted the first clustered firing of the Saturn V's first stage (the S-IC). The booster's five F-1 engines burned for about 6½ seconds and produced 33,360 kilonewtons (7.5 million lbs) thrust.
Eight days later, at its static facility in Santa Susana, California, North American first fired the S-II, intermediate stage of the Saturn V. The event was chronicled as the "second major Saturn V milestone" during April. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 16

Apollo objective classification changed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo.
Owen E. Maynard, Chief of MSC's Systems Engineering Division, announced that the ordering of objectives into first, second, and third order had been discontinued and replaced with two classifications: primary and secondary objectives. Primary objectives were defined as those which were mandatory. Malfunctions of spacecraft or launch vehicle systems, ground equipment, or instrumentation which would result in failure to achieve these objectives would be cause to hold or cancel the mission until the malfunction had been eliminated. Secondary objectives were those considered desirable but not mandatory. Malfunctions resulting in failure to achieve these objectives would be cause to hold or cancel the mission as indicated in Mission Rules.

1965 April 16-May 15

Two Apollo CSM fuel cells failed qualification testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Two CSM fuel cells failed qualification testing, the first failing after 101.75 hrs of the vacuum endurance test. Pratt and Whitney Aircraft determined that the failure was caused by a cleaning fluid which contaminated and plugged the oxygen lines and contaminated the oxygen gas at the electrodes. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 16-May 15

Qualification testing completed on the fuel tanks for the Apollo SM's reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. North American completed qualification testing on the fuel tanks for the SM's reaction control system..

1965 April 16-May 15

One in a hundred that Apollo crewmen would land on solid ground - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
On the basis of current systems reliabilities and the design reference mission, North American estimated at one in a hundred the possibility that returning Apollo crewmen would land on solid ground rather than on water. The contractor used this estimate in formulating test programs for boilerplate 28 and spacecraft 002A and 007.

1965 April 16-May 15

North American halted testing on the hydrogen tanks for the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell. North American halted testing on the hydrogen tanks for the CSM, produced by Beech, because of weld failures. Testing on a redesigned tank assembly began on May 8..

1965 April 19-26

Meeting resolved all interfaces between the Apollo space suit and the two blocks of spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
North American, Hamilton Standard, Grumman, David Clark, and MSC representatives, meeting in Downey, California, resolved all interfaces between the space suit and the two blocks of spacecraft. As a result of these agreements, MSC directed North American and Grumman to make some minor changes (suggested by the Crew Systems Division) in the communications cables; to remove the portable life support systems from the CM; and to add a thermal-meteoroid garment - rather than one providing merely thermal protection - to the CM.

1965 April 20

RCA Apollo systems engineering subcontract terminated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC's Systems Engineering Division requested that Grumman be advised to terminate the RCA systems engineering subcontract as soon as possible. It had been determined that this contract was no longer useful. Based on data presented by Grumman during a program review, an immediate and complete termination would save about $45,000.

1965 April 20

Two additional Apollo portable life support system (PLSS) batteries in LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC requested Grumman to make provisions for storage of two additional portable life support system (PLSS) batteries. This was an increase of two batteries over the previous requirement; requirement now was for two batteries in the PLSS and additional storage for six.

1965 April 20

Action to reduce the expenditures on the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The ASPO CSM Project Officer, C. L. Taylor, said that immediate action must be taken to reduce the FY 1965 expenditures on the CSM program by $5 million. Toward that end, he directed attention to a cost reduction program, "Project Squeeze," and said that a joint North American/NASA Project Squeeze had been in operation several months and had resulted in significant program reductions. However, the majority of items recommended for investigation were North American-oriented.
Taylor requested items for consideration be submitted no later than April 27, 1965, and pointed out some specifics which might be considered:
1. qualification programs, hardware quantities, tests, etc.,
2. component testing,
3. analytical effort,
4. design to excess,
5. documentation, and
6. changes.

1965 April 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

NASA and Boeing negotiated an Apollo contract modification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA and Boeing negotiated a contract modification. For an additional $3,135,977, Boeing would furnish instrumentation equipment and engineering support for Marshall Space Flight Center's program for dynamic testing of the Saturn V..

1965 April 20

Initial design engineering inspection of Apollo Spacecraft 009 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
At the initial design engineering inspection (DEI) of Spacecraft 009, held at Downey, California, MSC and North American officials reviewed the compatibility of the vehicle with SA-201 mission requirements. The DEI Review Board approved 11 hardware changes and assigned 26 others for further study.

1965 April 21-22

Effect of landing impacts on the structure of the Apollo LEM discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
Grumman and MSC engineers discussed the effect of landing impacts on the structure of the LEM. Based on analyses of critical loading conditions, Grumman reported that the present configuration was inadequate. Several possible solutions were being studied jointly by Grumman and the Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD):
- Strengthening the spacecraft's structure (which would increase the weight of the ascent and descent stages by 19 and 32 kg (42 and 70 lbs), respectively)
- Modifying the gear
- Reducing factors of safety and landing dynamics, including vertical velocity at touchdown
A decision was expected from SMD by June 1.
Also Grumman representatives summarized the company's study on the design of the footpads. They recommended that, rather than adopting a stroking-type design, the current rigid footpad should be modified. The modification, they said, would improve performance as much as would the stroking design, without entailing the latter's increased weight and complexity and lowered reliability. SMD was evaluating Grumman's recommendations.

1965 April 22-29

Data from the Bell Apollo LEM training vehicle more than a year away - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV, Apollo LM. After reviewing the status of the LEM landing simulation program, the Guidance and Control Division reported that "significant data" from the Bell training vehicle were more than a year away..

1965 April 22-29

Electrical power profile for Apollo spacecraft 011 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. North American updated the electrical power profile for spacecraft 011.. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 22-29

Work on the A7L Space Suit visors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Crews Systems Division reported that work on the suit visors was progressing well, and that operational mockups had been sent to North American for the upcoming critical design review. The visor could be attached and detached by a pressurized crewman; also, it afforded thermal protection and allowed a complete range of light attenuation.

1965 April 22

Electrical power system for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. MSC completed the program review on the electrical power system for the LEM and approved the cost through completion of the program (about $23.2 million)..

1965 April 22-29

Analysis of failures in the Apollo LEM descent stage's propellant tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Allison Division of General Motors Corporation completed an analysis of failures in the LEM descent stage's propellant tanks. Investigators placed the blame on brittle forgings. MSC's Propulsion and Power Division reported that "efforts are continuing to insure (that) future forgings will be satisfactory."

1965 April 22-23

Final zero-g trials of the Apollo CM waste management system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. North American conducted the final zero-g trials (part of developmental testing on the CM's waste management system) and reported good results for both urine and feces apparatus..

1965 April 22

Common Apollo reaction control system propellant tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM RCS, LM RCS.
Grumman was requested to attend a meeting at MSC and to present their reasons as to why the LEM reaction control system (RCS) propellant tanks could not be of common technology with the CSM RCS propellant tanks. Grumman was to also say why an additional development program was required for the LEM tanks.

1965 April 22

Apollo LEM ground support equipment to field test sites - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. Grumman was requested to ship ground support equipment and associated equipment to field test sites as soon as it was available..

1965 April 22

Revisions to Apollo Mission 204A mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
The MSC Systems Engineering Division published revisions to Apollo Mission 204A objectives and mission requirements. The principal difference between the revised version and the Initial Mission Directive for Mission 204 was the expansion of the secondary propulsion system performance objective, the radiation survey meter objective, which was deleted, and the don/doff of the Block I pressure garment and thermal blanket objectives which had also been deleted.

1965 April 22

Apollo LEM systems reviewed by the President's Scientific Advisory Committee - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
The LEM Project Officer notified Grumman that the President's Scientific Advisory Committee (PSAC) had established sub-panels to work on specific technical areas, beyond the full PSAC briefings. One of the sub-panels was concerned with the environmental control subsystem, including space suits. This group desired representation from Hamilton Standard to discuss with regard to the LEM-ECS its interpretation of the reliability design requirements, its implementation through development and test phases, its demonstration of reliability, and its frank assessment of confidence in these measures. Briefing material should be available to the sub-panel by May 17, 1965, with a primary discussion meeting to be held at Hamilton Standard on May 24.

1965 April 23

Design engineering inspection on Apollo LEM test article 10 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC and Grumman conducted the design engineering inspection on LEM test article 10. Structures and Mechanics Division called it "significant" that there were no requests for design changes. The vehicle was ready for shipment to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for static testing by North American, but, at the latter's request, delivery was delayed until May 28.

1965 April 26

First Apollo CM heatshields - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. North American received CM 009 forward and crew compartment heatshields from Avco Corporation. These heatshields were the first CM heatshields received by the contractor with complete ablative application..

1965 April 26

Simulations of Apollo high-altitude aborts and dockings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking. Operating on a round-the-clock schedule, researchers at Langley Research Center began simulations of high-altitude aborts and CSM-active dockings..

1965 April 26-May 2

Apollo boilerplate 14 simulated the mission for spacecraft 009 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. Using boilerplate 14, North American simulated the mission for spacecraft 009. The test was conducted in two phases, with the vehicle on external and then internal power. All data showed satisfactory performance..

1965 April 27

Apollo LEM Test Program Requirement Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
ASPO announced that a LEM Test Program Requirement Review would be held at Grumman during the first week in June. The purpose of the review would be to reach agreement with Grumman on an overall Test Program Plan and to consider planned allocation of hardware, test schedules, and test logic in relationship to flight missions.
The review would result in publication of a certification document which would define and catalog the program of testing, analysis, and rationalization which would form the basis for certification of flight spacecraft as capable of meeting requirements of flight missions. It would cover all formal qualification testing above the part level being done at subcontractors or vendors, component testing at Grumman, higher level of assembly testing conducted anywhere in support of a portion of test logic, and individual system test requirements to be conducted on integrated test vehicles such as LEM test article 1.
The format for the review would consist of individual subsystem test program reviews by the respective MSC and Grumman Subsystem Managers. MSC Subsystem Managers would be supported by RASPO, ASPO, and GE personnel where appropriate. After their initial meeting, the MSC and Grumman managers would summarize their findings to a MSC Grumman review board, emphasizing deficiencies in the program (to include inadequate tests, hardware availability problems, and schedules which were inconsistent with flight support requirements).

1965 April 27

Design of the Apollo CM for earth impact - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American summarized its position on the design of the CM for earth impact in a letter to MSC. A number of meetings had taken place since the NASA North American Technical Management Meeting February 25, 1964, at which the decision was made to reorient Apollo impact to water as the primary landing site.
The letter reviewed the history of boilerplate 28 drop tests and a series of MSC North American meetings during the last two months of 1964 and the first two of 1965. On February 12, at a meeting at Downey, California, North American had recommended:
- Design for 0.99999 criteria.
- Retain the 27.5 degrees hang angle to eliminate the requirement for redesign of upper crew compartment side wall. The dual hang angle configuration should be eliminated for spacecraft 017 and subsequently through Block II.
- Allow plastic deformation of the aft heatshield.
- Continue investigation of possible upper deck and tunnel problems.
- Fly spacecraft 009 with a probability of success at water impact of 0.999, and continue boilerplate 28 testing to give assurance of meeting this criterion.
In a follow-up meeting on March 2, NASA gave concurrence to these recommendations in the form of signed meeting minutes.
At the time of the April 27 letter, North American was implementing the design changes defined in the Apollo CM design changes for water impact. The changes were based on North American's best understanding of agreements between it and MSC regarding criteria, loads, definition of the ultimate land envelope, structural analysis, and the requirement that no-leakage integrity within the ultimate load level be demonstrated by test.

1965 April 27

NASA requirements for Apollo LEM operations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
LEM Project Officer W. F. Rector III, in a letter to Grumman, established the minimum acceptable NASA requirements for accomplishing the inspection, acceptance, and delivery operations at Bethpage, N.Y., on flight and major ground test vehicles.
Following manufacture, and prior to NASA acceptance, the spacecraft must undergo a thorough checkout by the contractor with MSC participating as an active member of a checkout team. Through experience in Projects Mercury and the CSM portion of Apollo, a team concept of operations had evolved for the aforementioned activities. The concept had proved highly successful in providing a balance of MSC and contractor personnel which assured that the evaluation of problems received proper attention and resulted in solutions acceptable to both NASA and the contractors. In addition, this "cross pollination" of skills provided a more complete evaluation of the spacecraft performance and systems anomalies.
Prior to starting acceptance testing, all systems should have completed a pre-installation acceptance check, been installed in the spacecraft, and the configuration verified. Acceptance checkout would begin following complete installation of all subsystems and hook-up to the Acceptance Checkout Equipment (ACE). After ACE was installed, individual subsystems tests were to be performed. The hook-up of ACE to the spacecraft would constitute the point at which the checkout team would assume responsibility for the vehicle. At that time a documentation system must provide a means for authorizing and permanently recording all work and testing to be performed on the spacecraft.

1965 April 27-30

Apollo CM Block II Critical Design Review Part II - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Part II of the Critical Design Review of the crew compartment and docking system for the Block II CM was held at Downey, California, using mockups 28 and 27 A. (Part I had been held on March 23-24.). Additional Details: here....

1965 April 28

Announcement of any Apollo crew delayed as long as feasible - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb, Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden, and Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., decided that the announcement of any Apollo crew should be delayed as long as feasible without jeopardizing training schedules. They reasoned that as long as the entire astronaut group was undergoing generalized Apollo training, and until individual mission planning was complete, there should be no need to make even tentative crew selections.

1965 April 28-May 3

Proton irradiation tests conducted for Apollo project - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Under NASA contract, proton irradiation of primates tests were conducted on the Oak Ridge cyclotron by a team from Brooks AFB and Crew Systems Division. During this period, 136 monkeys and 900 mice were irradiated..

1965 April 28

Shirtsleeve environment in the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Joseph F. Shea, ASPO Manager, approved Crew Systems Division's recommendation to retain the "shirtsleeve" environment for the CM. The design was simpler and promised greater overall mission reliability; also, it would be more comfortable for the crewmen. Additional Details: here....

1965 April 29-May 6

Problem of stowing portable life support systems in the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
Portable life support systems (PLSS) stowed against the aft bulkhead in the CM would prevent the crew couch from stroking fully. This condition would be aggravated if, at impact, the bulkhead was forced inward. North American spokesmen maintained that, in a water landing, the bulkhead would give only slightly and that the couch struts would not compress to their limits. They argued, therefore, that this condition would be of concern only in a land landing. On the contrary, said MSC. Center officials were adamant that any interference was absolutely unacceptable: it would lessen the attenuation capability of the couch (thereby jeopardizing crew safety); possibly, the bulkhead might even be ruptured (with obviously disastrous results). Because of this problem - and because the capability for extravehicular transfer from the CM to the LEM was required - MSC invited representatives from the three contractors involved to meet in Houston to deal with the question of PLSS stowage.

1965 April 29-May 6

Redundant valves in the propellant system of Apollo LEM's ascent stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Grumman recommended redundant pyrotechnic or solenoid valves in the propellant system of the LEM's ascent stage. Thus the firm could meet NASA's ground rule that no single failure would cause the mission to be aborted..

1965 April 29-May 6

Change in the Apollo checkout procedure at Merritt Island - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The Flight Projects Division (FPD) proposed a change in the checkout procedure at Merritt Island (KSC). The idea, drawn from Gemini, would eliminate checkout at the environmental control system (ECS) facility. Basically, FPD's plan was to transport the mated CSM directly from the Operations and Checkout Building to the altitude chamber, where the ECS would be tested. Officials at North American approved the new procedure, and FPD requested the Checkout and Test Division to study its feasibility.

1965 April 30

All-battery-powered Apollo LEM requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Electrical.
As a result of the decision for an all-battery LEM, MSC advised Grumman that power for the entire pre- separation checkout of the spacecraft would be drawn from that module's batteries (instead of only during the 30 minutes prior to separation). This change simplified the electrical mating between the two spacecraft and obviated an additional battery charger in the CSM. From docking until the start of the checkout, however, the CSM would still furnish power to the LEM.
TWX, James L. Neal, MSC, to GAEC, Attn: R. S. Mullaney. April 30, 1965.
During the Month
Grumman reported two major problems with the LEM's descent engine:
1. Space Technology Laboratories (STL) asked that the thrust chamber be lengthened by 13.9 cm (5.5 in). Weight penalty would be 11.3 kg (25 lbs).
2. STL concluded that, if used with Grumman's heatshield, the current nozzle extension would melt.

1965 April 30

Eagle-Picher selected for batteries in Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman advised MSC that it had selected the Eagle-Picher Company as vendor for batteries in both stages of the LEM. At the same time, because a proposal by Yardney Electric Company promised a sizable weight saving, this latter firm would produce "pre-production" models for the ascent stage.

1965 April 30

North American announced an Apollo Engineering Reorganization - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
North American announced an Apollo Engineering Reorganization, designed to improve operational efficiency and to be consistent with existing requirements of the Apollo program. The reorganization would: (1) increase the number of managers, but reduce the individual manager's scope and eliminate one level of management, making for clearer assignments and better communications; (2) incorporate certain checkout and ground support equipment systems engineering functions into Systems Engineering, strengthening the integration capabilities and simplifying operational procedures; and (3) basic functions of analytical engineering within Apollo Engineering were being transferred to the Research and Engineering Division, increasing the effective use of technical and management personnel.

1965 April 30

Apollo LM test scheduling at White Sands - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
A tentative agreement was reached between Grumman and MSC propulsion personnel concerning the Propulsion System Development Facility's test scheduling at White Sands operations in regard to stand occupancy times relating to the ascent and descent development rigs. The tentative schedule showed that the ascent LEM Test Article (LTA)-5 vehicle would not start testing until April 1967. The PA-1 rig prototype ascent propulsion rig) would therefore be required to prove the final design and support early LEMs.
The PA-1 rig was designed and was being fabricated to accommodate small propellant tanks, and there were no plans to update it with larger ones. Therefore, advantages of flexibility, running tests of longer sustained durations, and with the final tank outlet configurations would not be realized. Grumman was requested to take immediate action to have the rig accommodate the larger tanks and install the smaller tanks by use of adapters or other methods.

1965 May 1

Engineering inspection of Apollo boilerplate 23A - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
North American and NASA officials conducted an engineering inspection on boilerplate 23A at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The board approved four requests on minor structural changes; a fifth request, involving tolerances on the boost protective cover, was slated for further study.

1965 May 3

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Apollo personnel appointments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
R. Wayne Young was appointed Chief of the LEM Contract Engineering Branch, ASPO, to perform the functions of Project Officer for the LEM, effective May 3. At the same time M. E. Dell was appointed Chief of the G&N/ACE Contract Engineering Branch, ASPO, and would be responsible for all functions of Project Officer for the guidance and navigation, automatic checkout equipment-spacecraft, and Little Joe II systems for the Apollo spacecraft, and for technical management of the General Electric Support Contract.

1965 May 3

Use of chamber technician's suit in Apollo AFRM 008 tests disputed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Systems Engineering Division did not concur in use of the chamber technician's suit by test subjects in AFRM 008 tests. AFRM 008 represented the only integrated spacecraft test under a simulated thermal- vacuum environment and was therefore considered a significant step in man-rating the overall system. For that reason use of the flight configuration Block I suit was a firm requirement for the AFRM 008 tests.
The same rationale would be applicable to the LEM and Block II vehicle chamber tests. Only flight configured spacecraft hardware and extravehicular mobility unit garments would be used by test subjects.

1965 May 4

Apollo to have a combustion instability monitoring system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
MSC directed North American to provide spacecraft 012, 014, 017, and 020 with a system to monitor combustion instability in the service propulsion engine. (On April 8, officials of ASPO, Propulsion and Power Division, and the Flight Operations Directorate had agreed on the desirability of such a system.) Should vibrations become excessive, the device would automatically shut down the engine. Manual controls would enable the astronauts to lock out the automatic system and to restart the engine.

1965 May 4

Apollo RCS oxidizer tank failure - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
Technical personnel at MSC became concerned over an RCS oxidizer tank failure that occurred in February 1965, during propellant exposure and creep tests. The failure had previously been explained as stress corrosion caused from a fingerprint on the tank shell before heat treat. NASA requested that the test be repeated under tighter controlled procedures.

1965 May 4

Apollo Panel Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
A Panel Review Board (PRB) meeting was held at Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF) in Washington and the MSC and MSFC Chairmen of the Flight Mechanics Panel attended.
Prior to the formal meeting, discussions with T. Thompson and B. Kaskey revealed that Bellcomm had recommended to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that the contingency mission for AS 204 be an unmanned orbital flight and that no unmanned contingency mission be planned for 205. The reason for an unmanned contingency for 204 was to give MSFC an additional opportunity to obtain orbital data from the S-IVB stage.
PRB was informed that lack of specific requirements concerning contingency mission capability was hampering Flight Mechanics Panel in completion of interface control documents and associated mission development. Contingency capability was classified into two types: (1) contingency capability to provide for failures during the flight program or schedule adjustments of the hardware; and (2) in-flight contingencies due to malfunction of the launch vehicle.

1965 May 4

Three-station Apollo Solar Particle Alert Network ordered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: IMP.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller concurred with a plan of MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to implement a three-station developmental Solar Particle Alert Network. Mueller said he understood that Gilruth would "review the necessity for the Guaymas station, and that you will examine having all data reduction related to this network carried out under contract," and adding that he felt the program would be enhanced if arrangement could be made to involve one or more academic institutions in the analysis of data.

1965 May 4

Preliminary flight readiness review for Apollo boilerplate (BP) 22 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. A preliminary flight readiness review was held in Houston on boilerplate (BP) 22. . Additional Details: here....

1965 May 4

Real-time digital command equipment not recommended Apollo Block I vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Although North American was including real-time digital command equipment in Block II CSMs (as NASA had directed), the firm recommended that such equipment not be placed on Block I vehicles. North American based their contention on two factors:
1. the anticipated cost and schedule impacts; and
2. command capability was not essential during earth orbital flights.

1965 May 5

Communications between the Apollo CSM, LEM, and extravehicular astronauts were reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Communications, LM Guidance, LM Hatch.
In response to a query, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller that plans to use VHF communications between the CSM, LEM, and extravehicular astronauts and to use X-band radar for the CSM/LEM tracking were reviewed. Bellcomm reexamined the merits of using the Unified S-Band (USB) type which would be installed in the CSM and LEM for communication with and tracking by the earth.
It was found that no appreciable weight saving or weight penalty would result from an all USB system in the Apollo spacecraft. Also, it was determined there would be no significant advantage or disadvantage in using the system. It was noted, however, that implementation of an all S-band system at that stage of development of the design of the CSM, LEM, and astronaut equipment would incur an obvious cost and schedule penalty.
Memorandum, Phillips to Mueller, "Use of Only Unified S-Band Communication Equipment in Apollo Spacecraft," May 5, 1965.
May 6
After lengthy investigations of cost and schedule impacts, MSC directed North American to incorporate airlocks on CMs 008 and 014, 101 through 112, and 2H-1 and 2TV-1. The device would enable astronauts to conduct experiments in space without having to leave their vehicle. Initially, the standard hatches and those with airlocks were to be interchangeable on Block II spacecraft. During October, however, this concept was changed: the standard outer hatch would be structured to permit incorporation of an airlock through the use of a conversion kit (included as part of the airlock assembly); and when an airlock was installed, an interchangeable inner hatch would replace the standard one.

1965 May 6

Recommendation for an up-data link in the Apollo LEM overruled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
ASPO overruled a recommendation by the Flight Operations Directorate for an up-data link in the LEM. Although an automated means of inserting data into the spacecraft's computer was deemed "highly desirable," there were prohibitive consequences:
- Weight - 7.25 kg (16 lbs) in the ascent stage
- Cost - $1.7 million
- Schedule delay - five months
This last effect ASPO termed "flatly unacceptable."

1965 May 6

Apollo space suit with a pressure-sealing zipper - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
As a result of the Critical Design Review at North American during the previous month, Crew Systems Division (CSD) directed Hamilton Standard to fabricate an Apollo space suit with a pressure-sealing zipper. CSD would compare this concept with the current gusset design, which leaked excessively and hindered donning the suit.

1965 May 6

Apollo earth landing system tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
The Apollo earth landing system (ELS) was tested in a drop of boilerplate (BP) 19 at El Centro, Calif. The drop removed constraints on the ELS for BP-22; also, it was a "prequalification" trial of the main parachutes before the start of the full qualification test program.

1965 May 6-13

Use of Apollo SLA to dissipate heat of radioisotope generators - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Both General Electric and Radio Corporation of America studied the feasibility of using the spacecraft- LEM-adapter to dissipate heat from the radioisotope generator during initial phases of the mission. The generator would raise the temperature of the adapter about 30 degrees; radiation back to the spacecraft was not considered serious.

1965 May 6-13

Apollo SLA would not survive a service propulsion system abort - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Structures and Mechanics Division engineers determined that the spacecraft-LEM-adapter would not survive a service propulsion system abort immediately after jettisoning of the launch escape tower. North American planned to strengthen the upper hinges and fasteners and to resize the shock attenuators on spacecraft 009.

1965 May 7

First Apollo launch escape system completion - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Launch escape system (LES) installation for CSM 009 was completed, marking the first LES completion..

1965 May 10

Surgeon General discussed Apollo back-contamination problems with the NASA Administrator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Public Health Service (PHS) officials revealed that the Surgeon General had discussed the PHS/NASA relationships on back-contamination problems with the NASA Administrator. During this discussion, the Surgeon General proposed:
1. expansion of the space biology and contamination contract program in the PHS;
2. assignment by the PHS of a liaison officer to NASA; and
3. development by NASA of an interagency advisory committee on both outbound and inbound contamination problems with PHS participation.
The Administrator and Surgeon General were reported to have agreed that negotiations at staff level were appropriate. As a result, NASA was drafting a proposal to go from the Administrator to the Surgeon General embodying not only the three items listed but also proposing a NASA organizational structure capable of implementing the objectives of the two agencies.

1965 May 10

Proposal to modify Apollo LEM radar programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. ASPO Assistant Manager William A. Lee heard a proposal to modify the LEM radar programs to reduce FY 1966 costs by $7 million. . Additional Details: here....

1965 May 10

Combination of modes for storing oxygen in the Apollo LEM's environmental control system considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
ASPO reviewed Grumman's recommendation for a combination of supercritical and gaseous modes for storing oxygen in the LEM's environmental control system (ECS). MSC engineers determined that such an approach would save only about 14.96 kg (33 lbs) over a high- pressure, all-gaseous design. Mission objectives demanded only four repressurizations of the LEM's cabin. On the basis of this criterion, the weight differential was placed at less than nine pounds.
As a result of this analysis, MSC directed Grumman to design the LEM ECS with an all-gaseous oxygen storage system.

1965 May 11

Eagle-Picher contract to supply batteries for the ascent and descent stages of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC instructed Grumman to negotiate award of a contract to supply batteries for the ascent and descent stages of the LEM with Eagle-Picher Company. Grumman had solicited and received proposals from Eagle-Picher and Yardney Electric Corporation. The bids, including fees, were: Eagle-Picher, $1,945,222; and Yardney, $1,101,673. Grumman evaluated the bids; made presentations to MSC personnel; and proposed on May 6 that they negotiate with Eagle-Picher for ascent and descent batteries; and with Yardney for development of a lighter ascent battery at a cost of approximately $600,000. MSC instructed Grumman not to place the proposed development contract with Yardney, stating that such work could be more appropriately done by MSC work with Yardney or other battery vendors.

1965 May 11

Effects of radiation on the lens of the human eye - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Crew Systems Division let a contract to the Zaret Foundation to study effects of radiation on the lens of the human eye. The foundation would develop instruments that, by examining changes in the organ, would determine the precise dose that it had absorbed. Radiation could produce cataracts. Up to this time, however, the amount of radiation that could be absorbed safely was not known, nor could the initial damage be detected. It was generally thought that this damage was cumulative and that it was irreparable. For the crew's safety, the amount of radiation that the eye could sustain had to be known. And, of course, some technique for measuring dosages was essential.

1965 May 12-June 24

Stowing Apollo portable life support systems (PLSS) discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Hatch.
Representatives from North American, Grumman, Hamilton Standard, and MSC discussed the problem of stowing the portable life support systems (PLSS).
Current specifications called for two PLSSs under the crew couch in the CM at launch, one of which would be brought back to earth. This location presented some serious problems, however.
MSC officials laid down several ground rules for the discussions:
- The capability for extravehicular transfer must be maintained.
- During translunar flight, the capability must exist for general extravehicular activity from the CM.
- And upon landing, the PLSS must not interfere with the sweep of the crew couch.
The participants explored a number of stowage options (and the complications involved), even exploring the possibilities of staging and of using a Gemini Extravehicular Life Support System. As a result of these talks, Hamilton Standard began studying the feasibility of repackaging the PLSS to fit underneath the side hatch of the CM and to determine whether the reshaped system would be compatible with both spacecraft.
During the next few weeks, MSC concluded that, at earth launch, one PLSS would be stowed in each spacecraft. With the help of Hamilton Standard engineers, North American and Grumman designers worked out a stowage volume acceptable to all concerned. Hamilton Standard agreed to repackage the PLSS accordingly. MSC ordered North American to provide for stowage of one PLSS beneath the side hatch of the CM, again stressing that the system must not interfere with the crew couch during landing impact; also, the Center directed Grumman to plan for PLSS stowage in the LEM and to study ingress and egress with the reshaped backpack. (Studies by the Crew Systems Division had already indicated that, from the standpoints of compatibility and mobility, the new shape probably would be acceptable.)

1965 May 12

Testing begins on rockets that would allow soft landing for Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Recovery.
Developmental testing began on a new landing device for the CM, one using rockets (mounted on the heatshield) that would be ignited immediately before impact. The current method for ensuring the integrity of the spacecraft during a landing in rough water involved strengthening of the aft structure. The new concept, should it prove practicable, would offer a twofold advantage: first, it would lighten the CM considerably; second, it would provide an improved emergency landing capability.

1965 May 12

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Thrust of the H-1 engine uprated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSFC informed MSC that the thrust of the H-1 engine was being uprated to 1,000 kilonewtons (205,000 lbs), thus increasing the Saturn IB's payload capability..

1965 May 13-20

S-band antennas on all Block II Apollo CMs moved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. To broaden communications capabilities during near-earth phases of a mission, the S-band omnidirectional antennas on all Block II CMs were moved to the toroidal (doughnut-shaped) section of the forward heatshield..

1965 May 13

Evaluation of bidders for an optical rendezvous sensor for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
AC Spark Plug officials presented to MSC their evaluation of bidders to design an optical rendezvous sensor for the LEM. Because three different approaches were planned, AC gained Guidance and Control Division's approval to let three subcontracts. The firms chosen were Perkin-Elmer, Hughes Aircraft, and the Itek Corporation.

1965 May 13-20

Physiological effects of tailward g forces for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) representatives contracted with Northrop Space Laboratories to study physiological effects of tailward g forces. (CSD believed these forces might be "very hazardous." Consequently, the lowest impact limits for Apollo missions were in that direction.) Northrop would study bradycardia (slow heart rate) in animals induced by such acceleration, and would apply these findings to humans. CSD hoped thereby to determine whether current limits were "ultraconservative."

1965 May 13

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Mission directive for Apollo-Saturn 201 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, issued the mission directive for Apollo-Saturn 201. The mission would flight-test the Saturn IB and the Apollo CSM..

1965 May 16-June 15

Preliminary Apollo Reliability Report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American released a preliminary report, "Apollo Reliability Modeling Documentation," in response to an action item assigned to MSC by the President's Scientific Advisory Committee (PSAC) Space Technology Panel at an Apollo program reliability briefing for the panel in January. Additional Details: here....

1965 May 16-June 15

Third series of Apollo water impact tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American conducted the third in a series of water impact tests on boilerplate 1 to measure pressures on forward portions of the spacecraft. Data from the series supported those from tests with one- tenth scale models of the CM. The manufacturer reported, therefore, that it planned no further full-scale testing.

1965 May 17

MSC to participate in Apollo LEM manned environmental control system tests - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Anders. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM ECS.
MSC informed Grumman it believed it would be beneficial to the LEM development program for MSC to participate in the manned environmental control system tests to be conducted in Grumman's Internal Environment Simulator. The following individuals were suggested to participate: Astronaut William A. Anders or an alternate to act as a test crewman for one or more manned runs; D. Owen Goons or an alternate to act as a medical monitor for the aforementioned astronaut; and John W. O'Neill or an alternate to monitor voice communications during the test and record astronaut comments.

1965 May 18-20

First design review on the S-band transponder for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
Representatives from Motorola, RCA, Grumman, and MSC held the first design review on the S-band transponder for the LEM. Several areas were pointed out in which the equipment was deficient. Motorola was incorporating improved circuitry to ensure that the transponder met specifications.

1965 May 19

Apollo mission A-003 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo mission A-003, a planned high-altitude abort test, was flown at WSMR. About 25 seconds after launch, and at an altitude of about three miles, the Little Joe II booster disintegrated as a result of violent - and unprogrammed - roll. The launch escape system (LES) functioned perfectly, however, and lifted the spacecraft (boilerplate 22) clear of the vehicle. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, while acknowledging that A-003's "prime objectives . . . were not met," rightly observed that the LES nonetheless "proved its mettle in an actual emergency,"

1965 May 20-27

Radar-aided Apollo powered descent - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
To determine lunar touchdown velocity uncertainties, MIT studied radar-aided powered descent. From MIT's findings, Guidance and Control Division concluded that one or two sensors should provide velocity updates to the guidance system throughout the descent maneuver.

1965 May 20-27

Apollo CSM to LEM water transfer scheme canceled. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Engineers from General Electric and MSC's Crew Systems and Systems Engineering Divisions determined that transferring water from the CSM to the LEM involved a 5.4-kg (12-lb) increase in the latter's separation weight. Grumman had placed the penalty at only l.8 kg (4 lbs). Because the LEM's weight was so critical, the water transfer scheme was canceled.

1965 May 21-24

Three vendor selections by the Apollo LEM manufacturer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
The Resident ASPO at Grumman approved three vendor selections by the LEM manufacturer:
1. Mechanical Products, Inc. - circuit breakers. (MSC concurred in the use of hermetically sealed breakers.)
2. Hartman Electric Co. - relays (also hermetically sealed).
3. Electronic Products Division of Hughes Aircraft Co. - rectangular connectors.

1965 May 21

Preliminary flight rating tests on the Apollo reaction control engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. Marquardt Corporation completed preliminary flight rating tests on the reaction control engine for the SM..

1965 May 23

American Apollo astronauts returning from the moon to be quarantined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Life Sciences Committee of the National Academy of Sciences' Space Science Board recommended to NASA that American astronauts returning from the moon and planets be kept in quarantine for at least three weeks to prevent possible contamination of the earth by extraterrestrial organisms, Additional Details: here....

1965 May 24

MSC concurred in Grumman's selection of the RF tracking mode for the Apollo LEM's steerable antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC concurred in Grumman's selection of the RF tracking mode for the LEM's steerable antenna..

1965 May 24

Potential hazard in crew procedures inside the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Donald K. Slayton, Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations, described a potential hazard involved in crew procedures inside the LEM. Two sets of umbilicals linked the Block II space suit to the environmental control system (ECS) and to the portable life support system (PLSS). Though slight, the possibility existed that when a hose was disconnected, the valve inside the suit might not seat. In that event, gas would escape from the suit. Should this occur while the LEM was depressurized, the astronaut's life would be in jeopardy. Consequently, Slayton cautioned, it would be unwise to disconnect umbilicals while in a vacuum. This in turn imposed several mission constraints:
- PLSSs could not be recharged while the LEM was unpressurized.
- If the astronauts were planning to leave the spacecraft, they had to switch to the PLSSs and disconnect the ECS hoses before depressurizing their vehicle.
- Because the cooling circuit in the PLSS operated only in a vacuum, the crew must depressurize the LEM shortly after switching to their PLSSs.

1965 May 24

Zero-g tests of Apollo crew transfer - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisele, Gordon. Program: Apollo.
At Wright-Patterson AFB, North American engineers conducted zero-g tests of crew transfer using mockup 27 A. The two subjects, astronauts Donn F. Eisele and Richard F. Gordon, had difficulty manipulating the forward hatches and the drogue assembly. North American reported that handles might be required on those pieces of hardware.

1965 May 25

Block II-type, flush-mounted omni-directional S-band antennas on Apollo CMs 017 and 020 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC directed North American to install Block II-type, flush-mounted omni-directional S-band antennas on CMs 017 and 020. These antennas would survive reentry and thus would afford telemetry transmissions throughout the flight. On June 25, the Center ordered that they be installed in the toroidal (doughnut shaped) section of the aft heatshield.

1965 May 25

Apollo mission guidance and navigation ground support examined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO pointed out to the Systems Engineering Division that planning of the manned Apollo missions had been constrained to maximize the Manned Space Flight Network support available for guidance and navigation (G&N) functions. While this was a desirable technique to maximize mission success probabilities, it led to a tendency to neglect onboard G&N capabilities.
"It is ASPO policy that, wherever feasible, both onboard and ground systems will be exercised fully during manned developmental missions. Spacecraft maneuvers should be computed both on the ground and in the flight vehicle, and the results of these computations recorded and compared. . . . It is requested that Apollo mission planning conform to this policy and that any tendency to omit full exercise of the onboard G&N capability be corrected."

1965 May 25

Contract with Westinghouse on gear for the Apollo LEM's television camera - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
MSC completed contract negotiations with Westinghouse Electric Company on gear for the LEM's television camera (cables and connectors, stowage containers, and camera mockups). Because of technical requirements, the idea of using the same cable in both spacecraft was abandoned.

1965 May 25

07:35 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Pegasus 2 - . Payload: Pegasus 2. Mass: 10,464 kg (23,069 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Huntsville. Program: Apollo. Class: Earth. Type: Micrometeoroid satellite. Spacecraft: Pegasus satellite. Decay Date: 1979-11-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 1381 . COSPAR: 1965-039A. Apogee: 740 km (450 mi). Perigee: 502 km (311 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 97.00 min.
Pegasus 2 was a meteoroid detection satellite. The Saturn I launch vehicle (SA-8) placed the spacecraft, protected by a boilerplate CSM (BP-26), into a 740-by-509-km (460-by-316-mi) orbit. Once in orbit, the dummy CSM was jettisoned. Pegasus 2, still attached to the second stage of the launch vehicle, then deployed its 29-m (96-ft) winglike panels. Within several hours, the device began registering meteoroid hits.

Apollo-Model 4 - . Payload: Apollo CSM Boilerplate 26. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Decay Date: 1989-07-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 1385 . COSPAR: 1965-039B. Apogee: 739 km (459 mi). Perigee: 511 km (317 mi). Inclination: 31.70 deg. Period: 97.21 min.

1965 May 26

Inertial reference system on Apollo Block II spacecraft studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
To aid reacquisition and tracking of the high-gain antenna, MSC directed North American to study the feasibility of an inertial reference system on Block II spacecraft, one that would use rate signals from the CSM's stabilization and control system. Without this system, the astronauts would have to perform anywhere from 250 to 500 antenna reacquisitions during a single lunar mission. And during sleeping periods, when the CM pilot was alone in the vehicle, it was mandatory that the antenna automatically reacquire the earth.

1965 May 26

Apollo LEM control weight revised - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Weight.
ASPO requested the Apollo Program Director to revise the LEM control weight at translunar injection as follows:
- Ascent stage - 2,193kg (4,835lbs)
- Descent stage - 2,166kg (4,775lbs)
- Total LEM (fueled) - 14,515kg (32,000lbs)
The increase would be made possible by reductions of service propulsion system propellant requirements associated with the revised delta-V budget. ASPO pointed out that existing CSM and adapter control weight propellant requirements allowed a maximum LEM injected weight of 14,877 kg (32,800 lbs) with no increase in the launch vehicle payload requirement.

1965 May 26

Feasibility of abbreviated Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Electrical.
William A. Lee, ASPO Assistant Manager, asked Systems Engineering Division to study the feasibility of an abbreviated mission, especially during the initial Apollo flights. Because of the uncertainties involved in landing, Lee emphasized, the first LEMs should have the greatest possible reserves. This could be accomplished, he suggested, by shortening stay time; removing surplus batteries and consumables; and reducing the scientific equipment. Theoretically, this would enable the LEM pilot to hover over the landing site for an additional minute; also, it would increase the velocity budgets both of the LEM's ascent stage and of the CSM. He asked that the spacecraft's specifications be changed to fly a shorter mission:
- Stay time - 10 hours
- Exploration time - six man-hours
- Scientific payload - 32 kg (70 lbs)
- Lunar samples returned - 36 kg (80 lbs)
Lee said that this modification would produce a spacecraft that could be adapted to short and long missions.

1965 May 27

Apollo LEM-1 would be an "all-up" spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Because correspondence from Grumman and the Resident ASPO there hinted at deleting some equipment from the first LEM, MSC reaffirmed that LEM-1 would be an "all-up" spacecraft, as specified in the SA-206A mission requirements..

1965 May 27-June 3

Apollo liquid cooling garment modified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM.
MSC's Crew Systems Division (CSD) received from Hamilton Standard Division a liquid cooling garment which had been modified to include a comfort liner. Preliminary tests by the contractor showed a substantial increase in comfort with only a small decrement to cooling capacity. CSD scheduled tests to validate the performance.

1965 May 28

Common communications equipment in Block I and II space suits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
ASPO approved the use of common communications equipment in Block I and II space suits. The hardware would be procured from North American (under their contract with Pacific Plantronics), then furnished to the suit contractors (David Clark and Hamilton Standard).

1965 May 30-June 5

Apollo ASPO Manager Joseph F Shea reported the accomplishment of a number of important items: - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM ECS. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea reported the accomplishment of a number of important items.. Additional Details: here....

1965 May

Tests simulating the shock of Apollo landing on the moon - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Eisele. Program: Apollo.
Using improved restraint hardware, Grumman resumed tests simulating the shock of landing on the moon. Investigators reported better lateral stability - and they no longer bounced off the floor. Astronaut Donn F. Eisele, who took part, judged the system superior to those used in earlier trials.

1965 May

One-third scale model test of the Apollo LEM's antenna field - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications. Using one-third scale models, Grumman tested the LEM's antenna field at the extremes of the frequency range. Data evaluation showed that the range was adequate; errors were well within expected values..

1965 May

Formal Apollo LEM program review postponed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC postponed the formal LEM program review (wherein spacecraft requirements would be redefined and Grumman's contract converted to an incentive type). The Center directed the company to submit firm proposals for all contract change authorizations (CCA), which were promised by July 11. Grumman was preparing a revised estimate of total program cost. In the meantime, both parties were negotiating on all outstanding CCAs.
Also, Grumman described its continuing cost reduction effort. To keep expenditures within limits "suggested" by MSC, the firm was preparing detailed budgets both for itself and its subcontractors. The company had made a number of changes to strengthen its administrative structure and, with Houston's support, was reviewing possible schedule changes with an eye toward eliminating some test vehicles.

1965 May

Three flights made with Apollo LLRV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Three flights were made with the lunar landing research vehicle (LLRV) by FRC pilot Don Mallick for the purpose of checking the initial weighing, the thrust-to-weight, and the automatic throttle systems.
General Electric would update the LLRV CF-700 jet engines at their Edwards AFB facility rather than at Lynn, Mass. The change in work location would mean an earlier delivery date and a significant cost reduction. The updating would make the engines comparable to the production engines and would add an additional 890 newtons (200 lbs) of thrust.

1965 May

Qualification testing on the Apollo tower jettison motor completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
Thiokol Chemical Company completed qualification testing on the tower jettison motor. An ignition delay on February 22 had necessitated a redesign of the igniter cartridge. Subsequently, Thiokol developed a modified pyrogen seal, which the firm tested during late August and early September.

1965 May

Bell successfully cycled an Apollo LEM ascent engine propellant valve 500 times - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Bell Aerosystems Company successfully cycled a LEM ascent engine propellant valve 500 times (double the specification requirement). Also, the company conducted a full-duration altitude firing with an ablative nozzle extension to verify heating characteristics.

1965 June 1

Recommendation to incorporate gimbal actuator warning lights in Apollo Block I and II CMs - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea replied to a recommendation by the Assistant Director for Flight Operations to incorporate warning lights in Block I and II CMs to indicate failure of the gimbal actuator secondary drive motors. ASPO decided that no failure indication would be provided for the redundant drive motors in Block I spacecraft because:
1. in-flight checkout procedures would provide for exercising the gimbal actuators by the primary and secondary drive motors prior to service propulsion system burns; and
2. all manned Block I missions would be conducted in earth orbit and reaction control system deorbit capability was stipulated.
The warning lights would be incorporated in Block II spacecraft, and the in-flight checkout procedures would also apply to Block II lunar missions.

1965 June 2

Reduced preflight time for the Apollo lunar landing research vehicle (LLRV) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
In an attempt to reduce the overall preflight time in connection with lunar landing research vehicle (LLRV) activities, a meeting was held at Flight Research Center. Principal participants were Ray White, Leroy Frost, Leonard Ferrier, Joe Walker, Don Mallick, Cal Jarvis, Jim Adkins, Zeon Zwink, Wayne Ottinger, and Gene Matranga.
The session commenced with an estimate of time required to perform each of the functions on the preflight checklist. Review indicated that preflight might be shortened in several ways:
1. since the radar altimeter and doppler radar units did not affect safety of flights, it was suggested that radar checks on flight mornings be reduced to a minimum or be performed without inspection coverage;
2. addition of ac and dc voltmeters in the cockpit would eliminate need for power checks during the avionics preflight;
3. when the weight and drag computer had been properly checked in flight, the weight and drag preflight check could be streamlined down from the 30 minutes currently required; and
4. investigate the need to refill H2O2 after prime.
In general, though several operations were performed simultaneously during most of preflight, it appeared other operations could be performed in parallel and thereby reduce overall preflight time.

1965 June 2

No unmanned flights planned for the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO advised North American that, at present, no unmanned flights were planned for the Block II CM. After the company concluded its own analysis of Apollo requirements, MSC would determine whether the heatshield must be verified prior to manned missions. But because of the long "lead time" involved, North American should continue securing the requisite instrumentation pending a final decision.

1965 June 3

Qualification testing of the earth landing system for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. Northrop-Ventura began qualification testing of the earth landing system for Apollo with a drop of boilerplate 19 at El Centro, Calif. The entire landing sequence took place as planned; all parachutes performed well..

1965 June 3-10

Programmer timer to be used for earth reacquisition by the Apollo CSM's S-band high-gain antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. MSC approved North American's recommendation that a programmer timer approach be used for earth reacquisition by the CSM's S-band high-gain antenna..

1965 June 5

Apollo CSM boilerplate 22 flight would not have to be repeated - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea concluded, after reviewing the boilerplate 22 mission, that all the test objectives would be met satisfactorily either in the flight of spacecraft 002 or in the ground qualification program. For that reason the boilerplate 22 flight would not be repeated.

1965 June 6-12

Apollo ASPO reported a number of significant activities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
ASPO reported a number of significant activities in its Weekly Activity Report.
- The CSM design engineering inspection was satisfactorily conducted at North American June 8-10.
- Qualification of the Apollo standard initiator was successfully completed by Space Ordnance Systems, Inc.
- The first full systems firing of the LEM ascent engine was accomplished at Bell Aerosystems using the heavyweight ascent (HA)-2 propulsion test rig.
- The LEM development program was revised and LEM test article (LTA)-4, LTA-5 ascent stage, flight test article (FTA)-1, and FTA-2 were eliminated.

1965 June 7-13

Qualification testing on the Apollo CM's reaction control system engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. North American's Rocketdyne Division began qualification testing on the CM's reaction control system engines..

1965 June 7

Rocket landing system for the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. MSC directed NAA to make a "predesign" study of a rocket landing system for the Block II CM. (The Center had already studied the system's feasibility and had conducted full-scale drop tests.).

1965 June 7

Procurement of Apollo lunar surface experiments package authorized - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, approved procurement of the lunar surface experiments package (LSEP). The package, to be deployed on the moon by each LEM crew that landed there, would transmit geophysical and other scientific data back to earth. NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications would make the final selection of experiments. Mueller emphasized that the LSEP must be ready in time for the first lunar landing mission. Management responsibility for the project was assigned to MSC's Experiments Program Office.

1965 June 7

Revised velocity budgets for Apollo CSM and LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips approved MSC's request for revised velocity budgets for the two spacecraft. It was understood that these new values would:
1. still meet the free return trajectory constraint; and
2. increase (to at least two degrees) the LEM's out-of-plane launch capability. MPAD/FOD provided the analysis and recommendations leading to this decision.

1965 June 8-10

MSC reviewed a lighting mockup of the crew compartment in the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC reviewed a lighting mockup of the crew compartment in the Block II CM. The design concept, though needing further refinement, was deemed acceptable. Engineers from Crew Systems Division found that lights on the fingertips of the suit gloves worked quite well; optimum positioning was as yet undetermined, however. At the same time, MSC reviewed the design of the Block I side hatch (i.e., not modified to meet Block II extravehicular requirements). Reviewers found North American's major problems were warpage and crew ingress from space. Further, the design of both side hatches needed "additional coordination" with that of the umbilical access arm of the launch tower to ensure compatibility.

1965 June 9

Hamilton Standard to integrate seven layers of thermal protection into the Apollo A5H pressure suit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Crew Systems Division reported that MSC had ordered Hamilton Standard to integrate seven layers of thermal protection into the A5H pressure suit..

1965 June 10-17

ECS in the Apollo LEM without adequate thermal control - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Electrical.
Crew Systems Division reported that, as currently designed, the environmental control system (ECS) in the LEM would not afford adequate thermal control for an all-battery spacecraft. Grumman was investigating several methods for improving the ECS's thermal capability, and was to recommend a modified configuration for the coolant loop.

1965 June 10-17

Physiological aspects of pure-oxygen environments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
NASA hired the U.S. Navy's Air Crew Equipment Laboratory (ACEL) to study several physiological aspects of pure-oxygen environments. Primarily, ACEL's study would try to determine: (1) whether known effects (such as lung collapse) could somehow be reversed; and (2) whether such environments enhanced respiratory infections.

1965 June 10-17

Deficiency in list of materials used in the Apollo CM's habitable area - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
A list of materials that North American reported using in the CM's habitable area omitted more than 70 items that had appeared in earlier such reports. MSC ordered the company to determine why. This item could affect the course of backup toxicity testing. Materials listed as "used but not tested" were given highest priority in toxicity testing.

1965 June 11

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Data tape recorder probably not to be installed on Apollo LEM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. The question of whether a data tape recorder would be installed on LEM-1 had been discussed at several Apollo 206 Mission Operations Plan meetings and there was a strong possibility it would not be installed. . Additional Details: here....

1965 June 11

HE orbital communications in the Block II Apollo spacecraft were not needed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, in a memorandum to Robert Williams, said that, confirming their discussion with Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton, both had agreed that HE orbital communications in the Block II Apollo spacecraft were not needed. Shea asked Williams to look into the implications of removing the requirement.

1965 June 11

Gaseous oxygen storage for the Apollo LEM's environmental control system (ECS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
MSC ordered Grumman to propose a gaseous oxygen storage configuration for the LEM's environmental control system (ECS), including all oxygen requirements and system weights. Because no decision was yet made on simultaneous surface excursions by the crew, Grumman should design the LEM's ECS for either one-or two-man operations. And the Center further defined requirements for cabin repressurizations and replenishment of the portable life support systems. Oxygen quantities and pressures would be worked out on the basis of these ground rules.

1965 June 11

MSC and North American discussed the brittleness of Apollo boost protective cover - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC and North American discussed the brittleness of the boost protective cover and the possibility that, during tower jettison or abort, the cover might break up and cause damage to the spacecraft. Having investigated a number of various materials and construction techniques, North American recommended adding a nylon fabric to strengthen the structure. Company engineers believed that, thus reinforced, the cover would be less likely to tear apart in flight. Even though this would increase the weight of the cover by about 27 kg (60 lbs), MSC concurred. The change applied to both Block I and Block II CMs, and was effective for spacecraft 002, 009, and all subsequent vehicles.

1965 June 12

Communications systems specified for the first three R&D Apollo LEMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips listed the RE communications systems envisioned by NASA Headquarters on the first three R&D LEMs and requested ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea's comments.
The first three LEMs (LEM-1, LEM-2, and LEM-3) would be equipped with communications equipment in addition to that required in the LEM for lunar missions to provide:
1. transmission of required engineering (R&D) data;
2. redundant operational telemetry;
3. updating of spacecraft equipment via an up-data command link; and
4. redundant tracking capability.
The LEM R&D communications system was essentially independent from the operational communications systems. It would be housed primarily in the equipment bay (which on operational flights would house the scientific payload equipment).

1965 June 12

Apollo LEM battery development issues - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, noted MSC request for support from Goddard Space Flight Center on LEM battery development as well as Goddard's agreement to furnish limited support.
Phillips suggested to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that since MSFC had much experience in the design, development, and operational aspects of battery systems, it was important to use their experience and recommended MSFC be contacted if such action had not already occurred.

1965 June 14

Design of Apollo Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth appointed a Technical Working Committee, headed by Edwin Samfield, to oversee the design of a Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory at the Center..

1965 June 14-15

Apollo LEM mockup used in mobility tests of the reconfigured portable life support system (PLSS) - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chaffee, Eisele. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
Using a LEM mockup at Grumman, and with the assistance of astronauts Roger B. Chaffee and Donn F. Eisele, engineers from Hamilton Standard performed mobility tests of the reconfigured portable life support system (PLSS). Crew Systems Division (CSD) reported that the reshaped back pack did not hinder entering or leaving the spacecraft; and while some interference problems were inescapable when the PLSSs were worn inside the spacecraft for any period of time, CSD believed that damage could be prevented through training and by limiting movement by the crew. Grumman, however, contended that the newer PLSSs had "serious implications" for mobility inside the LEM.

1965 June 15

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Reduced Apollo Block II service propulsion system for Saturn IB missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Independent studies were made at MSC and North American to determine effects and impact of off-loading certain Block II service propulsion system components for Saturn IB missions. The contractor was requested to determine the weight change involved and schedule and cost impact of removing one oxidizer tank, one fuel tank, one helium tank and all associated hardware (fuel and oxidizer transfer lines, propellant quantity sensors and certain gaging wire harnesses) from CSM 101 and CSM 103. The MSC study was oriented toward determining technical problems associated with such a change and the effects on spacecraft operational requirements. The North American study indicated that removing the equipment would save about 690 000, along with a weight reduction of approximately 454 kg (1,000 lbs). Additional Details: here....

1965 June 15-18

Grumman and North American worked out interface between Apollo LM and CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
In a series of meetings at Downey, Calif., MSC, Grumman, and North American worked out most of the interface between the two spacecraft. Among the most significant items yet unresolved were: the thermal environment of the LEM during boost; and the structural loads and bending modes between the docked spacecraft.

1965 June 16

Apollo LEM to be able to telemeter data from the abort electronics assembly (AEA) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC directed Grumman to modify the LEM's pulse code modulation and timing electronics assembly to enable it to telemeter data from the abort electronics assembly (AEA). Thus, if data from the AEA disagreed with those from the spacecraft's guidance computer, the two sets could be reconciled on the ground (using inputs from the Manned Space Flight Network), relieving the astronauts of this chore.

1965 June 16-July 15

Apollo service propulsion engine failures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
North American reported two service propulsion engine failures at AEDC and a third at WSMR. At the first location, both failures were attributed to separation of the thrust chamber from the injector assembly; in the latter instance, weld deficiencies were the culprit. Analysis of all these failures was continuing.

1965 June 16-July 15

Scientific airlock for the Apollo Block II spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. North American submitted a design proposal for a scientific airlock for the CM (applicable to 014 and all Block II spacecraft). Structural design was scheduled to begin shortly..

1965 June 16

Revised deployment angles of Apollo adapter panels - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC ordered North American to revise the deployment angles of the adapter panels: 45 degrees for separation, docking, and LEM withdrawal; and - at most - 60 degrees for abort separation..

1965 June 16-23

Two thermal problems with the Apollo LEM identified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM RCS.
Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) reported that Grumman had found two thermal problems with the LEM:
1. On the basis of current predictions, the spacecraft's skin and several antennas would overheat during the boost phase of the mission. SMD engineers, after analyzing the problem, believed that an "acceptable LEM environment" could be achieved by lessening the heat transferred from the inner panels of the adapter and by increasing that emitted by the outer panels.
2. Also, Grumman had reported that, when exposed to exhaust plumes from the SM's reaction control engines, the LEM's skin would overheat in about five seconds. "Since the LEM withdrawal . . . requires 20 to 26 sec RCS firing," SMD understated, "it is apparent that a problem exists." One suggested solution involved improved insulation.

1965 June 16

Deviations in the Apollo CSM's roll attitude during docking to be limited to eight degrees or less - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Guidance. To prevent the CSM's contacting the LEM's radar antenna (a problem disclosed during docking simulations), deviations in the CSM's roll attitude would be limited to eight degrees or less..

1965 June 16

Total Apollo fuel cell effort reduced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
The net effect of a decision by ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea in May was that the total fuel cell effort at both Pratt and Whitney and North American should be no more than $9.7 million during FY 1966. The decision as to the distribution of the funds was left to the discretion of the fuel cell subsystem manager.

1965 June 16

Status of Apollo LEM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. At Bethpage, N.Y., officials from Grumman and the Flight Projects Division (FPD) discussed the status of LEM-1. . Additional Details: here....

1965 June 17

Hamilton Standard to study manual override to Apollo space suit pressure relief valve - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. MSC directed Hamilton Standard Division to study the feasibility of incorporating a manual override in the current pressure relief valve. During lunar surface activity, a failed relief valve would prevent further operation of the suit..

1965 June 17

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Planned missions for the Saturn IB - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Officials from Bellcomm, MSFC, and the Apollo offices in Houston and in Washington planned primary and alternate missions for the Saturn IB (applicable to SA-201 through SA-208). On July 16, the Office of Manned Space Flight specified launch vehicles (both Saturn IB and V hardware) for Apollo missions.

1965 June 17

Development Engineering Inspection on Apollo spacecraft 002 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
A Development Engineering Inspection (DEI) was held on spacecraft 002 at North American, Downey, California. The NASA Board consisted of W. M. Bland, Jr., Chairman; R. H. Ridnour, J. Chamberlin, S. A. Sjoberg, F. J. Bailey, O. G. Morris, O. E. Maynard, and O. Tarango.
A total of 20 Request for Changes (RFCs) were submitted and reviewed; 12 of them resulted from the design review conducted at MSC prior to the DEI, and eight resulted from the inspection of the vehicle. The final disposition of the RFCs was: seven approved for immediate action; five approved for study; three rejected; and five determined not applicable.

1965 June 17

Battery recommendations for the Apollo portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Crew Systems Division engineers evaluated various battery combinations for the portable life support system. The division recommended a three-hr main and a one-hr backup arrangement, which would save about 9 kg (20 lbs) in the total weight of the vehicle..

1965 June 17-24

Apollo experiments program discussed work on radioisotope generator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. NASA representatives briefed officials from the Atomic Energy Commission on the Apollo experiments program and discussed means of coordinating the Commission's work on a radioisotope generator to power those experiments..

1965 June 17-24

Space suits for the Apollo program evaluated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Crew Systems Division began evaluating space suits for the Apollo program (submitted by Hamilton Standard, David Clark, and International Latex)..

1965 June 21

Apollo technical definitions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The following definitions were specified for use in evaluating design reliability, for design tradeoff studies, and in appropriate Interface Control Documentation:

Mission success
all primary mission objectives must have been accomplished and both the crew and command module safely recovered.
Alternate mission
if a contingency prevented completion of all primary mission objectives, but did not require immediate termination of the mission, an alternate mission plan would be followed but alternate missions would not be included in design reliability calculations.
Abort
the only objective after an abort decision was the safest recovery of the crew considering the contingency which caused the abort.

1965 June 21-July 1

Flight tests to validate cabin layout of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) conducted a series of flight tests to determine whether the cabin layout of the LEM was suitable for crew performance in zero and one-sixth g environments. Together with its report of satisfactory results, the division made several observations that it thought "appropriate":
- CSD suggested hand grips in a number of places to aid the crew
- Additional restraints were needed to supplement the Velcro pile on the cabin floor
- Some problems with crew performance and mobility, present during one-g simulations, were absent in low- or zero-g environments (e.g., moving from one crew station to another).

1965 June 21

Requirement to connect the space suit to the Apollo LEM's environmental system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Joseph F. Shea, ASPO Manager, established as a firm mission requirement the capability to connect the space suit to the LEM's environmental system and to the portable life support system while in a vacuum. This capability was essential for operational flexibility on the moon's surface.

1965 June 21

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

1,000th test firing of the F-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. North American's Rocketdyne Division conducted the 1,000th test firing of the Saturn V's first-stage engine, the F-1..

1965 June 22

Additional functions defined for Apollo LEM's abort guidance computer - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC advised Grumman of additional functions for the computer in the LEM's abort guidance section (to be added only if a part of its memory was left over after the basic requirements were digested). These functions, in order of priority, MSC listed as:
- Midcourse corrections
- Automatic abort from a coasting descent
- Display of CSM-LEM range and range rate
- Automatic terminal rendezvous (with manual velocity control).

1965 June 22

Ad Hoc Surveyor Orbiter Utilization Committee - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Surveyor. Spacecraft: Surveyor Orbiter.
NASA Headquarters established an Ad Hoc Surveyor Orbiter Utilization Committee and MSC was requested to submit names of two proposed members. It was suggested that the nominees be familiar with the mission planning and constraints of the Apollo program. The first meeting was planned for late July.
On July 29, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth submitted the names of William A. Lee and William E. Stoney, Jr. He noted that the same two individuals were being nominated to serve as MSC members on the Apollo Site Selection Board. Gilruth expressed a desire that the meetings of the two groups could be coordinated to the extent that travel would be minimized.

1965 June 23

Block I and Block II Apollo CSM HE orbital communications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The operational requirement for Block I and Block II CSM HE orbital communications capability was investigated. ASPO requested that appropriate contract direction and specification change notices be submitted immediately to eliminate this capability from the Block II CSM and the practicality of eliminating the HE orbital capability from the Block I CSM be investigated.

1965 June 23

Apollo change proposals not adequately evaluated for program impact - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In a memorandum concerning Configuration Control Panel and Configuration Control Board actions, J. Thomas Markley, Chief of ASPO's Program Control Division, pointed out that many proposals coming before the two groups were not being adequately evaluated for program impact by the responsible subsystem or technical area manager. He said, in part, "We must keep the number of changes to a minimum and incorporate only those that are necessary to meet program objectives. We are beyond the time when we can afford the luxury design improvement changes, unless they can show substantial savings to the overall program. . . ."

1965 June 24-July 1

Report on modifications for lunar distance operating range for the Apollo CSM high-gain antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications. Dalmo-Victor submitted to MSC a report on modifications necessary to extend to lunar distances the operating range of the CSM's high-gain antenna. The Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division was reviewing the report..

1965 June 24-July 1

Analysis of Apollo LEM landing gear load-stroke requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
MSC completed a cursory analysis of LEM landing gear load-stroke requirements at touchdown velocities of 2.43 m (8 ft) per sec vertical and 1.22 m (4 ft) per sec horizontal. This study was conducted to determine the lowest crush loads at 8-4 velocity to which the gear could be designed and still meet its landing performance requirements.

1965 June 25

Design approved for thermal control of the valves in the Apollo CM's reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
MSC approved North American's concept for thermal control of the valves in the CM's reaction control system (essential for long-duration missions). The crew could electrically heat the valves for about ten minutes before CSM separation and before the system was pressurized, thereby forestalling possible freezing of the oxidizer when it contacted the valve.

1965 June 25

Apollo LEM weight control problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Harry L. Reynolds, Assistant Manager of ASPO, said it was "becoming increasingly clear that we are going to have a difficult job keeping the LEM weight below the control weight." He said the Grumman effort was not adequate and suggested that R. Bullard of MSC be given LEM weight control as a full-time responsibility.

1965 June 25

General Electric for all Apollo automatic checkout equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
ASPO informed Grumman, NAA, AC Spark Plug, and MIT that effective June 21, 1965, General Electric Company, Apollo Support Department, Daytona Beach, Fla., had assumed responsibility for the preparation and conduct of all automatic checkout equipment (ACE) training for NASA and its contractors.
To satisfy conditions of its contract, General Electric would:
- Survey NASA and contractor ACE training requirements and prepare for ASPO endorsement a standard set of lesson plans (course outlines) for three distinct ACE training courses -
  1. for ACE operators and operational checkout procedures writers,
  2. for personnel who had site assignments but were not operators, and
  3. for all other individuals who did not satisfy the aforementioned assignment considerations.
- Issue with ASPO approval a lesson plan for each ACE training course. These plans would be considered baseline documents and deviations would not be permitted without prior approval from ASPO.
- Prepare one study guide which would contain common reference information for all three ACE training courses.
- Issue coordinated ACE training schedules approved by ASPO.
- Distribute monthly status reports to each participating organization. 'This report would contain a training schedule for the next three months as well as a discussion of achievements. To control established plans and implement changes, the coordinator for each participating organization would be responsible for determining local training requirements and coordinating those needs with other contractors or NASA elements who desired training at that facility.
- Issue a citation which would acknowledge satisfactory course completion to those qualifying students.
Purpose of selection of a single ACE training contractor and establishment of a standard set of courses was to provide participating organizations a sufficient amount of training and a universal understanding of ACE.

1965 June 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Nine additional S-IVB stages for the Saturn V - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced negotiations with Douglas Aircraft Company for nine additional S-IVB stages to be used as the third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center. Work was to include related spares and launch support services. The S-IVB contract, presently valued at $312 million, would be increased by $150 million for the additional work.

1965 June 25

Proposed location of the antenna for the radar transponder in the Apollo CSM approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Docking, LM Guidance.
MSC approved North American's proposed location of the antenna for the radar transponder in the CSM, as well as the transponder's coverage. This action followed a detailed review of the relative positions of the two spacecraft during those mission phases when radar tracking of the LEM was required.

1965 June 25

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Col Bolender Mission Director for the first and second Apollo/Saturn IB flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced the appointment of Col. C. H. Bolender as Mission Director for the first and second Apollo/Saturn IB flights. Bolender was assigned to the Mission Operations Organization in the Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA..

1965 June 28

Concerns over Apollo heat shield development - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield. John H. Disher, Director of the OMSF Apollo Test Office, stressed two broad areas open to concern in the Apollo spacecraft heatshield development program.. Additional Details: here....

1965 June 28

Redundancy in the Apollo LEM's pulse code modulation telemetry system vetoed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Owen E. Maynard, Chief of the Systems Engineering Division, vetoed a demand by the Flight Control Division for redundancy in the LEM's pulse code modulation telemetry system. Two factors determined Maynard's action:
1. cost and schedule impacts, and
2. the resultant weight and power increases that redundancy would impose. Also it would produce only a "marginal" increase in the total reliability of the spacecraft.

1965 June 28

Apollo LEM communications problem - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Descent Propulsion.
Systems Engineering Division chief, Owen E. Maynard, reported to the Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division (IESD) the results of a study on a LEM communications problem (undertaken by his own group at IESD's request). During phases of powered descent to certain landing sites (those in excess of 20 degrees east or west longitude), the structure of the spacecraft would block the steerable antenna's line of sight with the earth. Communications with the ground would therefore be lost. Maynard concurred with IESD that the problem could best be solved by rotating the LEM about its thrust axis.

1965 June 29

Six scientist-astronauts for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA formally announced the selection of six scientist-astronauts for the Apollo program, chosen from a group nominated by America's scientific community. Qualifications and recruiting procedures had been worked out earlier by NASA and the National Academy of Sciences' Ad Hoc Committee on Scientific Qualifications of Scientist-Astronauts. To be eligible, candidates must have been born on or after August I, 1930; be citizens of the United States; be no more than 1.83 m (6 ft) tall; and have an educational level of a doctorate or the equivalent in experience. The six, only one of whom was on active military service, were Owen K. Garriott, Edward G. Gibson, Duane E. Graveline, Lt. Cdr. Joseph P. Kerwin (USN), Frank Curtis Michel, and Harrison Schmitt.

1965 June 29

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

No structural changes required for uprated Saturn IB's H-1 engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
North American reported to MSC that no structural changes to the spacecraft would be required for uprating the thrust of the Saturn IB's H-1 engine from 90,718 to 92,986 kg (200,000 to 205,000 lbs). Effects on the performance of the launch escape vehicle would be negligible.

1965 June 29

Apollo PA-2 launch escape system test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES, CSM Recovery.
NASA launched Apollo mission PA-2, a test of the launch escape system (LES) simulating a pad abort at WSMR. All test objectives were met. The escape rocket lifted the spacecraft (boilerplate 23A) more than 1,524 m (5,000 ft) above the pad. The earth landing system functioned normally, lowering the vehicle back to earth. This flight was similar to the first pad abort test on November 7, 1963, except for the addition of canards to the LES (to orient the spacecraft blunt end forward after engine burnout) and a boost protective cover on the CM. PA-2 was the fifth of six scheduled flights to prove out the LES.

1965 June 30

Apollo Lunar Landing Research Facility into operation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRF.
Langley Research Center put into operation its 3.5 million Lunar Landing Research Facility. The huge structure (76.2 m (250 ft) high and 121.9 m (400 ft) long) would be used to explore techniques and to forecast various problems of landing on the moon. The facility would enable a test vehicle to be operated under one-sixth g conditions.

1965 June 30

Apollo LLRV capabilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
In a memorandum to T. Tarbox, John Ryken, Bell Aerosystems Company LLRV Project Manager, said he understood that Dean Grimm of MSC believed that the LLRV was not configured to have the jet engine provide simulation of a constant-lift rocket thrust in addition to providing the 5/6th g lift. Ryken forwarded to Tarbox a copy of a report, "LLRV Automatic Control System Service and Maintenance Manual," plus notes on the system in the hope that these would help him and NASA personnel better understand the system. He also included suggestions about reducing aerodynamic moments which Grimm felt might interfere with LEM simulation.

1965 July 1

Development Engineering Inspection for Apollo Little Joe II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Gordon. Program: Apollo.
The Development Engineering Inspection (DEI) for Little Joe II 12-51-3 was satisfactorily conducted at General Dynamics Convair, San Diego, Calif. The vehicle had been assigned for Mission A-004, an abort mission in the power-on tumbling boundary region. The DEI was conducted with emphasis on changes which had been effected as a result of the malfunction encountered during the A-003 mission. The following served on the DEI Board: J. A. Chamberlin, Chairman, S. A. Sjoberg, R. F. Gordon, F. J. Bailey, R. C. Duncan, W. M. Bland, R. A. Gardiner, and L. P. Gallagher, Secretary.

1965 July 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Thermal problem with the Saturn V during ascent - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
On the basis of information from the two Apollo spacecraft manufacturers, the Systems Engineering Division (SED) reported a possible thermal problem with the Saturn V during ascent:
- On Saturns 501 and 502, the temperatures of the SM and the adapter would exceed design limits. (These limits were based on heating rates for 504, a heavier vehicle with a consequently cooler trajectory.)
- And on 504, heating rates on the adapter would create an "unacceptable thermal environment" for the spacecraft within.
SED laid down study procedures to determine the best solution to this problem (either by modifying the spacecraft or the launch trajectory - or both).

1965 July 1

Apollo Site Selection Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Within its Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA organized an Apollo Site Selection Board. As an advisory body to the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, George E. Mueller, the group would recommend landing sites for Apollo..

1965 July 1

Apollo Operations Executive Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller told MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth he was establishing an Operations Executive Group. This group would consist of senior executives whose organizations were carrying out the manned space flight operations.
It was Mueller's objective that the group meet on a regular basis and review program status, resource requirements, management, and flight operations to provide executive management with the background needed to make effective policy decisions. A second objective was to ensure that the executives in the operations area knew each other well enough to work directly in the rapid solution of time-critical problems.
Mueller planned that one-day meetings would be held at two to four month intervals at locations that would acquaint members with facilities and equipment.

1965 July 1-8

Oxygen storage systems for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman completed its study of oxygen storage systems for the LEM and reviewed with MSC the company's recommendation (one 20,684-kilonewton per sq m (3,000 psi) tank in the descent stage, two 6,894-kilonewtons per sq m (1,000 psi) tanks in the ascent stage). One drawback to the design, which the Crew Systems Division termed an "apparently unavoidable bad feature," was that, by the time of the final cabin repressurization, the repressurization time would increase to about 12 minutes (though this was admittedly a conservative estimate). Although requesting more data from Grumman on temperatures and cabin pressures, the Center approved the configuration.

1965 July 2

Report on Apollo back contamination - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The NASA Director of Bioscience Programs pointed out that the National Academy of Sciences' report on back contamination placed emphasis on the potential hazard from the moon because of the short stay on the moon. From this report, it was evident that NASA had problems which must be solved in the very near future.
It was recommended that NASA accept the operational responsibility for back contamination and that there be a clear-cut assignment soon.
It was felt that failure of NASA to establish adequate authority to handle this problem and thus to satisfy the public, the press, the scientific community, and other regulatory agencies could result in direct control of back contamination by those agencies and cause unnecessary constraints upon the manned lunar and planetary missions.

1965 July 2

Protective devices for Apollo astronauts during a solar flare - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea ordered Crew Systems Division to develop some type of protective devices that the astronauts might use to shield their eyes during a solar flare. ASPO regarded the risk of cataracts during these solar events as extraordinarily high. Although not mandatory, it was desirable that the crew could still see while wearing the devices. Should a flare occur while the crew manned the LEM, mission ground rules called for an abort back to the safety of the CSM; therefore, such devices would be needed for the CM alone.

1965 July 4-10

Apollo CM 002 transferred within North American from manufacturing to the test organization - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. The Weekly Activity Report for the period indicated progress in several areas.. Additional Details: here....

1965 July 7-9

Langley completed Apollo CSM simulations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking. Langley Research Center completed CSM active docking simulations and lunar orbital docking runs..

1965 July 7-13

Thermal problems with Apollo Block II environmental control system (ECS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Illustrative of continuing design and managerial problems, MSC and North American representatives attempted to resolve thermal problems with the Block II environmental control system (ECS), primarily the ECS radiator. The week-long talks were fruitless. MSC's arguments and supportive evidence notwithstanding, the contractor steadfastly opposed the water-glycol approach, favoring a nonfreezing liquid (Freon). MSC, similarly, was hardly satisfied with North American's intransigence and less so with the company's effort and performance. "A pertinent observation," reported Crew Systems Division, "is that . . . it will be extremely difficult to complete any other development in support of Block II schedules unless their (North American's) attitude is changed."

1965 July 8-9

Design review on the VHF radio equipment for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
At a design review on the VHF radio equipment for the LEM, conducted by RCA, Grumman refused to vote its approval. Grumman's most serious objection centered on thermal loads, which under extreme conditions could far exceed specification limits. RCA thereupon began exploring several approaches, including new materials, relocation of components, and redesigned heat sinks. Grumman was asked to keep MSC well informed on problems, corrective actions, and anticipated impacts.

1965 July 11

Apollo RCS oxidizer tank failed during test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
An RCS oxidizer tank failed during a test to demonstrate propellant compatibility with titanium tanks. This was the first of seven tanks to fail from a group of ten tanks put into test to investigate a failure that occurred during February 1965. These results caused an intensive investigation to be undertaken.

1965 July 11-17

Apollo Block II space suit preliminary design review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
During the period the NASA/Department of the Army agreement for use of Army helicopters to airlift LEM adapters was signed by both parties; the Apollo Block II space suit preliminary design review was successfully held by David Clark Company; and evaluation testing of the Apollo Block II space suits submitted by David Clark Company, Hamilton Standard Division and International Latex was completed, with data being reduced.

1965 July 12

Apollo spacesuit umbilical disonnects in a vacuum discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Joseph F. Shea, ASPO Manager, informed Flight Crew Operations that the capability had been firmly established for connecting and disconnecting the suit oxygen umbilicals in a vacuum. Crew Systems Division was modifying the connector (using a two-position release) to satisfy this requirement. This change would ensure safe umbilical operation while in an unpressurized spacecraft.

1965 July 13

Controlling the amount of bacteria vented from the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) completed its study on the feasibility of controlling the amount of bacteria vented from the LEM. Division researchers found that, by placing special filters in the environmental control system (ECS) of the spacecraft, emission levels could be greatly lowered. This reduction would be meaningless, however, in view of effluents from the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) - the moon would still be contaminated by the space travelers. Because of weight penalties - and because of their dubious value - CSD recommended that bacteria filters not be added to the LEM's ECS. The Division further advised that, at present, neither the amount of bacteria emitted from the EMU nor a means of controlling this effluence was yet known.

1965 July 13

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

Little Joe II failure investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A Little Joe II failure investigation presentation was made at MSC July 13 in which General Dynamics/ Convair (GD/C) and MSC's Engineering and Development (E&D) Directorate presented results of independent failure investigations of the mishap which occurred during Apollo Mission A-003 (Boilerplate 22) on June 22, 1965, at WSMR. Additional Details: here....

1965 July 14

Meteoroid protection figures for the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II.
Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) presented meteoroid protection figures for the Apollo CSM. (During April, General Electric (GE) had developed reliability estimates for the LEM, based on revised design criteria, for the 8.3-day reference mission. The probability for mission success, GE had found, was 0.9969.) SMD'S figures were:
Block I (14-day earth orbital flight) Block II (8.3-day lunar mission)
CM 0.99987 0.99989
SM 0.9943 0.9941
The division consequently placed the meteoroid protection for the entire mission at 0.99417 (Block I, CSM only) and 0.99089 (Block II, CSM and LEM). Apollo's goal was 0.99.
All of the above figures, both GE's and SMD's, were derived from the inherent protection afforded by the spacecraft's structure. Thus no additional meteoroid shielding was needed. (Meteoroid protection would still be required, of course, during extravehicular operations.)

	Block I (14-day earth orbital flight)	Block II (8.3-day lunar mission)
CM	0.99987	0.99989
SM	0.9943	0.9941

1965 July 14

Advisory group on the Apollo Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo.
Willis B. Foster, NASA's Director of Manned Space Science Programs, informed MSC's Maxime A. Faget that he had asked the following persons to continue to serve as members of an Ad Hoc Committee as an advisory group to Foster with regard to the design and construction of the Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory: E. C. T. Chao (Chairman), Lorin Clark (alternate chairman), James Arnold, Clifford Frondel, Briggs Phillips, P. R. Bell, and alternates Jonathan Klein and Larry Hall.

1965 July 15

Request to relax Apollo LEM qualification requirements rejected - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed Grumman that a proposal they had made during the LEM Program Review on July 6 regarding broader qualification scheduling and parts deviations had been reviewed by NASA and it was considered "not in the best interests of the program to relax the requirements to the extent proposed by GAEC. Additional Details: here....

1965 July 15

Redesign of the side hatch in the Block II Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American began redesigning the side hatch mechanism in the CM to satisfy the requirement for extravehicular transfer from Block II spacecraft. Two basic modifications to the Block I mechanism were required: (1) enlarging it to overcome thermal warpage; and (2) adding some hinge retention device to secure the hatch once it was opened.

1965 July 16-August 15

Apollo LEM as backup for the service propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM SPS.
In order to use the LEM as a backup for the service propulsion system (SPS) to abort the mission during the 15-hour period following translunar injection, Grumman informed North American that some redesign of the spacecraft's helium system would likely be required. This information prompted North American designers to undertake their own analysis of the situation. On the basis of their own findings, this latter group disagreed with the LEM manufacturer. Additional Details: here....

1965 July 16-August 15

Wind tunnel tests of Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. On the basis of wind tunnel tests at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), North American now considered as negligible the effects of structural protuberances on the CM's rolling moment and on propellant consumption..

1965 July 16

Passive water landing for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
North American recommended to MSC that, for the time being, the present method for landing the CM (i.e., a passive water landing) be maintained. However, on the basis of a recent feasibility study, the contractor urged that a rocket landing system be developed for possible use later on. North American said that such a system would improve mission reliability through the increase in impact capability on both land and water.

1965 July 16

Grumman to provide stowage within Apollo LEM for extravehicular tools - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Crew Station. MSC directed Grumman to provide stowage within the LEM for those tools needed for transfer between the two spacecraft (either intra- or extravehicular). The tool kit, similar to that in the CM, would be stored in the LEM at earth launch..

1965 July 19

Eight KC-135 aircraft and three ships for communications during Apollo flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA was acquiring eight KC-135 aircraft and three ships to help maintain communications during Apollo moon flights. In addition, two ships of the existing DOD instrumentation fleet were being remodeled for support of the Apollo lunar mission's reentry phase. The KC-135 jet transports would be used during reentry to combat the effects of the plasma sheath blackout which had drowned out communications on previous manned launchings. In addition, three primary ground stations were being prepared at Goldstone, Calif.; Canberra, Australia; and Madrid, Spain.

1965 July 19

Total Apollo LEM weight 14,515 kg - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
MSC directed Grumman to implement changes in weights of the LEM:
Total LEM 14,515 kg (32,000 lbs)
Ascent stage inert 2,193 kg (4,835 lbs)
Descent stage inert 2,166 kg (4,775 lbs)
Memorandum, James L. Neal, MSC, to GAEC, Attn: John C. Snedeker,

1965 July 19-20

Zero-g tests of the Apollo CM's crew couch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit. North American conducted zero-g tests at Wright-Patterson AFB to evaluate the design of the CM's unitized crew couch and restraint hardware..

1965 July 19

Apollo Block II CSM fuel cells from Pratt and Whitney - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. NASA Headquarters authorized North American to subcontract the Block II CSM fuel cells to Pratt and Whitney. Estimates placed the cost at $30 million..

1965 July 21

Apollo experiments package would be left on the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Weight.
MSC officially notified Grumman that, as part of the Apollo scientific program, an experiments package would be left on the moon by the crewmen of the LEM. The Center outlined weight and storage requirements for the package, which would be stored in the descent stage of the vehicle along with the lunar geological equipment. And MSC emphasized the need for dissipating waste heat given off by the system's radioisotope generator. (The radioisotope generator was a firm requirement, despite the fear voiced by many scientists that the radiation it gave off would disrupt the experiments.)

1965 July 21

Surveyor small rover cancelled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Surveyor. Spacecraft: Surveyor Lunar Rover.
Several lunar surface vehicles received national attention:
- NASA announced that it had dropped plans for developing a small rover to be carried to the moon aboard soft-landing Surveyor spacecraft. This action, the space agency said, stemmed from a desire to concentrate on the development of the spacecraft per se and on its scientific instrumentation.
1965 July 21
- Apollo Manned Flying System - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: LFV Bell. Spacecraft: MFS.
  Bell Aerosystems Company announced that it had received additional funds from NASA (almost a half million dollars) to continue work on another lunar vehicle, the so-called Manned Flying System. This latter craft, also primarily a tool for exploration, would be able to transport an astronaut and about 136 kg (300 lbs) of equipment (or two astronauts) for distances up to 24 km (15 mi) from the original landing site.

1965 July 21

Apollo Lunar Flying Vehicle (LFV) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: LFV Bell.
Bell Aerosystems Company announced that it had designed a rocket-propelled Lunar Flying Vehicle (LFV) to aid Apollo astronauts in their exploration of the moon. This work was the result of a year-long study that the company had conducted for MSFC. The LFV, nicknamed "Hopper," would be able to travel about 80 km (50 mi) without stopping. Bell announced also that it had received additional funds from NASA (almost a half million dollars) to continue work on another lunar vehicle, the so-called Manned Flying System. This latter craft, also primarily a tool for exploration, would be able to transport an astronaut and about 136 kg (300 lbs) of equipment (or two astronauts) for distances up to 24 km (15 mi) from the original landing site.

1965 July 21

Apollo LEM-1 review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. At a LEM-1 review held at Bethpage, N.Y., Grumman briefed MSC officials on the status of design drawings and hardware procurement. Also, the company prepared a detailed schedule for manufacturing and installation of various systems on the spacecraft..

1965 July 21

Qualification testing completed on Apollo CSM batteries - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. North American reported that qualification testing had been completed on two items of electrical hardware, the CSM battery charger and the pyrotechnic battery..

1965 July 22

Apollo LEM landing envelope discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. MSC and Grumman discussed the LEM landing gear design and determined the landing velocity touchdown envelope..

1965 July 22

Briefing on the Apollo LEM optical tracker - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Agreements and decisions reached at the MSC briefing on the LEM optical tracker were:
- Development of the LEM rendezvous radar should be continued.
- One contractor should be selected for development of the optical tracker with schedules to support installation in early LEMs.
- A decision on the rendezvous radar versus the optical tracker was deferred.

1965 July 23

Significant hardware Apollo changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Guidance, LM RCS. MSC authorized North American to make a number of significant hardware changes.. Additional Details: here....

1965 July 23

Functions defined for the Apollo LEM's abort guidance section - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC defined for Grumman the functions that the LEM's abort guidance section (AGS) must perform during earth orbital flights:
- When both spacecraft were unmanned, the AGS must be able to hold the LEM's attitude during coast or while thrusting; it would not, however, have to control thrusting itself.
- During manned missions, whether or not the LEM itself actually was manned, the AGS must afford closed-loop control of the vehicle, again both while coasting and thrusting. Thrusting phases of these flights would demonstrate the section's guidance and navigational capabilities.
The basic lunar mission program still would be used. False position, velocity, and gravity data would be inserted to make the AGS behave as if it were flying around the moon. Finally, MSC emphasized that neither the AGS hardware, its permanent or "hardwired" memory, nor delivery schedules must be altered to meet this earth orbital capability.

1965 July 26

Malfunction caused Apollo boilerplate 1 to impact on land - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
At North American's drop facility, a malfunction in the release mechanism caused boilerplate 1 to impact on land rather than water. After a recurrence of this accident on August 6, a team of investigators began looking into the problem. Drops were suspended pending their findings. These incidents aggravated delays in the test program, which already was seven weeks behind schedule.

1965 July 26

LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan II.

Circumlunar flight using Gemini seriously studied - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
During a news conference, Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, Deputy Manager of the Gemini Project Office at MSC, affirmed that, although no firm decisions had yet been made, the concept of a circumlunar flight using a Gemini spacecraft was being seriously studied. The mission would use Titan II and III-C launch vehicles and would require rendezvousing in earth orbit. NASA, Martin-Marietta Corporation (builder of the Titan), and Aerojet-General Corporation (which manufactured upper stages for the III-C) all were studying the feasibility of such a flight. Later in the year, NASA Administrator James E. Webb eliminated the possibility of a Gemini circumlunar mission, ". . . our main reliance for operating at lunar distances . . . is the large Saturn V/Apollo system."

1965 July 29

Failure of the Apollo A-003 Little Joe II launch vehicle not determined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Failure of the Little Joe II launch vehicle on Mission A-003 and subsequent lack of positive failure cause identification and corrective action led to a lower than desirable confidence level in the capability of the controlled version of Little Joe II to accomplish the planned A-004 mission. The test objectives for A-004 were set forth.

1965 July 29

General Electric Apollo Acceptance Checkout Equipment contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
General Electric (GE) received a supplement to its ACE-S/C (Acceptance Checkout Equipment-Spacecraft) contract. Total cost and fee for the amendment, which covered a reliability program for Apollo parts and materials, was $1,382,600. This brought the total value of GE's contract to $85.6 million.

1965 July 30

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Performance of the Apollo launch escape vehicle evaluated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
During the preceding six months, officials in ASPO and the Engineering and Development Directorate evaluated the performance of the launch escape vehicle (LEV) during aborts on and near the launch pad. That performance, they had determined, was inadequate. To solve this problem, MSC ordered North American to incorporate a number of design changes in both the LEV and the spacecraft:
- provide the capability for manual override of the main parachute deployment timer and for manual deployment of those parachutes (for both Saturn IB and V flights)
- Provide for dumping helium from the CM's reaction control system (RCS) automatically
- Modify the CM RCS to permit rapid dumping of its fuel (similar to the existing oxidizer dump). But fuel and oxidizer must not be dumped simultaneously. (This change applied only to Block II CMs.)
- Provide the capability to cut out the LEV's pitch control motor on Block I vehicles (similar to that already in Block II spacecraft)
- Design a removable device that, while on the pad, would keep the launch escape motor's propellant temperature above 70 degrees.

1965 July 30

13:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Pegasus 3 - . Payload: Pegasus 3. Mass: 10,500 kg (23,100 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Huntsville. Program: Apollo. Class: Earth. Type: Micrometeoroid satellite. Spacecraft: Pegasus satellite. Decay Date: 1969-08-04 . USAF Sat Cat: 1467 . COSPAR: 1965-060A. Apogee: 449 km (278 mi). Perigee: 441 km (274 mi). Inclination: 28.90 deg. Period: 93.40 min.
NASA launched Pegasus 3, third of the meteoroid detection satellites, as scheduled at 8:00 a.m. EST, from Cape Kennedy. As earlier, an Apollo spacecraft (boilerplate 9) served as the payload's shroud. This flight (SA-10) marked the end of the Saturn I program, which during its seven-year lifetime had achieved 10 straight successful launches and had contributed immeasurably to American rocket technology.

Apollo-Model 5 - . Payload: Apollo CSM Boilerplate 9A. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. Decay Date: 1975-11-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 1468 . COSPAR: 1965-060B. Apogee: 536 km (333 mi). Perigee: 521 km (323 mi). Inclination: 28.80 deg. Period: 95.21 min.

1965 July 31

Apollo LEM schedule changes cause confusion - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed LEM Subsystems Managers that recent LEM schedule changes and program review activities had led to some confusion with regard to schedule requirements and policies. Shea pointed out that in some instances subsystem delivery schedules had been established which were inconsistent with the overall program. Where this had occurred, prompt action by the Subsystems Managers was required to recover lost ground. Shea then laid down specific ground rules to be followed, and requested that waivers of these ground rules be submitted no later than August 15, along with a demonstration that reasonable alternatives had been investigated. Only the ASPO Manager would approve any waivers.

1965 July 31

NASA / Public Health Service agreements on Apollo back contamination - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
At a meeting between representatives of NASA and Public Health Service representatives, it was agreed:
- That the PHS had responsibility for the health of the nation and for any potential threat to that health from extraterrestrial life, particularly from back contamination.
- That the Office of the Surgeon General, PHS, would submit to the NASA Administrator a proposal for action deemed necessary.
- That the Department of Agriculture had a similar responsibility for the nation's crops and animals of economic importance and that the Department of Agriculture would probably accept arrangements made by PHS, and be brought into the matter at the point they considered action to be necessary.
Additional Details: here....

1965 July

Two change orders were issued to Grumman under the Apollo LEM contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Two change orders were issued to Grumman under the LEM contract, which brought the total estimated cost and fixed fee to $573,246,377..

1965 July

Landing touchdown studies in the Apollo LEM landing simulator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
Several astronauts participated in landing touchdown studies conducted in the LEM landing simulator to verify data collected in previous studies and to determine changes in controls and displays to improve the touchdown envelope. Studies involved landing runs from an altitude of 305 m (1,000 ft) with manual takeover at 213 m (700 ft), at which time the pilot could select a precise landing site.

1965 July

Three competing Apollo Block II space suits evaluated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Structural. Crew Systems Division completed evaluation of the three Block II space suits submitted by Hamilton Standard, David Clark, and International Latex.. Additional Details: here....

1965 August 2

Restrictions for the scientific equipment packages for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. MSC informed Grumman of package dimensions and weight restrictions for the scientific equipment and packages to be stored in the LEM..

1965 August 2

Plans to install Apollo Unified S-Band System equipment at Corpus Christi tracking station - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Television, LM Communications, LM Television.
NASA announced plans to install Apollo Unified S-Band System equipment at its Corpus Christi, Tex., tracking station. The Unified S-Band equipment included a 9-m (30-ft) diameter parabolic antenna and would enable handling of seven different types of communications with two different vehicles, the CM and the LEM. The communications would: track the spacecraft; command its operations and confirm that the command had been executed; provide two-way voice conversation with three astronauts; keep a continuous check on the astronauts' health; make continuous checks on the spacecraft and its functions; supply a continuous flow of information from the Apollo onboard experiments; and transmit television of the astronauts and the exploration of the moon.

1965 August 2

Marquardt to build Apollo Block II SM reaction control system engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
NASA's office at Downey, Calif., approved the contract with the Marquardt Corporation for the procurement of Block II SM reaction control system engines. Estimated cost of the fixed price contract would be $6.5 million. Marquardt was supplying the Block I SM engines.

1965 August 2

First prototype Apollo portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Hamilton Standard shipped the first prototype portable life support system to Houston, where it would undergo testing by the Crew Systems Division..

1965 August 3

ALSEP Prototypes to be built by three firms. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA named three firms, Bendix Systems Division, TRW Systems Group, and Space-General Corporation to design prototypes of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP). Each company received a $500,000, six-month contract. After delivery of the prototypes, MSC would select one of the three to develop the ALSEP flight hardware.

1965 August 3

Grumman reported the status of its effort to lighten the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Grumman reported the status of its effort to lighten the LEM. Despite some relief afforded by recent program changes (e.g., revised velocity budgets and the replacing of fuel cells with batteries), the contractor admitted that significant increases resulted as the design of the spacecraft matured. Grumman recommended, and MSC approved, a Super Weight Improvement Program (SWIP) similar to the one that the company had used in its F-111 aircraft program. By the end of the month, the company reported that SWIP had trimmed about 45 kg (100 lbs) from the ascent and about 25 kg (55 lbs) from the descent stages of the spacecraft. Grumman assured MSC that the SWIP team's attack on the complete vehicle, including its equipment, would be completed prior to the series of LEM design reviews scheduled for late in the year.

1965 August 4

200 staff transferred to Houston - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
During the next 10 months, 200 employees of MSFC would be transferred to MSC to augment the Houston staff for the operational phase of the Apollo program. Completion of the first phase of the Saturn program (with the successful launch of SA-10) made it possible for Marshall to release qualified personnel to satisfy MSC's needs.

1965 August 5

Apollo boilerplate (BP) 6A sustained considerable damage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
During tests of the Apollo earth landing system (ELS) at El Centro, Calif., boilerplate (BP) 6A sustained considerable damage in a drop that was to have demonstrated ELS performance during a simulated apex-forward pad abort. Oscillating severely at the time the auxiliary brake parachute was opened, the spacecraft severed two of the electrical lines that were to have released that device. Although the ELS sequence took place as planned, the still-attached brake prevented proper operation of the drogues and full inflation of the mains. As a result, BP-6A landed at a speed of about 50 fps.

1965 August 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First ground test firing of Saturn S-IC stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Saturn V's booster, the S-IC stage, made a "perfect" full-duration static firing by burning for the programmed 2.5 minutes at its full 33,360-kilonewton (7.5-million-lbs) thrust in a test conducted at MSFC. The test model demonstrated its steering capability on command from the blockhouse after 100 sec had elapsed; the firing consumed 2.133-million liters (537,000 gallons) of kerosene and liquid oxygen.

1965 August 5-12

Apollo design changes to be processed through a Change Control Board (CCB) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
North American developed a plan to process NASA- and contractor-initiated design changes through a Change Control Board (CCB). Indications were that the contractor's Apollo Program Manager would implement the plan on August 19. Elevating the level of management on the CCB, together with a standard approach to processing changes, was expected to improve the technical definition and documentation of design changes. In addition, program baselines were being established to permit a more informed control of technical requirements.

1965 August 6

Design review on the environmental control system radiator for the Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American and MSC attended a design review at Ling-Temco-Vought on the environmental control system radiator for the Block II CSM. After reviewing design and performance analyses, the review team approved changes in testing and fabrication of test hardware.

1965 August 6

Interface problems between Apollo LEM and portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) reported that changing the method for storing oxygen in the LEM (from cryogenic to gaseous) had complicated the interface between the spacecraft's environmental control system (ECS) and the portable life support system (PLSS). Very early, the maximum temperature for oxygen at the PLSS recharge station had been placed at 80 degrees. Recent analyses by Grumman disclosed that, in fact, the gas temperature might be double that figure. Oxygen supplied at 160 degrees, CSD said, would limit to 2½ hours the PLSS operating period. Modifying the PLSS, however, would revive the issue of its storage aboard both spacecraft.
Seeking some answer to this problem, CSD engineers began in-house studies of temperature changes in the spacecraft's oxygen. There was some optimism that Grumman's estimates would be proved much too high, and MSC thus far had made no changes either to the ECS or to the PLSS.

1965 August 9

Saturn V stages tested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Two Saturn milestones occurred on the same day. At Santa Susana, Calif., North American conducted the first full-duration captive firing of an S-II, second stage of the Saturn V. And at Sacramento, Douglas static-tested the first flight-model S-IVB, second stage for the Saturn IB. This latter marked the first time that a complete static test (encompassing vehicle checkout, loading, and firing) had been controlled entirely by computers.

1965 August 10

Schedule dates set for detailed Apollo LEM test plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. ASPO forwarded to Grumman the schedule dates which should be used for submission of detailed vehicle test plans.. Additional Details: here....

1965 August 10

Apollo CM's postlanding battery failure procedure - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. MSC notified North American that, should one of the CM's postlanding batteries fail, the crew could lower the power requirements of the spacecraft during recovery and thus stay within the capabilities of the two remaining batteries..

1965 August 12-13

Concept for a panel retention system in the Apollo LEM adapter rejected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
MSC rejected North American's second design concept for a panel retention system in the LEM adapter. (The contractor's first proposal had drawn an unsatisfactory verdict early in June.) These successive rejections, largely on the basis of weight and vibration factors, illustrated the company's continuing difficulties with the system. MSC "suggested" to North American that it circumvent these problems by attaching the retention cable directly to the skin of the adapter.

1965 August 12

All-gaseous oxygen supply system in the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Grumman received approval from Houston for an all-gaseous oxygen supply system in the LEM. While not suggesting any design changes, MSC desired that portable life support systems (PLSS) be recharged with the cabin pressurized. And because the oxygen pressure in the descent stage tanks might be insufficient for the final recharge, the PLSSs could be "topped off" with oxygen from one of the tanks in the vehicle's ascent stage if necessary.

1965 August 12

Recent failures of Apollo titanium tanks at Bell studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Resident ASPO quality assurance officers at North American began investigating recent failures of titanium tanks at Bell Aerosystems. Concern about this problem had been expressed by the Apollo Test Directorate at NASA Hq in July and MSC started an investigation at that time. The eventual solution (a change in the nitrogen tetroxide specification) was contributed to by North American, Bell Aero Systems, the Boeing Company, MSFC, MSC, Langley Research Center, and a committee chaired by John Scheller of NASA Hq. The penstripe method to find cracks on the interior of the vessels was used to solve the problem. The quality assurance people viewed the failures as quite serious since Bell had already fabricated about 180 such tanks.

1965 August 12

Six key checkpoints in development of Apollo hardware listed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, listed the six key checkpoints in the development of Apollo hardware:
1. Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
2. Critical Design Review (CDR)
3. Flight Article Configuration Inspection (FACI)
4. Certification of Flight Worthiness (COFR)
5. Design Certification Review (DCR)
6. Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
Additional Details: here....

1965 August 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First ground test firing of S-IVB stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Manned space station.

1965 August 18

Operation Scrape to lighten the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
At a third status meeting on LEM-1, Grumman put into effect "Operation Scrape," an effort to lighten that spacecraft by about 57 kg (125 lbs). "Scrape" involved an exchange of parts between LEM-1 and LTA-3. The former vehicle thus would be heavier than the latter; LTA-3, on the other hand, would have the same structural weight as LEMs 2 and forthcoming.

1965 August 18

Apollo LEM Mission Programmer Program Reader Assembly deleted - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Owen E. Maynard, Chief of the Systems Engineering Division, asked that part of the LEM Mission Programmer, the Program Reader Assembly, be deleted. The assembly was no longer needed, Maynard said, to meet Apollo mission requirements..

1965 August 18-24

Preliminary Design Engineering Inspection for Apollo CSM 011 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The preliminary Design Engineering Inspection (DEI) for CSM 011, Mission AS-202, was held. This was a major program milestone for the mission. The review board met on August 24 and the formal DEI was conducted August 30, 31, and September 1..

1965 August 19

Apollo Configuration Control Panel - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Resident Office at KSC was notified that it was ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea's desire that a Configuration Control Panel be established and chaired at KSC to consider and process engineering changes to Apollo spacecraft and associated hardware undergoing checkout and test at KSC.
The ASPO Configuration Management Plan was being revised to reflect the action. The newly formed CCP's authority would be restricted to review of end item hardware (including ground support equipment configuration changes) to determine if the change was mandatory in the conduct of tests at KSC, and the approval of the contractor's plan for making the mandatory change to specific Apollo hardware end items at KSC.

1965 August 19-26

Two Apollo LEM test articles to be used - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. MSC assigned two LEM test articles (numbers 10 and 2, respectively) to the SA-501 and SA-502 missions. Prior to flight, the spacecraft would be refurbished by Grumman, which would require four to five months' work on each vehicle..

1965 August 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo S-IVB static-fired simulating a lunar mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Douglas Aircraft Company static-fired the S-IVB in a test at Sacramento, Calif., simulating the workload of a lunar mission. The stage was run for three minutes, shut down for half an hour, then reignited for almost six minutes..

1965 August 23

Ground rules for qualifying equipment for Apollo Block II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Joseph F. Shea, ASPO Manager, summarized ground rules on the schedules for qualifying and delivering equipment for Block II spacecraft,. Additional Details: here....

1965 August 23

Apollo spacecraft contractors plan extensive ground- based test program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC and Apollo spacecraft contractors were in process of planning and implementing an extensive ground- based test program to certify the spacecraft for flight. All possible efforts were being made to benefit from the experience of related spacecraft programs in planning the Apollo test program. In view of the similarities of the Surveyor mission and the LEM mission, Jet Propulsion Laboratory was asked to cooperate by providing: (1) background information concerning the manner in which their qualification test program had been performed, (2) the major complete vehicle and partial vehicles used in the ground test programs, and (3) significant results obtained from such programs.

1965 August 24

Review of the Apollo LEM landing and docking dynamic environments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Guidance.
MSC requested that Grumman review the current LEM landing and docking dynamic environments to assure: (1) no loss of the abort guidance system attitude reference due to angular motion exceeding its design limit of 25 degrees per second during indicated mission phases; and (2) a mission angular acceleration environment, exceeding the gyro structural tolerances, would not be realized.

1965 August 26-September 2

Prelaunch heat loads on Apollo LEM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. Grumman advised that prelaunch heat loads on LEM-1 exceeded the capability of the spacecraft's prelaunch Freon boiler. . Additional Details: here....

1965 August 26-September 2

Qualification testing was completed on the Apollo LEM's helium storage tank - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Qualification testing was completed on the LEM's helium storage tank..

1965 August 27

Guidelines for Apollo developmental missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Owen E. Maynard, Chief of the Systems Engineering Division (SED), drafted a set of guidelines for Apollo developmental missions. While these guidelines pertained mostly to Block II development, and were so labeled, to some extent they dealt with Block I flights as well. These Development Mission Guidelines covered the overall mission, as well as specific phases, with one section devoted solely to the LEM. (Maynard was careful to distinguish these guidelines from "ground rules" in that, rather than being mandatory requirements, their intent was "to afford test planning a guide and somewhat of an envelope . . . and not hard and fast rules.")
SED was considering including these guidelines in the Apollo Spacecraft Master Test Plan when that document was next revised.

1965 August 27

Ground testing of Apollo service propulsion system concluded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
North American reported that ground testing of the service propulsion engine had been concluded. Also, changing the propellant ratio of the service propulsion system had improved the engine's performance and gimbal angles and had reduced the weight of the Block II SM.

1965 August 29-September 4

Several important activities were noted during Apollo reporting period - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
Several important activities were noted during the reporting period: (1) Qualification of the new reefing line cutters was progressing satisfactorily and scheduled for completion in October 1965. (The cutter had been used successfully on the last two earth landing system tests conducted at El Centro); (2) the helium storage tank for the LEM reaction control subsystem successfully passed qualification tests; and (3) the Aero Spacelines' new aircraft, "Super Guppy," made its maiden flight from Van Nuys, Calif., to Mojave Airfield, Calif. The new aircraft had the capability of airlifting the spacecraft-LEM-adapter as well as providing vital backup for the "Pregnant Guppy" aircraft.

1965 August 30-September 1

Apollo CSM 011 design engineering inspection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Spacecraft 011's design engineering inspection was held at North American. The review combined structures, mission (SA-202), and ground support. The Review Board approved 55 changes (53 of which were assigned to North American)..

1965 August 30

Official emblem adopted for the Apollo Program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA's Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, George E. Mueller, informed MSC's Director Robert R. Gilruth that an official emblem had been adopted for the Apollo Program, a composite based on the best proposals submitted by NASA and contractor personnel.

1965 August

Radiation levels predicted for Apollo LEM-3 crew - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Grumman completed an analysis of radiation levels that would be encountered by the LEM-3 crew during their earth orbital mission. Grumman advised that doses would not be harmful. To lessen these levels even further, the contractor recommended that during some parts of the mission the two astronauts climb back into the CM; also, the planned orbit for the LEM (556 by 2,500 km (300 by 1,350 nm)) could be changed to avoid the worst part of the Van Allen Belt.

1965 August 31-September 1

Apollo LEM landing point designator pushed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
At an implementation meeting at MSC on the LEM's guidance and control system, Grumman again made a pitch for its concept for the landing point designator (i.e., scale markings on the vehicle's window). On September 13, the company received MSC's go-ahead. Grumman was told to coordinate closely with both MSC and MIT on the designator's design to ensure that the scale markings would be compatible with the spacecraft's computer.

1965 August

Explosion damaged Apollo LEM reaction control system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS. An explosion damaged a LEM reaction control system thruster being fired in an up attitude in altitude tests at MSC..

1965 September-October

Apollo LEM's descent engine problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Grumman advised MSC of major troubles plaguing development of the LEM's descent engine. These included problems of weight, chamber erosion, mixtures, valves, combustion instability, and throttle mechanisms (which Grumman said could delay delivery of LEM 1 and the start of qualification testing).

1965 September

13 flights made in the Apollo LLRV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV. A total of 13 flights were made in the LLRV, including one in which the lunar simulation mode was flown for the first time..

1965 September 1

Impact tests with Apollo boilerplate 28 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
North American conducted another in their series of impact tests with boilerplate 28. This drop tested the toroidal section of the spacecraft (heatshield and equipment bay structure) in impact at high angle and maximum horizontal velocity. The spacecraft suffered no visible damage. Some water leaked into the vehicle, but this was blamed on the boilerplate structure itself and the apex-down attitude after impact.

1965 September 1

Apollo LEM ascent engine exploded during firings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
A LEM ascent engine exploded during altitude firings at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). In subsequent investigations, Bell Aerosystems researchers concluded that the failure probably resulted from raw propellants being accidentally forced into the engine at the end of the second run, thus damaging the injector. Additional Details: here....

1965 September 1-8

External panel retention cables on the Apollo adapter unacceptable - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC advised officials at North American's Tulsa Division that their concept for external panel retention cables on the adapter was unacceptable. While the Tulsa people agreed with Houston's objections, because of orders from Downey they had no authority to change the design. Structures and Mechanics Division reported that North American's "continued apathy . . . to redesign the system" threatened a schedule delay.

1965 September 2-9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Abort feasibility for the AS-206 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC's Flight Operations Division requested an investigation of the feasibility of performing an abort from an inoperative S-IVB booster on the AS-206 unmanned LEM mission..

1965 September 3

Status of the Apollo LEM tracking systems described - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller summarized for Administrator James E. Webb the status of the LEM tracking systems. The LEM rendezvous radar system, which had been under development since 1963, was expected to be available when needed for flight missions. Technical studies had shown that an Optical Tracker System offered weight and reliability advantages with no reduction in LEM performance. Hughes Aircraft Company was developing an Optical Tracking System as a back-up to the rendezvous radar.

1965 September 3

Ultimate strength of Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. To aid in defining abort limits for the emergency detection system, MSC authorized North American to determine the ultimate strength of the spacecraft based on failure trajectories of the Saturn IB and Saturn V vehicles..

1965 September 3

Grumman to review Apollo ascent and descent system components - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
MSC requested Grumman to review the following ascent and descent pressurization system components in the propulsion subsystem for materials compatibility with certain propellants:
1. helium explosive valve;
2. pressure regulator;
3. latching solenoid valve;
4. pressure relief and burst disc; and
5. quad check valve.
Recent reports from various programs had shown that propellant vapors had seeped into mid-portions of their pressurization systems, causing corrosion and leakage problems. The SM and LEM had recently revised portions of their programs to incorporate this compatibility requirement.

1965 September 8

Apollo LEM vehicle as an electrical ground - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Assistant ASPO Manager William A. Lee told the General Instrumentation Branch of the Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division Grumman was preparing a proposal for use of the LEM vehicle as an electrical ground. The plan was to adopt a single wire system selectively for those circuits not susceptible to electrical transients. Lee said Grumman estimated a weight savings of 27 kg (60 lbs) in the ascent stage and 9 kg (20 lbs) in the descent stage. The proposal was expected to be available to NASA by October 1 and Lee had committed NASA to a decision within three weeks of receipt of the plan.

1965 September 8

Strenuous Apollo LM weight reduction effort - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
William A. Lee, ASPO, pointed out to the MSC Thermo-Structures Branch that Grumman was engaged in a strenuous weight reduction effort and that, when feasible, MSC should accept the proposed changes. In the area of thermal control, Grumman was investigating the use of etched aluminum surfaces to replace thermal paint. It was expected that the change was feasible and that approximately 11 kg (24 lbs) of inert weight would be saved on each stage of the LEM. In addition, Grumman was investigating the applicability of this technique to the landing gear components.
Grumman was also studying substitution of an aluminum-mylar nonrigid outer heatshield with plastic standoffs for current rigid ascent and descent heatshields. The potential inert weight saving would be about 84 kg (185 lbs). Lee requested that Thermo-Structures Branch stay in close contact with these developments.

1965 September 9-16

Apollo parachute test cancelled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. Northrop-Ventura canceled a parachute test because of problems with the reefing line rings and the main parachute bags. North American was looking into these problems which, it was anticipated, would affect both blocks of spacecraft..

1965 September 9-10

Guillotine developed for Apollo LEM's interstage umbilical - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC requested Grumman and North American to study the possibility of taking the guillotine that Grumman had developed for the LEM's interstage umbilical and using it as well to sever the two umbilicals linking the LEM to the adapter. In this manner, North American's effort to develop these cutters might be eliminated; LEM-adapter interface would be simplified; and a significant monetary savings could be effected without schedule impact.

1965 September 10

Additional Apollo pilot-astronauts recruited - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA began recruiting additional Apollo pilot-astronauts, to begin training the following summer..

1965 September 10

Development of antennas for the Apollo back pack - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. Because of recent changes in the design of the space suit, Motorola, under its contract for suit communications antennas, began concentrating on the development of antennas for the back pack rather than on the helmet..

1965 September 10

Major technical problems plaguing Apollo designers - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Owen E. Maynard, Chief of Systems Engineering Division, advised ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea of the major technical problems currently plaguing Apollo designers:

Spacecraft weight growths
these, Maynard said, exceeded predictions "by a serious margin." Pessimistically, he added that the performance of many systems was but "marginally acceptable."
Lunar landing criteria
the unknowns involved precluded conservative thinking on the LEM.
Integration of scientific experiments
Maynard blamed the "piece-meal" integration of experiments for the lack of comprehensive planning and for many late hardware changes.
Water landing criteria
because of the range of variables, present design margins were questionable.
Land landing
i.e., development of the landing rockets.
Thermal design
conflicts existed between temperature control and attitude constraints for the spacecraft.
Propulsion performance
no unit, Maynard reported, had yet achieved the specific impulse which was required of it.
Space suit development
design of the suit, and of the thermal-meteoroid garment and the portable life support system, Maynard said, had "gyrated violently, resulting in spacecraft design compromises to accommodate questionable space suit performance."

1965 September 12

Hurricane Betsy damaged Apollo Program facilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Hurricane Betsy hit the United States and Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips presented an interim report to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., concerning the effects of the storm on NASA property and programs:

Michoud (La.) Plant
all of the buildings suffered moderate to severe damage. So far as could be determined, Saturn hardware in process was not damaged to any appreciable extent. Damage was estimated at between $2 and $4 million. Time lost by the storm and due to cleanup and repairs would probably affect program schedules by two or more weeks.
Transportation
the barge Promise tied up at the Michoud dock broke free and was beached. Externally, no damages were visible. The dock area was heavily damaged.
Production of Liquid Hydrogen
Air Products, Inc., plant under construction across the canal from Michoud was reported to be under nine feet of water. Extent of the damage was unknown.
Reentry Ships Huntsville and Watertown
these vessels were under modification at the Avondale Shipyard, New Orleans. Both broke loose and were hard aground. The Watertown was battered but the holds were dry; it looked like it could be salvaged. The Huntsville had a 9-m (30-ft) gash in the side plus three other holes. The engine rooms were flooded. Navy salvage crews did not think the vessel was salvageable.
Cape Kennedy
damage from the storm was minor. The storm did cause a shutdown of site activation activities on Complex 34, costing four critical days.

1965 September 13

ASPO Manager Joseph F Shea announced a new plan to control Apollo spacecraft weight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea announced a new plan for controlling the weight of Apollo spacecraft. Every week, subsystem managers would report to a Weight Control Board (WCB), headed by Shea, which would rule on their proposals for meeting the target weight for their systems. Three task forces also would report to the WCB on the way to lighten the spacecraft:
1. weight reduction task force;
2. requirements reduction task force; and
3. an operations task force.

1965 September 14

Apollo LEM-1 ascent stage four weeks behind schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. At a status meeting at Grumman on LEM-1, MSC learned that, as a result of welding problems, the vehicle's ascent stage was about four weeks behind schedule..

1965 September 14

Several changes to the Apollo spacecraft service propulsion engine ordered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
As a result of discussions with North American and Aerojet-General, MSC ordered several changes to the service propulsion engine:
1. redesign of the ablation chamber seals and the flange mountings
2. modifications to permit ground purging
3. redesign of the injection hub
4. doubling of the nominal valve opening time (from 0.3 to 0.6 sec).
These changes applied to all qualification test and all flight hardware.

1965 September 15

Minimum time required to assure adequate crew training in the Apollo Mission Simulators defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Flight Crew Support Division defined the minimum time required to assure adequate crew training in the Apollo Mission Simulators. . Additional Details: here....

1965 September 16-October 15

Apollo CSM 012 considered for the first manned Apollo flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
North American evaluated the compatibility of spacecraft 012 with its mission, AS-204, the first manned Apollo flight. The manufacturer determined that, by using roll-stabilized attitude during most of the flight, the vehicle could remain aloft for about 13½ days. The only onboard expendables termed marginal were cryogenics and the propellant supply in the SM's reaction control system (which, for added safety, would offer a redundant means of braking the vehicle out of orbit).

1965 September 16-23

Saturn flights show damage to the Apollo thermal coating - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
Systems Engineering Division (SED) reported that, on the basis of data from SA-4, 8, and 9 flights, the thermal coating of the spacecraft suffered considerable damage. This degradation was caused by the S-IV retro motor and/or the tower jettison motor. SED advised that a thorough analysis was scheduled shortly at TRW to look into the entire area of thermal factors and the performance of ablative coating. However, North American refused to acknowledge the existence of any such thermal problem, SED said. The firm's "continued inactivity" was described as a "major obstacle" to solving the problem.

1965 September 16-17

Design review on the attitude controller for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. A design review on the attitude controller for the LEM was held at Honeywell. Flight Crew Support Division reported that the device seemed "highly optimized functionally, operationally, and weight wise.".

1965 September 16-17

Design review on the environmental control system radiator for the Block II Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American and its subcontractor, LTV, conducted a design review on the environmental control system radiator for the Block II CSM. Both parties agreed upon a backup effort (i.e., a narrower selective stagnation panel), which would be more responsive to thermal changes in the spacecraft. Testing of this backup design could follow that of the prototype and still meet the design release.

1965 September 16

Apollo LM PCMTEA changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance, LM Weight.
The Assistant Chief for Electronic Systems notified ASPO that the proposed Grumman plan to repackage the LEM pulse command modulated and timing electronic assembly (PCMTEA) had been discussed and investigated and that the Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division (IESD) concurred with the proposal. Additional Details: here....

1965 September 16

Recovery personnel to be able to enter the Apollo CM through the main hatch - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch, CSM Heat Shield, CSM Recovery.
MSC's Assistant Director for Flight Operations, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., told ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that postlanding operational procedures require that recovery force personnel have the capability of gaining access into the interior of the CM through the main crew hatch. This was necessary, he said, so recovery force swimmers could provide immediate aid to the crew, if required, and for normal postlanding operations by recovery engineers such as spacecraft shutdown, crew removal, data retrieval, etc.
Kraft said the crew compartment heatshield might char upon reentry in such a manner as to make it difficult to distinguish the outline of the main egress hatch. This potential problem and the necessity of applying a force outward to free the hatch might demand use of a "crow bar" tool to chip the ablator and apply a prying force on the hatch.
Since this would be a special tool, it would have to be distributed to recovery forces on a worldwide basis or be carried aboard the spacecraft. Kraft requested that the tool be mounted onboard the spacecraft in a manner to be readily accessible. He requested that the design incorporate a method to preclude loss of the tool - either by designing the tool to float or by attaching it to the spacecraft by a lanyard.

1965 September 16-23

Design parameters for the Apollo LEM landing gear - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. Grumman established the final design parameters for the landing gear of the LEM (both primary and secondary struts). It was anticipated that this newer design would be between 9 and 14 kg (20 and 30 lbs) lighter than the earlier gear..

1965 September 16-23

Radioisotope thermoelectric generators for Apollo ALSEP - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) agreed that AEC would provide radioisotope thermoelectric generators which would power each Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package for an operating period of one year on the lunar surface..

1965 September 17

Basic structure of Apollo CM simulator delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
The basic structure of Apollo CM simulator "A," around which a full-scale mockup of the CM crew stations would be built, was delivered to MSC. Flight Crew Support Division would use the mockup for crew familiarization, procedures training, and equipment evaluation.

1965 September 20

Apollo Extravehicular Mobility Unit changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC's Director, Robert R. Gilruth, sent a detailed history of actions taken in regard to development of the Apollo Extravehicular Mobility Unit, and recommended three changes not consistent with the overall procurement plan previously approved by NASA Headquarters:
- Amend the existing Hamilton Standard contract to provide for the development, qualification, and fabrication of the portable life support system and associated equipment only. This contract would cover delivery of all flight equipment for the Apollo flight program.
- Award a separate contract to International Latex Corporation for the development and fabrication of test and flight space suits and associated equipment.
- MSC would assume responsibility for total program management, systems integration, and space suit qualification.
Basis for the recommendations was
1. a comparative suit evaluation of space suits submitted by International Latex, Hamilton Standard, and David Clark Company in June 1965;
2. a reassessment of the capabilities of International Latex; and
3. previous difficulties of Hamilton Standard in adequate total system development but recognizing their competence in the portable life support systems work.
MSC planned to establish a resident engineer at International Latex to provide on-contractor-site management of the contractor.

1965 September 20

Reducing landing velocity requirements for the Apollo LEM spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
On the basis of studies by both MSC and Grumman on LEM landing criteria, Engineering and Development Directorate determined that contractor and customer alike favored reducing landing velocity requirements for the spacecraft. The two did not see eye to eye on how far these requirements should be reduced, however, and MSC would study the problem further.

1965 September 21

Indication of certain failures of the Apollo service propulsion system (SPS) not required - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea decided that no device to indicate a failure of the secondary gimbal motor in the service propulsion system (SPS) was necessary on Block I spacecraft. Two factors shaped Shea's decision:
1. procedures for inflight checkout of the vehicle called for gimbaling the service propulsion engine with both primary and secondary drive motors prior to SPS burns;
2. furthermore, all Block I (i.e., earth orbital) spacecraft would be capable of returning to earth by means of the SM's reaction control system.
This decision did not alter the requirement for such devices on Block II spacecraft, however, and North American was incorporating warning lights on those vehicles to indicate such gimbal motor failures.

1965 September 22-29

North American proposed an additional pane of glass for the windows on Block II Apollo CMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
North American proposed an additional pane of glass for the windows on Block II CMs. Currently, both blocks of spacecraft had one pane. Should meteoroids pit this pane, the window could fail during reentry at lunar velocities. The meteoroid protection group in Structures and Mechanics Division were evaluating North American's proposal, which would add about 10.43 kg (23 lbs) to the vehicle's weight. No such added protection was required on Block I spacecraft.

1965 September 24

Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Apollo LEM rescheduled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Guidance.
The Critical Design Review (CDR) of the LEM, tentatively planned during the week of September 27, 1965, at Grumman, was rescheduled as a series of reviews beginning in November 1965 and ending in January 1966. The schedule was to apply with five teams participating as follows: Structures and Propulsion, November 8-11, Team Captain: H. Byington; Communications, Instrumentation, and Electrical Power, December 6-9, Team Captain: W. Speier; Stabilization and Control, Navigation and Guidance, and Radar, January 10-13, Team Captain: A. Cohen; Crew Systems, January 10-13, Team Captain: J. Loftus; and Mission Compatibility and Operations, January 24-27, Team Captain: R. Battey.

1965 September 27

Ling-Temco-Vought selected for Apollo laboratory support services - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA's Administrator James E. Webb, Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden, and Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., selected Ling-Temco-Vought from a total of 17 proposers for contract negotiations for a one-year cost-plus-award-fee contract with options to extend for two one-year periods, to provide operational laboratory support services for the Apollo spacecraft program at the White Sands (N. Mex.) Test Facility. The selection was based upon the presentation of a source evaluation board and comments of key officials concerned. The Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight was asked to issue appropriate instructions to ensure that the contract negotiating team follow the negotiation objectives as presented to them.

1965 September 27

Nonmetallic materials used in the habitable area of the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. MSC directed Grumman to draw up a complete list of all nonmetallic materials used in the habitable area of the LEM, including type, use, location, weight, and source of all such materials..

1965 September 27

Problem of Apollo back contamination of earth discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
Officials from the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and the Department of Agriculture met at MSC to discuss informally the problem of back contamination. They listened to briefings on the mission profile for Apollo; reentry heating rates; present thinking at the Center on the design of the Lunar Sample Receiving Station (LSRS); and MSC's plans (none) for quarantining the astronauts.
James Goddard, Assistant Surgeon General in PHS, presented three broad areas of concern:
1. quarantine procedures and accommodations inside the LSRS for both astronauts and technicians;
2. quarantine facilities aboard the recovery ships; and
3. the need to gather samples before the moon's surface was contaminated by the astronauts or the LEM's atmosphere.
These matters were discussed in some detail. MSC's failure to plan for the astronauts' return, and Goddard's ideas on what procedures were needed, provoked "very extended and somewhat heated" discussions. It was generally agreed that Apollo astronauts could not entirely avoid lunar contaminants: the level of contamination inside the spacecraft's cabin, although low, nonetheless would be "significant." MSC then asked, hypothetically, what PHS's reaction would be if Apollo astronauts were recovered and returned in much the same manner that Gemini crews were. The representative from PHS's Foreign Quarantine Division replied "emphatically" that, in such a case, those crews would not be allowed back in the country.
On October 15, Lawrence B. Hall, Planetary Quarantine Officer in NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications, summarized for Deputy Administrator Hugh L. Dryden the September 27 meeting, and recommended that such informal discussions continue. "I believe," he told Dryden, "that . . . the Manned Spacecraft Center is more fully aware of the point of view of the regulatory agencies on this matter. Unfortunately, the regulatory agencies still do not understand the reasons for the Manned Spacecraft Center's reluctance to face this problem."

1965 September 27

Apollo CSM's communications capability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. North American evaluated the CSM's communications capability with the unified S-band system using attitude data published with the AS-501 (spacecraft 017) preliminary reference trajectory. . Additional Details: here....

1965 September 28-30

Interface control documents (ICD) for the Apollo space suit and associated equipment signed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Representatives from MSC, David Clark, Hamilton Standard, and Westinghouse met at North American, where they negotiated and signed most of the interface control documents (ICD) for the space suit and associated equipment. Of the ICD's yet unresolved, only two involved problems that could have a significant effect on hardware design:
1. The current design of the CM environmental control system, because it could not accept waste water from the portable life support system (PLSS), was therefore incapable of recharging the PLSS. ASPO must decide if the recharge requirement was to be kept or eliminated.
2. The CM's waste management system was not compatible with the capacity of the urine bag in the space suit. This problem was assigned to Crew Systems Division.

1965 September 29

CDR of the Block II Apollo CSM scheduled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Block II CSM was scheduled to be conducted in November and December 1965, with the first phase being held November 15-18, and the second phase December 13-17.
The first phase activity would be a review of drawings, schematics, procurement specifications, weight status, interface control drawings, failure analysis, proposed specification change notices, and specification waivers and deviations. The second phase of the review would be a physical inspection of the mockup of the Block II CSM.
The review would be conducted by review teams organized in the several areas and headed by team captains, as follows: Structures and Propulsion, O. Ohlsson; Communications, Instrumentation, and Electrical Power, W. Speier; Stabilization and Control, Guidance and Navigation, A. Cohen; Crew Systems, J. Loftus; and Mission Compatibility and Operations, R. Battey.

1965 September 29-30

Apollo Mission Operations Organization - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Mission Operations Organization had been under continued review and discussion and on September 29 and 30 in New Orleans, La., a meeting was held between George E. Mueller, James C. Elms, Robert R. Gilruth, and George M. Low. General agreement was reached on a method of operation: The Mission Operations Director would represent the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight in all operational areas and would be responsible to the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight for the execution of all NASA manned spaceflight missions.
The people responsive to the Missions Operations Director (in the same sense as Center Program Managers are responsible to Headquarters Program Directors) are:

The Director of Launch Operations of the Kennedy Space Center,
who is responsible for the preparation, checkout, countdown and launch of the space vehicle. In two of these areas, preparation and checkout, he is responsive to the Program Managers and Program Directors; whereas in the other two areas, countdown and launch, he is responsive to the Mission Operations Director.
The Assistant Director for Flight Operations at the Manned Spacecraft Center,
who represents the Director of MSC in all operational areas. These areas include flight operations and the flight operational aspects of flight crew and medical operations.
The DOD Representative for Manned Space Flight,
who is responsible for the National Ranges and the recovery forces.
The Program Directors,
who are responsive to the Mission Operations Director insofar as the readiness of flight hardware is concerned.
It was pointed out that there were multiple and sometimes divergent inputs from the Program Offices and the Mission Operations organization in OMSF to various elements at the Manned Spacecraft Center.
It was agreed that a better definition of responsibility between Program Office and Mission Operations Directorate in OMSF was required. It was also agreed that for all flight operational areas MSC would prefer to have the Assistant Director for Flight Operations act as its single point of contact. The Assistant Director for Flight Operations would represent Flight Crew Operations and Medical Operations in the mission operations area.

1965 September 29

Problems with antennas for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Ralph S. Sawyer, Chief of the Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division, advised ASPO Manager Shea of current problems with antennas for the Apollo spacecraft:

CSM high gain antenna
the infrared (IR) earth tracker originally proposed would not satisfy mission requirements. Additional Details: here....

1965 September 29

Flight directive for the AS-202 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips issued the flight directive for the AS-202 mission, which spelled out the general flight plan, objectives, and configuration of both spacecraft and launch vehicle..

1965 September

Thirteen flights made with the Apollo lunar landing research vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Thirteen flights were made with the lunar landing research vehicle. Two of those flights were devoted to mulling the lunar simulation system; the remaining 11 flights were devoted to research with the attitude control system in the rate command mode. Nine landings were made in the lunar simulation mode.
On flight 1-34-94F the lunar simulation mode worked perfectly and no drift was encountered during more than one minute of hovering flight. The landing was made in the simulation mode for the first time on this flight.

1965 September 30-October 7

Tests completed on the windows in the Block I Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Pressure loading and thermal tests were completed on the types of windows in the Block I CM. The pressure tests demonstrated their ability to withstand the ultimate stresses (both inward and outward) that the CM might encounter during an atmospheric abort. The thermal simulations qualified the windows for maximum temperatures anticipated during reentry at lunar velocities.

1965 September 30-October 7

Heatshield on Apollo Block I CMs must be thinned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Flight Projects Division advised that, on the basis of current weight studies, the aft heatshield on Block I CMs must be thinned. . Additional Details: here....

1965 September 30

Survival equipment for Apollo spacecraft defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Crew Systems Division defined the survival equipment that MSC would procure for Apollo spacecraft. Fifteen survival sets would be needed for Block I and 30 for Block II CMs..

1965 September

Bell reported on testing of a bipropellant-cooled injector baffle for the Apollo LEM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Bell Aerosystems reported on stability and ablative compatibility testing of the first bipropellant-cooled injector baffle for the ascent engine of the LEM. Combustion was stable; however, streaking on the injector face forced Bell to halt ablative testing after only 60 seconds of operation.

1965 October 1

Contract to AC Electronics for an optical tracking system for the Apollo LEM (alternative to radar) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC informed Grumman that the Center had awarded a contract to AC Electronics for the development of an optical tracking system for the LEM (as a possible alternative to the rendezvous radar). Until MSC reached a final decision on which mode to use, Grumman should continue building the LEM to accept either of these navigational devices. Flight Crew Operations Directorate requested the decision be deferred pending evaluation of an operational paper.

1965 October 1

NASA formally accepted Apollo spacecraft 002 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. At a Customer Acceptance Readiness Review at North American, NASA formally accepted spacecraft 002. The vehicle was then demated and shipped to White Sands..

1965 October 1

Horizon photometer and star tracker deleted from the primary guidance system in Block I Apollo CSMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
In the absence of a firm requirement, and because of limited utility, reported Robert C. Duncan, Chief of the Guidance and Control Division, the horizon photometer and star tracker were being deleted from the primary guidance system in Block I CSMs. (Block II guidance systems would still contain the devices.)

1965 October 1

First two experiments selected for early Apollo landing flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Homer E. Newell, Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, notified Houston of the first two experiments selected for early Apollo landing flights:
1. a lunar gravimeter, which would measure variations in the moon's gravitational field; and
2. a seismic experiment. MSC informed Newell on November 2 that negotiations were being initiated.

1965 October 3-9

Testing of Apollo extravehicular mobility unit at Flagstaff - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
The U.S. Geological Survey cooperated with Crew Systems Division (CSD) in testing the extravehicular mobility unit under simulated lunar conditions at Flagstaff, Arizona. As a result, CSD technicians determined a number of deficiencies in the thermal meteoroid garment, and recommended a number of changes to make the garment more functional and more durable, as well as better fitting and more comfortable.

1965 October 4

Grumman to change guillotines for severing Apollo LEM's interstage umbilical - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. MSC ordered Grumman to halt work on both linear-shaped charges and gas-driven guillotines as a method for severing the LEM's interstage umbilical. Instead, the contractor should use two mild-detonation guillotines or one dual-blade device..

1965 October 5

Changes in the Apollo CM uprighting system for Block I - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. As a result of a design meeting on September 2, MSC ordered North American to make a number of detailed hardware changes in the CM uprighting system for Block I spacecraft..

1965 October 5

Apollo AS-204 experiments revised - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea recommended to Apollo Program Manager Samuel C. Phillips that experiment M-5A (Bioassays Body Fluids) not be incorporated on mission AS-204, based on schedule impact resulting from structural modifications necessary to support the Urine Volume Measuring System. Redesign and rework of existing spacecraft hardware would have a schedule impact of two to four weeks.

1965 October 6

Fire-till- touchdown landing procedure for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
MSC requested that Grumman study the feasibility of a "fire-till- touchdown" landing procedure for the LEM. Grumman was to investigate especially performance factors surrounding crushing of the descent engine skirt, or possibly jettisoning the skirt, and was to recommend hardware modifications required for this landing mode.

1965 October 7-14

Apollo LEM's inflight VHF antenna might be used as a link to astronauts on the surface of the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Weight.
The Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division (IESD) proposed that the LEM's inflight VHF antenna might be used as a link to astronauts on the surface of the moon as well. (LEM communications had to provide VHF contact with the crew outside the spacecraft at ranges up to three nautical miles. The VHF antenna, however, had been designed only for the flight portions of the mission, and to meet this communications requirement another antenna was being added to the LEM at a cost of between 1.36 and 2.26 kg (3 and 5 lbs).) IESD offered to study the coverage and range of the inflight antenna while on the lunar surface, and suggested that the three-mile range requirement might be relaxed. The additional VHF antenna might thereby be obviated.
Also, IESD attended a preliminary design review at Autonetics on the signal conditioning equipment (SCE) for the Block II CSM. IESD concurred in several modifications to the Block I design (adding a redundant power supply; hermetic sealing of equipment; and repackaging to fit the equipment bay in Block II CMs). These changes reduced the SCE's weight from 22 to 19 kg (47.5 to 41 lbs) and, because of more efficient power supply, lowered its power consumption from 65 to 35 watts. North American was studying ways of perhaps lightening the SCE even further.

1965 October 7-14

Beryllium posed a toxicological hazard to the crew of the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
MSC's Reliability and Quality Assurance Division reported in August that, because beryllium would corrode in the humid environment of the spacecraft's cabin, the metal thus posed a toxicological hazard to the crew of the CM. During subsequent meetings with the Health and Physics Group, and Guidance and Control and Structures and Mechanics Divisions, it was agreed that, because of crew safety, beryllium surfaces in the guidance and control system must be coated to protect the metal from the humid atmosphere inside the cabin of the spacecraft.

1965 October 7-14

Vibration limits for the crew of the Apollo LEM established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Crew Systems Division (CSD) established vibration limits for the crew of the LEM. This action followed the final LEM vibration test with human subjects at Wright-Patterson AFB and a review of the test program by CSD and Grumman engineers.
Also, in what CSD described as "the start of a long range program for familiarizing Apollo suit technicians with field and launch operations," the Division reported that it had sent an Apollo suit technician to Cape Kennedy to take part in the forthcoming Gemini VI mission.

1965 October 8

Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle flown to 91 m - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
A test model of the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle, designed to simulate lunar landings, was flown by former NASA X-15 pilot Joseph Walker to an altitude of 91 m (300 ft). Built by Bell Aerosystems Company under contract to NASA, the research craft had a jet engine that supported five-sixths of its weight. The pilot manipulated solid-fuel lift rockets that supported the remaining one-sixth, and the craft's attitude was controlled with jets of hydrogen peroxide.

1965 October 8

Failed drop of Apollo boilerplate 6A due to braking parachute - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A drop in the boilerplate 6A series, using flight-qualifiable earth landing system (ELS) components, failed because the braking parachute (not a part of the ELS) did not adequately stabilize the vehicle. MSC invited North American and Northrop-Ventura to Houston to explain the failure and to recommend corrective measures.

1965 October 12

Parachute mortar failed during static testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
On August 26, the attachments for the pilot parachute mortar had failed during static testing on CM 006. The fittings had been redesigned and the test was not repeated. This test, the final one in the limit load series for the earth landing system, certified the structural interface between the CM and the earth landing system for the 009 flight.

1965 October 12

Weight and storage details for Apollo extravehicular visors specified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Weight.
To ensure compatibility with the spacecraft, MSC specified weight and storage details for the extravehicular visors. The devices, two of which would be carried on each mission and transferred from the CM to the LEM, would afford impact, thermal, and ultraviolet protection for the crew during operations in space or on the lunar surface.

1965 October 14

General Electric to provide isotopic power generators for Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Packages - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA was negotiating with General Electric Company to provide 56-watt isotopic power generators for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Packages. The Atomic Energy Commission would manage detailed design and development of the unit based on MSC studies of prototypes.

1965 October 15

Lockheed to provide broad Apollo data-handling support at MSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that it had selected Lockheed Electronics Company of Houston, Texas, to provide broad data-handling support at MSC. Negotiations on the contract (valued at more than $3 million) began shortly thereafter..

1965 October 15

Recovery requirements for the Apollo spacecraft were specified by ASPO - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
Owen E. Maynard, Systems Engineering Division chief, summarized for ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea the recovery requirements for Apollo spacecraft. The CM must float in a stable, apex-up attitude, and all of the vehicle's recovery aids (uprighting system, communications, etc.) must be operable for 48 hrs after landing. In any water landing within 40 degrees north or south latitude, the Landing and Recovery Division had determined, the crew either would be rescued or recovery personnel would be in the water with the CM within this 48-hr period. Thereafter, Maynard said, the spacecraft had but to remain afloat until a recovery ship arrived - at most, five days.

1965 October 18

Grumman to discontinue use of zinc and cadmium on all production Apollo LEMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. MSC ordered Grumman to discontinue use of zinc and cadmium on all production LEMs. This action followed performance studies by the Reliability and Quality Assurance Division that showed a deleterious effect of space environments upon these metals..

1965 October 18

Problem of controlling bacteria in the Apollo LEM's waste management system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
To solve the problem of controlling bacteria in the LEM's waste management system (WMS), Crew Systems Division (CSD) recommended some type of passive control rather than periodically adding a germicide to the system. CSD described two such passive techniques, both of which relied on chemicals upstream from the WMS (i.e., in the urine collection device in the space suit). MSC began studying the feasibility of this approach, and ordered Grumman also to evaluate passive control in the contractor's own investigation of the bacteriological problem.

1965 October 19-22

Apollo LLRV / LLTV issues - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
A meeting was held at Flight Research Center to discuss several items relating to the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) and Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV). Attending were Dean Grimm, Robert Hutchins, Warren North, and Joseph Algranti of MSC; Robert Brown, John Ryken, and Ron Decrevel of Bell Aerosystems Company; and Gene Matranga, Wayne Ottinger, and Arlene Johnson of Flight Research Center.
The discussions centered around MSC's needs for two LLRVs and two LLTVs and the critical nature of the proposed schedules; alternatives of assembling a second LLRV ; clarifying the elements of the work statement; and preliminary talks about writing specifications for the LLTV.
From a schedule standpoint, it was decided that both LLRVs would be delivered to MSC on September 1, 1966. MSC planned to check out and fly the second LLRV (which needed additional systems checkout) with their crew and pilot on a noninterference basis with LLRV No. 1, the primary training vehicle.

1965 October 20

The MSC Apollo Mission Constraints Control Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The MSC Mission Constraints Control Panel (MCCP) held its initial meeting. The panel's function was to resolve all conflicts between launch vehicle, spacecraft, and operational constraints. Also, once the preliminary reference trajectory was issued, the MCCP must approve all constraint changes. These would then be included in the mission requirements.

1965 October 20

Reduced survival gear for Block I Apollo CMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. To save weight, Crew Systems Division was studying the feasibility of using three one-man liferafts and a composite set of survival gear in Block I CMs..

1965 October 20

NASA accepted first flight Apollo spacecraft 009 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Apollo spacecraft 009, first of the type that would carry three astronauts to the moon and back, was accepted by NASA during informal ceremonies at North American. Spacecraft 009 included a CM, SM, launch escape system, and adapter. It went to Cape Canaveral for integration with the first Saturn IB (Saturn IB and SIVB stages received August 1965). The spacecraft was stacked on the launch vehicle on 26 December.

1965 October 20-21

North American agreed to maintain mockups of both of the two blocks of Apollo CMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. To support studies on equipment stowage, North American agreed to maintain mockups of the crew compartments in the two blocks of CMs. The contractor's effort would be geared for the first manned flight for each series of vehicles (spacecraft 012 and 101)..

1965 October 21

Bubble-type helmet for the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC announced that the bubble-type helmet, designed by Crew Systems Division (CSD) engineers Robert L. Jones and James O'Kane, had been adopted for use in the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit. The new helmet was smaller and lighter than earlier types; extensive studies by CSD had demonstrated its superior comfort, visibility, and don/doff characteristics.

1965 October 21

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Launch schedule for Apollo-Saturn IB flights revised - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Samuel C. Phillips, Apollo Program Director, notified the Center directors and Apollo program managers in Houston, Huntsville, and Cape Kennedy that OMSF's launch schedule for Apollo-Saturn IB flights had been revised, based on delivery of CSMs 009 and 011:
- AS-201 - January 1966
- AS-202 - June 1966
Schedules for AS-203 through 205 (July and October 1966, and January 1967) were unchanged.

1965 October 21

Completion of static structural tests on the forward heatshield for the Block I Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American completed static structural tests on the forward heatshield for the Block I CM (part of the certification test network for airframes 009, 011, and 012), thus demonstrating the heatshield's structural integrity when jettisoned (at the start of the earth landing system sequence).

1965 October 21

IBM contract Apollo MSC computer systems extended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
To enable MSC's Mission Control Center (MCC) to handle Apollo flights, MSC announced that NASA's contract with IBM for computer systems would be extended. For an additional $80 million, IBM would convert the MCC to newer equipment and would use more advanced support techniques. The contract would contain provisions for conversion to an incentive fee type.

1965 October 22

10 areas on the moon selected as subjects for Lunar Orbiter - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter. NASA announced that it had selected 10 areas on the moon as subjects for Lunar Orbiter's cameras during 1966. These areas encompassed most major types of lunar terrain. Most were suitable - and potential - landing sites for Surveyor and Apollo spacecraft..

1965 October 23-26

Apollo SM 009 delivery delayed when Pregnant Guppy grounded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
While delivering Apollo SM 009, the Pregnant Guppy aircraft was delayed at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas, for three-and-a-half days while waiting for an engine change. In view of the delay of the SM, the incident was reviewed during the succeeding weeks, and Aero Spacelines was requested to place spare engines not only at Houston, but also at other strategic locations on the normal air route from Long Beach, Calif., to KSC.

1965 October 26

Apollo Block II CSM to include a luminous beacon compatible with the LEM tracking system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Guidance. MSC authorized North American to modify the Block II CSM design to provide for installation of a luminous beacon compatible with the LEM tracking system. The CSM beacon could replace the rendezvous radar and transponder..

1965 October 27

Basic design of the Apollo LEM's descent-stage base heatshield approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield.
At a meeting with Grumman, MSC agreed with the contractor's basic design of the LEM's descent-stage base heatshield and its installation and access. MSC asked Grumman to demonstrate accessibility, installation, and removal of the heatshield on the M-4 mockup.

1965 October 29

US Public Health Service's concern - Apollo spacecraft might bring organisms back from the moon - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
Owen E. Maynard, Systems Engineering Division chief, advised his branch managers of the U.S. Public Health Service's (PHS) growing concern that Apollo spacecraft and crews might bring organisms back from the moon. PHS feared that such organisms would be "capable of multiplying in the earth environment and (that) precautionary measures must be undertaken to prevent global exposure." Therefore, Maynard told his group, PHS believed that the CM, its environment, and its crew must not be allowed to contact the earth's environment. Maynard further advised that efforts were already underway to define the design of an isolation facility, and isolation facilities for the recovery ships were being contemplated.
As a result of this strong stand by PHS, Maynard said, "It appears that ASPO will soon be requested to show what spacecraft measures are being taken to assure that the CM environment will not be exposed to the earth atmosphere. The spacecraft," Maynard told his group - who already knew as much - "has not been designed to preclude CM environment exposure." Actually, much the opposite had long been assumed to be part of normal operating procedures. Maynard therefore ordered subsystem managers to review their individual systems to determine:
- If their system was potentially a carrier of moon germs
- What could be done to confine such organisms
- If a "strict no contamination edict" would affect the life and operation of systems
- How postlanding procedures could be changed to prevent release of organisms from the spacecraft
Maynard cautioned systems managers to "assume that ASPO is morally obligated to prevent any possible contamination of the earth," and not to reply with "the standard answer that no changes can be made within present weight, cost, and schedule limitations. Admittedly," he said, "our first look may prove to be insurmountable." Nonetheless, review must be performed so that recommendations can be made concerning all such systems.

1965 October

Seven flights were made with the Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Seven flights were made with the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle at Flight Research Center during October. The first three were in support of X-15 conference activities, and the last four were for attitude control research. Five of the landings were made in the lunar simulation mode.

1965 November 1

Apollo Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC's Engineering and Development Directorate established the Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory Office as an interim organizational element pending development of a permanent organization for operation of the laboratory..

1965 November 2

Bell reported that the Apollo LEM ascent engine baffle met basic requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
Bell Aerosystems Company reported that the LEM ascent engine bipropellant cooled injector baffle met all basic specification requirements, including those for combustion efficiency, ablative compatibility, and stability. Bell conducted a successful firing with an engine that had previously been vibrated to simulate launch boost and lunar descent. The contractor also completed a duty cycle firing at AEDC with hardware conditions set to the maximum temperatures believed attainable during a lunar mission.

1965 November 4

Apollo franslunar flight time reduced to 100 hrs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC's Configuration Control Board approved the reduction of maximum translunar flight time from 110 hrs to 100 hrs..

1965 November 4-12

Design of the Apollo Block I space suit helmet ear cup and attachment was finalized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A1C, A7L.
The design of the Block I space suit helmet ear cup and attachment was finalized. Based on evaluation of AFRM 007 acoustic test data, it was determined that existing Gemini-type "soft" ear cups were adequate for Block I flights. North American and David Clark Company specifications would be changed to reflect revised requirements. The majority of drawings for the suit had been reviewed and approved by MSC's Crew Systems Division. Remaining to be resolved and approved were selection of helmet visor material, installation of helmet microphones and earphones, communications harness, and fingertip glove lighting systems.

1965 November 4

Apollo Lunar Landing Research Vehicle LLRV flight results and problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
In a letter to the Director of Flight Research Center, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth said that recent Lunar Landing Research Vehicle LLRV flight results and problems with the handling qualities of the LEM had focused high interest on the LLRV activities at FRC.
Gilruth concurred with the recent decision to assemble the second LLRV and said MSC planned to support the assembly and checkout of the second vehicle with engineering and contractor personnel assigned to the Flight Crew Operations Directorate.
Gilruth expressed appreciation for the effort expended by FRC in initiating a three-month study contract with Bell Aerosystems to provide drawings for a follow-on vehicle and indicated MSC planned to contract for Lunar Landing Training Vehicles in June 1966.

1965 November 4

Go-ahead to implement the Apollo LEM Certification Test Plan - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC management gave Grumman the go-ahead to implement the LEM Certification Test Plan effective October 25..

1965 November 5

International Latex to build Apollo space suit, and Hamilton Standard portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
NASA announced that it would negotiate with International Latex Corporation for an estimated $10 million contract to fabricate the Apollo space suit consisting of the liquid-cooled undergarment, constant wear garment, pressure garment assembly, and thermo-micrometeoroid protective overgarment. At the same time an estimated $20 million contract was negotiated with Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft Corporation for continued development and manufacture of the portable life support system with a four-hour main power supply subjected to a maximum stowage soak temperature of 328K (130 degrees F).

1965 November 8

General constraints for Apollo missions AS-206 and AS-207 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical. The development mission planning panel met to discuss the general constraints for missions AS-206 and AS-207. . Additional Details: here....

1965 November 9-12

Apollo airlock gas connectors allowed a possible catastrophic failure - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Upon examination of the airlock gas connectors at the Portable Life Support System Emergency Oxygen System Preliminary Design Review, ASPO representatives discovered a possible catastrophic failure. If an astronaut unhooked the PLSS supply umbilical before the exhaust line was disconnected the suit would vent through the PLSS. A request for change was rejected by the preliminary design review board in spite of this situation. ASPO recommended to the Crew Systems Division that the connectors be modified or that the problem be solved another way to preserve crew safety.

1965 November 10

Apollo Program Review for key CSM subcontractors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. North American conducted an Apollo Program Review for key subcontractors to convey the current status of the program and to discuss the subcontractors' specific participation and support to the program..

1965 November 10

Apollo CM couch might strike the Apollo CM structure or stowed equipment on landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch, CSM Recovery.
A North American layout of the volume swept by the CM couch and crewmen during landing impact attenuation showed several areas where the couch and or crewmen struck the CM structure or stowed equipment. One area of such interference was that the center crewman's helmet could overlap about four inches into the volume occupied by the portable life support system (PLSS) stowed beneath the side access hatch. The PLSS stowage was recently changed to this position at North American's recommendation because the original stowage position on the aft bulkhead interfered with the couch attenuation envelope. The contractor was directed by MSC to explain this situation.

1965 November 11

Apollo Block I SPS engine altitude qualification test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. The Block I service propulsion system engine successfully completed the first altitude qualification tests at AEDC..

1965 November 11

Apollo manned lunar mission metabolic profile test run - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
A manned lunar mission metabolic profile test was run in the Hamilton Standard Division altitude chamber using the development liquid-cooled portable life support system (PLSS). The system was started at a chamber altitude of over 60,906 m (200,000 ft), and the subject adjusted the liquid bypass valve to accommodate the programmed metabolic rates which were achieved by use of a treadmill. Oxygen was supplied from an external source through the PLSS bottle and oxygen regulation system. This procedure was used because bottle qualification was not complete, so pressure was limited to 2,068 kilonewtons per sq m (300 psig). An external battery was used for power because the new batteries that were required by the change to the all-battery LEM were not yet available. The thermal transport system including the porous plate sublimator was completely self-contained in the PLSS. All systems operated within specification requirements and the test was considered an unqualified success.

1965 November 12-18

Timeline analysis for the intravehicular Apollo LEM crew activities after lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
MSC and Grumman representatives reviewed Grumman's timeline analysis for the intravehicular LEM crew activities subsequent to lunar landing. This timeline was being rewritten for a test program to be conducted to determine what crew mobility problems existed within the LEM so that they could be better evaluated at the Certification Design Review.

1965 November 12-18

Ryan to present areas in which weight could be saved on the Apollo LEM landing radar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. MSC directed Ryan Aeronautical Corporation to present to RCA and Grumman areas in which weight could be saved on the LEM landing radar. Of specific interest was the power supply and the possibility of its overdesign..

1965 November 12

Apollo portable life support system Preliminary Design Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L. The portable life support system Preliminary Design Review was completed. The design was essentially complete and no major discrepancies were noted during the review..

1965 November 15

MSC instructed North American to study Apollo CSM thermal situation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM RCS.
MSC instructed North American to:
- Submit a preliminary design of Block II CSM jettisonable covers to protect the radiator and CM heatshield thermal coatings from degradation by the boost environment.
- Furnish preliminary design of nonablative reaction control system (RCS) plume heat protection to prevent SM coating degradation on Block II CSMs.
- Determine the effect on the overall SM and LEM adapter thermal design of coating degradation to a level specified by MSC and to propose design changes or mission constraints for Block I and Block II CSMs.
- Determine the effect on the SM RCS thermal design of coating degradation to the level specified by MSC and to propose design changes or mission constraints for Block I and II CSMs.

1965 November 19

Manned portion of the Apollo coast and maneuver simulation program was completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The manned portion of the coast and maneuver simulation program was completed, evaluating man-in-the-loop capabilities and their effects upon maneuver accuracy, maneuver time, and propellant consumption. . Additional Details: here....

1965 November 22

Recent studies of the problems associated with Apollo lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC's Assistant Director for Flight Operations, outlined results of recent studies of the problems associated with lunar landing. The programs studied were Surveyor, Lunar Orbiter, deployment of probes on a simulated manned lunar landing mission, deployment of probes during lunar orbit on an unmanned mission, and deployment of landing aids during the manned lunar landing mission.
The studies supported the conclusion that it was still desirable to have an earth launch window of several days to give launch opportunity flexibility. For this purpose, it would be necessary to have a group of longitudinally spaced landing areas available. However, if there were a particular advantage, such as site certification, in being limited to one area and, consequently, one launch opportunity per month, this was considered to be acceptable. At least one launch opportunity per month would be required. Therefore, the certified area would have to be within the area available from performance consideration. This might mean a night launch, which was confirmed as feasible.
Although the manned lunar landing mission ought not to depend upon a successful Surveyor program, information for Apollo as well as general scientific information should be expected from the program. The concept was not supported that probes were a necessary prerequisite to a lunar landing nor was the idea of a separate probe mission approved. If the Surveyor program failed to provide evidence of the suitability of at least one area and if the consensus favored gathering additional information from probes, the feasibility of carrying probes on the actual lunar landing mission should be fully considered, together with the development of aids to real-time assessment.

1965 November 22

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

No further requirement for Little Joe II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo.
Little Joe II Program Manager Milton A. Silveira suggested to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that if the next Little Joe II flight test was successful there would be no further requirement for the Little Joe II to support the Apollo program. Silveira said planning had been made with General Dynamics Convair to store the remaining three vehicles, parts, and tooling for one year in case a new requirement from ASPO or NASA should develop. The additional cost of one-year storage compared to normal program closeout was estimated to be small. ASPO concurred with the suggestion on December 1.

1965 November 23

Fire during Apollo CM RCS test for spacecraft 009 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
North American informed MSC of a fire in the reaction control system (RCS) test cell during a CM RCS test for spacecraft 009. The fire was suspected to have been caused by overheating the test cell when the 10 engines were activated, approximately 30 sec prior to test completion. An estimated test delay of two to three weeks, due to shutdown of the test cell for refurbishment, was forecast. MSC informed the Apollo Program Director that an investigation was underway.

1965 November 24

Electrically actuated explosive devices on the LEM would be fired by the Apollo standard initiator - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
MSC notified Grumman that all electrically actuated explosive devices on the LEM would be fired by the Apollo standard initiator. This would be a common usage item with the CSM and would be the single wire configuration developed by NASA and provided as Government-furnished equipment.

1965 November 26

Apollo LEM urine containers to be off-loaded to the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Grumman was directed by MSC to provide for the disposition and bacteriological control of the LEM urine containers by off-loading all containers to the lunar surface immediately prior to LEM ascent, locating them so their physical integrity would be assured during ascent stage launch. Incorporation of an appropriate germicide in all LEM urine containers would effectively sterilize the internal part of the container and the contained urine.

1965 November 28

Ordnance separation tests of the first three Apollo SLA completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Ordnance separation tests on the first three spacecraft-LEM-adapters (SLA) in a series of four were completed at North American's Tulsa facility. The tests successfully demonstrated the deployment of the SLA's forward panels in preparation for the first spacecraft orbital flight.

1965 November 30

Multiple gas connector (MGC) for the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Usage of a multiple gas connector (MGC) with the extravehicular mobility unit (two per suit) was deleted. Instead of the MGC, a separate inlet and outlet suit umbilical gas connector manufactured by Airlock, Inc., would be used (two inlets and two outlets per suit). This design change applied to all Block II space suits, environmental control systems, and portable life support systems. Hamilton Standard was directed to implement the change by means of a negotiated revision of a supplemental agreement to its contract.

1965 November 30

Apollo Mission Simulator No 1 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator. Apollo Mission Simulator No. 1 was shipped from Link Group, General Precision, Binghamton, New York, to MSC..

1965 November

Grumman completed negotiations with TRW for Apollo LEM abort guidance system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Grumman completed negotiations with Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge for the LEM abort guidance system..

1965 November

Ten flights were made with the Apollo lunar landing research vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV. Ten flights were made with the lunar landing research vehicle. All flights were for attitude control and handling qualities research. Landings on all flights were made in the lunar landing mode..

1965 November

Stress corrosion of the Apollo reaction control system tanks - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS.
A series of tests were run to determine the cause of stress corrosion of the reaction control system titanium tanks. Results showed that tanks exposed to chemically pure nitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) oxidizer suffered stress corrosion cracking, but tanks exposed to N₂O₄ containing small amounts of nitric oxide did not fail. The qualification testing program would soon resume.

1965 Winter

Apollo SA-11 (cancelled) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo SA-11. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. The decision was made to conduct all Apollo tests on the more powerful Saturn IB booster and these flights were cancelled in October 1963..

1965 December 2

Negotiations with North American on the Apollo incentive contract - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA had essentially completed negotiations with North American on the incentive contract. Based on agreements reached with the contractor during negotiations, Master Development Schedule 9 was published, which included Block I and Block II spacecraft schedules, SLA schedules, SM Block II primary structure schedules, and a tabulated list of milestones containing former and new schedule dates.

1965 December 2

Apollo LEM TM-5 cancelled - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Apollo Program Director, approved the deletion of the LEM TM-5 from the ground test program.. Additional Details: here....

1965 December 3

Flight Readiness Review for Mission Apollo A-004 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Flight Readiness Review for Mission A-004 was conducted at White Sands Test Facility. The board concurred in proceeding with launch preparations. Subsequent to the review, the failure analysis of the autopilot subsystem revealed loose solder connections, and the launch was rescheduled for December 15, from the original December 8 planned launch. The launch was later scheduled for December 18; then, because of continued problems with the autopilot, was scrubbed until January.

1965 December 3

Alternate filters in the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
MSC was considering the use of both water and air bacteria filters in the LEM to reduce contamination of the lunar surface. Crew Systems Division (CSD) would attempt to determine by tests what percentage concentration of micro-organisms would be trapped by the filters. CSD hoped to begin limited testing in January 1966.
At an MSC meeting attended by ASPO, CSD, and Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory representatives, it was decided that the following directions would be sent to Grumman:
1. In order to prolong the prevention of lunar surface contamination, provisions should be made to store urine and lithium hydroxide canisters in the descent stage; and
2. the portable life support systems and associated extravehicular mobility items should be dumped onto the lunar surface after all lunar surface exploration had been completed.

1965 December 5

Hamilton Standard tested Apollo life support back pack - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Hamilton Standard successfully tested a life-support back pack designed to meet requirements of the lunar surface suit. The system functioned as planned for more than three hours inside a vacuum chamber, while the test subject walked on a treadmill to simulate the metabolic load of an astronaut on the lunar terrain. The 29.48-kg (65-lb) portable life support system supplied oxygen, pressurized to a minimum 25,510 newtons per sq m (3.7 lbs psi), controlled its temperature and relative humidity, and circulated it through the suit and helmet. The pack pumped cooled water through the tubing of the undergarment for cooling inside the pressure suit. A canister of lithium hydroxide trapped carbon dioxide and other air contaminants to purify the oxygen for reuse.

1965 December 6

Apollo Experiments Pallet Phase I - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: Apollo Experiments Pallet.
George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, notified MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that NASA Administrator James E. Webb and Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., had selected Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, The Martin Company, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and Northrop Corporation for Phase I of the Apollo Experiments Pallet Procurement. The contracts would be for four months and each would be valued at about $375,000.

1965 December 6-17

Block II Apollo CSM Critical Design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Block II CSM Critical Design Review (CDR) was held at North American, Downey, Calif. The specifications and drawings were reviewed and the CSM mockup inspected. Review Item Dispositions were written against the design where it failed to meet the requirements.
As a result of the CDR North American would update the configuration of mockup 27A for use in zero-g flights at Wright-Patterson AFB. The flights could not be rescheduled until MSC approved the refurbished mockup as being representative of the spacecraft configuration.

1965 December 7

Incompatibility of titanium alloys and nitrogen tetroxide - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed North American, Grumman, and Bell Aerosystems Company that NASA's Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, George E. Mueller, had requested a presentation on the incompatibility of titanium alloys and nitrogen tetroxide and its impact on the Apollo Program, this to be done at the NASA Senior Management Council meeting on December 21.
In light of recent failures of almost all titanium tanks planned for use in the Apollo Program when exposed to nitrogen tetroxide under conditions which might be encountered in flight, the matter was deemed to be of utmost urgency.
A preliminary meeting was scheduled at NASA Headquarters on December 16 and one responsible representative from each of the prime contractors and subcontractors was requested to be present. Prior to the December 16 meeting, it would be necessary for each organization to complete the following tasks:
- Tabulate and analyze all tank tests to date and all related materials tests.
- Establish a format for presentation of the effects of time, temperature, and stress levels on failure.
- Obtain the best correlation between actual tank tests and related materials tests.
- Establish limits of operation and confidence levels for all current titanium tanks and relate these to all planned flights.
- Tabulate all titanium tank hardware in inventory and complete costs of development and manufacture of this hardware to date.
- Consider and recommend a course of action which would alleviate problems for early flights using existing hardware with minimum cost and schedule impact.
- Consider and recommend a course of action for future flights and indicate cost and schedule impact.
- If recommendations for future action include coatings, surface preparation, or alternate materials, present component weight increase and overall spacecraft increase.
- Consider changes in mission ground rules which would decrease time of tanks under pressure.
- Consider possibility of venting and repressurization and impact on pressurization system design, weight, cost and schedule.
- Review all missions and present pressurization times, stress levels, and thermal environment of all Apollo titanium tanks which contain nitrogen tetroxide.

1965 December 8

Apollo SPS burn time for AS-502 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The service propulsion system burn time for AS-502 was confirmed to be 385 sec flight time. Previously the plan had called for a total of 515 sec - 310 sec for SPS-1 and 205 sec for SPS-2. This action required that all mission plans be restudied and revised.

1965 December 8

Requirements for the Apollo Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC's Deputy Director George M. Low told Willis B. Foster of NASA Headquarters that the standing committee appointed by him had performed an invaluable service to the Center in identifying the requirements to be incorporated in the Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory. Low said, "Additionally, we are indebted to individual members of that committee for providing detailed specialized inputs during the preliminary engineering phase just ended."
Low noted that the committee had prepared a report, "Review of the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) of the Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory (LSRL) by the Standing Committee of LSRL." He said that an examination of this report revealed that the committee had addressed itself to a detailed review task which far exceeded the scope envisioned when Foster conceived the idea for such a committee.
Low suggested that the committee be "discharged of any further responsibility relating to the facility design and construction." He added that MSC would look forward to providing Foster and his staff, as well as interested outside scientists, periodic briefings and reports of status and progress on the facility.

1965 December 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo J-2 engine captive-fired for 388 sec - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
An 889-kilonewton (200,000-lb) thrust J-2 engine was captive-fired for 388 sec on a new test stand at MSFC. The J-2 engine would be used to power the Saturn S-IVB stage for the Saturn V. Ten tests of the liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen powered rocket engine had been conducted at MSFC since the J-2 engine test facility was put into use in August 1965.

1965 December 9-16

Apollo Block II critical design review on the earth landing system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Nine review item dispositions were submitted at the Block II critical design review concerning the earth landing system and shock attenuation system (struts). Six were on specifications, one on installation drawings, and two on capability. The two most significant were:
1. the contract for Block II parachutes had not been awarded and consequently top installation drawings were not yet available for review; and
2. specifications defining crew couch strut loading tolerances had not been released but the strut drawings had.

1965 December 9-16

Fire-till-touchdown not feasible for the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Heat Shield. Preliminary results of the "fire-till-touchdown" study by Grumman indicated that this maneuver was not feasible. The engine might be exploded by driving the shock wave into the nozzles.. Additional Details: here....

1965 December 9-16

Block II Apollo food stowage problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Block II Apollo food stowage problems were explored at North American. Methods of restraint were resolved to allow accessibility of the man-meal assemblies. The contractor, Melpar, Inc., would rework and reposition mockup man-meal assemblies to conform with suggestions by the Crew Provisions Office of the MSC Apollo Support Office and North American representatives.

1965 December 9-16

Apollo AS-502 mission incompatibilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Investigations were continuing of the best alternative for resolving the AS-502 mission incompatibilities. . Additional Details: here....

1965 December 10

Apollo at-sea operational qualification tests completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. At-sea operational qualification tests, using boilerplate 29 to simulate spacecraft 009, were completed. All mechanical system components performed satisfactorily, except for the recovery flashing light.. Additional Details: here....

1965 December 15

Proposal for four additional Apollo LEMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Grumman was invited to provide NASA with a cost-plus-incentive-fee proposal to provide four LEMs subsequent to LEM-11, with the proposal due at MSC by the close of business on the following day. The proposal should be based on a vehicular configuration similar to LEM-11 in all respects, including supporting activities, contractual provisions, and specifications applicable to LEM-11. The required shipment dates for the four vehicles would be December 13, 1968, February 11, 1969, April 11, 1969, and June 10, 1969, respectively.

1965 December 15

First Apollo manned lunar landing experiment selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell informed MSC that an experiment proposed by Ames Research Center had been selected as a space science investigation for, if possible, the first manned lunar landing as a part of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. Principal investigator of the proposed experiment, the magnetometer, was C. P. Sonett of Ames with Jerry Modisette of MSC as associate.
The Apollo Program Director was being requested by Newell to authorize the funding of flight hardware for this experiment.

1965 December 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo CSM ultimate static testing began - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. CSM ultimate static testing began. A failure occurred at 140 percent of the limit load test which simulated the end of the first-stage Saturn V boost.. Additional Details: here....

1965 December 16-23

Study of the effects of lunar soil properties on Apollo LEM landing performance - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
A working group was formed at MSC to determine the effects of lunar soil properties on LEM landing performance. Various potential sources of lunar surface information, including Surveyor spacecraft, would be investigated in an effort to evaluate LEM landing performance in a lunar soil. The effect of footpad size and shape on landing performance in soil would also be studied.

1965 December 16-23

Requirement deleted to use the Apollo LEM rendezvous radar for during powered phases - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. The requirement to use the LEM rendezvous radar for surface or skin track and for tracking in the cooperative mode during powered LEM mission phases was deleted from the Grumman Technical Specification and the Master End Item Specification..

1965 December 16

Apollo Weight and Performance management system proved itself as a useful management tool - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips said the Apollo Weight and Performance management system, jointly developed by the Apollo Program Office and the Centers had proved itself as a useful management tool. He considered that the system had matured to the point that changes in organizational responsibility were needed. He set a target date of December 31, 1965, to complete the following actions:
- The focal point for the work had been in Apollo Program Control. Since it was a systems engineering function, Phillips was transferring this responsibility to his Apollo Systems Engineering organization.
- The APO Directorate of Systems Engineering would provide a quarterly weight and performance report and a monthly summary report on an integrated program basis.
- MSC would be responsible for and provide to the Apollo Program Office the weight and performance material which had been directed to Apollo Program Control.
Phillips acknowledged that an important element of the Apollo Weight and Performance management system had been the prediction analysis (weight growth) assessment effort performed by GE Apollo Support Division, under contract to the Apollo Program Control Office. Phillips felt, however, that weight growth analyses were a Center responsibility, and there was no continuing need for GE to perform in this area since the prediction analysis methodology had been established.
Phillips told ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that if he wished to continue to use GE's service in this area, he would support his request with the stipulation that GE's prediction analysis operation be supervised by MSC personnel.

1965 December 16

Satellite operational capability for Apollo mission support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The NASA Director of Mission Operations notified the Directors of MSC, MSFC, and KSC that the communication satellite operational capability for Apollo mission support was scheduled for September 30, 1966..

1965 December 16-23

Certain Apollo guidance system responsibilities were transferred from MIT to AC Electronics - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
The following responsibilities were transferred from MIT to AC Electronics:
1. design responsibility for the Block I and Block II eyepiece compartment;
2. responsibility for all Block II and LEM system coatings which were exposed to the spacecraft or space environment; and
3. design responsibility for the LEM navigation base.

1965 December 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Proposal rejected that the Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) on Apollo LEM-3 be deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. The MSC Systems Development Branch rejected a proposal that the Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) on LEM-3 be deleted for the following reasons:
1. LEM-3 would be the first full-weight LEM launched on a Saturn V vehicle. . Additional Details: here....

1965 December 19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo Spacecraft and S-II stage program evaluations completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips informed J. L. Atwood, President of North American Aviation, Inc., that he and the team working with him in examining the Apollo Spacecraft and S-II stage programs had completed their task "in sufficient detail . . . to formulate reasonably accurate assessment of the current situation concerning these two programs." Phillips and a task force had started this study at North American November 22, 1965.
Phillips added: "I am definitely not satisfied with the progress and outlook of either program and am convinced that the right actions now can result in substantial improvement of position in both programs in the relatively near future.
"Inclosed are ten copies of the notes which we compiled on the basis of our visits. They include details not discussed in our briefing and are provided for your consideration and use.
"The conclusions expressed in our briefing and notes are critical. Even with due consideration of hopeful signs, I could not find a substantive basis for confidence in future performance. I believe that a task group drawn from NAA at large could rather quickly verify the substance of our conclusions, and might be useful to you in setting the course for improvements.
"The gravity of the situation compels me to ask that you let me know, by the end of January if possible, the actions you propose to take. . . ."

1965 December 20

Both radar and optical tracking systems included in the Apollo hardware development phase - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Robert C. Duncan, Chief of MSC's Guidance and Control Division, revealed that recent discussions between himself, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller, and ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea had resulted in a decision to continue both radar and optical tracking systems into the hardware development phase. It was also agreed that some specific analytical and hardware homework must be done. The hardware action items were being assigned to Robert A. Gardiner and the analytical action items to Donald C. Cheatham.
The primary objective was to design, develop, and produce rendezvous sensor hardware that was on time and would work, Duncan said; second, that "we must have a rendezvous strategy which takes best advantage of the capability of the rendezvous sensor (whichever type it might be)."
The greatest difficulty in reducing operating laboratory equipment into operating spacecraft hardware occurred in the process of packaging and testing for flight. This milestone had not been reached in either the radar or the optical tracker programs.
Duncan said, "We want to set up a 'rendezvous sensor olympics' at some appropriate stage . . . when we have flight-weight equipment available from both the radar contractor and the optical tracker contractor. This olympics should consist of exposing the hardware to critical environmental tests, particularly vibration and thermal-cycling, and to operate the equipment after such exposure." If one or the other equipment failed to survive the test, it would be clear which program would be continued and which would be canceled. "If both successfully pass the olympics, the system which will be chosen will be based largely upon the results of the analytical effort. . . . If both systems fail the olympics, it is clear we have lots of work to do," Duncan said.

1965 December 21

Robert C Seamans, Jr becomes Deputy Administrator of NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans, Webb. Program: Apollo.
Robert C. Seamans, Jr., was sworn in as Deputy Administrator of NASA, succeeding Hugh L. Dryden who died December 2. Seamans would also retain his present position as Associate Administrator for an indefinite period of time.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb administered the oath of office. He had announced in Austin, Tex., on December 10, that President Lyndon B. Johnson had accepted his recommendation that Seamans be named to the number two NASA post.

1965 December 30-January 6

Grumman and MSC reached agreement to continue with Freon for prelaunch cooling of Apollo LEM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Grumman and MSC reached agreement to continue with Freon for prelaunch cooling of LEM-1. By changing to a different Freon the additional heat sink capability was obtained with minor changes to flight hardware. The ground support equipment for supplying Freon had to be modified to increase the flow capability, but this was not expected to be difficult. Plans were to use the same prelaunch cooling capability for LEM-2 and LEM-3.

1965 December 30-January 6

NASA Headquarters had directed that crew water intake be recorded on all Apollo flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
NASA Headquarters had directed that crew water intake be recorded on all Apollo flights. To meet this requirement the Government-furnished water gun would have to be modified to include a metering capability. A gun with this capability was successfully flown on the Gemini VI and Gemini VII flights and could be used without change in the CM and LEM if it could withstand the higher water pressure. Incorporation of the gun could require bracket changes in the CM and the LEM.

1965 December 30

Apollo earth landing system qualification drop tests incomplete - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
Because earth landing system qualification drop tests on boilerplate 6A and boilerplate 19 had failed to demonstrate that Block I recovery aids would not be damaged during landing, MSC notified North American that certain existing interim configuration recovery aid mockups must be replaced by actual hardware capable of fulfilling test requirements. The hardware included: two VHF antennas; one flashing light; one RF antenna, nondeployable; sea marker, swimmer umbilical, nondeployable. In addition, existing launch escape system tower leg bolts should be replaced by redesigned Block I tower bolts, including protective covers, to demonstrate that the redesigned bolts and covers did not degrade the performance of the earth landing system. North American was to reply with a total change plan by January 5, 1966.

1965 December 30-January 6

Simulated Apollo CM forward bulkhead completed for magnetic hammer tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
As a result of joint efforts by the Resident ASPO and MSFC Resident Manufacturing Representative, a simulated forward bulkhead for the CM inner-crew compartment was fabricated by North American and sent to MSFC for use in developing a head for the magnetic hammer which would be compatible to the extremely thin skins used on the compartment. The need for the magnetic hammer arose from the "canning" and "wrinkles" found after welding on the forward bulkhead. A tryout for the magnetic hammer on the simulated bulkhead was scheduled the first week in January.

1965 December 30-January 6

Problem with the boost environment for the Apollo LEM and SLA thermal coating - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
A potential problem still existed with the boost environment for the LEM and the associated spacecraft-LEM-adapter (SLA) thermal coating. Systems Engineering Division authorized North American to proceed with implementation of an SLA thermal coating to meet the currently understood SLA requirements. Grumman would review the North American study in detail for possible adverse impact on the LEM and would negotiate with MSC.

1965 December

16 flights made in the Apollo LLRV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
During the month 16 flights were made in the LLRV. Of these, 11 were devoted to concluding the handling qualities evaluation of the rate- command vehicle attitude control system. The other five flights were required to check out a new pilot, Lt. Col. E. E. Kluever of the Army, who would participate in the remaining research flight testing performed on the LLRV at Flight Research Center. On December 15 the craft was grounded for cockpit modifications which would make the pilot display and controllers more like those of the LEM.

1965 December

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo LEM contract renegotiated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC and Grumman completed negotiations to convert the LEM contract from cost-plus-fixed-fee to cost- plus-incentive fee. In addition to schedule and performance incentives, bonus points would be awarded for cost control during FY 66 and FY 67. Four LEMs were also added to the program. LEM mockup-3 would be used as the KSC verification vehicle; LEM test article-2 and LEM test article-10 (refurbished vehicles) would be used in the first two flights of the Saturn V launch vehicle.
A total of 167 contract change authorizations (CCAs) to the Grumman contract had been issued by December 31. Negotiation of the proposal for the conversion to a cost-plus-incentive-fee included all CCAs through No. 162, and CCA amendments dated before December 9. Proposals for CCAs 163167 were in process and would be submitted according to contract change procedures.

1965 - During the last quarter

Changes in Apollo spacecraft weights - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea reported to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips on changes in spacecraft weights:
- The CM control weight was 4,989 kg (11,000 lbs) and current weight 4,954 kg (10,920 lbs), up 126.55 kg (279 lbs) from September.
- The SM control weight was 4,627 kg (10,200 lbs), and current weight was 4,591 kg (10,122 lbs), down 44.45 kg (98 lbs). The total amount of usable propellant, control weight, was 16,642 kg (36,690 lbs), and current weight was 16,468 kg (36,305 lbs), up 53.98 kg (119 lbs).
- The LEM control weight was 14,515 kg (32,000 lbs) and current weight was 14,333 kg (31,599 lbs), down 81.65 kg (180 lbs).
- The spacecraft-LEM-adapter control weight was 1,724 kg (3,800 lbs) and the current weight was 1,624 kg (3,580 lbs), up 22.68 kg (50 lbs).
- The total spacecraft injected control weight was 43,091 kg (95,000 lbs), and current weight was 42,422 kg (93,526 lbs), up 77.11 kg (170 lbs).
- The launch escape system control weight was 3,719 kg (8,200 lbs), and current weight 3,741 kg (8,245 lbs), up 20.41 kg (45 lbs).
- The total launch control weight was 46,811 kg (103,200 lbs), and current weight was 46,163 kg (101,771 lbs), up 97.52 kg (215 lbs).

1965 December 31

Apollo SM reaction control system engine qualification completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. The SM reaction control system engine qualification was completed with no apparent failures..

1966 January 3-14

Apollo LEM landing gear subsystem reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear.
The LEM landing gear subsystem was reviewed during the LEM Critical Design Review at MSC and Grumman. The review disclosed no major design inadequacies of the landing gear. The review included: lunar landing performance, structural and mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, overall subsystem test program including results of tests to date, and conformance of landing gear design to LEM specifications.

1966 January 3

Operational constraints for Apollo experimenters - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
An OMSF memorandum spelled out operational constraints for Apollo experimenters to prevent experiment-generated operational problems. The author, E. E. Christensen, investigated the area at the request of NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller and developed some general conclusions, based on experience gained in the Gemini experiments program.
Christensen said the following items should be considered:
1. The experimenter should be required to produce all hardware and paperwork on schedule or resign himself to the fact that the experiment would be deferred to a later flight.
2. Training hardware should be identical to flight hardware except for flight certification documentation.
3. The experimenter should be informed that control fuel and power resources are limited aboard the spacecraft and his requirements should specify minimum usage.
4. The experimenter should be informed that recording and telemetry facilities are definitely limited and he should provide for alternate modes of data collection.
5. The experimenter should be requested to submit, as early as possible, detailed operational requirements, including timeline data, to MSC for inclusion in the flight plan and to allow a maximum time for solution of operational problems.
6. The experimenter should indicate both minimum and optimum experiment data requirements to allow mission planners some latitude in mission design.
7. The experimenter should be informed that every effort would be made to fly assigned experiments, but that certain prime mission requirements might be generated in flight and take precedence. In this event NASA would make every effort to reassign a deleted experiment to a later mission.
8. The experimenter should be informed that flight crew prime mission time demands can be exacting and that experiments requiring conscious efforts on the part of the crew may have to be compromised so as not to interfere with primary mission objectives.
Christensen suggested that NASA Headquarters could assist by providing guidance to MSC regarding the assignment of experiment priorities on each mission and the extent of allowable degradation of experimentation. He indicated that he felt the following experiments appeared to contain potential operational problems: S5, Synoptic Terrain Photography; M9A, Human Otolith Function; S14, Frog Otolith Function; S16, Trapped Particles Asymmetry; S17, X-ray Astronomy; and S18, Micrometeorite Collection.

1966 January 3

Cross section of materials for the Apollo A6L thermal meteoroid garment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
MSC directed International Latex Corporation to use the following cross section of materials in fabricating the A6L thermal meteoroid garment, outside to inside: One layer of six-ounce Nomex cloth; seven layers of H.R.C. super-insulation, starting with one-fourth mil aluminized mylar and alternating with 1.5-mil unwoven dacron spacers; two layers of seven-ounce neoprene rip stop nylon (one side coated with neoprene).

1966 January 3

Problem areas with activity within the Apollo LEM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Contractor personnel began an exercise to identify problem areas associated with activity within the LEM. Subjects using pressurized suits and portable life support systems ran through various cockpit procedures in the LEM mockup. Evaluations would continue during the week of January 10, using astronauts. The purpose of the exercise was to identify and gather data on problem areas in support of the Critical Design Review scheduled to be held at Grumman in late January.

1966 January 3-7

Preliminary Design Review for the Apollo Block II pressure garment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM. The Preliminary Design Review for the Block II pressure garment assembly was held at International Latex Corporation..

1966 January 5

Apollo Joint Operations Group (JOG) disestablished - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Joint Operations Group (JOG) was disestablished by its cochairmen. JOG had been established in February 1964 to exchange up-to- date status information on operational problems and to provide a means for their solution.
Subsequent to the establishment of JOG, responsibility for the Panel Review Board was transferred to the Apollo Program Director, and the Operations Management Group and Operations Executive Group were established. Those activities satisfied the requirements of both the Apollo Program Director and Mission Operations Director and provided the operational problem status and solution capability.

1966 January 6-13

Apollo LEM-adapter SLA thermal coating material to be 24-carat gold - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
Apparently the only available spacecraft-LEM-adapter SLA thermal coating material which would meet the emissivity requirements for LEM flights was 24-carat gold. North American Tulsa, Oklahoma was predicting 18-week and 10-week schedule slips, respectively, for the first two Block 11 SLAs and a $10-12 million cost impact. A meeting would be held at Tulsa January 17 between North American, Grumman, and MSC to determine the course of the action to be taken.

1966 January 6-13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo Block I SPS engine tested to 600 seconds - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The 500-second limitation for the Block I service propulsion system SPS engine qualification program was increased to 600 seconds for the last three altitude qualification tests. The spacecraft 020 SPS mission duty cycle required a 310-second burn and a 205-second burn. Discussions with Systems Engineering Division indicated that the long SPS burns were needed to support a full-duration S-IVB mission and there was little likelihood the requirement could be modified. The Block II engine delivery schedules prohibited obtaining a Block II engine in time to support spacecraft 020.

1966 January 7

Plans for the Apollo Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
George M. Low, Deputy Director of MSC, outlined the general purpose and plans for the Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory during a telephone conversation with Oran W. Nicks, NASA Director of Lunar and Planetary Programs:
- The Laboratory would prepare the sample boxes which would be sent to the moon on Apollo missions for the collection of samples.
- These boxes with enclosed samples would be returned to the facility where they could be opened in the desired vacuum environment.
- The facility could provide a capability for low level radiation counting and other urgent examinations.
- Samples would be prepared in the facility for distribution to scientists around the country and abroad who would have previously been selected to conduct analyses.
- The facility would serve as a repository for the sample material, and its personnel would act as curators for the samples and scientific data generated.
- A modicum of Laboratory facilities would be available for use by guest investigators who wished to study samples for special purposes at MSC.
- The sample facility would incorporate a quarantine section to properly assay the lunar materials, and to ensure preventing contamination on earth. In addition, it was probable that astronaut quarantine accommodations would be an adjunct to the currently conceived facility.

1966 January 8-11

First Apollo fuel cell system test at White Sands - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
The first fuel cell system test at White Sands Test Facility was conducted successfully. Primary objectives were: 1 to verify the capability of the ground support equipment and operational checkout procedure to start up, operate, and shut down a single fuel cell power plant; and 2 to evaluate fuel cell operations during cold gimbaling of the service propulsion engine.

1966 January 10

Vostok life-support systems used a sodium superoxide compound as a source of oxygen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Vostok.
Soviet life-support systems used in Vostok and Voskhod spacecraft appeared to use a sodium superoxide compound as a source of oxygen, A. W. Petrocelli, General Dynamics Corporation, told Missiles and Rockets. Petrocelli estimated the Russians had published three times more basic research papers than U.S. scientists on these materials and were continuing efforts to improve life-support systems by studying compounds such as new superoxides, peroxides, and ozonides. He also said they were searching for better carbon dioxide absorbers.

1966 January 13-20

SPS burn time set for Apollo AS-502 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The service propulsion subsystem (SPS) maximum total burn time was set at 515 sec for Mission AS-502, instead of 385 sec. The higher limit was expected to be attained due to the Block I testing burn time being extended to 600 sec. An SPS propellant loading of 16,783 kg (37,000 lbs) and the 515-sec burn limit had been included in the Apollo Mission Data Specifications, which was in the publication cycle for support of the AS-502 Reference Trajectory.

1966 January 13-20

Apollo LEM electrical power system use of the primary structure as electrical ground approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Electrical.
The LEM electrical power system use of the primary structure as the electrical ground return was approved after Grumman presentations were made to ASPO and Engineering and Development personnel. The descent-stage batteries would not use a descent-stage structure ground to preclude current flow through the pyrotechnic interstage nut and bolt assemblies. The ascent and descent stage batteries would be grounded to primary structure in the near vicinity of the ascent-stage batteries. In addition, several selected manually operated solenoids would ground. All other subsystems would remain grounded to the "single-point" vehicle ground. This change would be implemented by Grumman with no cost or schedule impact and would effect a weight savings of approximately 7.7 kg (17 lbs).

1966 January 13

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Land impact program for the Apollo CM Block I deleted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
A decision made at a Program Management Review eliminated the requirement for a land impact program for the CM to support Block I flights. Post-abort CM land impact for Saturn IB launches had been eliminated from Complex 37 by changes to the sequence timers in the launch escape system abort mode. The Certification Test Specification and related Certification Test Requirements would reflect the new Block II land impact requirements.

1966 January 13-27

Single Apollo battery for all flight hardware studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
Hamilton Standard Division was directed by Crew Systems Division to use a 2.27-kg (5-lbs) battery for all flight hardware if the power inputs indicated that it would meet the four-hr mission. The battery on order currently weighed 2.44 kg (5.4 lbs). This resulted in an inert weight saving of l.45 kg (3.2 lbs) and a total saving on the LEM and CSM of 5.44 kg (12 lbs).

1966 January 13-20

Apollo AS-503 to reduce LEM crewed altitudes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
Mission requirements for AS-503 were reviewed to determine if the LEM test objectives which caused the crew to be in the LEM at high altitudes (3,704 to 12,964 km (2,000 to 7,000 nm)) could be deleted. The reason for keeping the crew out of the LEM at those altitudes was the possibility they might be exposed to a total radiation dose which might prevent them from flying a later lunar mission.

1966 January 14

Apollo LM contract revision - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The Grumman contract revision, converting the contract to cost-plus-incentive-fee, was signed. The period of the contract was extended through December 1969..

1966 January 20

Little Joe II A-004 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Apollo Mission A-004 was successfully accomplished at White Sands Missile Range. This was the first flight test utilizing the Apollo Block I type spacecraft and the sixth and final test of the Apollo CSM development program at WSMR.. Additional Details: here....

1966 January 21

NASA converted North American Apollo contracts to a cost-plus-incentive-fee agreement - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA converted one of its major contracts from a cost-plus-fixed-fee to a cost-plus-incentive-fee agreement. The contract was with North American Aviation's Space and Information Systems Division, Downey, Calif., for development of the Apollo spacecraft command and service modules (CSM) and spacecraft-lunar excursion module adapter (SLA).

1966 January 21

NASA contract with MIT for radar and radiometric measurements on the surface of the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA negotiated a contract with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a program of radar and radiometric measurements on the surface of the moon. The program, which would be active until March 31, 1967, would have Paul B. Sebring of MIT's Lincoln Laboratory as principal investigator. Results would be used to select areas for intensive study to support investigations related to manned landing sites.
Arthur T. Strickland of NASA's Lunar and Planetary Programs Office would be the technical monitor. Andrew Patteson of the MSC Lunar Surface Technology Branch was requested as alternate technical monitor.

1966 January 28

Apollo spacecraft altitude chamber run requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
The Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) Checkout and Test Division was informed by the Flight Crew Operations Director that in reference to a request for "...our desires for altitude chamber runs on Apollo spacecraft, we definitely feel three runs are mandatory on CSMs 012 and 014". Additional Details: here....

1966 January 28

Dual Apollo AS-207/208 flight scheduled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA Hq. requested the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office at Manned Spacecraft Center to evaluate the impact, including the effect on ground support equipment and mission control, of a dual AS-207/208 flight as early as AS-207 was currently scheduled. ASPO was to assume that launch vehicle 207 would carry the Block II CSM, launch vehicle 208 would carry the lunar excursion module (LEM), and the two launches would be nearly simultaneous. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) were asked to make similar studies for their systems. Response was requested by February 7, 1966.

1966 February 1

Lunar Orbiter program status - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
MCC's Robert R. Gilruth, Maxime A. Faget, and William E. Stoney visited Langley Research Center to discuss the Orbiter program status and plans for distributing photos obtained from Orbiter with Floyd Thompson, Charles Donlan, and other Langley personnel members connected with the Orbiter program. Important aspects of the program were presented, with particular emphasis on the camera system and the kind and quality of photography to be obtained. In the discussion of data handling it was apparent there were no conflicts of purpose or planned activity between LaRC and MSC. It was determined that strong MSC representation at Langley during the photo screening period would be advantageous to MSC and of great benefit in MSC's subsequent lunar landing site evaluation.

1966 February 1

Debate on use of optics versus radar as a primary Apollo LEM rendezvous aid - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
MSC Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton said he did not think that current testing or proposed evaluation would do anything to resolve the basic debate between optics versus radar as a primary LEM rendezvous aid. Slayton said, "The question is not which system can be manufactured, packaged, and qualified as flight hardware at the earliest date; it is which design is most operationally suited to accomplishing the lunar mission. The 'Olympics' contribute nothing to solving this problem." He proposed that an MSC management design review of both systems at the earliest reasonable date was the only way to reach a conclusion, adding, "This requires only existing paperwork and knowledge - no hardware."

1966 February 2-24

Dual Apollo AS-207/208 flight studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
In response to a January 28 TWX from NASA Hq., MSC personnel made recommendations after evaluating the impact of a dual AS-207/208 flight on ground support and mission control. On February 2, John P. Mayer, Chief, Mission Planning and Analysis Division, told the Assistant Director for Flight Operations that the sole area of concern would be in providing the necessary Real Time Computer Complex readiness in a time frame consistent with the AS-207 launch schedule. Mayer also recommended that a decision be made in the very near future to commit AS-207 and AS-208 to a dual mission and that, if possible, IBM personnel knowledgeable in the Gemini dual vehicle system be diverted to the proposed mission if major modifications were not required for the Gemini XI and Gemini XII missions.
On February 4, John D. Hodge, Chief of the Flight Control Division, listed for the Technical Assistant for Apollo some problem areas that could arise in the operational aspects of the proposed mission with AS-207 carrying a manned CSM and AS-208 carrying only a LEM. Hodge recommended that the two launches not be attempted simultaneously, saying that some time between the launches should be determined, which would eliminate most of the problems anticipated.
Howard W. Tindall, Jr., Assistant Chief, Mission Planning and Analysis Division, in a memo documented some design criteria and philosophy on which the AS-207/208 rendezvous mission plan was being developed by the Rendezvous Analysis Branch. Tindall pointed out that, from the Gemini program experience, the plan was felt to be relatively firm. Tindall named some of the basic features recommended by the study:
1. The CSM should be launched before the LEM.
2. The first CSM orbit should be 482 km and the LEM orbit should be 203 km high, both circular. The inclination should be about 29 degrees.
3. There should be two "on-time" launch opportunities each day of about three minutes each, during which a LEM launch would provide ideal in-plane and phasing conditions.
4. It was anticipated that the basic rendezvous could be completed within four-and-a-half hours after LEM liftoff.
5. It was estimated that about 1,317 km per hr of spacecraft in-orbit propulsion would be required to carry out the rendezvous, with about seven service propulsion system maneuvers including terminal phase initiation.

1966 February 2

Rodana to develop Apollo emergency medical kits - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC awarded $70,000 contract to Rodana Research Corp. to develop emergency medical kits that would "satisfy all inflight and training requirements for the Apollo Command Module and the Lunar Excursion Module." Under terms of contract, two training units would be delivered for each flight, in addition to one mockup and six prototype models. The small kits would contain loaded injectors, tablets, capsules, ointments, inhalers, adhesives, and compressed dressings.

1966 February 4

Unrealistic production schedule for Apollo LEM GSE - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Alfred Cohen, head of the ground support equipment (GSE) office of the Resident Apollo Spacecraft Office (RASPO) at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp., objected to the unrealistic production schedule set up by Grumman Manufacturing for LEM GSE. Cohen pointed out that Grumman had been notified many times that NASA did not believe that GSE could be produced in the short time spans formulated by Grumman. Cohen added that Grumman had been informed that this disbelief was based on actual experience with North American Aviation and McDonnell Aircraft Corp. Tracking of the manufacture of such items showed that Grumman was unable to produce in accordance with schedules. Cohen cited that Grumman had planned to complete 99 GSE items in December 1965 and had completed 27; in January it had scheduled 146 items for completion and had completed 43. Cohen requested that the RASPO Manager confront Grumman management with the facts and suggest that they
1. establish realistic schedules for fabricating GSE based on past experience; and
2. step up efforts in expediting purchase of parts and adding manpower that would be required.

1966 February 6-8

First test of Apollo cryogenic gas storage system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
The first test of the cryogenic gas storage system was successfully conducted from 12:30p.m. February 6 through 8:50 p.m. February 8 at the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), N. Mex. Primary objectives were to demonstrate the compatibility between the ground support equipment and cryogenic subsystem with respect to mechanical, thermodynamic, and electrical interfaces during checkout, servicing, monitoring, and ground control. All objectives were attained.

1966 February 7

Apollo CSM weight program reviewed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The CSM weight program was reviewed by James L. Bullard of MSC and D. Morgan of North American Aviation at a meeting in Houston. . Additional Details: here....

1966 February 14

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Packages selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell advised MSC that he had selected space science investigations to be carried to the moon on Apollo missions, emplaced on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts, and left behind to collect and transmit data to the earth on lunar environmental characteristics following those missions. Newell assigned the experiments to specific missions and indicated their priority. Any changes in the assignments would require Newell's approval. The experiments, institutions responsible, and principal investigators and coinvestigators were:
- Passive Lunar Seismic Experiment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Frank Press; Columbia University, George Sutton.
- Lunar Tri-axis Magnetometer, Ames Research Center, C. P. Sonett; MSC, Jerry Modisette.
- Medium-Energy Solar Wind, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), C. W. Snyder; JPL, M. M. Neugebauer.
- Suprathermal Ion Detection, Rice University, J. W. Freeman, Jr.; MSC, F. C. Michel.
- Lunar Heat Flow Management, Columbia University, M. Langseth; Yale University, S. Clark.
- Low-Energy Solar Wind, Rice University, B. J. O'Brien.
- Active Lunar Seismic Experiment, Stanford University, R. L. Kovach; U.S. Geological Survey, J. S. Watkins.
By separate actions, Newell asked the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight to approve the assignment of these experiments to the Apollo Program and the Director of the Apollo Program was asked to assign the experiments, part of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package, to the missions indicated. MSC was authorized to use not in excess of $5.109 million to develop the experiments through flight qualified prototype, including provision for all necessary software for operational and support purposes, as well as data analysis.

1966 February 15

NASA announced conversion of its Apollo contract with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA announced conversion of its contract with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. for development of the LEM to a cost-plus-incentive agreement. Under the terms of the new four-year contract Grumman was to deliver 15 flight articles, 10 test articles, and 2 mission simulators. The change added 4 flight articles to the program. The contract provided incentive for outstanding performance, cost control, and timely delivery as well as potential profit reductions if performance, cost, and schedule requirements were not met.

1966 February 25

Apollo LEM to use North American Aviation optical alignment sights (OAS) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
The LEM Configuration Control Panel approved Grumman's request for government-furnished-equipment (North American Aviation-manufactured) optical alignment sights (OAS) for installation in the LEM. A total of 21 OAS units would be required (including 2 spares). Detailed interface requirements between the OAS and LEM would be negotiated between North American and Grumman and delivery dates would be specified during negotiations.

1966 March 1

Astronauts to fly the Apollo LLRF before the LLTV - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRF.
Recent discussion between Axel Mattson of LaRC and Donald K. Slayton of MSC concerning the possibility of astronauts' using the Lunar Landing Research Facility (LLRF) at Langley led to agreement that astronauts should fly the LLRF for a week before flying the MSC lunar landing training vehicle. An evaluation of the proposal at MSC resulted in a letter from Director Robert R. Gilruth to LaRC Director Floyd L. Thompson indicating the desirability of using the LLRF and also the desirability of some equipment modifications that would improve the vehicle with a minimum effort. These included such items as LEM flight instruments, hand controllers, panel modifications, and software changes. Also discussed was the training benefit that could be realized if the facility were updated to use a vehicle like the LEM so the pilots could become familiar with problems of a standup restraint system, pressure suit and helmet interface with the cockpit structure and window during landing operations, and sensing and reacting to the dynamic cues of motion while standing up.

1966 Spring

Apollo SA-12 (cancelled) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo SA-12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. The decision was made to conduct all Apollo tests on the more powerful Saturn IB booster and these flights were cancelled in October 1963..

1966 March 1

Capability to support Apollo AS-207 208 dual launch - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, in response to a January 28 TWX from Phillips, that MSC had evaluated the capability to support a dual launch of AS-207 208 provided an immediate go-ahead could be given to the contractors. Shea said the evaluation had covered mission planning, ground support equipment (GSE), flight hardware, and operations support. Modifications and additional GSE would be required to update Launch Complex 34 at Cape Kennedy to support a Block II CSM. The total cost of supporting the AS-207/208 dual launch was estimated at $10.2 million for the GSE and additional boiler plate CSM configuration, but Shea added that these costs could be absorbed within the FY 1966 budget. Shea recommended that the dual mission be incorporated into the program.

1966 March 7

Stress corrosion of Apollo titanium tanks problem identified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, in a memo to the Director, Office of Advanced Research and Technology, NASA Hq., pointed out that in July 1965 the Apollo program encountered stress corrosion of titanium tanks from nitrogen tetroxide propellant. Additional Details: here....

1966 March 8

Dual Apollo AS-207/208 mission planned - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips notified the three manned space flight Centers that they were requested to plan for a dual AS-207/208 mission, assuming that launch would occur one month later than the 207 launch now scheduled..

1966 March 9-10

First integrated test of major Apollo service module systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. The first integrated test of the service propulsion system, electrical power system, and cryogenic gas storage system was successfully conducted at the White Sands Test Facility..

1966 March 14

Delivery changes in Apollo space flight schedules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
NASA Hq. told MSC that delivery changes should be reflected in manned space flight schedules as controlled milestone changes and referred specifically to CSM 008 - April 1966; CSM 011 - April 15, 1966; and CSM 007 - March 31, 1966. Headquarters noted that the "NAA (North American Aviation Inc.) contract delivery date remains 28 February 1966" for each and that "every effort should be made to deliver these articles as early as possible, since completion of each is constraining a launch or other major activity."

1966 March 16

Apollo ALSEP program management assignments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips informed MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth of specific NASA Hq. management assignments that had been implemented in connection with the ALSEP program. He told Gilruth he had asked Len Reiffel to serve as the primary focus of Headquarters on ALSEP and that he would be assisted by three members of the Lunar and Planetary Program Office of the Office of Space Science and Applications: W. T. O'Bryant, E. Davin, and R. Green.

1966 March 16

MSC analysis of Grumman Apollo ground support equipment (GSE) showed serious problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
MSC analysis of Grumman ground support equipment (GSE) showed that a serious problem in manufacturing and delivery of GSE would have a significant program impact if not corrected immediately. Information submitted to NASA indicated a completion rate of 35 percent of that planned. Grumman was requested to initiate action to identify causes of the problem and take immediate remedial action. A formal recovery plan was to be submitted to NASA, considering the following guidelines:
1. the plan would take into account the interrelations of the LEM vehicle, site activation, vehicle checkout, and GSE end-item manufacturing schedules;
2. a priority system should be established by which "critical" equipment would be identified, with all other equipment identified in either "preferred" or "not essential" categories ("critical" was defined as that mission-essential or mission-support equipment without which the successful completion of the vehicle test or launch would be impossible); and
3. manufacturing schedules should be revised to emphasize completion of all critical category equipment, including such means as two- or three-shift operation or additional subcontracting, or both.
Grumman was required to initiate the recovery plan as soon as possible but not later than 30 days from receipt of the instructions, and progress reports were to be submitted to NASA biweekly, starting two weeks from receipt of the TWX.

1966 March 16

Bendix selected for four packages of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb and Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., selected Bendix Systems Division, Bendix Corp., from among three contractors for design, manufacture, test, and operational support of four deliverable packages of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP), with first delivery scheduled for July 1967. The estimated cost of the cost-plus-incentive-fee contract negotiated with Bendix before the presentation by the Source Evaluation Board to Webb and Seamans was $17.3 million.

1966 March 17

Apollo time-critical aborts due to service propulsion system failure investigated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM ECS.
John D. Hodge, Chief of MSC's Flight Control Division, proposed that time-critical aborts in the event of a service propulsion system failure after translunar injection (TLI; i.e., insertion on a trajectory toward the moon) be investigated. Time-critical abort was defined as an abort occurring within 12 hours after TLI and requiring reentry in less than two days after the abort.
He suggested that if an SPS failed the service module be jettisoned for a time-critical abort and both LEM propulsion systems be used for earth return, reducing the total time to return by approximately 60 hours. As an example, if the time of abort was 10 hours after translunar injection, he said, this method would require about 36 hours; if the SM were retained the return time would require about 96 hours.
He added that the LEM/CM-only configuration should be studied for any constraints that would preclude initiating this kind of time-critical abort. Some of the factors to be considered should be:
1. maximum time the LEM environmental control system could support two or three men on an earth return;
2. maximum time the CM electrical system could support minimum power-up condition;
3. time constraints on completely powering down the CM and using the LEM systems for support;
4. effects on planned landing areas from an open loop reentry mode;
5. stability of the LEM/CM configuration during the descent and ascent propulsion burns;
6. total time to return using the descent propulsion system only or both the LEM's descent propulsion system and ascent propulsion system; and
7. communications with Manned Space Flight Network required to support this abort.

1966 March 28

Cost problems of the Apollo contract with General Motors' AC Electronics Division - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips discussed cost problems of the contract with General Motors' AC Electronics Division, in a memo to NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller. One of the problems was late design releases from Massachusetts Institute of Technology to AC Electronics, resulting in an increase of $2.7 million. Phillips also pointed out that computer problems at Raytheon Corp. had increased the program cost by $6.7 million, added that many of these problems had their origins in the MIT design, and listed seven of the most significant technical problems. Phillips stated that MSC in conjunction with AC Electronics had taken several positive steps:
1. to establish a factory test method review board to review all procedures encompassing fabrication of the computer in the manufacturing process;
2. to schedule 100-percent audit of all hardware in fabrication; and
3. to increase the AC Electronics resident technical staff at the Raytheon plant.

1966 March 29

Use of Langley's Apollo Lunar Orbit and Landing Approach (LOLA) Simulator requested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
MSC requested use of Langley Research Center's Lunar Orbit and Landing Approach (LOLA) Simulator in connection with two technical contracts in progress with Geonautics, Inc., Washington, D.C. One was for pilotage techniques for use in the descent and ascent phases of the LEM profile, while the other specified construction of a binocular viewing device for simplified pilotage monitoring. Langley concurred with the request and suggested that MSC personnel work with Manuel J. Queijo in setting up the program, in making working arrangements between the parties concerned, and in defining the trajectories of interest.

1966 March 30

On-board television for Apollo proposed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., said he had been reflecting on network coverage for Apollo, as a result of the Gemini VIII experience. He recognized that Apollo had more weight-carrying ability and stowage space than Gemini and that as a consequence live TV from the spacecraft might be a good possibility. This coverage could allow for extensive TV during travel to and from the moon as well as during lunar landing, disembarkation, and lunar exploration. The TV equipment would not be solely for news purposes but he felt "all manner of demands will be placed upon us for continuous live coverage." He requested a review at an early date as to
1. the technical capability of planned equipment,
2. preliminary plans for network coverage, and
3. possible modification of Apollo equipment to provide greater capability for scientific, technical, operational, and information coverage of the missions by camera and television techniques.

1966 March 31

Apollo Space Science Office - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A Space Science Office was established as an interim-organizational element of MSC's Engineering and Development Directorate, pending development of a permanent organization. The Office would report to the E&D Manager, Experiments, and would be responsible for providing support technology for manned space flight in environmental elements such as space radiation, micrometeoroid flux, lunar surface conditions and planetary atmospheres. It would also participate in making measurements and conducting experiments with and from manned spacecraft. Robert O. Piland was named Acting Manager of the Office.

1966 March

Total cost of the Apollo manned lunar landing program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Webb. Program: Apollo.
NASA OMSF prepared a position paper on NASA's estimated total cost of the manned lunar landing program. Administrator James E. Webb furnished the paper for the record of the FY 1967 Senate authorization hearings and the same statement was given to the House Committee. The paper was approved by Webb and George E. Mueller and placed the run-out costs for the program at $22.718 billion.

1966 April 4

Apollo MSC organizational changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC sent proposed organizational changes to NASA Hq. for approval by the Administrator. The two basic changes to be made were:
1. establishment of a Space Medicine Directorate and
2. establishment of a Space Science Division within the Engineering and Development (E&D) Directorate.
Both proposals, it was pointed out to Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller, had been discussed with him and other key members of the Headquarters staff. The proposed Space Medicine Directorate would combine the functions of the Chief of Center Medical Programs and the Center Medical Office, along with biomedical research functions currently performed in the Crew Systems Division of the E&D Directorate. The Offices of Chief of Center Medical Programs and Center Medical Office would be abolished by the change.
The Space Science Division had been discussed with NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell and would consolidate into a single organization several of the space science activities of MSC, including those under the Assistant Chief for Space Environment in Advanced Spacecraft Technology Division as well as the planned Lunar Sample Receiving Laboratory. The four basic functions of the Division, reflecting the increased scientific program emphasis, would be
1. interpretation of environmental data for spacecraft design and operations criteria,
2. experiments,
3. obtaining lunar samples, and
4. astronaut training.
In addition a name change was proposed for heads of the five major operating elements of MSC, from "Assistant Director for" to "Director of"; e.g., from Assistant Director for Flight Operations to Director of Flight Operations. This change was suggested to eliminate frequent and continuing misunderstandings in dealing with persons outside the organization who assumed that the "Assistant Director for Flight Operations," etc., was the number two man in that organization, rather than the number one.

1966 April 6

GE or Boeing proposed to help Grumman on Apollo GSE - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
In response to an April 1 query from George E. Mueller, NASA OMSF, asking, "Could GE or Boeing help on GAEC (Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp.) GSE?" Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips replied that on several occasions in the recent past he had made known to both Center and industry representatives that a highly capable, quick-response ground support equipment (GSE) organization had been built by and through General Electric, which the Centers and other companies should take advantage of whenever it could help with schedules or costs. He also recalled that "in one of our last two meetings with Grumman" he had reminded them of this capability and had suggested they consider it.

1966 April 7

Potential uses of TV on Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Television.
In response to the March 30 memo from NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., regarding potential uses of TV on Apollo, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller replied that ". . . we have been making a progressive review of the Apollo electronic systems. Performance and application of the Apollo TV system are being looked at as part of the review." He added that he expected to be in position by mid-May to discuss plans with Seamans in some detail.

1966 April 8

Agreement between the Department of Defense and NASA on extraterrestrial mapping - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo.
Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., received a letter from John S. Foster, Jr., Director of Defense Research and Engineering, expressing pleasure that the agreement between the Department of Defense and NASA on extraterrestrial mapping, charting, and geodesy support had been consummated. He was returning a copy of the agreement for the NASA files.

1966 April 12

Status report on Apollo Block I spacesuit assembly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Bellcomm, Inc., memo to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips presented the status of the Apollo Block I spacesuit assembly.. Additional Details: here....

1966 April 15

Apollo Experiment Pallet program decision requested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth told Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller he felt it was necessary either to proceed with the Apollo Experiment Pallet program or to cancel the program, reaching a decision not later than April 22. Gilruth pointed out that four contracts had been initiated in December 1965 for Phase C of the program, that the contracts were completed on April 6, that full-scale mockups had been delivered, and that documentation with cost proposals were due April 22. The four contractors were McDonnell Aircraft, Martin-Denver, Northrop, and Lockheed Aircraft-Sunnyvale. Gilruth said it was apparent that all contractors had done an exceptionally good job during the Phase C effort. Low cost had been emphasized in every phase of the program, with contractors responding with a very economical device and at the same time a straightforward design that offered every chance of early availability and successful operation.
Of equal significance, he said, "the Pallet offers the opportunity to minimize the interface with both North American and the Apollo program. It provides a single interface to Apollo and NAA, allowing the multiple-experiment interfaces to be handled by a contractor whose specific interest is in experiments. If experiments are to be carried in the Service Module, the Pallet both by concept and experience offers the most economical approach." Gilruth said the following plan had been developed:
1. April 22 - receive documentation and cost proposals.
2. April 22-May 22 - evaluate four proposals and negotiate four acceptable contracts in the same manner as for ALSEP.
3. May 23-24 - Source Evaluation Board Review.
4. May 25-June 1 - Center and Headquarters Review.
5. June 1 - date of cost incurrence for selected contractor.
Gilruth strongly recommended that the pallet program be implemented as planned. On April 22, Mueller gave his approval to proceed as planned.

1966 April 18

Apollo spacecraft 007 and 011 delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Spacecraft 007 and 011 were delivered to NASA by North American Aviation. Spacecraft 007 was delivered to Houston to be used for water impact and flotation tests in the Gulf of Mexico and in an environmental tank at Ellington AFB. It contained all recovery systems required during actual flight and the total configuration was that of a flight CM.
The CM of spacecraft 011 was similar to those in which astronauts would ride in later flights and the SM contained support systems including environmental control and fuel cell systems and the main service propulsion system. Spacecraft 011 was scheduled to be launched during the third quarter of 1966.

1966 April 18

Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Worm.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea and members of his organization were invited to attend the formal presentation by the Aeronutronic Division of Philco Corp. on a "Study of Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle Concept," at LaRC on May 3. The exploratory study to determine the feasibility of a bellows-concept mobile vehicle included a mobility and traction analysis for several kinds of bellows motion and several soil surfaces; analysis of both metallic and nonmetallic construction to provide the bellows structure; brief design studies of the concept as applied to a small unmanned vehicle, a supply vehicle, a small lunar shelter, a large lunar shelter; and an overall evaluation of the suitability of the concept for carrying out various missions as compared with other vehicles.

1966 April 21

MSC announced the establishment of an Apollo Flight Experiment Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Kraft, Slayton. Program: Apollo.
MSC announced the establishment of a Flight Experiment Board. The Board would select and recommend to the Director space flight experiments proposed from within the Center and judged by the Board to be in the best interest of the Center and the NASA space flight program. MSC-originated flight experiments were expected normally to be designated as one of two general classifications: Type I - Medical, Space Science, Flight Operations or Engineering that would yield new knowledge or improve the state of the art; Type II - Operational, which would be required in direct support of major manned flight programs such as Apollo.
Members appointed to the Board were George M. Low, chairman; Warren Gillespie, Jr., executive secretary; Maxime A. Faget; Robert O. Piland; Charles A. Berry; Christopher C. Kraft, Jr.; Donald K. Slayton; Kenneth S. Kleinknecht; and Joseph N. Kotanchik. The Board would meet bimonthly on the first Friday of every even month, with called meetings at the direction of the chairman when necessary to expedite experiments.

1966 April 22

Design Certification Reviews for manned Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Office of Manned Space Flight policy for Design certification Reviews (DCRs) was defined for application to manned Apollo missions by a NASA directive. The concept stressed was that design evaluation by NASA management should begin with design reviews and inspections of subsystems and culminate in a DCR before selected flights. Documentation presented at DCRs were to reflect this sequence of progressive assessment of subsystems.

1966 April 28

NASA Apollo flight scoring system considered satisfactory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. J. K. Holcomb, Director of Apollo Flight Operations, NASA OMSF, reported to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that the NASA flight scoring system was considered satisfactory in its present form. . Additional Details: here....

1966 May 3

Plans for full-scale Apollo parachute tests at White Sands - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth wrote George E. Mueller, NASA OMSF, that plans were being completed for MSC in-house, full-scale parachute tests at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), N. Mex. The tests would be part of the effort to develop a gliding parachute system suitable for land landing with manned spacecraft. Tests were expected to begin in July 1966, with about six tests a year for two or three years. Gilruth pointed out that although full-scale tests were planned for WSMR it would not be possible to find suitable terrain at that site, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., or at El Centro, Calif., to determine operational and system requirements for land landing in unplanned areas. Unplanned-area landing tests were cited as not a major part of the program but a necessary part. He pointed out that the U.S. Army Reservation at Fort Hood, Tex., was the only area which had the required variety of landing obstacle sizes and concentrations suitable for the unplanned-area tests. Scale-model tests had been made and would be continued at Fort Hood without interference to training, and MSC had completed a local agreement that would permit occasional use of the reservation but required no fiscal reimbursement or administrative responsibility by MSC. This action was in response to a letter from Mueller July 8, 1965, directing that MSC give careful consideration to transfer of parachute test activities to WSMR.

1966 May 5

Apollo lunar landing mission weight and performance budgets - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Weight.
NASA Hq. requested the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office to reassess the spacecraft control weights and delta-V budget and prepare recommendations for the first lunar landing mission weight and performance budgets. The ASPO spacecraft Weight Report for April indicated that the Block II CSM, when loaded for an 8.3-day mission, would exceed its control weights by more than 180 kilograms and the projected value would exceed the control weight by more than 630 kilograms. At the same time the LEM was reported at 495 kilograms under its control weight. Credit for LEM weight reduction had been attributed to Grumman's Super Weight Improvement Program.

1966 May 5

Apollo engine testing problems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Engine testing at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) had been the subject of discussions during recent months with representatives from MSC, Apollo Program Quality and Test groups, AEDC, Air Force Systems Command and ARO, Inc., participating. While AEDC had not been able to implement formal NASA requirements, the situation had improved and MSC was receiving acceptable data.
In a letter to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips said, ". . . I do not think further pressure is in order. However, in a separate letter to Lee Gossick, I have asked that he give his personal attention to the strict adherence to test procedures, up-to-date certification of instrumentation, and care and cleanliness in handling of test hardware."

1966 May 9

Studies of abort sequences for Apollo translunar coast situations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
The Grumman-directed Apollo Mission Planning Task Force reported on studies of abort sequences for translunar coast situations and the LEM capability to support an abort if the SM had to be jettisoned. The LEM could be powered down in drifting flight except for five one-hour periods, and a three-man crew could be supported for 57 hours 30 minutes. It was assumed that all crewmen would be unsuited in the LEM or tunnel area and that the LEM cabin air, circulated by cabin fans, would provide adequate environment.

1966 May 11

Plans for Apollo space rescue discontinued - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing, Gemini Lunar Surface Rescue Spacecraft.
MSC Deputy Director George M. Low recommended to Maxime A. Faget, MSC, that, in light of Air Force and Aerospace Corp. studies on space rescue, MSC plans for a general study on space rescue be discontinued and a formal request be made to OMSF to cancel the request for proposals, which had not yet been released. As an alternative, Low suggested that MSC should cooperate with the Air Force to maximize gains from the USAF task on space rescue requirements.

1966 May 12

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Changes in Saturn/Apollo nomenclature - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
A memo to KSC, MSC, and MSFC from the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight reported that the NASA Project Designation Committee had concurred in changes in Saturn/Apollo nomenclature recommended by Robert C. Seamans, Jr., George E. Mueller, and Julian Scheer:
- lunar excursion module to be called lunar module.
- Saturn IB to become the "uprated Saturn I."
The memo instructed that the new nomenclature be used in all future news releases and announcements.

1966 May 19

Fire in the Apollo environmental control system unit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
As a result of a fire in the environmental control system (ECS) unit at AiResearch Co., a concerted effort was under way to identify nonmetallic materials as well as other potential fire problems. MSC told North American Aviation it appeared that at least some modifications would be required in Block I spacecraft and that modifications could be considered only as temporary expedients to correct conditions that could be more readily resolved in the original design. MSC requested that North American eliminate or restrict as far as possible combustible materials in the following categories in the Block II spacecraft:
1. materials contained in sufficient quantities to contribute materially to a fire once started,
2. materials present in lengths which could propagate a flame front over 46 centimeters,
3. materials used with the electrical system, and
4. materials that could be ignited by a spark source.
Additionally, North American Aviation was requested to review, evaluate, and institute design measures to eliminate other potential fire hazards, such as hydrogen leakage from batteries, overheated lamps, and large areas of exposed fabric or foam.

1966 May 19

Recommendations of the Apollo Interagency Committee on Back Contamination - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, forwarded views and recommendations of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth for information and necessary action. The Committee had met at MSC to discuss the status of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) on April 13.
The committee agreed in general philosophy and preliminary specific detail with the overall design plan, schedule, size containment provisions, and functional areas of the LRL; it approved the plan to secure Baylor Medical School or an equally qualified institution to head a development for the bioanalysis protocol; it expressed its concern with the possibility of uncontrolled outventing of CM atmosphere following splashdown; and it recommended that MSC investigate alternate means of treatment and isolation of Apollo space crews and associated physicians and technicians. MSC replied on June 8 that the analytical work in the engineering and biologic areas of the recommendations had been started and that the date for review and evaluation of the studies would be June 27.

1966 May 19

Problem of potential Apollo mission aborts - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
E. E. Christensen, NASA OMSF Director of Mission Operations, in a letter to Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC, said he was certain the problem of potential mission abort was receiving considerable attention within the Flight Operations Directorate. The resulting early development of related mission rules should provide other mission activities with adequate planning information for design, engineering, procedural, and training decisions. Christensen requested that development of medical mission rules be given emphasis in planning, to minimize the necessity for late modification of spacecraft telemetry systems, on-board instrumentation, ground-based data-processing schemes, and training schedules.

1966 May 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

First full-scale Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle rolled out - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
AS-500-F, the Pathfinder first full-scale Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle and spacecraft combination, was rolled out from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad, for use in verifying launch facilities, training crews, and developing test procedures. The 111-meter, 227,000-kilogram vehicle was moved by a diesel-powered steel-link-tread crawler-transporter exactly five years after President John F. Kennedy asked the United States to commit itself to a manned lunar landing within the decade. Meanwhile, schedule for Saturn V threatened by continued problems in development of S-II stage (inability to get sustained 350-second burns without instrumentation failures, shutoffs, minor explosions).

1966 May 27

Structural problems in the Apollo CSM fuel and oxidizer tanks - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Petrone, Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea informed Rocco A. Petrone, KSC, that structural problems in the CSM fuel and oxidizer tanks required standpipe modifications and that they were mandatory for Block I and Block II spacecraft. Retrofit was to be effective on CSM 011 at KSC and other vehicles at North American's plant in Downey, Calif.

1966 Summer

Apollo SA-13 (cancelled) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo SA-13. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. The decision was made to conduct all Apollo tests on the more powerful Saturn IB booster and these flights were cancelled in October 1963..

1966 June 1

Apollo to use Philco penetrometers to assess the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips asked NASA Procurement Director George J. Vecchietti to help ensure there would be no gap in the Philco Corp. Aeronutronic Division's development of penetrometers to assess the lunar surface. Originally the penetrometers were to be deployed from a lunar survey probe, but the Apollo Program Office had concluded that they should be further developed on an urgent basis for possible deployment from the LEM just before the first lunar landing. Phillips sought to prevent development gaps that could critically delay the landing program.

1966 June 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Development responsibility for the Apollo S027 X-ray Astronomy experiment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Headquarters informed MSC that MSFC had been assigned development responsibility for the S027 X-ray Astronomy experiment for integration with the Saturn S-IVB/instrument unit. Should development be found not feasible, a modified version of the equipment was planned. MSC was requested to study:
1. the practicality of modifying the equipment to perform the scientific objectives and
2. the feasibility of integrating the modified experiment hardware in a Block II SM on an early Apollo Applications flight.
Study results were requested no later than July 1, 1966, including cost, schedule, and technical data.

1966 June 2

Discussions of scientific experiments for Apollo manned flights - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC top management had agreed with Headquarters on early Center participation in discussions of scientific experiments for manned flights, Deputy Director George M. Low informed MSC Experiments Program Manager Robert O. Piland. NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell had asked, during a recent OSSA Senior Council meeting at MSC, that the Center and astronauts comment on technical and operational feasibility of experiments before OSSA divisions and subcommittees acted on proposals. Low and Director Robert R. Gilruth had agreed. Because of manpower requirements MSC refused a request to be represented on all the subcommittees, but MSC would send representatives to all meetings devoted primarily to manned flight experiments and would contribute to other meetings by phone.

1966 June 6

Query on needs for or objections to an Apollo spacecraft TV system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Television.
In response to a query on needs for or objections to an Apollo spacecraft TV system, MSC Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton informed the Flight Control Division that FCOD had no operational requirements for a TV capability in either the Block I or the Block II CSM or LM. He added that his Directorate would object to interference caused by checkout, crew training, and inflight time requirements.

1966 June 7

Series of actions on the Apollo LM rendezvous sensor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Guidance.
A series of actions on the LM rendezvous sensor was summarized in a memo to the MSC Apollo Procurement Branch. A competition between LM rendezvous radar and the optical tracker had been initiated in January 1966 after discussion by ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller, and MSC Guidance and Control Division Chief Robert C. Duncan. On May 13, RCA and Hughes Aircraft Go. made presentations on the rendezvous radar optical tracker. The NASA board that heard the presentations met for two days to evaluate the two programs and presented the following conclusions:
1. both sensors could meet the difficult environmental requirements of the lunar mission with near specification performance,
2. the tracker had several possible specification deviations,
3. optical production training represented a difficult schedule problem at Hughes, and
4. either sensor could be produced in time to meet LM and program schedules.
The board's evaluation, an analytical presentation by Donald Cheatham, a weight-and-power comparison by R. W. Williams, and a cost presentation by the two contractors were given MSC management May 19. Management recommended that RCA's radar be continued as the main effort and that a backup optical tracker program be continued by Hughes on a greatly reduced level. The recommendations were made to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips and NASA Associate Administrator George E. Mueller at KSC on May 25. Phillips and Mueller concurred but stipulated that the optical tracker program was to be completed on a fixed-price basis and that MSC would qualify the optical tracker using the facilities of the MSC laboratories. Mueller expressed concern about developmental difficulties and possible production problems in the radar program. RCA representatives visited MSC May 27 and reviewed all developmental difficulties and their potential effect on production.

1966 June 9

Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory Program Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC informed the NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight that it had established a Lunar Receiving Laboratory Program Office with Joseph V. Piland as Program Manager. The office included the functions of program control, procurement, requirements, engineering, and construction.

1966 June 16

Problems and solutions in packing Apollo parachutes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Joseph N. Kotanchik, MSC, told H. E. McCoy of KSC that his April 4 letter discussing problems and solutions in packing parachutes at KSC by Northrop-Ventura Co. had been studied. . Additional Details: here....

1966 June 16

Three proposals for analysis of Apollo lunar samples - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The MSC Flight Experiments Selection Board reviewed and endorsed three proposals for analysis of lunar samples and forwarded them to NASA Hq. for consideration. Titles of the proposals and principal investigators were:
1. Cataloging and Preliminary Examination of Lunar Samples - E. A. King, MSC.
2. Study of Alpha Particle Activity of Returned Lunar Samples - K.A. Richardson, MSC.
3. Analysis of Lunar Sample Effluent Gases for Organic Components - G. G. Meisells, University of Houston, and D. A. Flory, MSC.

1966 June 23

Two-burn Apollo lunar orbit deboost technique proposed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance, CSM Recovery.
A memorandum for the file, prepared by J. S. Dudek of Bellcomm, Inc., proposed a two-burn deboost technique that required establishing an initial lunar parking orbit and, after a coast phase, performing an added plane change to attain the final lunar parking orbit. The two-burn deboost technique would make a much larger lunar area accessible than that provided by the existing Apollo mission profile, which used a single burn to place the CSM and LM directly in a circular lunar parking orbit over the landing site and would permit accessibility to only a bow-tie shaped area approximately centered about the lunar equator. On August 1, the memo was forwarded to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, stating that the trajectory modification would increase the accessible lunar area about threefold. The note to Phillips from R. L. Wagner stated that discussions had been held with MSC and it appeared that the flight programs as planned at the time could handle the modified mission.

1966 June 30

Crew procedures in the Apollo LM during lunar stay were completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. Crew procedures in the LM during lunar stay were reported completed and documented for presentation to NASA Hq. personnel..

1966 June 30

Apollo LM thermal shield would have to be modified due to increased fire-in-the-hole conditions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
Grumman LM thermodynamics studies showed the LM thermal shield would have to be modified because fire-in-the-hole pressures and temperatures had increased. Portions of the LM descent stage would be redesigned, but modification of the descent stage blast deflector was unlikely.

1966 July 1

Melvyn Savage named to head Apollo Applications Program Test Directorate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Skylab. Spacecraft: Orbital Workshop, Skylab. Melvyn Savage, Apollo Test Director in NASA Hq., was named to head the Apollo Applications Program Test Directorate. LeRoy E. Day was named to replace Savage in Apollo..

1966 July 1

Three additional backup Apollo missions studied - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8.
Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., said that MSC had been directed by NASA OMSF to outline technical problems and both cost and schedule impact of adding three backup Apollo missions to the planned flight schedule. The missions to be evaluated would be AS-207/208 or AS-206/207; AS-503D; and AS-503F. Each of these missions would provide alternate means of obtaining primary program objectives in the event of flight contingencies during tests or of major schedule adjustments. Additional Details: here....

1966 Week Ending July 1

Apollo Quarterly Program Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The Quarterly Program Review was held at Grumman by NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller and Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. Attendees included MSC's Robert R. Gilruth, Joseph F. Shea, and William A. Lee. The meeting focused on excessive costs experienced by Grumman and Grumman President L. J. Evans's announcement of the immediate establishment of a Program Control Office with a subcontract manager reporting directly to Vice President Joseph Gavin. Hugh McCullough was appointed to head the Program Control Office.
The next week Evans made the following appointments: Robert Mullaney was relieved as Program Manager and appointed Assistant to Senior Vice President George F. Titterton; William Rathke was relieved as Engineering Manager and named Program Manager; Thomas Kelly was promoted from Assistant Engineering Manager to Engineering Manager; and Brian Evans was relieved as corporate Director of Quality Assurance and appointed LEM Subcontract Manager, reporting to Gavin.

1966 July 5

Additional sanitary engineers from the Public Health Service for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA requested assignment of three additional sanitary engineers from the Public Health Service. Pointing out that one sanitary engineer had been on detail to NASA since 1964 and that his effort had been directed primarily to the control of outbound contamination, NASA said this problem and that of back contamination had reached proportions that required a more intensified effort. NASA would reimburse the Public Health Service under contract.

1966 July 5

14:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Uprated Saturn I.

Apollo 203 - . Payload: Saturn S-IVB-203. Mass: 26,500 kg (58,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Huntsville. Program: Apollo. Decay Date: 1966-07-05 . USAF Sat Cat: 2289 . COSPAR: 1966-059A. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Inclination: 31.90 deg. Period: 88.50 min.
First orbital test Saturn IB; no spacecraft. AS-203 lifted off from Launch Complex 37, Eastern Test Range, at 10:53 a.m. EDT in the second of three Apollo-Saturn missions scheduled before manned flight in the Apollo program. All objectives - to acquire flight data on the S-IVB stage and instrument unit - were achieved.
The uprated Saturn I - consisting of an S-IB stage, S-IVB stage, and an instrument unit - boosted an unmanned payload into an original orbit of 185 by 189 kilometers. The inboard engine cutoff of the first stage occurred after 2 minutes 18 seconds of flight and the outboard engine cutoff was 4 seconds later. The S-IVB engine burned 4 minutes 50 seconds. No recovery was planned and the payload was expected to enter the earth's atmosphere after about four days.

1966 July 6

North American closing out its Apollo office at Grumman's Bethpage, NY - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
North American Aviation informed Grumman that it was closing out its office at Grumman's Bethpage, N.Y., plant at the close of business on July 8. If study found that reestablishment of a Space and Information Division resident representative at Bethpage was in the best interest of the program, North American Aviation would comply.

1966 July 6

Highest scientific priority for Apollo mission is return to earth of lunar surface material - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, told George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, that "the highest scientific priority for the Apollo mission is for return to earth of lunar surface material." He added that the material would have a higher scientific value for geologists if the location and attitude of each sample were carefully noted and for the biologists if collected in an aseptic manner. He suggested the following sequence:
1. Collect an assortment of easily obtainable samples of any surface material at the landing site. The grab samples would be placed in the LM for easy packaging preparatory to return to earth for analysis if the planned stay time on the lunar surface was cut short.
2. Deploy the ALSEP.
3. Perform the lunar geological equipment experiment, which was a detailed geological and biological traverse by an astronaut. During this traverse both representative and unusual rocks or formations should be photographed and sampled.

1966 July 11

Apollo LEM 135-centimeter lunar surface probe selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
In reply to a letter from Grumman, MSC concurred with the recommendation that a 135-centimeter lunar surface probe be provided on each landing-leg footpad and that the engine cutoff logic retain its basic manual mode. MSC did not concur with the Grumman recommendation to incorporate the automatic engine cutoff logic in the LM design. MSC believed that the planned descent-stage engine's manual cutoff landing mode was adequate to accomplish lunar touchdown and had decided that the probe-actuated cutoff capability should not be included in the LM design.

1966 July 13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo mission discontinuity leading to the lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft, Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204, Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Gemini.
MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton and Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., told ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea: "A comprehensive examination of the Apollo missions leading to the lunar landing indicates that there is a considerable discontinuity between missions AS-205 and AS-207/208". Additional Details: here....

1966 July 20

Apollo mapping and survey system (M&SS) - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LMSS, CSM Recovery. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth informed MSFC Director Wernher von Braun that for the past two years MSC had studied the use of the mapping and survey system (M&SS) in conjunction with the Apollo program.. Additional Details: here....

1966 July 26

NASA Deputy Administrator delegated specific Apollo program responsibilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., told the Associate Administrators that it was NASA's fundamental policy that projects and programs were best planned and executed when responsibilities were clearly assigned to a management group. He then assigned full responsibility for Apollo and Apollo Applications missions to the Office of Manned Space Flight. OMSF would fund approved integral experiment hardware, provide the required Apollo and Saturn systems, integrate the experiments with those systems, and plan and execute the missions. Specific responsibility for developing and testing individual experiments would be assigned on the basis of experiment complexity, integration requirements, and relation to the prime mission objectives, by the Office of Administrator after receiving recommendations from Associate Administrators.
The Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) would be responsible for selecting scientific experiments for manned missions and the experimenter teams for data reduction, data analysis, and dissemination. OSSA would provide to OMSF complete scientific requirements for each experiment selected for flight.
The Office of Advanced Research and Technology (OART) was assigned the overall responsibility for the technology content of the NASA space flight program and for selecting technology experiments for manned missions. OART would provide OMSF complete technology requirements for each experiment selected for flight. When appropriate, scientific and technical personnel would be located in OMSF to provide a working interface with experimenters. The office responsible for each experiment would determine the tracking and acquisition requirements for each experiment; then OMSF would integrate the requirements for all experiments and forward the total requirements to the Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition.
Seamans also spelled out Center responsibilities for manned space flight missions: MSFC, Apollo telescope mount; MSC, Apollo lunar surface experiment package (ALSEP), lunar science experiments, earth resources experiments, and life support systems; and Goddard Space Flight Center, atmospheric science, meteorology, and astronomical science experiments.

1966 July 28

Opening of bids for Phase I construction of the Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Hq. authorized MSC to proceed with opening bids on August 1 for Phase I construction of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory. MSC was requested to announce the name of the contractor selected for final negotiations for Phase II construction, before opening bids for Phase I construction.

1966 July 29

Apollo Computer Design Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
In response to a request from Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, Bellcomm, Inc., prepared a memorandum on the major concerns resulting from its review of the AC Electronics report on the Apollo Computer Design Review. In a transmittal note to Phillips, I. M. Ross said, "We have discussed these items with MSC. It is possible, however, that (Robert) Duncan and (Joseph) Shea have not been made aware of these problems." The Bellcomm memorandum for file, prepared by J. J. Rocchio, reported that in late February 1966 MSC had authorized AC Electronics Division (ACED) to initiate a complete design review of the Apollo guidance computer to ensure adequate performance during the lunar landing mission. A June 8 ACED report presented findings and included Massachusetts Institute of Technology comments on the findings. In addition to recommending a number of specific design changes, the report identified a number of areas which warranted further review. MSC authorized ACED to perform necessary additional reviews to eliminate all indeterminate design analyses and to resolve any discrepancies between the ACED and MIT positions. At the time Bellcomm prepared the memo many of the problem areas had been or were in process of being satisfactorily resolved. However, several still remained:
1. MSC had not had the opportunity to review an approved version of the final test method for the Block II/LM computer and as a result there was no official acceptance test for computers at that point, although the first of the flight-worthy computers had left the factory and the second was in final test at the factory.
2. The Design Review Report classified the timing margin of the Block II computer as indeterminate, since the team was unable to make a detailed timing analysis in the allotted time.
3. Both Block I and Block II Apollo guidance computer programs had experienced serious problems with parts qualification and with obtaining semiconductor devices which could pass the flight processing specifications.
4. The lack of adequate documentation to support the Block II computer and its design was cited "as perhaps the most significant fault uncovered" by the design review team.

1966 August 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

Chrysler uprated Saturn I first-stage production contract changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA signed a supplemental agreement with Chrysler Corp.'s Space Division at New Orleans, La., converting the uprated Saturn I first-stage production contract from cost-plus-fixed-fee to cost-plus-incentive-fee. Under the agreement, valued at $339 million, the amount of the contractor's fee would be based on ability to perform assigned tasks satisfactorily and meet prescribed costs and schedules. The contract called for Chrysler to manufacture, assemble and test 12 uprated Saturn I first stages and provide system engineering, integration support, ground support equipment, and launch services.

1966 August 1

Three Apollo lunar landing training vehicles approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller informed MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that the MSC Procurement Plan for procurement of three lunar landing training vehicles and the proposed flight test program was approved..

1966 August 3

Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory exterior window material selection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The architect-engineer of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, proposed using a much darker tint in the exterior windows of the LRL than used in other buildings at MSC. J. G. Griffith, Chief of the Engineering Office, inspected samples of the glass and reported:
1. when the building is viewed from the exterior, the windows might seem slightly darker than others at MSC.
2. the ability of personnel inside to see through the glass was not restricted but brightness was considerably reduced.
3. c. heat transfer through the glass would be reduced by about 40 percent from glass used in other windows at MSC.

1966 August 3

NASA modified its Apollo contract with IBM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA modified its contract with IBM to provide for work to be performed under a multiple-incentive arrangement covering cost, performance, schedule and equipment management. It also ordered the Real Time Computer Complex (RTCC) at MSC to be converted to IBM System computers, which would increase the operational capability for Apollo. The contract with IBM's Federal Systems Division, Gaithersburg, Md., provided the computing capability required for mission monitoring, inflight mission planning and simulation activities.

1966 August 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study of the visibility of the S-IVB/SLA from the left-hand couch in the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC requested LaRC to study the visibility of the S-IVB/SLA combination from the left-hand couch in the command module with the couch in the docked position. (Two positions could be attained, one of them a docking and rendezvous position that moved the seat into a better viewing area from the left-hand window.) LM and CM mockups were already at Langley from the CM-active moving-base docking simulation conducted May-July 1965.
The request was initiated because the flight crew had to rely on an out- the-window reference of the S-IVB/SLA to verify separation of the LM/CSM combination from the S-IVB/SLA. The question arose as to whether the out-the-window reference was sufficient or whether an electromechanical device with a panel readout in the CM was required to verify separation.

1966 August 5

Stowable net couches for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
Maxime A. Faget, MSC, informed Center Director Robert R. Gilruth there was a continuing effort on lightweight, energy-absorbing, and stowable net couches, and development had been redirected to a nonelastic fabric net couch system attached to existing Apollo attenuation struts. North American Aviation had previously been given the task of investigating the use of net couches on Apollo. Results of that investigation indicated the spacecraft attenuation-strut-vehicle attachments would be overloaded when using net couches. The North American Aviation investigators made their calculations by assuming no-man attenuation in the lateral and longitudinal force directions. Those calculations were recomputed using the design criteria and proper loadings and the results indicated no overloading when using net couches. MSC's Advanced Spacecraft Technology Division had reviewed and approved the efforts, permitting use of the net couches on Apollo and Apollo Applications missions.

1966 August 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Manual control simulation of the Saturn V upper stages with Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC requested Ames Research Center to conduct a manual control simulation of the Saturn V upper stages with displays identical to those planned in the spacecraft. On August 5, Brent Creer and Gordon Hardy of Ames had met with representatives from ASPO, Guidance and Control Division, and Flight Crew Operations Directorate to discuss implementation of a modified Ames simulation which would determine feasibility of manual control from first stage burnout, using existing spacecraft displays and control interfaces. Simulations at Ames in 1965 had indicated that the Saturn V could be manually flown into orbit within dispersions of 914 meters in altitude, and 0.1 degree in flight path angle. Additional Details: here....

1966 August 9

LLRF to be used by Apollo LM flight crews before the LLTV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRF.
MSC worked out a program with LaRC for use of the Lunar Landing Research Facility (LLRF) for preflight transition for LM flight crews before free-flight training in the lunar landing training vehicle. LM hardware sent to Langley to be used as training aids included two flight director attitude indicators, an attitude controller assembly, a thrust-translation controller assembly, and an altitude-rate meter.

1966 August 11

Grumman to redesign the injector for the Bell Apollo LM ascent engine as a backup - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
MSC suggested that Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. redesign the injector for the Bell Aerospace Go. ascent engine as a backup immediately. The Center was aware of costs, but the seriousness of the injector fabrication problem and the impact resulting from not having a backup was felt to be justification for the decision.

1966 August 16

Apollo LM test model No 3 (TM-3) shipped to Cape Kennedy - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. The mockup of LM test model No. 3 (TM-3) was shipped by Super Guppy aircraft to Cape Kennedy, on the first trip of the Super Guppy from Grumman, Bethpage, N.Y..

1966 August 22

Surveyor vernier engine to be fired after landing - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Pickering. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: LM Descent Propulsion, LM RCS, Surveyor.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth requested of Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director William H. Pickering that JPL fire the Surveyor spacecraft's vernier engine after the Surveyor landed on moon, to give insight into how much erosion could be expected from an LM landing. The LM descent engine was to operate until it was about one nozzle diameter from landing on the lunar surface; after the Surveyor landed, its engine would be about the same distance from the surface. Gilruth told Pickering that LaRC was testing a reaction control engine to establish surface shear pressure forces, surface pressures, and back pressure sources, and offered JPL that data when obtained.

1966 August 22

Apollo experiment pallet cancelled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft: Apollo Experiments Pallet.
NASA informed four firms that had completed design studies on the Apollo experiment pallet that there would be no hardware development and fabrication of the pallet. The four firms had been selected in November 1965 to make four-month studies of a pallet to carry experiments in the spacecraft SM during the Apollo manned lunar landings. The firms were Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Sunnyvale, Calif.; The Martin Co., Denver, Colo.; McDonnell Aircraft Corp., St. Louis, Mo.; and Northrop Space Laboratories, Hawthorne, Calif.

1966 August 22

Concern about Apollo lunar television camera program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini.
In a letter to the President of Westinghouse Electric Corp., George M. Low, Acting Director of MSC, expressed his concern about the lunar television camera program. Low pointed out that Westinghouse had been awarded the contract by MSC in October 1964, that delivery of the cameras was to be made over a 15-month period, and that the total value of the original cost-plus-fixed-fee contract was $2,296,249 including a fee of $150,300. The cost reports required by the contract (at the time of Low's letter) showed that Westinghouse estimated the cost to complete at $7,927,000 and estimated the hardware delivery date as January 31, 1967. Low pointed out that the proposal letter from Westinghouse in May 1964 stated that "the Aerospace Division considers the Lunar Television Camera to represent a goal culminating years of concentrated effort directed toward definition, design, and verification of critical elements of this most important program. Accordingly, the management assures NASA Manned Spacecraft Center that the program will be executed with nothing less than top priority application of all personnel, facilities, and management resources." Low said that despite these assurances the overrun and schedule slippages indicated a lack of adequate program management at all levels and a general lack of initiative in taking corrective actions to solve problems encountered.
Westinghouse replied to Low on September 1 that it, too, was disappointed "when technology will not permit a research and development program such as this to be completed within its original cost and schedule objectives." The reply stated "Our people have taken every precaution - gone to the extreme, perhaps, in its impact on cost and schedule - to achieve the required mission reliability. . . ." The letter concluded by expressing pleasure in the harmony that had existed between Westinghouse and MSC personnel and by praising the performance of the Gemini rendezvous radar, holding it up as an objective for excellence of performance for the lunar television camera.

1966 August 26

Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory issues - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Because of the reported NASA OMSF rejection of funding responsibility for prototyping and equipping the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) and the strong NASA Office of Space Science and Applications concern over the quarantine facilities and techniques, Craig K. Peper of OSSA suggested that
1. each concerned program office make a scientific review of OMSF's proposal for facility construction to determine its adequacy to meet the scientific requirements and
2. from those reviews the Director of Manned Space Flight Experiments, OSSA, would submit to the Associate Administrator, OSSA, a consolidated recommendation on additional requirements to satisfy the scientific standards the LRL facilities must meet.

1966 Week Ending August 26

Kearfott selected for the orbital rate drive electronics for Apollo LM (ORDEAL) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
The Bethpage RASPO Business Manager and Grumman representatives met to choose a vendor to produce the orbital rate drive electronics for Apollo and LM (ORDEAL). Three proposals were received: Arma Division of American Bosch Arma Corp., $275,000; Kearfott Products Division of General Precision, Inc., $295,000; and Bendix Corp., $715,000. Kearfott's proposal was evaluated as offering a more desirable weight, more certain delivery, and smaller size within the power budget and consequently was selected although it was not the low bid. Evaluators believed that Arma's approach would not be easy to implement, that its delivery schedule was unrealistic, and that its proposal lacked a definite work statement in the areas of testing, quality control, reliability, and documentation.

1966 August 29

Apollo operations plan for support of flight experiments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC's Flight Crew Support Division prepared an operations plan describing division support of flight experiments. Activities planned would give operational support to both flight crew and experimenters. Crew training, procedures development, and integration, mission-time support, and postmission debriefings were discussed in detail.

1966 August 30

Apollo Mission Simulator (AMS) pacing item in the Apollo Block II flight program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
Because the Apollo Mission Simulator (AMS) was one of the pacing items in the Apollo Block II flight program, a critical constraint upon operational readiness was the availability of Government-furnished equipment (GFE) to the AMS contractor, General Precision's Link Group. For that reason MSC ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea asked A. L. Brady, Chief of the Apollo Mission Simulator Office, to establish controls to ensure that GFE items were provided to Link in time to support the program. He requested that an individual be appointed to be responsible for each item and that a weekly report on the status be submitted on each item.

1966 August 31

Management during thermal vacuum testing of Apollo spacecraft 008 inadequate - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea, Slayton. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton informed ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that total management during thermal vacuum testing of spacecraft 008 was inadequate, resulting in misunderstandings between personnel and organizational groups concerned with the test. Slayton offered a number of suggestions for future, similar tests:
- Overall planning policies and practices should be reviewed and further defined before commitment of future test crews.
- Timeline testing philosophy was not realistic or practical in a one- g environment. It was mandatory that test plans be developed with maximum data gain and minimum crew and hardware risks consistent with overall program objectives. For example, long thermal responses during manned tests.
- A crew systems operations office should be established within the Space Environmental Simulation Laboratory to tie down the interface between crew, hardware, and management. Its scope of operation should include representation, training, and scheduling.
- The Environmental Medicine Office should define all crew and test medical requirements before crew selection. To help in this area, a flight surgeon should be assigned to each vehicle's prime and backup crews, to ensure adequate knowledge of crew members and test objectives for training and the real-time mission.
- It must be recognized that test crew participation in thermal vacuum testing was completely voluntary and that each member volunteering must weigh the hazards of such testing against the benefits to the program in general and his welfare in particular.

1966 Fall

Apollo SA-14 (cancelled) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo SA-14. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. From September 1962 NASA planned to fly four early manned Apollo spacecraft on Saturn I boosters. The decision was made to conduct all Apollo tests on the more powerful Saturn IB booster and these flights were cancelled in October 1963..

1966 September 7

Laboratories for receiving Apollo lunar materials discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In response to a query from NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell said that no laboratories had been selected for receiving lunar materials but proposals had been solicited and were in process of review. Newell said the lunar samples fell under the planetary and planetary biology disciplines primarily. The Planetary Biology Subcommittee of the Space Science Steering Committee had four working groups evaluating the proposals geophysics, geochemistry, geology, and Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). The working groups were expected to complete their evaluations in September and, following review by the program office, recommendations would be prepared for the Space Science Steering Committee. Following appropriate review by that Committee, Newell would select the Principal Investigators for approved experiments.
Funding for the analyses could be determined only after selections had been made, but budget estimates for that purpose had been made for $2 million in FY 1968 and $6 million in FY 1969, exclusive of laboratory upgrading and funding of the LRL. As a part of the continuing research effort, 33 laboratories had received support during 1966 for upgrading their ability to handle and examine lunar material. Newell added that 125 proposals for handling lunar material had been received and were under review.

1966 September 14

Costs for Apollo testing in MSC's large thermal vacuum chamber outlined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
MSC Deputy Director George M. Low submitted information to NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller on manpower requirements and operating costs for testing in MSC's large thermal vacuum chamber. Spacecraft 008 testing reflected a manpower cost (civil service and contractor) of $7,034,000, chamber operating cost of $321,000, and material costs of $277,000. The spacecraft had been in the chamber 83 days, during which time a 92-hour unmanned test and a 163-hour manned test had been conducted.

1966 September 21

Contract to Honeywell to provide digital computer systems for Apollo simulators - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
NASA awarded a $4.2-million contract to Honeywell, Inc., Computer Control Division, Framingham, Mass., to provide digital computer systems for Apollo command and lunar module simulators. Under the fixed-price contract, Honeywell would provide six separate computer complexes to support the Apollo simulators at MSC and Cape Kennedy. The complexes would be delivered, installed, and checked out by Honeywell by the end of March 1967.

1966 September 23

NASA long-range planning - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
A Planning Coordination Steering Group at NASA Hq. received program options from working groups established to coordinate long-range planning in life sciences, earth-oriented applications, astronomy, lunar exploration, and planetary exploration. The Steering Group recommended serious consideration be given a four-phase exploration program using unmanned Lunar Orbiters, Surveyors, and manned lunar surface exploration. Additional Details: here....

1966 September 28

Vacuum system in the Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory deferred - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Hq. informed MSC that the second phase of the vacuum system in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory ($480,200) was to be deferred because of the austerity of the NASA FY 1967 program. MSC was instructed, however, that sufficient redundancy in the central vacuum pumping systems should be provided to ensure the highest degree of reliability.

1966 September 28

Grumman work on the Apollo LM program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea wrote Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Senior Vice President George F. Titterton that he was encouraged by the good start Grumman had made on work packages for the LM program, which he hoped had set the stage for effective action to curtail the creeping cost escalation that had characterized the program during the past year. He said: "To me, the most striking point noted in engineering activities projected a relatively high change rate from vehicle to vehicle, even though the program logic calls for identical vehicles from LM 4 on, and minimum change from LM 3 to LM 4. This, too, was apparent in the engineering related activities. The only changes which should be planned for are those rising from hardware deficiencies found in ground or flight test, or those resulting from NASA directed changes."
Shea had written to Joseph G. Gavin, Jr., Grumman Vice President and LEM Program Manager, in April concerning cost escalation. He had said "A significant amount of the planning for your contract is based upon management commitments made to us by Grumman . . . (and) your estimates have helped significantly (and indeed are still changing) and currently significantly exceed the amounts upon which our budget has been based." In another letter, in September, to Grumman President L. J. Evans, Shea remarked: "The result of our fiscal review with your people last week was somewhat encouraging. It reconfirmed my conviction that Grumman can do the program without the cost increases which you have been recently indicating, and, depending on how much difficulty we have with the qualification of our flight systems, perhaps even with some additional cost reduction."
In a November letter to Titterton, Shea again referred to work packages and reaffirmed that permission to exceed approved monthly levels should be granted only by the LM Program Office. He said, "Unless this discipline is enforced throughout the Grumman in-house and subcontract structure, the work packages could turn out to be interesting pieces of paper which contain the information as to what might have been done, rather than the basis for program management."

1966 September 29

Second planned manned Apollo flight crew was named by NASA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Borman, Collins, Cunningham, Eisele, Schirra, Stafford. Program: Apollo.
The second planned manned Apollo flight crew was named by NASA. Prime crew members were Walter M. Schirra, Jr., command pilot; Donn F. Eisele, senior pilot; and R. Walter Cunningham, pilot. Backup crewmen were Frank Borman, command pilot; Thomas P. Stafford, senior pilot; and Michael Collins, pilot. The flight was scheduled for 1967. It would be the first space mission for Eisele and Cunningham.
The second manned Apollo mission was planned as an open-ended earth orbital mission up to 14 days. Increased emphasis on scientific experiments as well as repeating some activities from the first planned manned flight would characterize the mission. (The first planned manned Apollo mission was ended by a tragic accident during a test January 27, 1967.)

1966 Week Ending September 30

Apollo LM test model TM-6 and test article LTA-10 shipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
LM test model TM-6 and test article LTA-10 were shipped from Grumman on the Pregnant Guppy aircraft. When the Guppy carrying the LTA-10 stopped at Dover, Del., for refueling, a fire broke out inside the aircraft, but it was discovered in time to prevent damage to the LM test article.

1966 October 4

Lunar Orbiter 1 results - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth told Langley Research Center Director Floyd Thompson, "Lunar Orbiter I has made significant contributions to the Apollo program and to lunar science in general. Details visible for the first time in Orbiter I photographs will certainly add to our knowledge of the lunar surface and improve our confidence in the success of the Apollo landing.
"Screening teams . . . are studying the photographs as they become available at the Lunar Orbiter Project Office, Langley Research Center. Several promising areas for Apollo landing sites have been studied here in Houston by the screening teams and will be studied in more detail later. This preliminary study has already influenced the selection of sites to be photographed on the next Orbiter mission. . . ."

1966 October 7

Apollo AS-202 impact error analzyed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Guidance.
In a memorandum to the NASA Deputy Administrator, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller commented on the AS-202 impact error. Mueller said the trajectory of the August 25 AS-202 mission was essentially as planned except that the command module touched down about 370 kilometers short of the planned impact point. Additional Details: here....

1966 October 7

Apollo AS-204 Design Certification Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller, at the conclusion of the AS-204 Design Certification Review (DCR), requested each NASA manager to reexamine his stages, modules, systems, and subsystems upon substantial completion of the review's closeout actions and to file an updated certification statement to the Design Certification Board. Additional Details: here....

1966 October 11

Tracking ship support for Apollo AS-204 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204, Apollo 7. NASA reiterated its intention of examining the question of tracking ship Vanguard support for the AS-204 mission in the South Pacific as soon as mission plans were resolved. . Additional Details: here....

1966 October 11

Increasing engineering orders for Apollo spacecraft 012 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips was informed of increasing engineering orders for spacecraft 012. C. H. Bolender, OMSF Mission Operations Deputy Director, reported information received from John G. Shinkle, Kennedy Space Center Apollo Program Manager, on October 10. Additional Details: here....

1966 October 12

Apollo environment control unit in serious trouble - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told Mark E. Bradley, Vice President and Assistant to the President of The Garrett Corp., that "the environment control unit, developed and produced by Garrett's AiResearch Division under subcontract to North American Aviation for the Apollo spacecraft was again in serious trouble and threatened a major delay in the first flight of Apollo." Additional Details: here....

1966 October 12

Apollo LM-1 not capable of manned flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office Manager Joseph F. Shea reported that LM-1 would no longer be capable of both manned and unmanned flight and that it would be configured and checked out for unmanned flight only. In addition, LM-2 would no longer be capable of completely unmanned flight, but would be configured and checked out for partially manned flights, such as the planned AS-278A mission (with unmanned final depletion burn of the ascent stage) and AS-278B (with all main propulsions unmanned).

1966 October 13

Launch Vehicle: Little Joe II.

General Electric support of Apollo automatic checkout equipment consolidated - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus. Program: Apollo.
KSC proposed to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that the two General Electric Co. efforts at KSC supporting automatic checkout equipment (ACE) for spacecraft operations be consolidated. KSC pointed out there was a supplemental agreement with MSC for General Electric to provide system engineering support to ACE/spacecraft operations. Both the KSC Apollo Program Manager and the Director of Launch Operations considered that merging the two GE efforts into a single task order under KSC administrative control would have advantages. The proposal listed two:
1. A single interface would exist between KSC and all local GE AEC/spacecraft operations.
2. Through more efficient use of personnel, the contractor should be able to reduce the manpower level and still be responsive to the demands of the Apollo program.
Gilruth replied Nov. 1 to KSC Director Kurt H. Debus that MSC had evaluated advantages of transferring certain ACE/spacecraft responsibilities to KSC and had also considered advantages of continuing the existing system. These advantages were:
1. "To maximize manpower utilization, the current ACE management philosophy provides only optimum manpower for each operational site. A central support group, located at Houston, supplies the required support to any site experiencing special peak activity. This philosophy has created maximum management flexibility."
2. "The original intent in establishing ACE-S/C checkout philosophy was to assure standardization in checkout procedures and/or program unity from factory checkout through launch activities. By continuing to have all GE ACE-S/C site personnel responsible to the central design/engineering group located in Houston, this continuity is assured."
3. "Logistics support to KSC ground stations is unified under the present management control. Personnel responsible for providing logistics support to KSC ground stations are administratively linked to the personnel at KSC requiring the support."
4. "MSC currently provides reliability support, configuration management support, engineering support, management support and logistics support to all ACE-S/C ground stations. By continuing the present contractual arrangement we avoid the possibility of costly duplication in these areas."
Gilruth said that it was the MSC intent to support system engineering requirements in ACE/spacecraft areas and that further support in these areas was normally supplied by the spacecraft contractor. "Actually it has been our impression that GE/MSC ACE/spacecraft support at KSC and all other locations was sufficient to meet all requirements. . . . It is our opinion that the existing ACE/spacecraft management organization is required to assure optimum fulfilment of the Apollo program."

1966 October 19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

First Apollo manned flight announced - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chaffee, Grissom, McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott, White. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo-Saturn 204 was to be the first manned Apollo mission, NASA announced through the manned space flight Centers. . Additional Details: here....

1966 October 19

Von Braun complains of transfer of Apollo lunar work - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Stuhlinger, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun wrote MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that MSFC had spent a considerable effort in planning the transfer of study and development tasks in the lunar exploration program to MSC. Von Braun said, "We feel it is in the spirit of the MSF Hideaway Management Council Meeting held on August 13-15, 1966, to consider the majority of our Lunar Exploration Work Program for transfer to MSC in consonance with Bob Seamans' directive which designates MSC as the Lead Center for lunar science." He added that MSFC had formulated a proposal which it felt was in agreement with the directives and at the same time provided for management interfaces between the two Centers without difficulty.
Briefly MSFC proposed to transfer to MSC:
1. planning for Apollo Applications lunar traverses;
2. lunar surface geological, geophysical, geochemical, biological, and biomedical experiments; and
3. emplaced scientific station experiments.
MSFC proposed to retain
1. the local scientific survey module and related mobility efforts,
2. Apollo Applications program lunar drill,
3. lunar surveying system, and
4. lunar flying device (one man flying machine).
He added that MSFC had been working in specific areas of scientific technology that promised to furnish experiments that could be used on the lunar surface or from lunar orbit as well as from a planetary vehicle for planetary observations. Among these were radar and laser altimetry and infrared spectroscopy.
Von Braun said that Ernst Stuhlinger of the Research Projects Laboratory had discussed the proposed actions for transfer of functions to MSC, and MSC Experiments Program Manager Robert O. Piland had indicated his general agreement, pending further consideration. He asked that Gilruth give his reaction to the proposal and said, "It would be very helpful if our two Centers could present a proposal to George Mueller (OMSF) on which we both agree."

1966 October 21

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Langley Apollo Visibility Study - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Langley Research Center informed MSC that the Apollo Visibility Study requested by MSC would be conducted. Langley mockups could be used along with an SLA panel to be provided by MSC from Tulsa North American. The proposed study would be semistatic, with the astronaut seated in the existing CM mockup and viewing the S-IVB/SLA mockup. The positions of the mockups would be varied manually by repositioning the mockup dollies, and the astronaut would judge the separation distance and alignment attitude. The study was expected to start at the end of October or early November and last two or three weeks.

1966 October 21

Improved Apollo hardware configuration monitoring - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC's ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea proposed to KSC Apollo Program Manager John G. Shinkle that - because the program was moving into the flight phase and close monitoring of the hardware configuration was important - they should plan work methods in more detail. He reminded Shinkle that he had named Walter Kapryan Assistant Program Manager "to provide the technical focal point . . . to maintain the discipline for the total spacecraft"; therefore Shea would like to transfer the chairman of the Apollo Configuration Control Panel from Shinkle's organization to Kapryan effective Nov. 1, 1966.

1966 October 24

Several nearly catastrophic malfunctions in the Apollo steam generation system at White Sands - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC established a committee to investigate several nearly catastrophic malfunctions in the steam generation system at the White Sands Test Facility. The system was used to pump down altitude cells in LM propulsion system development. Committee members were Joseph G. Thibodaux, chairman; Hugh D. White, secretary; Harry Byington, Henry O. Pohl, Robert W. Polifka, and Allen H. Watkins, all of MSC.

1966 October 25

Propellant tanks of Apollo service module 017 failed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Propellant tanks of service module 017 failed during a pressure test at North American Aviation, Downey, Calif. . Additional Details: here....

1966 October 27

Plan would reduce Apollo's accessible landing areas - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Owen E. Maynard, Chief of the MSC Missions Operations Division, said the flight operations plan had proposed communication constraints be resolved by reducing the accessible landing area on the lunar surface to a region permitting continuous communication with no restriction on vehicle attitude during descent and ascent. Maynard said, "Such a proposal is not acceptable." Contending interests were the desire to maintain communications in the early part of the descent powered flight and to avoid the definition of attitude restrictions in this region.
Acknowledging that both of these were desirable objectives, Maynard said that mission planning should be based on access to previously defined Apollo zones of interest and to designated sites within those zones with vehicle attitude maneuvers to provide communications when required.

1966 November 4

Concern over the extensive damage to Apollo fuel cell modules from operational errors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips indicated his concern to MSC over the extensive damage to a number of fuel cell modules from operational errors during integrated system testing. Phillips pointed out that in addition to the added cost there was a possible impact on the success of the flight program. He emphasized the importance of standardizing the procedures for fuel cell activation and shutdown at North American Aviation, MSC, and KSC to maximize learning opportunities.

1966 November 9

Feasibility and cost tradeoffs of real-time television coverage of Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller reported on technical feasibility and cost tradeoffs of real-time television coverage of Apollo missions. . Additional Details: here....

1966 November 22

Perkin-Elmer and Chrysler continue studies of optical technology for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Docking.
Perkin-Elmer Corp., Norwalk, Conn., and Chrysler Corp., Detroit, Mich., were authorized about $250,000 each to continue studies of optical technology for NASA. The nine-month extension of research by the two companies was to evaluate optical experiments for possible future extended Apollo flights. The proposed experiments included control of optical telescope primary mirrors, telescope temperature control, telescope pointing, and laser propagation studies.

1966 November 25

Apollo MSC to rearrange flights after AS-204 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7.
MSC was requested by NASA Hq. to take the following actions:
1. Delete all experiments assigned to AS-205.
2. Assign experiment M005 (Bioassays Body Fluid, modified version) to AS-205/208.
3. Assign experiment M006 (Bone Demineralization) to AS-205/208.
4. Assign experiment M011 (Cytogenic Blood Studies) to AS-205/208.
5. Assign experiment M023 (Lower-Body Negative Pressure) to AS-205/208.
6. Redesignate experiments assigned to AS-207/208 to AS-205/208.

1966 November 29

Apollo flight crew nomenclature changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II. MSC's Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton said that the Block I flight crew nomenclature was suitable for the AS-204 mission, but that a more descriptive designation was desirable for Block II flights. . Additional Details: here....

1966 December 5

Apollo LM Simulator (LMS) 1 configuration issue - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
During reassembly of LM Simulator (LMS) 1 at Houston, MSC personnel discovered that the digital-to-analog conversion equipment was not the unit used during the preship tests at Binghamton, N.Y.; it was apparent the unit had never been checked out, because at least five power-buss bars were missing. The unit had not checked out in the preship tests, and at the simulator readiness review test on October 14 Grumman had been authorized to replace the defective digital-to-analog core memory after the unit arrived at Houston. MSC questioned whether the delivery requirement of LMS-1 had been met and asked Grumman to explain why the switch was made without MSC knowledge and what steps Grumman expected to take to correct the situation.

1966 December 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Evaluation of recovery areas for Saturn V Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. In response to a request from Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips on November 21, MSC reported its evaluation of Atlantic versus Pacific Ocean prime recovery areas for all Saturn V Apollo missions. . Additional Details: here....

1966 December 6

Apollo LM-to-CSM crew rescue said to be impossible - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch.
MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton pointed out to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea that LM-to-CSM crew rescue was impossible. Slayton said
1. there was no way for the portable life support system and crewman to traverse from the LM front hatch to the CSM side hatch in zero-g docked operations, because there was no restraint system or tether attach points in the vicinity of the CSM hatch to permit the crewman to stabilize himself and work to open the hatch; and
2. there was no way to control the Apollo inner hatch (35-43 kilograms) to ensure that it would not inadvertently damage its seals, the spacecraft wiring, or the pressure bulkhead.
Additional Details: here....

1966 December 6

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study of visibility from the Apollo CSM during extraction of the LM from the S-IVB stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Crew Station.
Langley Research Center reported on its November study of visibility from the CSM during extraction of the LM from the S-IVB stage. The study had been made in support of the AS-207/208A mission, with assistance of MSC and North American Aviation personnel, to
1. determine if the CSM pilot could detect the signal indicating that the CSM had detached from the S-IVB,
2. determine if he could recognize a misalignment between the CSM/LM combination and the S-IVB during withdrawal, and
3. investigate simple aid techniques to make the pilot's task easier.
Results indicated that
1. LM docking did not provide adequate indication of detachment of the LM from the S-IVB, but
2. in misalignment tests subjects could recognize errors as small as two to three degrees in yaw and five to seven centimeters in lateral translation except when the CSM/LM was yawed right and translated left relative to the S-IVB.
The configuration of the model used prevented studying pitch, roll, or vertical translation misalignments.

1966 December 7

Lunar Meteoroid Detection experiment for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
In a memo to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller approved assignment of experiment S068, Lunar Meteoroid Detection, to the Apollo Program Office for implementation, provided adequate funding could be identified in the light of relative priority in the total science program. The experiment had been recommended by the Manned Space Flight Experiment Board (MSFEB) for a lunar mission. Also, as recommended by the MSFEB, the following experiments would be placed on the earliest possible manned space flight: S015 (Zero g, Single Human Cells); S017 (Trapped Particles Asymmetry); S018 (Micrometeorite Collection); and T004 (Frog Otolith Function).

1966 December 7

Name for the Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory sought - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo.
Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller requested Leonard Reiffel, NASA Hq., "to be thinking about an appropriate name for the Lunar Receiving Laboratory - a descriptive kind of name rather than one that doesn't signify exactly what it is."

1966 December 10

Soviets view scope of American Apollo program with dismay - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Grechko, Ivashutin, Rudenko, Vershinin, Zakharov. Program: Soyuz, Apollo, Lunar L1.
Grechko, Zakharov, Shtemenko, Ivashutin, Vershinin, Rudenko and with dozens of other generals view a film prepared by the GRU on the American Apollo program. It gives the viewers a clear idea of the immense scale of the American program, which dwarfs the resources the Soviets have devoted to their counterpart. Kamanin believes it clearly demonstrates why the Soviet Union is lagging in the space race and how illusory is the hope of ever regaining the lead.

1966 December 13

Apollo lunar landing research vehicle No 1 received - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
The number one lunar landing research vehicle (LLRV) test vehicle was received at MSC December 13, 1966. Its first flight at Ellington Air Force Base following facility and vehicle checkout was expected about February 1, 1967, with crew training in the vehicle to start about February 20. Additional Details: here....

1966 December 15

Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director of Administration Wesley L. Hjornevik informed NASA Hq. that Frank Smith had told him on December 14 of his meeting with NASA management on Lunar Receiving Laboratory plans. Smith advised that MSC should take necessary actions immediately to begin operation of the LRL. MSC advised Headquarters that it planned to expand one of the two facility operation contracts at MSC to include the LRL and designate an LRL organization, staffed with qualified civil service personnel for immediate full-time operation.

1966 December 19

Plans for the Apollo Lunar Receiving laboratory - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shapley. Program: Apollo.
A meeting at NASA Hq. discussed plans for the Lunar Receiving laboratory, noting that some problems were time-critical and needed immediate attention. Attending were Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Willis B. Shapley, George E. Mueller, Homer E. Newell, and Francis B. Smith, all of NASA Hq.; and Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low, and Wesley L. Hjornevik of MSC.
The group agreed on the following interim actions:
1. Continued efforts to develop clearer definition of tasks that should be initiated to ensure the LRL would be ready for operation in time to handle returned lunar samples.
2. Creation of a task group at MSC to prepare for initial operation of the LRL. The task group would consist of MSC personnel plus a few new hires in critical skill areas.
3. Extension of the existing MSC support contract to provide minimum LRL technical and engineering support needed during the next few months.
4. Development of a clearer definition of the role and method of operation of the U.S. Public Health Officer to provide for more effective use of his recommendations for quarantine requirements.
On December 21, Shapley informed Mueller and Newell that NASA Administrator James E. Webb and Deputy Administrator Seamans had approved the proposed actions.

1966 December 22

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

S-IVB stage venting dispute - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Lewis L. McNair, MSFC Chairman of the Flight Mechanics Panel, told Calvin H. Perrine, Jr., MSC, that the Guidance and Performance Sub-Panel had been unable to reach an agreement on venting the liquid-oxygen (LOX) tank of the Saturn V S-IVB stage during earth parking orbit. McNair pointed out that MSFC did not want a programmed LOX vent and that MSC did. He added that the issue must be resolved in order to finalize the AS-501 attitude maneuver and venting timeline.

1966 December 22

Third Apollo lunar module simulator cancelled - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
In a memo to Donald K. Slayton, MSC Deputy Director George M. Low indicated that he understood George E. Mueller had stated in executive session of the Management Council on December 21 that he had decided a third lunar module simulator would not be required. Low said, "This implies that either the launch schedule will be relieved or missions will be so identical that trainer change-over time will be substantially reduced."

1966 December 22

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Crew selection for the second and third manned Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Anders. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. NASA announced crew selection for the second and third manned Apollo missions. . Additional Details: here....

1966 December 23

NASA Science and Applications Directorate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb approved establishment of a Science and Applications Directorate at MSC. The new directorate would plan and implement MSC programs in space science and its applications, act as a focal point for all MSC elements in these programs, and serve as the Center's point of contact with the scientific community. In addition to the Director's office, the new directorate would encompass an Advanced Systems Office, Lunar Surface Project Office, Space Physics Division, Applications Plans and Analysis Office, Applications Project Office, Lunar and Earth Sciences Division, and Test and Operations Office. In a letter on January 17, 1967, NASA Associate Administrator George E. Mueller told MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth the new Directorate was "another significant milestone in your effort to support the Agency and the scientific community in the exploration of space. . . ."

1966 December 23

Responsibilities for Apollo LM descent stage scientific equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
Handling and installation responsibilities for the LM descent stage scientific equipment (SEQ) were defined in a letter from MSC to Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. The descent stage SEQ was composed of three basic packages:
1. the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) compartment 1, which included the ALSEP central station and associated lunar surface experiments;
2. ALSEP compartment 2, composed of the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) and Apollo lunar surface drill (ALSD); and
3. the RTG fuel cask, thermal shield, mount and RTG fuel element.
The following definition of responsibility for handling and installation had been derived:
1. The SEQ would be installed in the LM descent stage while the LM was in the LM landing gear installation stand before LM-SLA mating, with the exception of the RTG fuel cask, thermal shield, mount and fuel element, and the ALSD.
2. The RTG fuel cask, thermal shield, mount and fuel element and the ALSD would be installed in the LM descent stage during prelaunch activities at the launch site.
3. Grumman would be responsible for SEQ installation with the exception of the RTG fuel element. The ALSEP contractor, Bendix Aerospace Systems Division, would provide the installation procedure and associated equipment. Bendix would also observe the installation operation and NASA would both observe and inspect it.
4. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) would be responsible for handling and installing the RTG fuel element. Bendix would provide procedures and associated equipment. Grumman and NASA would observe and inspect this operation. If for any reason the RTG fuel element was required to be removed during prelaunch operations, the AEC would be responsible for the activity. Removal procedures would be provided by Bendix. MSC requested that Grumman's planned LM activities at Kennedy Space Center reflect these points of definition.

1966 December 26

Extravehicular activity on the Apollo AS-503 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM ECS, LM Hatch, LM Landing Gear, LM RCS.
Donald K. Slayton said there was some question about including extravehicular activity on the AS-503 mission, but he felt that, to make a maximum contribution to the lunar mission, one period of EVA should be included. Slayton pointed out that during the coast period (simulating lunar orbit) in the current flight plan the EVA opportunity appeared best between hour 90 and hour 100. Additional Details: here....

1966 December 30

Difficulties in development of the Apollo ALSEP - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, pointed out to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that during a program review he was made aware of difficulties in the development of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. The problems cited were with the lunar surface magnetometer, suprathermal ion detector, passive seismometer, and the central station transmitter receiver. Newell, who had been briefed on the problems by NASA Hq. ALSEP Program Manager, W. T. O'Bryant, said: "I felt they were serious enough to warrant giving you my views in regard to the importance of having the ALSEP with its planned complement of instruments aboard the first Apollo lunar landing mission. It is essential that basic magnetic measurements be made on the lunar surface, not only for their very important planetological implications, but also for the knowledge which will be gained of the lunar magnetosphere and atmosphere as the result of the combined measurements from the magnetometer, solar wind spectrometer, and suprathermal ion detector."
MSC Deputy Director George M. Low, in a January 10 letter to Newell, thanked him and said he would discuss the problems with Newell more fully after receiving a complete review of the ALSEP program from Robert O. Piland.
Low wrote Newell on April 10, 1967, that there had been schedule slips in the program plan devised in March 1966 - primarily slips associated with the lunar surface magnetometer, the suprathermal ion detector, and the central station receiver and transmitter. "In each case, we have effected a programmatic workaround plan, the elements of which were presented to Leonard Reiffel of OMSF and William O'Bryant of your staff on December 5, 1966, and in subsequent reviews of the subject with them as the planning and implementation progressed. . . ."

1967 January 3

Apollo AS-204 rendezvous with a biosatellite impracticable - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel, Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. B. Kaskey, Bellcomm, Inc., gave NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips three reasons why an AS-204 rescue of or rendezvous with a biosatellite would be impracticable.. Additional Details: here....

1967 January 4

Program for control of hazardous Apollo spacecraft materials - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
Charles A. Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations, proposed establishment of an MSC management program for control of hazardous spacecraft materials, to provide confidence for upcoming long- duration Apollo missions while simultaneously saving overall costs. Berry pointed out that no unified program for control of potentially toxic or flammable spacecraft materials existed and, in the past, individual Program Offices had established their own acceptance criteria for toxological safety and fire hazards.

1967 January 4

Apollo 2TV-1 (thermal vacuum test article) manned test program discussed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo.
Director of Flight Crew Operations Directorate (FCOD) Donald K. Slayton discussed the 2TV-1 (thermal vacuum test article) manned test program in a letter to the ASPO Manager. Pointing out that FCOD was providing an astronaut crew for the vacuum test program in support of the AS-258 mission, Slayton said the FCOD objective was to test and evaluate crew equipment, stowage, and system operations procedures planned for Block II flights. Slayton acknowledged that this objective was not identical with ASPO's requirement for thermal and vacuum verification of integrated system design, but felt that it was of equal importance and should be given equal priority in planning the test. To achieve the FCOD objective, he requested that specific conditions be met in spacecraft configuration, test planning, and test conduct.

1967 January 4

Apollo alternate lunar surface mission plans - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Weight.
An MSC meeting selected a Flight Operations Directorate position on basic factors of the first lunar landing mission phase and initiated a plan by which the Directorate would inform other organizations of the factors and the operational capabilities of combining them into alternate lunar surface mission plans.
Flight Operations Director Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., conducted the discussion, with Rodney G. Rose, Carl Kovitz, Morris V. Jenkins, William E. Platt, James E. Hannigan, Bruce H. Walton, and William L. Davidson participating.
The major factors (philosophy) identified at the meeting were:
- "The astronauts should be provided with an extravehicular (EVA) timeline framework and objectives and then be given real time control of their own activities. This approach should better accommodate the first lunar surface unknowns than if rigorous activity control were attempted from earth."
- "The LM should always be in a position to get back into lunar orbit in the minimum time. Specifically the merits and feasibility of maintaining the LM platform powered up and aligned should be evaluated. Any other LM systems requiring start up time after powering down should be identified."
- "The constraints affecting the minimum time required to turn around and launch after LM landing and the time line should be determined. This time was estimated to two CSM orbits. The effects of Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN) support should be considered."
- The first EVA should be allocated to LM post landing inspection, immediate lunar sample collection, lunar environment familiarization, photographic documentation, and astronaut exploration prerogatives. Any second EVA would include deployment of ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package) and a more systematic geological survey. Therefore, a mission nominally planned for only one EVA would not have to include an ALSEP in the payload. Any flight operations benefits resulting from deletion of the ALSEP weight and deployment operations (such as replacing weight with more fuel) must be determined."
Other less important factors were discussed and several action items were assigned: Rose would be responsible for successful implementation of plans resulting from the meeting. Hannigan would determine the LM, portable life support system, and ALSEP systems constraints and determine if the ALSEP weight allowance could be beneficially applied to LM consumables. The Operations Analysis Branch would investigate the MSFN support.

1967 January 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Use of "direct translunar injection" for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller that studies had been completed on the use of "direct translunar injection" (launch directly into a trajectory to the moon) as a mode of operation for lunar landing missions. The principal advantages would be potential payload increases and elimination of the S-IVB stage restart requirement. The disadvantage was that there would be no usable launch windows for about half of each year and a reduced number of windows for the remainder of the year. Phillips was confident the launch vehicle would have adequate payload capability, since Saturn V performance continued to exceed spacecraft requirements. Confidence in successful S-IVB restarts was also high. For the lunar missions, therefore, direct launch was considered as a fall-back position and the effort was concentrating on the parking orbit mode.

1967 January 12

Apollo CM assembly accidents at North American plants - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
The NASA Western Support Office, Santa Monica, Calif., reported two accidents at North American plants, with no personal injuries:
- Apollo CM 2S-1 - being hoisted into a cradled position at North American Aviation's Space and Information Systems Division, Downey, Calif. - was dropped 1.8 meters onto a concrete floor Jan. 12. The first report was that the CM apparently suffered considerable damage.
- The S-II-5 interstage received possible structural damage when the protective metal roof covering of a handling fixture was struck during the swing opening of the six-story east door of Station 9 at the Seal Beach plant. The structural connections of the handling fixture to the interstage indicated damage. The S-II-5 interstage had been improperly parked within the swing opening of the east door.

1967 January 19

Numerous deficiencies noted in Apollo AS-204 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Testing of CSM 012 at Downey, Calif., and KSC revealed numerous failures in the communications cable assembly caused by broken wiring, bent pins, and connector malfunctions. . Additional Details: here....

1967 January 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo S-IVB stage for Saturn launch vehicle 503 exploded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Saturn 503 S-IVB stage exploded and was destroyed at the Douglas Sacramento, Calif., Test Facility at 4:25 p.m. PST during a countdown. The exercise had progressed to 10 seconds before simulated launch (about 8 minutes before S-IVB ignition) when the explosion occurred. Additional Details: here....

1967 January 23

Apollo Lunar Mission Planning Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Television.
The Lunar Mission Planning Board held its first meeting at MSC. Present, in addition to Chairman Robert R. Gilruth, were Charles A. Berry, Maxime A. Faget, George M. Low, Robert O. Piland, Wesley L. Hjornevik, and acting secretary William E. Stoney, Jr., all of MSC. Principal subject of discussion was the photography obtained by Lunar Orbiter I and Lunar Orbiter II and application of this photography to Apollo site selection. The material was presented by John Eggleston and Owen Maynard, both of MSC. Orbiter I had obtained medium-resolution photography of sites on the southern half of the Apollo area of interest; Orbiter II had obtained both medium- and high-resolution photographs of sites toward the northern half of the area. Several action items were assigned, with progress to be reported at the next meeting, including a definition of requirements for a TV landing aid for the lunar module and a report on landing-site-selection restraints based on data available from Lunar Orbiter I and II only, and another on data from Lunar Orbiter I, II, and III.

1967 January 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Findings of the S-IVB Accident Investigation Board supplemented - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips sent a message to the manned space flight Centers indicating that he wanted to supplement the findings of the S-IVB Accident Investigation Board with a review by the Crew Safety Panel of the possible impact on manned Apollo flights. Additional Details: here....

1967 January 27

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo AS-204 first steps - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Fire sweeping through command module 012 atop its Saturn IB launch vehicle at Launch Complex 34, KSC, took the lives of the three-man crew scheduled for the first manned Apollo space flight. . Additional Details: here....

1967 January 27

62 nations signed the Space Law Treaty - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Representatives of 62 nations signed the space law treaty, "Treaty on Principles Covering the Activities of the States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies," at separate ceremonies in Washington, London, and Moscow. The treaty, which limited military activities in space, had been agreed upon by the U.S. and U.S.S.R. December 8, 1966, and unanimously approved by the United Nations General Assembly December 19. It was to become effective when ratified by the U.S., U.S.S.R., United Kingdom, and two other countries.

1967 January 27

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral. LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo 204 - . Call Sign: Apollo 1. Crew: Chaffee, Grissom, White. Backup Crew: Cunningham, Eisele, McDivitt, Schirra, Schweickart, Scott. Payload: CSM-012. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM ECS, CSM Electrical.
The first manned flight of the Apollo CSM, the Apollo C category mission, was planned for the last quarter of 1966. Numerous problems with the Apollo Block I spacecraft resulted in a flight delay to February 1967. The crew of Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee, was killed in a fire while testing their capsule on the pad on 27 January 1967, still weeks away from launch. The designation AS-204 was used by NASA for the flight at the time; the designation Apollo 1 was applied retroactively at the request of Grissom's widow.

1967 January 28

Apollo 204 Review Board established to investigate the AS-204 accident - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board was established by NASA's Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., to investigate the Apollo 204 accident that had killed the 204 prime crew January 27. The Board would report to the NASA Administrator.. Additional Details: here....

1967 January 28

Apollo 204 Review Board assembled at KSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Chairman and several members of the Apollo 204 Review Board assembled at KSC and met with NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, and other personnel from NASA Hq., KSC, and MSC. . Additional Details: here....

1967 January 29

Astronaut Borman briefed the Apollo 204 Review Board after inspection of the damaged CSM 012 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. Astronaut Frank Borman briefed the Apollo 204 Review Board after his inspection of the damaged command and service modules. . Additional Details: here....

1967 January 30

Additional Apollo 204 Review Board consultants - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Robert W. Van Dolah of the Bureau of Mines, I. Irving Pinkel of Lewis Research Center, and Thomas G. Horeff of the Federal Aviation Agency joined the Apollo 204 Review Board as consultants. . Additional Details: here....

1967 January 31

Funeral services for the Apollo 204 crewmen - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chaffee, Grissom, White. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Funeral services were held for the Apollo crewmen who died in the January 27 spacecraft 012 (Apollo 204 mission) flash fire at Cape Kennedy. All three were buried with full military honors: Virgil I. Grissom (Lt. Col., USAF), and Roger B. Chaffee (Lt. Cdr., USN), in Arlington, Va., National Cemetery; and Edward H. White II (Lt. Col., USAF), at West Point, N.Y. Memorial services had been held in Houston January 29 and 30.

1967 January 31

Launch preparation for Apollo AS-501 to proceed as planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A TWX from NASA Headquarters to MSC, MSFC, and KSC ordered checkout and launch preparation of AS-501 to proceed as planned, except that the CM would not be pressurized in an oxygen environment pending further direction. If AS-501 support, facility, or work force should conflict with the activities of the AS-204 Review Board, the Board would be given priority.

1967 January 31

Apollo 204 Review Board of advised of accident in an altitude chamber at Brooks Air Force Base - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Col. Charles F. Strang advised the Apollo 204 Review Board of an accident in an altitude chamber at Brooks Air Force Base, Tex., that morning. A flash fire had swept the oxygen-filled pressure chamber, killing Airman 2/C William F. Bartley, Jr., and Airman 3/C Richard G. Harmon. Additional Details: here....

1967 February 1

Task of removing the launch escape system from Apollo AS-204 delayed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The task of removing the launch escape system from AS-204 was delayed until retrorockets and other ordnance devices could be removed from the launch vehicle and spacecraft. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 1

Stop of all Apollo manned testing in high oxygen environments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. MSC management directed contractors and other government agencies to stop all MSC-related manned testing in environments with high oxygen content.. Additional Details: here....

1967 February 2

Instructions on release of information on any aspect of the Apollo AS-204 accident or investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. MSC issued instructions to contractors and employees regarding release of information on any aspect of the AS-204 accident or investigation. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 2

Apollo command module 014 arrived at KSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Command module 014 arrived from the North American Aviation plant in Downey, Calif., and was placed in the Pyrotechnic Installation Building at KSC. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 3

Apollo 204 Review Board requested procedures for entry into CM 012 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Petrone, Shea. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman requested that a document be written to establish procedures for entry into CM 012. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 3

Changes in the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. In memoranda for the Apollo 204 Review Board, NASA Deputy Administrator Seamans noted changes in the Board.. Additional Details: here....

1967 February 3

Progress of the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation reported - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., reported to Administrator James E. Webb on progress of the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation of the January 27 spacecraft fire. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 4

Draft report on the use of internal and external power for the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Maxime Faget, MSC, distributed a draft report on the use of internal and external power on the command module for the information of the Apollo 204 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 4

Apollo 204 Review Board established an Advisory Group - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, Petrone. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd L. Thompson established an Advisory Group to support the Board in its investigation. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 7

Apollo 204 Review Board established 21 Task Panels - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Floyd L. Thompson, Chairman of the Apollo 204 Review Board, formally established 21 task panels to support the investigation. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 7

Senate Committee hears NASA testimony on the Apollo 204 fire - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences met in executive session to hear NASA testimony on the Apollo 204 fire. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 7

Preliminary report provided to the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Irving Pinkel, of Lewis Research Center and the Fire Propagation Panel, presented a preliminary report to the Apollo 204 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Study at Langley to familiarize flight crews with Apollo CM active docking - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Crew Station.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth asked LaRC Director Floyd Thompson to conduct a study at Langley to familiarize flight crews with CM active docking and to explore problems in CM recontact with the LM and also LM withdrawal. MSC would provide astronaut and pilot-engineer support for the study. Apollo Block II missions called for CM active docking with the LM and withdrawal of the LM from the S-IVB stage, requiring development of optimum techniques and procedures to ensure crew safety and to minimize propellant utilization. LM withdrawal was a critical area because of clearances, marginal flight crew visibility, and mission constraints. Previous simulations at LaRC indicated the possibility of using the Rendezvous Docking Simulator.

1967 February 8

Deficiency in the mission control programmer (MCP) in Apollo spacecraft 017 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. MSC ASPO Manager Joseph Shea reviewed with George Jeffs of North American Aviation a deficiency in the mission control programmer (MCP) in spacecraft 017. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 10

Apollo spacecraft 012 service module to be used for nonflight support of the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
William W. Petynia, MSC, was given ASPO responsibility for use of the spacecraft 012 service module in nonflight support of the Apollo program when the Apollo 204 Review Board released the SM from - further investigation. It was to be used in subsystem tests or tests of the complete module.

1967 February 10

Apollo 204 investigation briefing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and members of his staff were briefed at KSC on aspects of the Apollo 204 investigation: final report, fire propagation, photographic control, data integration, and medical analysis. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo S-IVB stage explosion accident cause - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Board of Inquiry into the January 20 S-IVB-503 explosion at the Douglas Sacramento Test Facility identified the probable cause as the failure of a pressure vessel made with titanium-alloy parent-metal fusion welded with commercially pure titanium. The combination, which was in violation of specifications, formed a titanium hydride intermetallic that induced embrittling in the weld nugget, thus significantly degrading the capabilities of a weldment to withstand sustained pressure loads. The Board recommended pressure limitations for titanium-alloy pressure vessels.

1967 February 10

Apollo 204 Review Board requests detailed description of responsibilities in the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd Thompson requested the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, MSFC, KSC, and MSC to furnish a detailed description of their responsibilities, organizational relationships, and alignment in the Apollo program. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 14

Second interim report on the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., gave Administrator James E. Webb a second interim report on the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation.. Additional Details: here....

1967 February 14

Apollo 204 Review Board members to prepare an interim report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Selected Apollo 204 Review Board members and panel chairmen were instructed to prepare an interim report on actions to date. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 15

The Apollo 204 Review Board briefing on anomalies before and during the CM 012 fire - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Apollo 204 Review Board received a detailed briefing on the anomalies recorded before and during the CM 012 fire. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 16

Interim nature of schedule for manned Apollo missions discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., informed Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller that, in view of the interim nature of schedule outlook for manned uprated Saturn I and Saturn V missions, he had decided to show these missions as "Under Study" in the Official NASA Flight Schedule for February 1967. As soon as firm approved dates for the missions were available the schedule would be updated. He said that all participants in the Apollo program should be advised that - except for unmanned missions 206, 501, and 502 - official agency schedule commitments had not been made and certainly could not be quoted until management assessments of the program had been completed and schedules approved by the Office of the Administrator.

1967 February 17

Apollo 204 Review Board classified the materials in spacecraft 012 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board classified the materials in and around spacecraft 012 into three categories. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 20

Apollo 204 Review Board approved removal of CSM 012 service module from the launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Apollo 204 Review Board approved a plan to remove the spacecraft 012 service module from the launch vehicle on February 21. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 20

Kleinknecht Chairman of the Apollo CSM Configuration Control Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Kenneth S. Kleinknecht was designated Chairman of the CSM Configuration Control Panel in the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office, MSC. He would have authority to approve CSM changes within the limits outlined in the ASPO Configuration Management Plan..

1967 February 21

Apollo program officials briefed on findings / recommendations of the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo program officials were briefed on significant information, tentative findings, and preliminary recommendations developed by the Apollo 204 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 22

Briefing on progress of the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
A formal briefing on progress of the Apollo 204 Review Board was presented to NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., David Williamson of Seamans' staff, and Charles A. Berry, Joseph F. Shea, Donald K. Slayton, and Walter M. Schirra, Jr., all of MSC. Additional Details: here....

1967 February 23

William A Lee named Manager for the Apollo LM, ASPO - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
William A. Lee was redesignated from Assistant Program Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program Office, to Manager for the LM, ASPO, at MSC. Lee would be responsible for the management of the lunar module program, including MSC relations with Grumman and other supporting industrial concerns. Lee would report to ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea and would assist him in the following areas:
1. Directing the design, development, and fabrication program contracted by NASA with Grumman.
2. Directing and planning detailed system engineering and system integration functions for the project, including review of engineering design work and system engineering studies by the contractor.
3. Development of the program of ground and flight tests at White Sands Missile Range, MSC, and KSC.
4. Monitoring contractors' operations to ensure adherence to specifications, to identify and solve problems which might impede the development of systems or subsystems.
5. Directing subordinate functional chiefs on all vehicle problems in the project and resolving or securing resolution of major technical, flight, and program problems.
6. Chairing the Change Control Panel for LM.

1967 February 23

Apollo Program officials briefed on program status - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Apollo Program officials, headed by NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Mueller, briefed Deputy Administrator Seamans, Apollo 204 Review Board members, and those present at the February 22 briefing. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 25

Third interim report on the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA Administrator James E. Webb released a statement and Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans' third interim report on the Apollo 204 Review Board investigation, including tentative findings and preliminary recommendations. . Additional Details: here....

1967 February 27

NASA officials testified on the Apollo 204 fire - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204, Apollo 7. NASA officials testified in an open hearing of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences on the Apollo 204 fire. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 1

Apollo 204 Review Board designates custodian for the Review Board material - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd Thompson announced that the NASA Deputy Administrator had signed a memorandum February 27 designating the Director, Langley Research Center, custodian of the Review Board material. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 2

Wiring discrepancies found in Apollo spacecraft 017 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
MSC ASPO reported to NASA Hq. that, because of many wiring discrepancies found in Apollo spacecraft 017, a more thorough inspection was required, with 12 main display control panels to be removed and wiring visually inspected for cuts, chafing, improper crimping, etc. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 3

Apollo 204 Review Board decided to classify all material from command module 012 by categories - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Apollo 204 Review Board decided to classify all material from command module 012 as Category A or Category B items. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 6

Criteria established to resume Apollo testing in an oxygen environment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Although the final recommendations of the Apollo 204 Review Board were not yet in hand, MSC Deputy Director George M. Low believed the program "should start preparing a set of criteria which must be followed before we can resume testing in an oxygen environment". Additional Details: here....

1967 March 7

Apollo CM 012 showed rupture in the floor - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The aft heatshield was removed from CM 012. A close inspection disclosed that the rupture in the floor extended about two-thirds of the circumference, a rupture much greater than originally estimated..

1967 March 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Impact of the Apollo 204 accident on schedules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
During a House Committee on Science and Astronautics hearing on NASA's FY 1968 authorization, NASA Administrator James E. Webb replied to questions by Congressmen John W. Wydler, Edward J. Gurney, and Emilio Q. Daddario about the impact of the Apollo 204 accident on schedules for accomplishing the lunar landing. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Saturn V translunar payload 44,500 kilograms - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller stated that the February completion of MSFC studies of the Saturn V launch vehicle's payload and structural capability would permit an official revision of the payload from 43,100 kilograms to 44,500 kilograms; the CM weight would be revised from 5,000 to 5,400 kilograms; and the LM from 13,600 to 14,500.

1967 March 8

Apollo 204 Review Board follow-up report - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Maxime A. Faget, MSC, presented the Apollo 204 Review Board a follow-up report on analysis of the arc indication on the lower-equipment-bay junction-box cover plate. The plate had been delivered to the KSC Material Analysis Laboratory and, in addition to the analysis of the arc indication, molten material found on the bottom of the plate would also be analyzed.

1967 March 10

Apollo sustaining engineering problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. J. Thomas Markley, Assistant Manager of ASPO, pointed out that within a few weeks MSC would face sustaining engineering problems. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 13

The report of the Apollo 204 Review Board's In-flight Fire Emergency Provisions Review Panel (No - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The report of the Apollo 204 Review Board's In-flight Fire Emergency Provisions Review Panel (No. 20) listed seven findings and accompanying determinations. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 13

Apollo 204 Review Board met for critical review of draft final reports - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board met with chairmen of Panels 12, 16, 19, and 20 for critical review of their draft final reports. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 13

Special Tests Panel (No 16) report to the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Special Tests Panel (No. 16) report to the Apollo 204 Review Board summarized activities from January 31 to February 23, when it had been merged with Panel 18. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 14

Apollo 204 Review Board test results failed to show any SM anomalies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
The Service Module Disposition Panel (No. 21) report accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board said test results had failed to show any SM anomalies due to SM systems and there was no indication that SM systems were responsible for initiating the January 27 fire. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 14

Audit of Apollo quality control and inspection procedures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips appointed a team to make a special audit of quality control and inspection. The audit would encompass Apollo spacecraft operations at Downey, Calif., KSC, and elsewhere as required and would consider both contractor and government activities to determine if problems or deficiencies existed and recommend corrective action. The team was to use to the maximum extent the results of quality and inspection audit activities already under way at MSC and KSC.
Specifically, the team was to
1. review inspection standards for compatibility with Apollo program requirements, the degree to which these standards had been reduced to effective instructions and criteria for use by individual inspectors, and consistency between sites;
2. evaluate at each activity the program for selection, training, and evaluation of quality control and inspection personnel;
3. evaluate the adequacy of follow-up, closeout action and treatment by management of reported discrepancies in quality reports, failure reports, and program action requests;
4. evaluate the effectiveness of materials and parts control in ensuring that all materials and parts in end items as well as those used in processing and testing were in accordance with drawings and specifications; and
5. evaluate methods used to ensure quality of product from vendors and subcontractors.
Phillips named Rod Middleton of NASA OMSF to chair the team. Other members were Willis J. Willoughby, OMSF; Martin L. Raines, White Sands Test Facility; John Berkebile, MSFC; John D. Dickenson, KSC; and Jeff Adams and Robert Blount, MSC. Phillips requested a report by March 31.

1967 March 15

Apollo CSM 017 on hold due to discrepancies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. CSM 017 was in hold because of numerous discrepancies found in the spacecraft. Of 1,368 "squawks" concerning exposed wiring, 482 had been resolved by March 14. Spacecraft mechanical mating with the launch vehicle was projected for April 29..

1967 March 15

Apollo 012 service module to be used for program support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
MSC informed Kennedy Space Center that, on release of the 012 service module from further investigation, the MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office would use it for program support. ASPO was establishing tests and test locations and asked KSC to deactivate SM systems and store the SM in a remote area for up to four weeks.

1967 March 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rendezvous with S-IVB stage primary objective of Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton requested that a rendezvous of the CSM with its launch vehicle S-IVB stage be a primary objective of the Apollo 2 mission.. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 16

Tight schedule as a result of Apollo AS-204 accident - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
LeRoy E. Day, NASA OMSF, suggested to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that, "if we are going to achieve a tight schedule of redesign and test activity as a result of AS-204 (accident), a number of changes in our mode of operation may be necessary." Additional Details: here....

1967 March 16

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Administrative Procedures Panel (No - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Administrative Procedures Panel (No. 15). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 18-19

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of the Security Operations Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of the Security Operations Panel (No. 14). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 18

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of the Fracture Areas Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of the Fracture Areas Panel (No. 10). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 18-19

The final report of the Apollo Spacecraft and Ground Support Equipment Configuration Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch. The final report of the Spacecraft and Ground Support Equipment Configuration Panel (No. 1) was accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 18-20

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Origin and Propagation of Fire Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Origin and Propagation of Fire Panel (No. 5). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 19

Final report of the Ground Emergency Provisions Panel accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch. The final report of the Ground Emergency Provisions Panel (Panel 13) accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board submitted 14 findings and determinations. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 19

Apollo 204 Review Board cited a number of findings on flammable materials in spacecraft 012 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Materials Work Panel (Panel 8, also referred to as Materials Review' Panel) in its final report accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board cited a number of findings on flammable materials in spacecraft 012. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 20

Langley custodian of all materials dealing with the Apollo 204 accident - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
The Deputy Administrator of NASA designated Langley Research Center custodian of all materials dealing with the investigation and review of the January 27 Apollo 204 accident. Review Board Chairman Floyd Thompson, LaRC, who had the responsibility of determining the materials to be included in the final repository, determined that the following categories of materials were to be preserved. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 20

Apollo-Saturn 204 launch vehicle to launch the first lunar module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA announced it would use the Apollo-Saturn 204 launch vehicle to launch the first lunar module on its unmanned test flight. Since the 204 vehicle was prepared and was not damaged in the Apollo 204 fire in January, it would be used instead of the originally planned AS-206.

1967 March 21

Final report of the Disassembly Activities Panel accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Final report of the Disassembly Activities Panel (No. 4) was accepted by the Apollo 204 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 25 - April 24

Designations for Apollo / Apollo Applications missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
NASA Hq. Office of Manned Space Flight informed KSC, MSFC, and MSC of approved designations for Apollo and Apollo Applications missions:
1. all Apollo missions would be numbered sequentially in the order flown, with the next mission to be designated Apollo 4, the following one Apollo 5, etc., and
2. the Apollo Applications missions would be designated sequentially as AAP-1, AAP-2, etc. The number designations would not differentiate between manned and unmanned or uprated Saturn I and Saturn V missions. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 25

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Test Environment Panel (Panel 2) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Test Environment Panel (Panel 2). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 27

Apollo fire detection systems and fire extinguishers considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A meeting at MSC considered fire detection systems and fire extinguishers. Participants were G. M. Low, K. S. Kleinknecht, A. C. Bond, J. N. Kotanchik, J. W. Craig, M. W. Lippitt, and G. W. S. Abbey. Craig and Lippitt had visited Wright Field, Ohio, and from their findings the following conclusions were reached:
1. no fire detection system was available for incorporation into the Apollo spacecraft;
2. a reliable system would be desirable, but the system must not give false alarms when used in a closed spacecraft environment and yet must give adequate warning of fire;
3. two kinds of systems appeared to be in varying states of development - systems using infrared or ultraviolet sensors and systems sensing ionized particles or condensation nucleii in the atmosphere;
4. a work statement should be prepared, with the help of personnel at Wright Field, for the purpose of receiving specific proposals on available systems; and
5. the ultimate goal should be to develop a system ready for flight use within six months.

1967 March 28

Apollo 204 Review Board asked for a report on the Pyrotechnic Installation Building activity - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd Thompson asked for a report on the Pyrotechnic Installation Building activity. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 29 - April 4

Apollo CSM 101 wire bundles inspected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. H. C. Creighton, A. R. Goldenberg, and Guy N. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 29

Alternate configurations of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
At the request of the Manager of the MSC Lunar Surface Programs Office, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Homer E. Newell considered alternate Array B configurations of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package to alleviate a weight problem. Instead of a single array, he selected two configurations for ALSEP III and ALSEP IV:

ALSEP III Experiments:
Passive Seismic, Heat Flow (w/Lunar Drill), Cold Cathode Gauge, and Charged Particle Lunar Environment.
ALSEP IV Experiments:
Passive Seismic, Active Seismic, Suprathermal Ion Detector/Cold Cathode Gauge, and Charged Particle Lunar Environment.
Newell requested that both configurations be built but that, if program constraints permitted the fabrication of only one array for ALSEP II and IV, ALSEP III should be given the preference. The Apollo Program Director concurred in the Newell recommendation.

1967 March 29-30

Apollo Site Selection Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor.
The Apollo Site Selection Board meeting at NASA Hq. March 29 heard MSC presentations on lunar landing site selection constraints, results of the Orbiter II screening, and reviews of the tasks for site analysis. MSC made recommendations for specific sites on which to concentrate during the next four months and recommended that the landing sites for the first lunar landing mission be selected by August 1. The Board accepted the recommendations. A Surveyor and Orbiter meeting the following day considered the targeting of the Surveyor C mission and the Lunar Orbiter V mission. MSC representatives at the two meetings were John Eggleston and Owen E. Maynard.

1967 March 30

The Apollo 204 Review Board met with its Test Procedures Review Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board met with its Test Procedures Review Panel (Panel No. 7) to complete acceptance of the panel's final report. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 30

Apollo 204 Review Board scheduled to review final report of its Historical Data Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch. The Apollo 204 Review Board was scheduled to review the final report of its Historical Data Panel (Panel No. 6). . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 30

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of Design Review Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II, CSM Hatch. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the final report of its Design Review Panel (No.9).. Additional Details: here....

1967 March 30

The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the report of its Sequence of Events Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. The Apollo 204 Review Board accepted the report of its Sequence of Events Panel (No. 3), which had been charged with analyzing data from immediately before and during the January 27 fire, including digital, analog, voice communications, and photography. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 31

Final report of the Medical Analysis Panel (No 11) to the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch. The final report of the Medical Analysis Panel (No. 11) to the Apollo 204 Review Board was processed for printing. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 31

Integration Analysis Panel rewriting its final report to the Apollo 204 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. 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. . Additional Details: here....

1967 March 31

Apollo descent propulsion system series tests - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Shea. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea requested that the White Sands Test Facility be authorized to conduct the descent propulsion system series tests starting April 3 and ending about May 1. The maximum expected test pressure would be 174 newtons per sq cm (253 psia), normal maximum operating pressure. The pressure could go as high as 179 newtons per sq cm (260 psia) according to the test to be conducted.
Required leak check operations were also requested at a maximum pressure of 142 newtons per sq cm (206 psia), with a design limit of 186 newtons per sq cm (270 psia). The test fluids would be compatible with the titanium alloy at the test pressures. The test would be conducted in the Altitude Test Stand, where adequate protection existed for isolating and containing a failure. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth approved the request the same day.

1967 April 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Replacement of the Apollo service module 017 oxidizer tank - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. In reply to a request from NASA Hq., CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht told Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that replacement of the service module 017 oxidizer tank was based on a double repair weld of the method 2 kind in that tank. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April

Apollo 205 (cancelled) - . Crew: Cunningham, Eisele, Schirra. Backup Crew: Borman, Collins, Stafford. Payload: CSM-014. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 205. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
It was originally planned to make a second solo flight test of the Block I Apollo CSM on a Saturn IB. The flight was finally seen as unnecessary; the decision to cancel it came on November 16, 1966. After the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967, the Schirra crew was assigned to Apollo 7, the first manned flight test of the new Block II Apollo CSM-101.

1967 April 5

Apollo 204 Review Board final report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
The Apollo 204 Review Board transmitted its final formal report on the fire to the NASA Administrator. The Board noted that the reliability of the CM and the entire system involved in its operation was a requirement common to both safety and mission success. It followed that protection from fire as a hazard required much more than quick egress. The risk of fire was only one factor pertaining to CM reliability that must receive adequate consideration. Design features and operating procedures intended to reduce the fire risk must not introduce other serious risks to mission success and safety. Additional Details: here....

1967 April 5

Mission profile for first manned Apollo flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Hatch. The mission profile for the first manned Apollo flight would be based on that specified in Appendix AS-204 in the Apollo Flight Mission Assignments Document dated November 1966, the three manned space flight Centers were informed. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 6

Biology training for Apollo lunar mission crews - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A program of biology training for lunar mission crews was formulated as part of a comprehensive Block II Training Plan being reviewed by the Flight Crew Operations Directorate at MSC. The program was to provide flight crews with rudimentary facts about microbial life forms, an understanding of the bioscientific importance of lunar exploration, and training in collection of lunar samples (biological requirements) and the various aspects of the quarantine program. The biology training was to be divided into five lecture and demonstration sessions, with one field trip to observe desert ecology.

1967 April 7

Joseph F Shea, appointed Deputy Associate Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Shea. Program: Apollo.
Joseph F. Shea, MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office Manager, was appointed NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, with responsibility for technical aspects of the program.
George M. Low, MSC Deputy Director, would succeed Shea as ASPO Manager. Changes were to be effective April 10.

1967 April 8

All B-nuts installed in Apollo to be loosened - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. MSC Structures and Mechanics Division Chief Joseph N. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 8

Apollo fuel-cell tank contaminated welds - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. A flash report sent to the NASA Apollo Program Director by ASPO Manager George M. Low at MSC informed him that all the fuel-cell gaseous- nitrogen titanium-alloy tanks were suspected of having contaminated welds. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 10

Flammability characteristics of external Apollo LM vehicle insulation studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
An investigation at Grumman compared flammability characteristics of blankets representative of the external LM vehicle insulation with those of unshielded mylar blankets. When subjected to identical ignition sources, the mylar specimens burned during all phases of testing. Localized charring and perforation were the only visible signs of degradation in specimens simulating the LM shielding. The conclusion was that the protection of mylar blankets by H-Film in the LM configuration effectively decreased the likelihood of ignition from open flame or electrical arcing.

1967 April 10

Two task teams to investigate Apollo CSM electrical systems and flammable materials - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
George Low requested William M. Bland, MSC, to take action on two recommendations made by MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth:
1. Take stereo color photos of all spacecraft areas before they were closed out. This procedure had been invaluable during the Apollo Review Board's activities at KSC, and the same technique, applied during the manufacturing process of current spacecraft, might help answer questions raised subsequent to the closeout of an area and thereby save time.
2. Make additional requirements for the use of cover plates over spacecraft wire bundles. Greater use of cover plates during manufacturing, test, and perhaps even flight would prevent damage during subsequent activities.

1967 April 10

Apollo CSM 017 inertial measurement unit removed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. MSC informed NASA Hq. that the spacecraft 017 inertial measurement unit (IMU) was being removed to replace capacitors that were suspect after a number of failures with qualified mylar capacitors. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 10

Two task teams on Apollo CSM electrical systems established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. MSC ASPO Manager George M. Low told Sydney C. Jones, Jr., MSC Communications and Power Branch, that he wanted to establish two task teams on CSM electrical systems. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo pressure vessel tests returned to normal channels - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Hq. informed the Directors of the manned space flight Centers that responsibility for approval of pressure vessel tests was being returned to normal Center management channels. Because of the failure of the 503 launch vehicle S-IVB stage and other pressure vessel problems, testing had been restricted by the office of the Apollo Program Director. The Program Director now returned to the Center Directors "responsibility for approving pressurization tests of pressure vessels in spacecraft modules, launch vehicle stages, and ground support equipment within their Apollo program responsibilities."

1967 April 14

Apollo CM tests show burning in pure oxygen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
CM mockup tests by the Structures and Mechanics Division at the MSC Thermochemical Test Area had shown that significant burning occurred in oxygen environments at a pressure of 11.4 newtons per square centimeter (16.5 psia). The tests, in which most of the major crew bay materials had been replaced by Teflon or Beta cloth, consisted of deliberately igniting crew bay materials sequentially in two places. The Division recommended that operation with oxygen at 11.4 newtons in the crew compartment be eliminated and that either air or oxygen at 3.5 newtons per sq cm (5 psia) be used. In reply, the ASPO Manager pointed out that "Dr. Gilruth has indicated a strong desire to avoid the use of air on the pad which requires subsequent spacecraft purges. Accordingly, we should maintain the option of launching with a pure oxygen cabin environment until such time as additional tests indicate it would not be feasible."

1967 April 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Requirements of the Apollo flight program before the first lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. A meeting at MSC considered requirements of the Apollo flight program before the first lunar landing mission. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 18

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Plans for launching Apollo-Saturn space vehicles - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips signed a directive defining the requirements, responsibilities, and inter-Center coordination necessary for development, control, and execution of test and checkout plans and procedures for preparing and launching Apollo-Saturn space vehicles at KSC.

1967 April 18

No NASA accountability for Apollo wiring - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
ASPO Manager George M. Low pointed out to MSC Director of Engineering and Development Maxime A. Faget that apparently no single person at MSC was responsible for spacecraft wiring. Low said he would like to discuss naming a subsystem manager to follow this general area, including not only the wiring schematics, circuitry, circuit-breaker protection, etc., but also the detailed design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of wiring harnesses.

1967 April 20-26

Fire in the Bell Apollo LM ascent engine test facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
A fire broke out in the Bell Aerosystems Test Facility, Wheatfield, N.Y., at 2:30 a.m. April 20. Early analysis indicated the fire was started by overpressurization of the ascent engine's propellant- conditioning system, which caused the system relief valve to dump propellant into an overflow bucket. The bucket in turn overflowed and propellant spilled onto the floor, coming into contact with a highly oxidized steel grating. Contact was believed to have initiated combustion and subsequently an intense, short-duration fire. Additional Details: here....

1967 April 21

Apollo 204 Review Board findings reviewed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 25

Task group to begin preparation of a detailed Apollo inspection standards publication - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Apollo Program Director, formed a task group under the direction of Harold Russell of NASA Hq. to begin preparation of a detailed inspection standards publication. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 26

Apollo CM's 017 and 020 purged on pad with nitrogen - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
Because of the amount of flammable material in spacecraft 017 and 020, MSC decided to purge these two spacecraft on the pad with gaseous nitrogen. The total amount of oxygen in the spacecraft at time of reentry would not exceed 14 percent. No tests would be conducted on these spacecraft with hatches closed when men were in the spacecraft.

1967 April 27

Reservations on wiring in Apollo CSM 101 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Astronaut Donn F. Eisele. a member of the Block II Wiring Investigating Team, wrote the ASPO Manager his reservations as to whether the wiring in spacecraft 101 could be salvaged and made safe for flight. . Additional Details: here....

1967 April 27

NASA Task Team - Block II Apollo CSM Redefinition - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Borman. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA Task Team - Block II Redefinition, CSM, was established by ASPO. The team - to be in residence at North American Aviation during the redefinition period - was to provide timely response to questions and inputs on detail design, overall quality and reliability, test and checkout, baseline conditions, configuration control, and schedules.
Astronaut Frank Borman was named Task Team Manager and group leaders were: Design, Aaron Cohen; Quality and Reliability and Test and Checkout Procedures, Scott H. Simpkinson; Materials, Jerry W. Craig; Specifications and Configuration Control, Richard E. Lindeman; and Scheduling, Douglas R. Broome.

1967 April 28 - May 16

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo spacecraft delivery dates - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. Spacecraft delivery date and ground rule discussions were summarized by MSC ASPO Manager George M. Low in a letter to North American Aviation's Apollo Program Manager Dale D. Myers. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 1

Apollo crew safety and mission success concerns - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
George C. White, Jr., NASA OMSF Director of Apollo Reliability and Quality, told Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that an MSC presentation on April 29 had restored confidence in Apollo's future, but three areas caused him concern as possible compromises with crew safety and mission success in the interest of near-term schedule and cost considerations. They were:
- Soldered joints in coolant system plumbing. Design of the joints was basically wrong; the insertion of the tubing into the sleeve was less than the tube diameter. Shear strength of the solder had to be depended upon for mechanical integrity against bending and vibration as well as for sealing. Insertion should be two to three times the diameter so that bending could be carried by the bearing of the tube in the sleeve, and the solder would only have to seal.
- Wiring harnesses. Wiring in the Block II spacecraft had a number of problems, the real significance of which was difficult to evaluate. Numerous instances of damaged insulation (bare conductor) had been found and the repairs had, in turn, resulted in more damage. At least once, split insulation (bare conductor) had been found inside a wire bundle; it could have been in the wire as received or could have resulted from cold flow.
- Modification procedure. MSC planned to make the changes in the Block II spacecraft by working directly from mockup to the spacecraft, using sketches and a minimum of paper work. While this kind of an operation could get a job done in a hurry, it required a strong leader, thoroughly experienced in working with engineering and factory people and procedures, and rigorous adherence to a minimal streamlined paper system. All "engineering" must be on drawings and all fabrication work must be inspected at least as rigorously as in a normal manufacturing process.
White urged close management attention to ensure quality.

1967 May 1

North American renamed division - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Space and Information Systems Division of North American Aviation, Inc., was renamed Space Division, effective May 1..

1967 May 1

Impact of the Apollo AS-204 accident estimated at $81 million - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. MSC estimated the effect of the Apollo 204 fire on program costs for FY 1967 and 1968, in reply to April 26 instructions from NASA Apollo Program. Manager Samuel C. Phillips.. Additional Details: here....

1967 May 2

NASA briefing to Manned Orbiting Laboratory staff on fire hazards - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: MOL.
The Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory Systems Program Office requested that MSC present a briefing to selected office and contractor personnel on NASA's progress in safety studies and tests associated with fire hazards aboard manned space vehicles. Information was requested for the MOL program to help formulate studies and activities that would not duplicate MSC efforts. The briefing was given at MSC May 10.

1967 May 2-4

NASA Apollo Block II Redefinition Task Team - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. NASA Block II Redefinition Task Team group leaders and CSM Program Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht arrived at North American Aviation Space Division at Downey May 2, followed by Task Team Manager Frank Borman the next day. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 2

Apollo 204 Review Board to release CM 014 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. ASPO Manager George M. Low asked the Chairman of the Apollo 204 Review Board to consider releasing CM 014 for use in the Apollo program. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 3

NASA's Space Science Steering Committee approved Apollo arrays of solid corner reflectors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA's Space Science Steering Committee approved establishment of a facility on the moon consisting of arrays of solid corner reflectors. The first array was to be established by the earliest possible lunar landing mission, with other arrays to be carried on subsequent missions. Until the Committee and Manned Space Flight Experiment Board agreed on assignment of priorities among the various lunar science experiments, this experiment was to be considered a contingency experiment to be carried on a "space available" basis. The facility on the moon would be available to the principal investigator - C. O. Alley, University of Maryland - as well as to other scientists.

1967 May 4

Apollo mission redesignations - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller, Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Directions had been prepared to designate mission AS-501 formally as Apollo 4, AS-204/LM-1 as Apollo 5, and AS-502 as Apollo 6, NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips informed Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller. Phillips said he thought it was the right time to start using the designations in official releases and appropriate internal documentation. Mueller concurred.

1967 May 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Minimum restart capability for Saturn S-IVB stage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
After review of operational considerations for a minimum restart capability in the Saturn launch vehicle's S IVB stage, MSC's Director of Flight Operations reported to NASA Hq. that an 80-minute restart capability was believed the best compromise for the early lunar missions, "for the primary reason of providing sufficient time for ground support in verifying navigation, and flight crew checkout of CSM and S-IVB systems prior to TLI (translunar injection), while providing for two injection opportunities in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (second and third revolutions). For later missions, consideration should be given to the hardware implications of providing a restart capability with minimum (zero) restrictions, so that advantage may be taken of confidence in onboard systems to gain additional payload."

1967 May 5

Circuit breakers in Apollo were flammable - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
Circuit breakers being used in both CSM and LM were flammable, MSC ASPO Manager George Low told Engineering and Development Director Maxime A. Faget. Low said that although Structures and Mechanics Division was developing a coating to be applied to the circuit breakers, such a solution was not the best for the long run. He requested that the Instrumentation and Electronics Systems Division find replacement circuit breakers for Apollo - ideally, circuit breakers that would not bum and that would fit within the same volume as the existing ones, permitting replacement in panels already built. On July 12 Low wrote Faget again: "In light of the work that has gone on since my May 5, 1967, memo, are you now prepared to propose the use of metal-jacketed circuit breakers for Apollo spacecraft? If the answer is affirmative, then we should get specific direction to our contractors immediately. Also, have you surveyed the industry to see whether a replacement circuit breaker is available or will be available in the future?" Low requested an early reply.

1967 May 9-10

NASA reported to Congress on actions taken on the Apollo 204 Review Board's findings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
NASA reported to Congress on actions taken on the Apollo 204 Review Board's findings and recommendations concerning the January 27 spacecraft fire. Administrator James E. Webb, Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller testified before the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences May 9 and before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on NASA Oversight May 10.

1967 May 10

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package experiments modifications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
MSC responded to a March 29 letter from NASA Hq. concerning two arrays of Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) experiments. MSC said it had reviewed schedules, cost, and integration aspects of the requested configurations and that four areas of the project apparently should be modified to allow proper inclusion of the configurations:
1. extension of mission support efforts by Bendix Aerospace Systems Division (BxA) for the fourth ALSEP mission;
2. extension of KSC's support efforts by BxA for the fourth ALSEP mission;
3. extension of the ALSEP prototype test program to encompass three distinct system configurations rather than the two in the original plans; and
4. extension of the ALSEP qualification test program to encompass three distinct configurations rather than the original two.
The cost impact was estimated at $670,000, and completion of the ALSEP contract was expected to be extended three months to allow for mission support for the fourth flight.

1967 May 11

Selection of North American as Apollo prime contractor questioned by Congress - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb issued a statement on selection of the Apollo spacecraft contractor: "In the 1961 NASA decision to negotiate with North American Aviation for the Apollo command and service modules, there were no better qualified experts in or out of NASA on whom I could rely than Dr. Robert Gilruth, Dr. Robert C. Seamans, and Dr. Hugh L. Dryden. These three were unanimous in their judgment that of the five companies submitting proposals, and of the two companies that were rated highest by the Source Evaluation Board, North American Aviation offered the greatest experience in developing high-performance manned flight systems and the lowest cost. Additional Details: here....

1967 May 12

Apollo spacecraft 101 wiring harness to be replaced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Anthony W. Wardell of the MSC Flight Safety Analysis Office wrote Apollo Manager Low that "the May 10 inspection further substantiates my previous recommendation to replace, rather than rework, the (spacecraft 101 wiring) harness. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 12

Apollo 204 Review Board subcommittee to examine the final report of Panel 18 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd L. Thompson appointed a subcommittee to examine the final report of Panel 18 and prepare recommendations regarding its acceptability for inclusion in the Board's Report. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 12

Grumman committed to a June 28 delivery for Apollo LM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
George M. Low, Manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program, notified NASA Hq. that Grumman was committed to a June 28 delivery for lunar module 1 (LM-1). This date included provisions for replacement of the development flight instrumentation harness with a new one. Low's assessment was that the date would be difficult to meet.

1967 May 15

Block II Apollo CSM Redefinition Task Team augmented - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The NASA Block II CSM Redefinition Task Team was augmented by the assignment of Gordon J. Stoops as Group Leader-Program Control, with the following functions:
- Liaison with North American Aviation Program Control and Contracts to expedite updating of the contract change authorizations and the issuance of timely program technical direction.
- Liaison with the ASPO CSM project Engineering and Checkout Division and CSM Contract Engineering Branch at MSC to expedite contract change authorizations and ensure timely program technical direction.

1967 May 18

Crew members for Apollo 7 named - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II.
Prime and backup crews for Apollo 7 (spacecraft 101) were named, with the assignments effective immediately. The prime crew for the engineering-test-flight mission was to consist of Walter M. Schirra, Jr., commander; Donn F. Eisele, CM pilot; and R. Walter Cunningham, LM pilot. The backup crew was Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, CM pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, LM pilot. Names had been reported to the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences on 9 May.

1967 May 19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo CSM Block II spacecraft vibration program begun - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
A Block II spacecraft vibration program was begun to provide confidence in CSM integrity and qualify the hardware interconnecting the subsystems within the spacecraft. A test at MSC was to simulate the vibration environment of max-q flight conditions. The test article was to be a Block II CSM. A spacecraft-LM adapter, an instrumentation unit, and an S-IVB stage forward area simulation would also be used.

1967 May 20

Contract for three additional Apollo CSMs requested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC notified NASA Hq. that - with the changes defined for the Block II spacecraft following the January 27 Apollo 204 fire and with CSM delivery schedules now reestablished - it was necessary to complete a contract for three additional CSMs requested in 1966. North American Aviation had responded September 15, 1966, to MSC's February 28 request for a proposal, but action on a contract had been suspended because of the AS-204 accident. NASA Hq. on June 27, 1967, authorized MSC to proceed.

1967 May 22

Improved access to be designed for Apollo LM inside the spacecraft-lunar module adapter (SLA) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC ASPO Manager George Low informed Grumman Senior Vice President George Titterton that he had asked North American Aviation assistance in improving access to the LM when placed inside the spacecraft-lunar module adapter (SLA). He also ordered a change request, in response to Grumman's April 18 request that MSC consider an SLA design change. Low had visited the pad at KSC Launch Complex 37, agreed action was necessary, and on May 19 asked North American's Apollo Program Manager Dale D. Myers for recommendations. Low said improved access to the LM was needed "both for rapid emergency egress and for normal servicing."
An emergency method of cutting through the SLA structure in premarked locations with a "cookie cutter" portable handsaw device was adopted - primarily for exit in an emergency occurring after hypergolics were loaded into the LM.

1967 May 25

Requirements that TV cameras inside the Apollo LM and CM monitor manned hazardous tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch.
MSC submitted requirements to KSC that TV signals from cameras inside the LM and CM be monitored and recorded during manned hazardous tests, with hatch open or closed, and tests in the Vehicle Assembly Building, launch pads, and altitude chambers. A facility camera was to monitor the propellant-utilization gauging system during propellant loading. MSC specified that the field of view of the TV camera should encompass the shoulder and torso and portions of the legs of personnel at the normal flight stations in both the CM and the LM.

1967 May 26

Review of the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. NASA Headquarters and MSC officials attended a review of the CSM at North American Aviation in Downey. . Additional Details: here....

1967 May 26

No substitute for glycol in the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO Manager George Low told Charles A. Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations, that it had been determined there was no suitable substitute for water glycol as a coolant and it would continue to be used in the Apollo spacecraft. Low recognized that it was "essential that the effects of any possible glycol spill be well defined and that procedures be established to avoid any hazardous conditions." He asked Berry's office to define the limits of exposure for glycol spills of varying quantities and for recommendations concerning cabin purge in the event of a spill. Low also wondered, assuming development of a smelling agent, if it would be possible to determine the concentration of water glycol by the strength of the smell in the spacecraft. Berry's office replied June 22 that it was working with Crew Systems Division to identify an odor additive for leak detection. They would begin a program to establish a safe upper limit for human exposure to ethylene glycol and had asked the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Toxicity for information. Animal exposure tests probably would be necessary; if they were needed, a test plan would be submitted before July 1.

1967 May 26

Apollo 204 Review Board completes work - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Apollo 204 Review Board Chairman Floyd L. Thompson wrote NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., "The Apollo 204 Review Board respectfully submits that it has fulfilled all of its duties and responsibilities as prescribed by the Deputy Administrator's memorandum of February 3, 1967. Accordingly, it is requested that the Apollo 204 Review Board be dissolved."

1967 May 29

Bare copper wires exposed to glycol/water found to ignite in Apollo oxygen cabin environement - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM RCS.
W. R. Downs, Special Assistant for Advanced Systems, MSC Structures and Mechanics Division, discovered that bare or defectively insulated silver-covered copper wires exposed to glycol/water solutions would ignite spontaneously and burn in oxygen. Copper wire or nickel-covered copper wire under identical conditions did not ignite. The laboratory results were confirmed in work at the Illinois Institute of Technology. In a June 13 memorandum, the Chief of the Structures and Mechanics Division recommended that if additional testing verified that nickel-coated wires were free of the hazard, consideration should be given to an in-line substitution of nickel-coated wires for silver-coated wires in the LM. It was understood that the Block II CSM already had nickel-coated wires. In a June 20 memo to the ASPO Manager, the Director of Engineering and Development pointed out that silver-plated pins and sockets in connectors would offer the same hazards. He added that Downs had also identified a chelating agent that would capture the silver ion and apparently prevent the reaction chain. In a July 24 memorandum, ASPO Manager George Low said that, in view of recent spills of ethylene glycol and water mixtures, spacecraft contractors North American Aviation and Grumman Aircraft Engineering had been directed to begin actions immediately to ensure that a fire hazard did not exist for the next manned spacecraft. Actions were to include identification of the location of silver or silver-covered wires and pins and of glycol spills.

1967 May 31

Apollo fuel cell system failure actions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Fuel Cell.
George M. Low told Joseph N. Kotanchik, Chief of MSC's Structures and Mechanics Division, that actions were pending on Pratt & Whitney pressure vessel failures. The pressure vessels were used in the Apollo fuel cell system. Kotanchik had spelled out a list of problem areas in connection with both the vessels and management interface between MSC and principal contractor North American Aviation, and between North American and its subcontractor Pratt & Whitney.

1967 May 31

Wiring harnesses for the Apollo lunar module acceptable - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM Electrical.
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp.'s method of building wiring harness for the lunar module was acceptable, George Low, MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office Manager, wrote Apollo Program Manager Samuel C. Phillips at NASA Hq. Low had noted on a visit to Grumman on May 9 that many of the harnesses were being built on two-dimensional boards. In view of recent discussions of the command module wiring, Low requested Grumman to reexamine their practice and to reaffirm their position on two-versus three-dimensional wiring harnesses.
In his May 31 letter to Phillips, Low enclosed Grumman's reply and said that, in his opinion, Grumman's practice was acceptable because
1. most wire bundles on the LM were much thinner than the CSM wiring bundles and were much more flexible;
2. portions of the LM harness were often fabricated on a three dimensional segment of the harness board; and
3. connectors were usually mounted on metal brackets with the proper direction and clocking.

1967 June 1

Apollo schedules - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC's Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., told ASPO Manager George M. Low that his Directorate was willing to support the flight test program presented in late May and felt that the computer programs and operational support he had in development would support the flights as currently scheduled. He did offer some comments on the proposed flight test program and asked that the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight be given an indication that his suggested program was being considered as a future alternate approach. The comments included:
1. "The first manned LM flight appears to be most ambitious. We believe that when the time comes, a much more conservative approach to the flight plan will be taken because of the lack of experience with the LM spacecraft. . . .
2. We have the general feeling that there are insufficient flight tests scheduled in order to prove the worthiness of the LM and that a lunar landing flight could only follow a successfully completed schedule of LM flights. . . .
3. We believe that a lunar orbit flight with the CSM/LM should be included in the flight test program, as an alternate to the third CSM/LM flight you have proposed, or as an additional flight to the program. . . .
4. . . . we believe it feasible that one of the LM development flights could be conducted as safely in the vicinity of the moon as in earth orbit, assuming that the CSM has been proven at that time. . . .
5. Finally, we believe that the lunar type flight programs we propose would have great impact on the stature of the nation's space program. . . ."

1967 June 2

Apollo CSM and LM changes, schedules, and related test and hardware programs discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
A meeting at MSC discussed CSM and LM changes, schedules, and related test and hardware programs. On June 26, NASA Apollo Program Manager Samuel C. Phillips summarized the discussion in a letter to George Low. He pointed out that certain problems could result in serious program impact if not solved expeditiously and specifically mentioned couch design, the weight problem in the CSM and LM, docking changes, and delivery schedules.

1967 June 6

Bendix demonstrated boom to remove Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) the LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM Weight.
Bendix Corp. demonstrated the operation of a sliding boom concept to prove that the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) could be removed from the LM at various attitudes. MSC representatives viewing the demonstration at Ann Arbor, Mich., were Aaron Cohen, Don Weissman, Paul Gerke, Don Lind, and Harrison Schmitt. Cohen reported that the mockup was crude but indicated that the concept was satisfactory to both Grumman and NASAL Design refinement, qualification, and effect on LM structure would have to be looked into. It was believed an additional seven kilograms of weight would be added to the LM descent stage. Two interface problems were defined at the meeting:
1. Bendix and Grumman required maximum and minimum attitude position for the LM to complete the design of ALSEP handling equipment.
2. Both Grumman and Bendix required temperature criteria for the outer shield of the cask, which would contain radioactive material.

1967 June 7

Apollo Block II manned mission flight plan redefined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA Office of Manned Space Flight had redefined the Apollo Block II manned mission flight plan, ASPO informed the MSC Director of Science and Applications. The first manned flight plan called for
1. an open-ended mission up to 10 days,
2. sufficient instrumentation,
3. no extravehicular activity,
4. a CSM rendezvous with the S-IVB stage, and
5. no experiments that required spacecraft integration.
The redefinition resulted in OMSF's indicating that no scientific experiments would be flown on the mainstream Apollo flights unless they would contribute to the accomplishment of the lunar mission. ASPO therefore had told North American Aviation that certain scientific experiments planned for spacecraft 101 would now be deleted from the program. The experiments were Simple Navigation (D019), Urine Volume Measuring System (M005), UV Stellar Photography (S019), and UV/X-ray Solar Photography (S020).

1967 June 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rendezvous with the S-IVB stage by the first manned Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, in a message to ASPO Manager George M. Low, spoke of a June 2 agreement to include a CSM active rendezvous with the Saturn S-IVB stage of the launch vehicle in the mission profile of the first manned Apollo mission. Phillips said that it should be recognized that such a rendezvous would not be a primary objective for the first manned mission and that the decision should be reviewed if any related problem that would complicate mission preparations were identified.

1967 June 8

Larger Apollo drogue parachutes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. At a NASA and North American Aviation management meeting, North American was directed to proceed with development of larger drogue parachutes and staged main chute disreefing, using 5- and 8-second reefing-line cutters. . Additional Details: here....

1967 June 8

Weight problem in the Apollo CSM and LM seen as critical - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
In a memorandum to the Chief, Systems Engineering Division, MSC, ASPO Manager George M. Low pointed out the weight problem in the CSM and LM was critical. Low called for a detailed review of weight effects along with any proposed design change. The weight estimate was to be submitted by the affected contractor as a part of his change proposal, and this would then be verified by the subsystems manager and Systems Engineering.
To provide timely weight status to the Configuration Control Board, Systems Engineering Division was given the responsibility of presenting CSM and LM weight status at each weekly Board meeting as follows:
1. control weight,
2. current weight, and
3. estimated weight at time of launch.
These figures would be shown for three spacecraft: first manned, second manned, and lunar configuration. Both launch weight and reentry weight were to be included.

1967 June 9

Selection of North American as Apollo prime contractor documented - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Source Selection.
Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Deputy Administrator of NASA, prepared a memorandum to the file concerning the selection of North American Aviation as the CSM prime contractor. The memorandum, a seven-page document, chronologically reviewed the steps that led to the selection of North American and followed by about a month the statement of NASA Administrator James E. Webb in response to queries from members of the Congress.

1967 June 9

Sequence of Apollo missions following the first manned flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
Robert O. Aller, NASA OMSF, told Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that considerable analysis, planning, and discussion had taken place at MSC on the most effective sequence of Apollo missions following the first manned flight (Apollo 7). The current official assignments included three CSM/LM missions for CSM/LM operations, lunar simulation, and lunar capability. MSC's Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) had offered an alternate approach of that sequence by proposing that the third mission be a lunar-orbit mission rather than a high earth-orbit mission. Aller preferred the FOD proposal, since it would offer considerable operational advantages by conducting a lunar-orbital flight before the lunar landing. He recommended Phillips consider that sequence of missions and that consideration be given to including it as a prime or alternate mission in the Mission Assignments Document. "Identifying it in that document," Aller said, "would initiate the necessary detailed planning."

1967 June 13

Apollo spacecraft 105 testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The purpose of spacecraft 105 testing was to establish transition relations between the primary and secondary structure that supported systems' interconnecting hardware (wiring, tubing and associated valves, filters, regulators, etc.) and demonstrate structural integrity of the Block II CSM when subjected to qualification vibration environment, with special emphasis on interconnecting hardware. The test vehicle was being configured with complete basic Block II wiring harness and fluid systems. The vehicle would be checked out before and after each phase of testing to verify wiring harness impedance and continuity and fluid systems pressure integrity. The fluid systems would be at operating pressure during the testing.

1967 June 14

Abbreviations for crew on manned Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Designations and abbreviations for flight crewmen on all manned Apollo missions were selected:
- Commander - CDR
- Command module pilot - CMP
- Lunar module pilot - LMP
This terminology was to be used throughout the Apollo spacecraft program and compliance was required to minimize confusion.

1967 June 15

Surveyor 4 vernier engine to be fired after touchdown - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth told George E. Mueller, NASA OMSF, that MSC desired that the vernier engine be fired after the touchdown of Surveyor IV on the lunar surface. He reminded Mueller that this experiment was supposed to have been performed on Surveyor III and was of prime importance to Apollo. The fact that Surveyor III landed with the vernier engine firing and did not experience any significant erosion had also been of importance to the Apollo program. He requested that Surveyor IV be targeted for the Apollo landing site in the Sinus Medii area. As a lower priority experiment, Gilruth said MSC would like to get a limited amount of photography on the first lunar day, which would allow a limited assessment of viewing conditions in earthshine.

1967 June 17

Plans made to armor-plate 102 out of 167 solder joints inside the Apollo CM of spacecraft 101 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Plans were to armor-plate 102 out of 167 solder joints inside the CM of spacecraft 101, ASPO Manager George M. Low informed Maxime A. Faget, MSC's Director of Engineering and Development. . Additional Details: here....

1967 June 19

Apollo spacecraft/S-IVB rendezvous for AS-205 mission discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. H. G. Paul, Chief of Marshal Space Flight Center's Propulsion Division, said it had come to the attention of his office that spacecraft/S-IVB rendezvous to within approximately 100 meters was being considered for the AS-205 mission. . Additional Details: here....

1967 June 20

Apollo 4 and 5 mission schedules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Officials at the Manned Space Flight Management Review decided that Apollo 4 and Apollo 5 missions would be flown with no less than a 21-day interval between flights. This period was determined necessary to provide an adequate turnaround of the ground support systems to ensure proper reconfiguration, validation, and updating. The Apollo 4 mission would be given priority over Apollo 5 in the checkout and readiness phase if conflicts in use of facilities and equipment should arise.

1967 June 20

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo spacecraft mated to Saturn V for Apollo 4 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Apollo spacecraft 017 was mechanically mated to its Saturn V launch vehicle at KSC in preparation for the Apollo 4 (AS-501) unmanned mission, scheduled for the third quarter of 1967..

1967 June 20

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package deleted for the first landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Leonard Reiffel of the NASA Hq. Apollo Program Office suggested to Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that "we do not schedule the ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package) for the first lunar landing," because:
- The duration on the lunar surface for the first mission was likely to be short and the ALSEP deployment time was likely to take a seriously disproportionate share of available time. "It is my opinion we will learn more of immediate consequence to science and to planning of subsequent missions from careful observations and sample collection as contrasted to emplacement of an all-up ALSEP."
- With the exception of the lunar atmosphere, manned operations would not disturb the conditions ALSEP was intended to measure. These, therefore, could be measured on later flights.
- The magnetometer was in trouble. The interpretability of plasma experiments on an ALSEP that did not include a magnetometer would be markedly depreciated.
- The problem of LM weight control would be eased substantially if only the lunar geological tools and sample boxes, rather than the full ALSEP, were carried.
- Waiting for the second lunar mission would decrease the risk of wasting a full ALSEP payload, since the Apollo system already would have successfully reached the moon once.
He added, "An uncrowded time line on the lunar surface for the first mission would seem to me more contributory to the advance of science than trying to do so much on the first mission that we do nothing well. . . ."

1967 June 22

Readiness inspection of the Apollo Space Environment Simulation Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A committee was established to conduct an operational readiness inspection (ORI) of the MSC Space Environment Simulation Laboratory. The inspection would supplement the original ORI of the facility. Emphasis would be placed on reviewing modifications since the previous inspection and upon readiness to perform the test series on LTA-8 and 2TV-1. The committee was made up of Martin L. Raines, Chairman; Rexford H. Talbert, Executive Secretary; Edward L. Hays, Alan Harter, James E. Powell, John W. Conlon, Armistead Dennett, and Joseph P. Kerwin, all of MSC; Dugald O. Black, KSC; and E. Barton Geer, LaRC.

1967 June 23

Apollo LM-1 wiring harness not accepted for manned flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Although the LM-1 wiring harness had been accepted by the Customer Acceptance Readiness Review Board it was not clear that the harness would also have been accepted for manned flight, ASPO Manager George M. Low told Apollo Systems Engineering Assistant Chief R. W. Williams. Low asked Williams to assign someone to prepare a plan of actions needed to ensure that the harnesses in LM-2 and subsequent vehicles would be acceptable.

1967 June 26

Hazards to the crew in Apollo lunar module thermal vacuum tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
Possible hazards to the crew in the lunar module thermal vacuum test program (using LTA-8) were pointed up in a memorandum to Manager, ASPO, and Director of Engineering and Development from the Director of Flight Crew Operations. Manning procedures required crewmen to make numerous hard vacuum transfers between the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory's environmental control system (ECS) umbilicals and the LM environmental control system hoses. Also, during the manning operations the crewmen would be on the LM-ECS with the cabin depressurized. In the configuration in use, if one of the crewmen lost his suit integrity, there would be no protection for the other man. Because of these hazardous conditions the following actions were requested:
1. provide equipment to make vacuum transfers of oxygen hoses acceptably safe; and
2. change the LTA-8 vehicle ECS so that one crewman was protected if the other lost suit integrity in a vacuum ambient.

1967 June 26

Apollo problems could seriously delay the program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told ASPO Manager George Low he believed progress had been made toward Apollo objectives. At the same time, Phillips believed certain problems, if not solved expeditiously, could seriously delay the program. He was concerned particularly with the couch design, weight problem, docking changes, and delivery schedules. Phillips requested an early response on the problem areas.

1967 June 28

Apollo AS-205 experiments - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The Apollo Program Director requested MSC to assign the following experiments to AS-205, spacecraft 101: M006 - Bone Demineralization, M011 - Cytogenic Blood Studies, M023 - Lower Body Negative Pressure, S005 - Synoptic Terrain Photography, and S006 - Synoptic Weather Photography. Additional Details: here....

1967 June 28

Apollo materials replacement and boilerplate tests - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Dale D. Myers, Apollo CSM Manager for North American Aviation, Inc., requested a meeting with ASPO Manager George M. Low and ASPO CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht to resolve issues concerning materials replacement and objectives for boilerplate tests. In reply, on July 6, Low said that Kleinknecht had conducted a complete review of flammable materials since receipt of Myers' June 28 letter and that a number of telephone conversations had been held on the subject. MSC recommended that the insulation on the environmental control unit be covered with nickel foil and that silicone-rubber wire-harness clamps could possibly be covered with a combination of "Laddicote" and nitroso rubber. Plans were for the boilerplate mockup tests to use an overloaded wire in a wire bundle as an ignition source. At Myers' suggestion, MSC was also looking into the use of electric arcs, or sparks, as a possible ignition source. Low said: "As you know, our goal in the mockup tests will be to demonstrate that any fire in a 6 psi (4.1 newtons per square centimeter) oxygen atmosphere extinguishes itself. . . . If we can demonstrate that in the 6 psi oxygen atmosphere a fire would spread very slowly so that the crew could easily get out of the spacecraft while on the pad . . . , then I believe that we should also be satisfied."

1967 July 3

Small air bottle proposed to prevent CO2 buildup in the Apollo Block II spacesuits in emergencies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
To prevent flight crew incapacitation from possible carbon dioxide buildup in their Block II spacesuits after emergency exit from a spacecraft, development of a small air bottle was proposed. Bottles, to be attached to the suit to provide proper atmosphere in an emergency, would be stowed on the spacecraft access arm until needed.

1967 July 5

Fire that at White Sands Apollo Test Stand 403 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. A board was appointed by MSC White Sands Test Facility Manager Martin L. Raines to determine the cause of a fire that had occurred at Test Stand 403 on July 3. The board was to submit its findings by July 17..

1967 July 12

Apollo CSM shipment schedule issued by NASA HQ - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
A CSM shipment schedule, to be used for planning throughout the Apollo program and as a basis for contract negotiations with North American Aviation, was issued by NASA Hq. The schedule covered CSM 101 through CSM 115, CSM 105R, and CSM 020 and the period September 29, 1967, through November 17, 1969.

1967 July 18

Apollo CSM flammability mockup testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
CSM flammability mockup testing was discussed at a program review. It was pointed out that boilerplate testing was being conducted at Downey and that an all-up test should not be performed until all individual tests were completed and the final configuration was completely established.

1967 July 18

John Bailey Chairman of ad hoc Apollo Safety Group - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Kurt H. Debus, KSC Director, appointed John Bailey of MSC Chairman of an ad hoc Safety Group, following discussions with George E. Mueller of NASA OMSF, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, and MSFC Director Wernher von Braun. . Additional Details: here....

1967 July 18

Display systems for the Apollo LM simulators - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
Visual display systems of complex optical devices were being used with the lunar module mission simulators. To help solve problems that some of these systems were creating, assistance was requested from J. E. Kupperian, E. S. Chin, and H. D. Vitagliano, all from Goddard Space Flight Center.

1967 July 19

Boeing Apollo personnel ceiling increased to 373 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In a letter to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth requested that the Boeing Company personnel ceiling be increased to 373. This action was taken as a result of a reevaluation of the requirement of basic task statements and a better understanding of the tasks to be performed. During the planning sessions on the new contract with Boeing, a manpower ceiling of 250 had been established.

1967 July 21

Apollo RTG Review Team preliminary report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
The RTG Review Team - established to investigate the relation of the radioisotope thermoelectric generator's fuel-cask subsystem to Apollo mission safety and success - submitted a preliminary report. Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips had established the team after concern was expressed over the design and safety of the subsystem at a June 1 review at NASA Hq. of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP).
The team's preliminary report was based on data received and observations of the LM at Grumman that indicated the interface of the RTG, LM, and spacecraft-LM adapter (SLA) presented a potential problem to the Apollo mission. The most serious hazard was the presence of the 530-640 K (500-700 degrees F) RTG fuel cask in the space between the LM and the SLA, where leaks were possible during fuel unloading or in the mechanical joints of the LM fuel system.
Plans were to fuel the LM four days before launch and to pressurize the LM fuel system at T (time of launch) minus 16 hours. The RTG fuel element was to be loaded into the graphite cask, which was mounted on the LM at T minus 12 hours and the system secured. All work would be completed on the ALSEP by T minus 10 hours. If a condition occurred that required unloading fuel from the LM after installation of the fuel element in the cask, the hot cask would be a partial barrier to reaching one of the fuel unloading points and also would be a potential fire hazard. No mechanism was available to remove the entire cask system rapidly. Other potential problems were:
1. a review showed all propellants that could come into contact with the cask had spontaneous ignition temperatures below the temperature of the RTG cask, and thus fuel vapors could be a problem;
2. after launch no indicators would be available to show the crew the status of the RTG or the SLA area, and no jettisoning mechanism was available for the RTG fuel cask; and
3. during deployment of the ALSEP on the lunar surface the astronauts would be required to remove the RTG fuel element and load it into the RTG assembly. While handling tools were available for this operation, no means had been demonstrated to protect the spacesuit if accidentally brushed against the cask.

1967 July 22

Apollo oxygen purge system (OPS) transfer runs were conducted in the Water Immersion Facility - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A series of oxygen purge system (OPS) transfer runs were conducted in the Water Immersion Facility at MSC. Preliminary reports indicated the results of the tests were highly satisfactory, but an assessment of pad abort procedures following several runs in the Apollo Mission Simulator were not so promising. Further work and study in this area was in progress.

1967 July 24

Decision to leave both Apollo PLSS on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM.
The ASPO Manager summarized the lunar module oxygen capacity and design requirements for the lunar mission and made an analysis of his decision to leave both portable life support systems (PLSS) on the lunar surface. He recommended that NASA OMSF accept the PLSS discard philosophy as well as the design capacity for lunar module oxygen.

1967 July 24

Changes resulting from AS-204 investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Electrical, CSM Hatch.
ASPO Manager George M. Low issued instructions that the changes and actions to be carried out by MSC as a result of the AS-204 accident investigation were the responsibility of CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht. The changes and actions were summarized in Apollo Program Directive No. 29, dated July 6, 1967.

1967 July 25

Apollo lunar mapping and survey system terminated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LMSS.
Following a series of discussions on the requirements for the lunar mapping and survey system (LMSS), the effort was terminated. An immediate stop work order was issued to the Air Force, the Centers, and the contractors in the LMSS effort. The original justification for the LMSS, a backup Apollo site certification capability in the event of Surveyor or Lunar Orbiter inadequacies, was no longer valid, since at least four Apollo sites had been certified and the last Lunar Orbiter would, if successful, increase that to eight.

1967 July 25

Apollo LM-2 options - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
MSC Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., raised questions about lunar module number 2: Would it be possible for LM-2 to be a combined manned and unmanned vehicle; that is, have the capability to make an unmanned burn first and then be manned for additional activities? Would additional batteries in the LM provide greater flexibility for earth-orbital missions? Mission flexibility would be worthwhile only if it allowed deletion of a subsequent mission, at least on paper.

1967 July 26

Bolender named Program Manager for the Apollo lunar module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The Air Force Chief of Staff announced the reassignment of Carroll H. Bolender from Washington to Houston as Program Manager for the lunar module at MSC. He had been Apollo Mission Director at NASA Hq..

1967 July 26

Apollo engineering and inspection support - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC asked continued engineering and inspection support from KSC, although increased activity at KSC was making support and factory operations more difficult. KSC had provided support for LM-1 at Bethpage, Long Island, and had also provided support for previous CSM and some Gemini vehicles. The aid of the KSC inspection personnel was particularly beneficial in ensuring a smooth transition of the vehicle from the factory to the field.

1967 July 27

LLRV and LLTV defects - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth wrote MSFC Director Wernher von Braun that MSC had two lunar landing research vehicles (LLRVs) for crew training and three lunar landing training vehicles (LLTVs) were being procured from Bell Aerosystems Go. Gilruth explained that x-ray inspection of welds on the LLTVs at both Bell and MSC had disclosed apparent subsurface defects, such as cracks and lack of fusion. There was, however, question as to the interpretation of the x-rays and the amount of feasible repair. Gilruth mentioned that James Kingsbury of MSFC had previously assisted MSC in interpreting weldment x-rays, stated that further x-rays were being taken, and asked MSFC assistance in interpreting them and in determining the amount and methods of repair needed.

1967 July 28

Detailed review of the Block II Apollo CSM to be held - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO announced that a detailed review of the Block II CSM would be held to gain a better understanding of the hardware. ASPO Manager George M. Low pointed out that it had been customary in the Gemini and Apollo Programs to conduct Design Certification Reviews (DCRs) before manned flight of the "first of a kind" vehicle. He added that the detailed review should address itself to design and analysis, test history and evaluation of test results, and the understanding of operational procedures for each element in the CSM. To ensure the most thorough review, MSC divisions would conduct preliminary reviews. The division chiefs would then present their findings to the directorates, the ASPO management, and the MSC Director.

1967 August 1

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

AS-208 - . Payload: LM-2. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Before fire, planned in-orbit test of LM. CSM-101 would dock with and crew would maneuver together..

1967 August

Apollo 207 (cancelled) - . Crew: McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott. Backup Crew: Cernan, Stafford, Young. Payload: CSM-101. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 207. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Before the Apollo 1 fire, it was planned that McDivitt's crew would conduct the Apollo D mission - a first manned test in earth orbit of the Lunar Module. Separate Saturn IB launches would put Apollo Block II CSM 101 / AS-207 and Lunar Module LM-2 / AS-208 into earth orbit. The crew would then rendezvous and dock with the lunar module and put it through its paces. After the fire, it was decided to launch the mission on a single Saturn V as Apollo 9.

1967 August 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Rocketdyne to build injectors for the Apollo lascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation was selected for negotiation of a contract for the design, development, qualification, and delivery of four production models of an injector for the lunar module ascent engine. The project would serve as a backup to the injector program already being conducted by Bell Aerospace Corp. under subcontract to Grumman. The ascent engine was considered to be the most critical engine in the Apollo-Saturn vehicle. No backup mode of operation remained if the ascent engine failed.

1967 August 1

Apollo component design efficiency requested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, CSM Manager at MSC, requested that North American organize a team of engineers with broad design backgrounds to make an independent assessment of component design efficiency. The team would identify actions to reduce spacecraft weight and to establish control methods to prevent future weight increases. The team would be placed under the leadership of a North American employee with broad knowledge of Apollo hardware.
To deal with Apollo weight problems, North American replied in October, accurate and timely weight visibility was of paramount importance. To provide this visibility, North American used system design personnel directly in weight prediction and reporting. As part of this plan, all engineering-design-change documentation would contain a delta weight effect that would be reviewed and approved by engineering management; weight trends and status would be reported monthly to North American and NASA management. A list of weight reduction candidates was suggested to NASA.

1967 August 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Review of the content of the Apollo program to determine alternatives for budget decisions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips was appointed Chairman of a NASA task group, reporting to Administrator James E. Webb, Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller. The group was chartered to review the content of the Apollo program in order to determine alternatives necessary for programming and budget planning decisions. It would inquire into and report on all aspects of the Apollo program necessary to provide a base of accurate data and information to support decisions on FY 1968 expenditure control and FY 1969 budget planning. Specifically, the group was requested to identify planned activities that could be eliminated if the Apollo program were to be terminated with the manned lunar landing. The group was also requested to determine the effect of placing a hold order on production of Saturn V vehicles 512 through 515 and to develop the cost estimates resulting from these actions as well as other tangible alternatives.

1967 August 15

Studies of ignition sources inside the Apollo pressure suits worn by the astronauts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
ASPO wrote Lewis Research Center about studies of ignition sources inside the pressure suits worn by the astronauts. In recent tests, the communications and biomedical circuits inside the suit and connected to the spacecraft panel through the crewman electrical umbilical were evaluated to determine the ignition characteristics. Studies on the flammability of various materials used jn the suit loop had been completed and the data compiled.

1967 August 18

NASA Block II Apollo CSM Redefinition Task Team phased out - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The NASA task team for CSM Block II redefinition, established on April 27, was phased out. During its duration the task team provided timely response and direction in the areas of detail design, overall quality and reliability, test and checkout, baseline specifications, and schedules. With the phaseout of the team, Apollo Spacecraft Program Office policies and procedures would be carried out by the ASPO resident manager. A single informal point of contact was also established between MSC and North American for engineering and design items.

1967 August 19

Apollo spacecraft deliveries had slipped - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. ASPO Manager George M. Low, in a letter to Dale D. Myers of North American Aviation, expressed disappointment that both spacecraft 2TV-1 and 101 had slipped approximately six weeks. . Additional Details: here....

1967 August 22

Senior design review group established for Apollo command module stowed equipment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
A senior design review group was established to review the command module stowed equipment and the stowage provisions, to ensure the timely resolution and implementation of changes necessary because of new materials criteria and guidelines. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director, would head the group.

1967 August 24

Agreement on protecting the earth from contamination by Apollo samples - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo.
An interagency agreement on protecting the earth's biosphere from lunar sources of contamination was signed by James E. Webb, NASA; John W. Gardiner, HEW; Orville L. Freeman, Department of Agriculture; Stewart L. Udall, Department of Interior; and Frederick Seitz, National Academy of Sciences. The agreement established a committee to advise the NASA Administrator on back contamination and the protection of the biological and chemical integrity of lunar samples, on when and how astronauts and lunar samples might be released from quarantine, and on policy matters.

1967 Week Ending August 25

Apollo mission effects projector. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
Grumman proposed a procurement for a study of the mission effects projector, to assist Grumman with an item that had been designed and built by Farrand but did not meet the established specifications. Grumman solicited assistance of qualified firms in the optomechanical field. Of 15 firms approached 7 were interested: Itek Corp., Kollmorgen Corp., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Kollsman Instrument Corp., Biorad, General Precision Link Group, and Conductron. Technical proposals were received from Itek, Biorad, Link, and Conductron. Grumman considered the Itek proposal most technically acceptable and proposed a letter contract in which NASA concurred.

1967 August 26

Reuse of failed Apollo equipment discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
"Reuse of failed equipment" was the subject of a memorandum to W. M. Bland in the MSC Reliability and Quality Assurance Office from ASPO Manager George M. Low. He said: "I have recently heard of several instances of reuse of apparently failed equipment without any fixes applied to that equipment. I understand that, if a component or subsystem is removed from the spacecraft because it has apparently failed but a subsequent failure analysis does not show anything to be wrong with the equipment, the equipment is then put back into stock for reinstallation. It appears to me that, if a component is once suspected or known to have caused a failure or to have failed, it should not be allowed back in the program unless a fix has been made or unless it has been proved conclusively that the failure was not caused by that component. If we do not now have a program directive that states such a policy, I think we should impose one as quickly as possible and set up adequate procedures to control it."

1967 August 30

Review team's findings on Apollo lunar surface magnetometer program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
A review team's findings on the lunar surface magnetometer program were reported to the NASA Administrator. The magnetometer program still suffered from the schedule delays and high costs that had prompted the review, but recent management changes and technical progress were halting the trends. With the team recommendation and the endorsement of the Office of Space Science and Applications, Philco Corp. was directed to continue its effort to develop a lunar surface magnetometer.

1967 September 1

Apollo test flow study group to make a detailed evaluation of testing at KSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. An Apollo test flow study group was formed to make a detailed evaluation of spacecraft, launch vehicle, and space vehicle testing at KSC. The group was composed of aerospace industry and NASA personnel..

1967 September 6

Apollo System Safety program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Directive No. 31 established and implemented the Apollo System Safety program and defined program requirements in consonance with NASA Management Instruction 1138.12, August 29, 1967. The directive was applicable to all Apollo Headquarters and Center System Safety activities and it spelled out Headquarters and Center Apollo responsibilities. Among Center requirements were:
1. "An office responsible for Apollo System Safety shall be established in accordance with the requirements set forth in NASA Management Instruction #1138.12."
2. "Each Center office for Apollo System Safety shall prepare a plan that describes the safety tasks to be performed and the method to be used for the accomplishment of these tasks. . . ."
On September 20, ASPO Manager George Low asked Aleck Bond of the MSC Engineering and Development Office if he was taking action. Bond replied that the Flight Safety Office was preparing an overall safety plan for the Center that would meet the requirements of the directive. In an October 16 letter to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, Low pointed out that "The . . . directive stipulates that an office responsible for Apollo System Safety shall be established. . . . In reviewing this Management Instruction we can find no mention of such a Center office. . . ." Low added that ASPO had appointed an Assistant Program Manager for Flight Safety who would work with the MSC Flight Safety Office and ensure that the Center's flight safety policies and procedures were carried out throughout the Apollo spacecraft program.

1967 September 6

Apollo spacecraft weight situation serious - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Hatch. ASPO Manager George Low in a letter to Dale Myers of North American Aviation, emphasized that the spacecraft weight situation was the single most serious problem in the entire Apollo program.. Additional Details: here....

1967 September 7

LM-1 (Apollo 5) continued to have serious schedule difficulties - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
LM-1 (Apollo 5) continued to have serious schedule difficulties. However, all known problems were resolved with the exception of the propulsion system leaks. Leak checks of the ascent stage indicated excessive leaking in the incline oxidizer orifice flange. The spacecraft was approximately 39 days behind the July 18, LM-1 KSC Operations Flow Plan.

1967 September 8

Reduced Apollo spacecraft delivery schedule approved by NASA HQ - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A revised spacecraft delivery schedule with a maximum delivery rate of six spacecraft per year as opposed to a delivery rate of one spacecraft every six weeks for the Apollo program was proposed by MSC and approved by NASA Hq..

1967 September 15

Short circuit on Apollo CSM 020 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. A short circuit occurred during checkout of CSM 020 at North American, Downey, Calif. . Additional Details: here....

1967 September 16

Apollo CSM 017 guidance and navigation computer locked up - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I.
During operational checkout procedures on CSM 017, which included running the erasable memory program before running the low-altitude aborts, the guidance and navigation computer accidentally received a liftoff signal and locked up. Investigation was initiated to determine the reason for the liftoff signal and the computer lockup (switch to internal control). No damage was suspected.

1967 September 18

Apollo lunar surface activity for the first lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
The Systems Engineering Division of ASPO presented a briefing to the ASPO Manager and other MSC officials on the logic of the lunar surface activity for the first lunar landing mission. Several potential missions were presented in terms of interactions between timelines, consumables, weight, and performance characteristics. Purpose of the demonstration was to elicit policy decisions on the number of extravehicular excursions to be planned for the first mission as well as the activities for each excursion. The following ground rules were established:
1. Priority of scientific objectives would be, in order, minimum lunar sample, ALSEP, and lunar geologic survey including sample collection.
2. The first EVA on the lunar surface during the first lunar mission would consist of a set of simplified, mutually independent activities and the timeline would permit rest periods between each activity. The minimum lunar sample would be collected during the first EVA but the ALSEP would not be deployed.
3. A second EVA would be included for planning purposes and would include ALSEP deployment. The second EVA would not be considered a primary mission objective.
4. For mission planning purposes the 22 1/2-hour lunar surface staytime would be pursued as the prime candidate for the first lunar landing mission.

1967 September 18

Garrett-AiResearch Safety Audit Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Garrett Corp. Vice President Mark E. Bradley sent recommendations of the Garrett-AiResearch Safety Audit Review Board to Dale D. Myers, Vice President and Project Manager, Apollo Program, North American Aviation. . Additional Details: here....

1967 September 20

Proposed sequence of Apollo missions leading to a lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 15, Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC proposed to the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight a sequence of missions leading to a lunar landing mission. The sequence included the following basic missions:
- A - Saturn V/unmanned CSM development
- B - Saturn IB/unmanned LM development
- C - Saturn IB/manned CSM evaluation
- D - Saturn V/manned CSM and LM development (A dual Saturn IB mission would be an alternative to the Saturn V for mission D)
- E - CSM/LM operations in high earth orbit
- F - Lunar orbit mission
- G - Lunar landing mission (like Apollo 11)
- H - Lunar landing mission (Apollo 12, 13, and 14)
- I - Reserved for lunar survey missions (not used)
- J - Lunar landing missions, upgraded hardware (Apollo 15, 16, and 17)

1967 September 21

Formal document on all the action items resulting from the Apollo AS-204 accident - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. At the request of Congress NASA was preparing a formal document on all the action items resulting from the January 27 AS-204 accident. . Additional Details: here....

1967 September 22

Apollo LM weight growth - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Landing Gear.
C. H. Bolender, ASPO Manager for the lunar module, wrote Joseph G. Gavin, Jr., Grumman LM Program Director, that recent LM weights and weight growth trends during the past several months established the need to identify actions that would reduce weight and preclude future weight growth. Additional Details: here....

1967 September 22

Merger of North American Aviation and Rockwell-Standard - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The merger of North American Aviation, Inc., and Rockwell-Standard Corp. became effective and was announced. The company was organized into two major groups, the Commercial Products Group and the Aerospace and Systems Group. The new company would be known as North American Rockwell and use the acronym NR.

1967 September 25

NASA Research Advisory Committee members named - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology Mac C. Adams requested concurrence of MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to naming the following as members of Research Advisory Committees for Fiscal Year 1968: Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Committee on Space Vehicles; Joseph G. Thibodaux, Jr., Committee on Chemical Rocket Propulsion; Charles A. Berry and Richard S. Johnston, Committee on Biotechnology; and Robert E. Johnson, Subcommittee on Materials. Gilruth concurred on September 28.

1967 September 26

Flammability Test Review Board for Apollo LM M-6 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station.
The Flammability Test Review Board met at MSC to determine if the M-6 vehicle (a full-scale mockup of the LM cabin interior) was ready for test and that the ignition points, configuration, instrumentation, and test facility were acceptable for verifying the fire safety of LTA-8 and LM-2 vehicles. Additional Details: here....

1967 September 28

Configuration management of the Apollo simulators transferred - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
ASPO Manager George M. Low informed the MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations that effective November 1 configuration management of the Apollo mission simulators and LM mission simulators would be transferred from ASPO to the Flight Crew Operations Directorate, with the understanding that Director Donald K. Slayton would personally chair the Configuration Control Panel.

1967 September 28

Elimination of all flammables from the Apollo cabin not possible - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
In spite of efforts to eliminate all flammable materials from the interior of the spacecraft cabin during flight, it was apparent that this could not be completely accomplished. For example, silicone rubber hoses, flight logs, food, tissues, and other materials would be exposed with in the cabin during portions of the mission. However, flammable materials would be outside their containers only when actually needed. Special fire extinguishers would be carried during flight.

1967 September 28

Apollo CM foam fire extinguisher recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM ECS.
MSC's Engineering and Development (E&D) Directorate recommended that the Apollo CM be provided with a foam fire extinguisher. E&D also recommended that the LM be provided with a water nozzle for extinguishing open fires and that cabin decompression be used to combat fires behind panels. An aqueous gel (foam) composition fire extinguisher was considered most appropriate for use in the CM because hydrogen in the available water supply could intensify the fire, water spray could not reach fires behind panels, and a shirt-sleeve environment was preferred. E&D further recommended that development of a condensation nuclei indicator be pursued as a flight fire detection system, but that it not be made a constraint on the Apollo program. ASPO Manager George M. Low concurred with the recommendations September 28 and MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth concurred October 7.
On October 26, the Director of Flight Crew Operations stated that his Directorate was formulating and implementing a training program for flight crews to give them experience in coping with fire in and around the spacecraft. "In total, the crew training for cockpit fires will consist of: Review of BP 1224 and M-6 'burn test' film; demonstration briefings on the fire extinguishers and their most effective use; procedural practice simulating cockpit fire situations in conjunction with one 'g' spacecraft/mockup/Apollo Mission Simulator walkthroughs and in the egress trainer placed in the altitude chamber; and as a part of the overall launch pad emergency and evacuation procedures training at the fire service training area at KSC."

1967 September 29

Poor quality control of the Apollo parachute system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
ASPO Manager George M. Low, in a letter to Richard E. Horner, Senior Vice President of Northrop Corp., following a phone call to Horner on Sept. 28, reiterated NASA's "continuing and serious concern with the quality control at Northrop Ventura on the Apollo spacecraft parachute system. In recent weeks, I have had many reports of poor workmanship and poor quality, both in the plant at Northrop Ventura and in the field at El Centro."
On October 20 Horner told Low he had taken time to assure himself of the best possible information available before replying and offered background on the situation: "The design effort goes back to 1961 and testing began at the El Centro facility in 1962. There was continuous operation of the test group at El Centro until 1966 when the completion of the Block II testing program dictated the closeout of our operation there. In our total activity, we have had a peak of 350 personnel assigned to the Apollo, with 20 of that number located at El Centro during the most active portion of the test program. When it was finally determined that the increased weight capability redesign was necessary for mission success, the program nucleus had been reduced to 30 personnel and the established schedule for the system re-design, test and fabrication requires a build-up to 250. . . . The schedule has also dictated the adoption of such procedures as concurrent inspection by the inspectors of Northrop, North American and NASA, a procedure which, I am sure, is efficient from a program point of view but is inherently risky in terms of the wide dissemination of knowledge concerning every human mistake. This is significant only from the point of view of the natural human failing to be more willing to share the responsibility for error than for success. . . . We do not intend in any way to share responsibility for these errors and expect to eliminate the potential for their recurrence. We have established standards of quality for this program that are stringent and uncompromising. . . . Even though the technical and schedule challenge is substantial, we are confident that by the time qualification testing is scheduled to start during the first week of December 1967 we will have a flawless operation. . . ."

1967 September 29

Board to review the Apollo operational corridor - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
An Apollo Entry Performance Review Board was established by the MSC Director to review and validate the analytical tools as well as the Apollo operational corridor. The Board was set up because the performance of the ablation heatshield in the Apollo spacecraft, as then analyzed, imposed a limitation on the entry corridor at lunar return velocity. The following were named to the Board: Maxime A. Faget, MSC, chairman; Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, MSC; Eugene C. Draley and Don D. Davis, Jr., Langley Research Center; Alvin Seiff and Glen Goodwin, Ames Research Center; and Leo T. Chauvin, MSC, secretary.

1967 September 29

Apollo CSM 101 schedule agreed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Key dates in the spacecraft 101 schedule were agreed to during a meeting of Samuel C. Phillips, Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low, and Kenneth S. Kleinknecht with North American management: inspection of wiring, October 7, 1967; completion of manufacturing, December 15, 1967; delivery, March 15, 1968. In addition, several decisions were reached concerning certain systems of spacecraft 101. Among these, it was agreed that the entry monitor system would not be checked out on spacecraft 101.

1967 September 29

Apollo spacecraft weight changes - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications, LM ECS, LM Guidance, LM Hatch.
Because of many questions asked about spacecraft weight changes in the spacecraft redefinition, ASPO Manager George M. Low prepared a memo for the record, indicating weights as follows:
Lunar Module Significant Weight Changes Lunar module injected weight status March 1, 1967 (ascent and descent less propellant) - 4039.6 kg
- Material substitution +23.1;
- decrease clamps and potting, -4.5;
- government furnished equipment changes (pressure garment assembly, portable life support system, oxygen purge system), +68;
- plume heating and "fire-in-the-hole" protection, +59.8;
- redesign umbilical hoses, +2.2;
- revised oxygen and water requirements, +19.5;
- provision for ALSEP removal, +11.3;
- increasing crack resistance of webs, +13.6;
- additional wiring to provide redundant circuits, +4.9;
- fuel cask and support increase, +14.9;
- guidance and navigation equipment, +3.1;
- instrumentation, +9.9;
- communications, +1.8;
- miscellaneous changes, +2.2.
Net change from March to September was +230.4 kg.
Lunar module injected weight status September 22, 1967 - 4270.0 kg
Command Module Significant Weight Changes Command module injected weight status March 1, 1967 - 5246.7 kg
- New hatch, +114.7;
- environmental control system and weight management system changes, +103.4;
- instrumentation and electrical power, +48;
- wiring and tubing protection, +44.4;
- crew compartment materials and crew equipment, +101.6;
- forward heatshield separation, +13.6;
- earth landing system (larger drogues), +21.7;
- miscellaneous structural changes, +26.7;
- ballast for lift-over-drag ratio of 0.35, +175;
- other, +19.5.
- Reductions - transfer of portable life support system to LM,-31.2;
- reduced ballast for lift-over-drag ratio of 0.28, -142.8;
- other MSC weight reductions, -61.6.
Net change from March to September was +433.1 kg.
Command module injected weight status September 22, 1967 - 5679.8 kg

1967 October 2

Apollo LM-2 and LM-3 flight alternatives - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II. Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Hq., reaffirmed that the following was the best course of action to follow with LM-2 and LM-3 . . Additional Details: here....

1967 October 5

Apollo spacecraft weight problem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight.
An exchange of correspondence between MSC and North American Rockwell emphasized the seriousness of the spacecraft weight problem. Accurate and timely weight visibility was of paramount importance for weight control and resulted from proper implementation and control of weight prediction, weight control from design initiation, and weight status reporting. To ensure visibility, North American Rockwell was instituting a program that would use system design personnel in weight prediction and reporting. Preliminary design personnel in the Design Requirements Group were designated to integrate the effort.

1967 October 5-15

Apollo Spacecraft Incident Investigation and Reporting Panel - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC established an Apollo Spacecraft Incident Investigation and Reporting Panel, with Scott H. Simpkinson as chairman. Panel members would be selected from ASPO, the Flight Safety Office, and the Engineering and Development Directorate. In addition, members would be assigned from the RASPO offices at Downey, Bethpage, and KSC when incidents occurred at their locations. All incidents suspected of directly affecting the safety of the spacecraft or its ground support equipment and all incidents that represented a hazard to personnel working in the area were to be investigated and reported. Incidents having a cost impact of over $5,000 or a schedule impact of 24 hours would also be reported to the panel chairman and considered for investigation. Panel membership was announced October 16. The following day, a letter from Simpkinson to panel members established procedures for investigating and reporting incidents.

1967 October 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Abort of Apollo in the near-pad region would result in land impact - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Because of wind conditions, an abort of the Apollo spacecraft from a Saturn V in the near-pad region would result in land impact. To ensure the maximum potential safe recovery of the crew during a near-pad abort, certain forms of preparation within the abort area were being considered. Tests were being prepared at MSC and KSC to determine the most favorable soil condition for spacecraft landing. The capability of the spacecraft to sustain a land impact was also being investigated by MSC.

1967 October 10

Meetings discussed the Apollo oxygen purge system (OPS) status - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. A series of meetings discussed the oxygen purge system (OPS) program status and design configuration.. Additional Details: here....

1967 October 12

Apollo CSM 101 entry monitor system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. ASPO Manager George Low submitted a memorandum for the record on the September 29 decision not to check out the spacecraft 101 entry monitor system (EMS). . Additional Details: here....

1967 October 12

Key NASA management changes - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo.
Key MSC and NASA Headquarters management changes were announced at a press conference at MSC. George S. Trimble, Jr., was transferred from NASA OMSF to serve as Deputy Director of MSC. Eberhard F. M. Rees of MSFC would be temporarily assigned as a Special Assistant on Manufacturing Problems to George M. Low, ASPO Manager. Edgar M. Cortright was named as Deputy to George E. Mueller at OMSF. Participating in the press conference were NASA Administrator James E. Webb, Mueller, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, Trimble, and MSC Public Affairs Officer Paul P. Haney.

1967 October 13

Apollo Spacecraft Configuration Control Board reins in changes - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. In an effort to keep a tight rein on changes made in spacecraft, the Apollo Spacecraft Configuration Control Board (CCB) established ground rules.. Additional Details: here....

1967 October 13

Ballute system for Apollo rejected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A proposal to use a Ballute system rather than drogue parachutes to deploy the main chutes on the Apollo spacecraft was rejected. It was conceded that the Ballute system would slightly reduce dynamic pressure and command module oscillations at main parachute deployment. However, these advantages would be offset by the development risks of incorporating a new and untried system into the Apollo spacecraft at such a late date.

1967 October 17

Four additional Apollo CSMs approved - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Seamans. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA Hq. informed MSC that NASA Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., had approved the project approval document authorizing four additional CSMs beyond No. 115A. MSC was requested to proceed with all necessary procurement actions required to maintain production capability in support of projected schedules for these items.

1967 October 18

Problems in the Apollo lunar sample program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A conference at NASA Hq. discussed Headquarters and MSC operational problems in the lunar sample program, including the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications John E. Naugle chaired the meeting. Lunar Receiving Operations Director John E. Pickering of NASA OMSF discussed plans - approved by the Department of Agriculture; Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and Department of Interior - for quarantine of the returned astronauts and lunar materials, and noted that the NASA Administrator or his designee would approve release of astronauts and lunar samples from quarantine on the advice and recommendations of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination. Pickering also noted that "many of the problems concerning quarantine operations at the LRL were due to
1. lack of clearly defined responsibilities for the Medical Research and Operations and Science and Applications Directorates,
2. the lack of proven competence and maturity of the LRL staff, and
3. an integrated operational plan.
"MSC Director of Science and Applications Wilmot N. Hess indicated that item (1) was resolved by a memorandum of understanding between MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations Charles A. Berry and himself but that MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth had not approved it. Hess also pointed out that an operational plan was being developed, but that LRL was primarily a scientific laboratory, not just a quarantine facility. This statement was disputed in view of the fact that the LRL was justified to Congress on the basis of a need for a quarantine facility.

1967 October 18

Apollo Configuration Control Panel for GFE - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin, Faget. Program: Apollo.
MSC's Director of Engineering and Development Maxime A. Faget, at the request of the ASPO Manager, established a Configuration Control Panel (CCP) for government furnished equipment (GFE). The panel would integrate control of changes in the GFE items supplied for the Apollo spacecraft. "Authority to bring change recommendations to the GFE Panel will be invested in Division Chiefs. Changes rejected by the Division Chiefs need not be reviewed by the GFE CCP," the memorandum establishing the panel said. Membership on the panel was as follows: Chairman, Maxime A. Faget; Alternate Chairman, James A. Chamberlin; Members, Richard S. Johnston, Robert A. Gardiner, R. W. Sawyer (sic), and William C. Bradford. Secretary would be John B. See.

1967 October 20

Grumman organizational changes to meet delivery date for Apollo LM-3 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
In an effort to meet a mid-April 1968 delivery date for LM-3, Grumman made a number of organizational changes. Top level direction was strengthened by adding experienced managers in strategic positions and by reinforcing the Grumman LM organization with more management talent and additional test personnel. A spacecraft director for each vehicle was brought into the program for LM-2, -3, -4, and -5, with responsibility for overall Grumman support of individual vehicles from cradle to grave.

1967 October 20

Apollo RCS for CSM 101 criticized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The SM reaction control system (RCS) for spacecraft 101 was criticized by C&SM RCS Subsystem Manager Ralph J. Taeuber. . Additional Details: here....

1967 October 24-November 3

Apollo Special Task Team to support MSC on manufacturing problems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Eberhard F. M. Rees made a preliminary survey at North American Rockwell before forming an Apollo Special Task Team to support MSC on manufacturing problems..

1967 October 28

Ground rules for Apollo extravehicular activity - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9.
The following ground rules were established for extravehicular activity planning. The EVA transfer would be demonstrated and thermal-degradation samples retrieved during the AS-503/103/LM-3 (Apollo 8) mission. No other pre-lunar-landing mission would include planned EVA exercises. The first lunar landing mission would be planned with two EVA excursions.

1967 October 28

Pure oxygen in the Apollo CSM cabin during prelaunch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Plans were to use 100-percent oxygen in the CSM cabin during prelaunch operations for manned flights but, since flammability tests of the CSM were not finished, the possibility existed that air might be used instead of pure oxygen. Therefore, contingency plans would be developed to use air in the cabin during the prelaunch operations so that a change would not delay the program.

1967 October 30

Apollo LM delivery schedule revisions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Confirming an October 27 telephone conversation, ASPO Manager George M. Low recommended to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that the following LM delivery schedule be incorporated into official documentation: LM-2, February 5, 1968; LM-3, April 6, 1968; LM-4, June 6, 1968. Subsequent vehicles would be delivered on two-month centers. The dates had been provided by Grumman during the last Program Management Review.

1967 October 30

Actions on Apollo television cameras reported - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. Actions on television cameras were reported by ASPO Manager George M. Low to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. . Additional Details: here....

1967 October 30

Apollo Drop Test failure 84-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A parachute test (Apollo Drop Test 84-1) failed at EI Centro, Calif. The parachute test vehicle (PTV) was dropped from a C-133A aircraft at an altitude of 9,144 meters to test a new 5-meter drogue chute and to investigate late deployment of one of the three main chutes. Additional Details: here....

1967 November 2

Apollo LM insulation susceptible to degradation from cabin leakage during pressurized conditions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. Maxime A. Faget, MSC Director of Engineering and Development, told the ASPO Manager that he had reviewed the LM insulation status and concluded that "the present design is susceptible to degradation from cabin leakage during pressurized conditions. . Additional Details: here....

1967 November 3

Apollo lunar surface operations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
A series of lunar surface operations planning meetings was scheduled to establish and coordinate operational requirements and constraints, review analysis and simulation data for lunar surface operations, review hardware status and requirements, review test and simulation planning, identify and resolve operational problems, obtain agreement on mission guidelines and recommended flight activities, and collect comments on the surface operations plans.

1967 November 3

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package cooling - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
A cooling design to keep heating effects of the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) below 450 kelvins (350 degrees F) was being sought for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. Studies had shown that the RTG could be a fire hazard when the ALSEP was carried in the lunar module, heating temperatures up to 590 kelvins (600 degrees F) unless cooling was provided. Temperatures from 460 to 465 kelvins (370 degrees F to 380 degrees F) were hazardous with the fuels in the LM.

1967 November 3-December 19

Apollo launch site recovery and rescue - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
In an exchange of correspondence, KSC Director Kurt H. Debus and MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth agreed that close coordination was required between the two Centers regarding launch site recovery and rescue in the event of malfunction leading to an unsuccessful abort before or just after ignition during a launch phase. Coordinated recovery and rescue plans were being formulated for such an emergency. Plans would also include the Department of Defense Eastern Test Range and required coordination with DOD. On December 19 Debus was informed by NASA Hq. that his proposal for a slide wire emergency system had been reviewed and approved.

1967 November 4

Apollo mission schedule for six flights in 1968 and five in 1969 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
NASA announced an Apollo mission schedule calling for six flights in 1968 and five in 1969. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller said the schedule and alternative plans provided a schedule under which a limited number of Apollo command and service modules and lunar landing modules, configured for lunar landing might be launched on test flights toward the moon by the end of the decade. Apollo/uprated Saturn I flights were identified with a 200 series number; Saturn V flights were identified with a 500 series number. Additional Details: here....

1967 November 7

Apollo LLTV delayed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, wrote Warren B. Hayes, President of Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., that planned schedules for the lunar landing training vehicle (LLTV) could not be maintained because of the need for refabrication of the hydrogen peroxide tanks. The tanks had been manufactured by Airtek Division of Fansteel under contract to Bell Aerosystems Co. Airtek's estimates were that the first of the new tanks would not be available until January 1 968, two months later than required to meet the LLTV program schedule. Gilruth said: "The LLTV is a major and very necessary part of the crew training program for the lunar landing maneuver. It is my hope that Airtek will take every action to assure that the manufacturing cycle time for these tanks is held to an absolute minimum." In preparing background information for Gilruth, Flight Crew Operations Director Donald K. Slayton had pointed out that the first set of tanks (total of eight) had been scrapped because of below-minimum wall thickness. Qualification testing of a tank from the second set revealed out-of-tolerance mismatch of welded tank fittings, and this set was also scrapped.

1967 November 8

Full scale Apollo CSM be tested to evaluate fire propagation in orbit and on the ground - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The MSC Director of Engineering and Development pointed out that a fullscale CSM would soon be tested to evaluate the hazard of fire propagation both in orbit (cabin atmosphere of oxygen at pressure of 3.8 newtons per square centimeter - 5.5 pounds per square inch absolute) and on the pad (oxygen at 11.4 newtons per sq cm-16.5 psia). There was a reasonable probability that the CSM might qualify in the first but not the second case. In such event, it was proposed that the prelaunch cabin atmosphere be changed from 100-percent oxygen to a mixture of 60-percent oxygen and 40percent helium or to a mixture of 60-percent oxygen and 40-percent nitrogen. This proposal was made on the assumption that those mixtures at 11.4 newtons per sq cm would not offer more of a fire hazard than 100percent oxygen at 3.8 newtons. It was also assumed that these mixtures would be physiologically suitable after being bled down to orbital pressure without subsequent purging or being enriched with additional oxygen. Structures and Mechanics Division (SMD) was requested to make flammability tests to determine the relative merit of the two mixtures and to outline a minimum test program to provide confidence that the mixed gas atmosphere might be considered equivalent to oxygen at 3.8 newtons.

1967 November 9

12:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT1. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 4 - . Payload: Apollo CSM 017 / LTA-10R / S-IVB-501. Mass: 36,656 kg (80,812 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 2.35 days. Decay Date: 1967-11-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 3032 . COSPAR: 1967-113A. Apogee: 371 km (230 mi). Perigee: 370 km (220 mi). Inclination: 32.70 deg. Period: 91.90 min.
Apollo 4 (AS-501) was launched in the first all-up test of the Saturn V launch vehicle and also in a test of the CM heatshield. The Saturn V, used for the first time, carried a lunar module test article (LTA-10R) and a Block I command and service module (CSM 017) into orbit from KSC Launch Complex 39, Pad A, lifting off at 7:00:01 a.m. EST - one second later than planned. The launch was also the first use of Complex 39. The spacecraft landed 8 hours 37 minutes later in the primary recovery area in the Pacific Ocean, near Hawaii, about 14 kilometers from the planned point (30.06 N 172.32 W). CM, apex heatshield, and one main parachute were recovered by the carrier U.S.S. Bennington
Main objectives of the mission were to demonstrate the structural and thermal integrity of the space vehicle and to verify adequacy of the Block II heatshield design for entry at lunar return conditions. These objectives were accomplished.
The S-IC stage cutoff occurred 2 minutes 30 seconds into the flight at an altitude of about 63 kilometers. The S-II stage ignition occurred at 2 minutes 32 seconds and the burn lasted 6 minutes 7 seconds, followed by the S-IVB stage ignition and burn of 2 minutes 25 seconds. This series of launch vehicle operations placed the S-IVB and spacecraft combination in an earth parking orbit with an apogee of about 187 kilometers and a perigee of 182 kilometers. After two orbits, which required about three hours, the S-IVB stage was reignited to place the spacecraft in a simulated lunar trajectory. This burn lasted five minutes. Some 10 minutes after completion of the S-IVB burn, the spacecraft and S-IVB stage were separated, and less than 2 minutes later the service propulsion subsystem was fired to raise the apogee. The spacecraft was placed in an attitude with the thickest side of the CM heatshield away from the solar vector. During this four-and-one-half-hour cold-soak period, the spacecraft coasted to its highest apogee - 18,256.3 kilometers. A 70 mm still camera photographed the earth's surface every 10.6 seconds, taking 715 good-quality, high-resolution pictures.
About 8 hours 11 minutes after liftoff the service propulsion system was again ignited to increase the spacecraft inertial velocity and to simulate entry from a translunar mission. This burn lasted four and one half minutes. The planned entry velocity was 10.61 kilometers per second, while the actual velocity achieved was 10.70.
Recovery time of 2 hours 28 minutes was longer than anticipated, with the cause listed as sea conditions - 2.4-meter swells.

1967 November 11

Apollo Beta fabric underwear reported source of excessive lint and irritated the skin - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Tests of sample constant-wear garments (underwear) fabricated from Beta fabric were reported as showing the garments were a source of excessive lint and irritated the skin. Efforts were being made to fabricate a knitted garment that would overcome these problems. Other flame resistant materials and flame retardant treatments were also being investigated. However, since delivery schedules of training and initial flight items required an immediate decision concerning material selection, it was decided to use the original cotton undergarment configuration.

1967 November 13

Kamanin's thoughts on first Saturn V launch. - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Grechko, Andrei, Malinovskiy, Mishin, Pashkov, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo.
The first Saturn V and Surveyor 6 have been launched by the Americans. Kamanin catalogues why the Americans are beating them: bad organisation, on the parts of Ustinov, Smirnov, Pashkov, Malinovskiy, and Grechko; technical errors and an undisciplined approach to the fulfilment of government decrees concerning the Soyuz and N1 on the parts of Chief Designers Korolev and Mishin; lack of coordination between the institutes and design bureaux compared to the United States; and finally, the Americans are spending several times more money than has been dedicated to the Soviet space program.

1967 November 13

Northrop Ventura performance on Apollo parachute system discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager George Low, in a memorandum to CSM Manager Kenneth Kleinknecht, remarked that he had "just read Dale Myers' letter to you . . . on the subject of Northrop Ventura performance. In addition I have . . . read a letter from Dick Horner to me in response to my letter . . . of September 29, 1967. Additional Details: here....

1967 November 14

Apollo lunar landing training vehicle capability seen essential - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
A full-time lunar landing training vehicle (LLRV) operating capability was essential to lunar landing training. Optimum proficiency for the critical lunar landing maneuver would be required at launch. Crew participation in the three months or more of concentrated checkout and training at KSC before each lunar mission, coupled with routine launch delays, would make KSC the preferred location for LLRV operating capability.

1967 November 14

Apollo Configuration Control Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In a letter to North American Rockwell and Grumman management, ASPO Manager George Low pointed out that he had taken a number of steps to strengthen the Configuration Control Board (CCB) activities and said he felt it was "very desirable to have senior management from NAR and GAEC present for our Board meetings." The meetings were held each Friday North American Apollo CSM Manager Dale D. Myers replied on November 17 that he, Charles Feltz, or George Jeffs would attend the meetings on an alternate schedule. Myers informed Low that North American was implementing new requirements designed to strengthen its own CCB. MSC's Kenneth S. Kleinknecht had been invited to attend North American's weekly Tuesday meetings when possible and RASPO Manager Wilbur Gray was invited to attend routinely.

1967 November 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Payloads for Apollo AS-503 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC informed MSFC that it would provide the following payload flight hardware for the AS-503/BP-30 flight test: boilerplate 30 (BP-30, already at MSFC); spacecraft-LM adapter 101 and launch escape system (SLA-101/LES) jettisonable mass simulation; and lunar module test article B (LTA-B, already at MSFC). MSC had no mission requirements but recommended that any restart test requirements for the Saturn S-IVB stage be carried out on this mission to simplify requirements for the first manned Saturn V mission.

1967 November 15

Apollo 4 capsule inspected - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo.
Spacecraft 017 (recovered after flight on the Apollo 4 mission) arrived in Downey, Calif., and was inspected by Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low and others from MSC. Its condition was much better than anticipated, considering the severe heating it had been subjected to. Maximum erosion was between 2.5 and 7.6 millimeters.

1967 November 16

Mission rules issued for beach impact for the Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. MSC Flight Operations Directorate issued mission rules concerning beach impact for the Apollo 7 mission. . Additional Details: here....

1967 November 16

Status of Apollo environmental control unit - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low, and Maxime A. Faget, with other MSC personnel and North American Rockwell management officials visited AiResearch to review the status of the Apollo environmental control unit electronic components.. Additional Details: here....

1967 November 17

Environmental acceptance testing of Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS.
An MSC meeting discussed environmental acceptance testing of Apollo spacecraft at the vehicle level. The meeting was attended by representatives of OMSF, MSC, and General Electric. Lad Warzecha presented results of a GE analysis of ground- and flight-test failures in a number of spacecraft programs. GE had concluded that a significant number of failures could be eliminated through complete vehicle environmental (vibration and thermal vacuum) acceptance testing and recommended such testing be included in the CSM and LM programs. James A. Chamberlin, MSC, presented a critique of the GE recommendations and found fault with the statistical approach to the GE analysis, indicating that each flight failure would have to be considered individually to reach valid conclusions. After considerable discussion ASPO Manager George M. Low said that he had reached the following conclusions:
1. Adequate environmental screening at the piece part and component level was essential. Significant steps in this direction had been taken by requiring a wider use of high-reliability parts and by imposing higher vibration levels in black box acceptance testing.
2. Vehicle-level environmental acceptance testing was not applicable to the CSM or LM spacecraft. This conclusion was reached because it was not possible to vibrate, or otherwise excite, any of the Apollo spacecraft in a way to give meaningful vibration levels at most internal spacecraft locations.

1967 November 17

Results of Apollo survey at North American Rockwell - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS. Eberhard F. M. Rees of MSFC sent MSC ASPO Manager George M. Low the results of a brief survey he had made at North American Rockwell. . Additional Details: here....

1967 November 20

Apollo propellant sloshing studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. MSC asked MSFC assistance in identifying and understanding any propellant sloshing effects that might create problems in the flight test program. The greatest uncertainty was associated with the techniques for passive thermal control in nonpowered flight..

1967 November 20

Apollo LM ascent engine would meet all requirements - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Bell Aerosystems Co. informed MSC and NASA Hq. that the company had reached a point in the LM ascent engine program where it was confident that it would meet all commitments and requirements for the Apollo missions..

1967 December

Apollo 503 (cancelled) - . Crew: Anders, Borman, Collins. Backup Crew: Conrad, Gordon, Williams, Clifton. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 503. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The third Apollo flight announced on December 22, 1966, was the Apollo E mission - a test of the Apollo lunar module in high earth orbit. In order to beat the Russians around the moon, it was decided that the E mission would be cancelled and instead Borman's crew would fly an Apollo CSM into lunar orbit. This became Apollo 8.

1967 Week Ending December 1

Apollo LM testing meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. A meeting on LM testing was held at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp., with Robert R. Gilruth and George M. Low, MSC; George Hage, OMSF; Hilliard Paige, General Electric Co.; and George Stoner, Boeing Co., in addition to Grumman personnel. . Additional Details: here....

1967 December 1

Plan for providing qualified Apollo LM ascent engines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
NASA Hq. requested MSC to forward by December 5 the Center's plan for providing qualified LM ascent engines with dynamically stable injectors for manned LM flights. The plan was expected to be based on ground rules established in July when a NASA team went to Bell Aerosystems Co. that the current BAC engine would be the prime effort with the Rocketdyne Division (North American Rockwell) injector development as backup. Headquarters asked that the plan contain the following elements:
1. effectivity of Bell-improved design in LM;
2. earliest phaseout of Rocketdyne program, assuming satisfactory completion of BAC program; and
3. effectivity of backup Rocketdyne design in LM if the BAC effort was not successful.

1967 December 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Plans resulting from Apollo 4 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8.
NASA Hq. announced that, as concurred in by the Center Apollo Program Managers, the following decisions, based on the results of the Apollo 4 mission, were firmly established:
- CSM 020 would be flown on the Apollo 6 mission.
- Boilerplate 30 was assigned to the AS-503 unmanned mission.
- If Apollo 6 was successful, AS-503 would be flown as the first Saturn V manned mission.

1967 December 2

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Designation Saturn IB approved - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. NASA Administrator James E. Webb approved the designation "Saturn IB" as the standard way of referring to that launch vehicle in public statements, congressional testimony, and similar materials, rather than "Uprated Saturn I.".

1967 December 2

Launch Vehicle: N1.

Lunar Soviet. - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Afanasyev, Sergei, Mishin, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo.
A panel headed by Afanasyev and Mishin reviews the readiness of the N1. The mock-up booster is to complete pad compatibility tests by 30 March 1968. The first launch is still supposed to take place in the second half of 1968. The launch of the American Saturn V in November has reenergized the workers at Tyuratam. Kamanin is impressed - he was less sure of success, knowing all the problems of a project that requires the labour of thousands of persons. Afanasyev then turns to crew selection issues. The original resolution said that a cosmonaut was to be launched by an N1-L3 by April 1968. Mishin says he will be able to make two launches in the second half of 1968. It will take 18 to 24 months to train crews. But to date, Mishin still won't agree to crew selections, despite dozens of contacts and letters from Kamanin to Ustinov and Smirnov. There are still no simulators for the L3. Mishin wants to launch to the moon only engineers from TsKBEM. He is given an ultimatum: either the VVS will leave the space program, requiring Mishin to take over all training and crew responsibilities, or reach an agreement on crew composition in the next few days. Afansyev orders the commission to convene again in two to three days.

1967 December 5

Apollo SM-102 static-fire test objectives - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Walter J. Kapryan of the MSC Resident ASPO at KSC told the KSC Apollo Program Manager that one of the primary test objectives of the SM-102 static-fire test was to determine system deterioration caused by the static-fire sequence and exposure to residual hypergolics trapped in the system during subsequent prelaunch operations. Additional Details: here....

1967 December 7

Astronaut Conrad concerned about an attitude control problem in the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Conrad, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Astronaut Charles (Pete) Conrad's concern about an anticipated attitude control problem in the LM was reported. Conrad had said, "The LM is too sporty when in a light weight configuration." Minimum impulse was expected to produce about 0.3 degree per second rate, which was estimated to be about four times too fast. A memo on the problem possibility was written by Howard W. Tindall, Jr., Deputy Chief of MSC's Mission Planning and Analysis Division, to stimulate thinking. On December 9, ASPO Manager George M. Low asked Donald K. Slayton and Warren J. North if there was any chance of setting up a simulation to see whether this was a real concern.

1967 December 8

Apollo drop test failed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
An Apollo drop test failed at El Centro, Calif. The two-drogue verification test had been planned to provide confidence in the drogue chute design (using a weighted bomb) before repeating the parachute test vehicle (PTV) test. Preliminary information indicated that in the test one drogue entangled with the other during deployment and that only one drogue inflated. The failure appeared to be related to a test deployment method rather than to drogue design. The test vehicle was successfully recovered by a USAF recovery parachute-intact and reusable.

1967 December 9

Competing Apollo LM ascent engine qualification dates provided - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
MSC ASPO Manager George M. Low reminded NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that at a meeting three weeks previous MSC had presented a Bell Aerospace Corp. qualification completion date for the LM ascent engine of March 28, and a Rocketdyne Division, North American Rockwell, completion by May 1, 1968. Additional Details: here....

1967 December 11

Studies of period between Apollo holddown arm release and launch umbilical tower clearance - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA Hq. asked further MSFC studies of one of the most critical phases during an Apollo mission, the period between holddown arm release and launch umbilical tower clearance. . Additional Details: here....

1967 December 12

Customer acceptance readiness review of Apollo CM 101 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. The phase I customer acceptance readiness review (CARR) of CM 101 was held at North American Rockwell in Downey, Calif. . Additional Details: here....

1967 December 12

Apollo Design Certification Reviews - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips wrote to the three manned space flight Centers:
"I am sure that you are keenly aware of the importance of the forthcoming series of Apollo manned flights and the requirement that all responsible actions are taken to assure the success of each mission. To this end the Design Certification Review, established for manned flights, serves an important role. Shortly our program of progressive Design Certification Reviews leading to certification for the manned lunar landing will commence. A significant part of the effort requires a comprehensive supporting analysis of critical hardware to assure that all single failure points have been identified and accepted by all levels of Apollo Program management.
"I believe it necessary, therefore, that the Design Certification Review program formally record a listing of single failure points existing in flight and launch critical ground equipment which would cause crew or mission loss, together with a statement of rationale for accepting the risk of each of these single failure points. Establishing such a listing requires particular attention to commonality of ground rules and categorization such that the overall mission single failure point listing is an effective Design Certification Review input. While recognizing the present efforts existing at contractors and Centers in identifying single failure points, some additional work is required to obtain a consistent mission single failure point listing.
"It is requested that you initiate action to prepare for each Design Certification Review a single failure point listing which includes all considerations supporting the acceptance of each single failure point. This listing shall be prepared in accordance with ground rules established and coordinated by the Apollo Program Reliability and Quality Assurance Office, be approved by the Center, and shall be required 60 days in advance of the final Design Certification Review Board signoff."

1967 December 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo schedule decisions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips wrote the manned space flight Centers of Apollo schedule decisions. In a September 20 meeting at MSC to review the Apollo test flight program, MSC had proposed a primary test flight plan including
1. the addition of a second unmanned LM flight,
2. addition of a third unmanned Saturn V flight, and
3. addition of a new' primary mission, a lunar orbital mission.
Phillips now wrote that decisions had been made to accommodate MSC's first two proposals into the mainline Apollo flight mission assignment. In addition, the proposal for the lunar orbital mission would be included in the Apollo flight mission assignments as an alternate to a landing mission.

1967 December 15

Apollo Site Selection Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard, Stuhlinger. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Site Selection Board met at MSC and discussed landing ellipse topography, landing approach path topography, and operational considerations, among other topics. The board heard recommendations on landing sites for the first and second missions, and approved them subsequent to the meeting, and Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips emphasized that three launch opportunities should be provided for all months of the yew. Board members, in addition to Phillips, were James H. Turnock, John D. Stevenson, Charles W. Mathews, and Oran W. Nicks, all of NASA Hq.; Owen E. Maynard and Wilmot N. Hess of MSC; Ernst Stuhlinger, MSFC; and R. O. Middleton, KSC.

1967 December 15

Camera for Apollo AS-502 to take photos of the earth - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Robert O. Piland, Technical Assistant to the MSC Director, reminded ASPO Manager George M. Low that some time previously Wilmot Hess, MSC, had requested incorporation of a camera on AS-502 to take photos of the earth from orbital altitudes. . Additional Details: here....

1967 December 16

Decisions on flammability problems related to coax cables in Apollo CMs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
Top NASA and North American Rockwell management personnel discussed flammability problems associated with coax cables installed in CMs. It was determined that approximately 23 meters of flammable coax cable was in CM 101 and, when ignited with a nichrome wire, the cable would burn in oxygen at both 4.3 and 11.4 newtons per square centimeter (6.2 and 16.5 pounds per square inch). Burning rates varied from 30 to 305 centimeters per minute, depending upon the oxygen pressure and the direction of the flame front propagation. The cable was behind master display panels, along the top of the right-hand side of the cabin, vertically in the rear right-hand corner of the cabin, in the cabin feed-through area, and in the lower equipment bay. The group reviewed the detailed location of the cable, viewed movies of flammability tests, examined movies of the results of testing with fire breaks, discussed possible alternatives, and inspected cable installations in CMs 101 and 104.
The following alternatives were considered:
1. Replace all coax cable.
2. Wrap all coax cable with aluminum tape.
3. Partially wrap the cable to provide fire breaks. Tests at North American indicated that a 102-millimeter segment of wrapped cable with four layers of aluminum foil would provide a fire break. MSC tests indicated such a fire break was not adequate for multiple cables.
4. Leave the installation as it was.
The following factors were considered in reaching a decision for spacecraft 101:
1. The wiring in that spacecraft had been completed for several months. All subsystems had been installed and protective covers had been installed. Complete replacement or complete wrapping of all coax cables would be time consuming; it might take as long as three months, when taking retest into consideration. Additionally, in spite of extreme care, complete replacement or wrapping might do considerable damage to the installed wiring, and even partial wrapping might cause damage in many areas.
2. The coax cable could not self-ignite under any conditions.
3. In most installations, the coax cable was a separate bundle and not part of other wire bundles. An exception was the feed-through area in the lower right-hand corner of the cabin, where the coax cable was intertwined with other wires. Although power cables existed in this area, these were not high-current-carrying cables.
4. A minimum number of possible ignition sources existed in the vicinity of the coax cables, and a complex series of events would be required to ignite the cable.
In view of these factors, decisions for spacecraft 101 were:
1. The cable would be flown essentially as installed. The only exception was that the vertical cable bundle in the right-hand corner of the spacecraft would be wrapped with layers of aluminum tape. Each cable in this bundle would be individually wrapped.
2. An analysis by North American would document all other wiring near the coax cable, including the wire size, functions, maximum currents carried, and degree of circuit-breaker protection.
3. All possible ignition sources near the coax cable would be documented.
4. Tests would be made in boilerplate (BP) 1250 to determine the effects of fire breaks inherent in the installation.
In making these decisions, NASA and North American recognized that they were contrary to existing criteria and guidelines. Those present agreed that the decisions were an exception and in no way should be construed as a change or relaxation of the criteria and guidelines. The basic reason for the exception was summarized as follows: "As a result of the clean installation of the coax cables, the lack of external ignition sources, and the complete job done in cleaning up the spacecraft from the flammability viewpoint, the risk of igniting the coax cables is exceedingly small. This risk is believed to be less than would likely be incurred through possible damage to existing installations had a decision been made to replace or wrap the cables."
The installation in spacecraft 2TV-1 would not be changed. This decision was made fully recognizing that more flammable material remained in 2TV-1 than in 101. However, the burning rate of coax cable had been demonstrated as very slow, and it was reasoned that the crew would have sufficient time to make an emergency exit in the vacuum chamber from 2TV-1 long before any dangerous situations would be encountered.
Officials also agreed that coax cable in boilerplate 1224 would not be ignited until after the results of the BP 1250 tests had been reviewed.

1967 December 17

Apollo LM-5 window shattered during initial pressurization test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Structural.
A LM test failed in the Grumman ascent stage manufacturing plant December 17. A window in LM-5 shattered during its initial cabin pressurization test, designed to pressurize the cabin to 3.9 newtons per square centimeter (5.65 pounds per square inch). Both inner and outer windows and the plexiglass cover of the right-hand window shattered when the pressure reached 3.5 newtons per sq cm (5.1 psi). An MSC LM engineer and Corning Glass Co. engineers were investigating the damage and cause of failure.

1967 December 18

Apollo Guidance Software Task Force - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller informed MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that he intended to establish a Guidance Software Task Force to determine whether any additional actions could be taken to improve the software development and verification process. He requested that MSC make a thorough presentation to the task force at its first meeting, to include flight software problem areas and also such matters as crew training, crew procedures development, mission planning activities, and the abort guidance system software. Mueller himself would chair the task force and other members would be: Richard H. Battin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Instrumentation Laboratory; Leon R. Bush, Aerospace Corp.; Donald R. Hagner, Bellcomm, Inc.: Dick Hanrahan, IBM: James S. Martin, Jr., LaRC; John P. Mayer, MSC: Clarence Pitman, TRW; and Ludie G. Richard, MSFC.

1967 December 18

Reorganization of NASA Headquarters - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb approved a reorganization of NASA Headquarters, making changes in OMSF. On January 26, 1968, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller spelled out OMSF changes:
1. The Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight would continue with "across the board" responsibility and act for Mueller when he was absent or not available;
2. the Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight (Management) would be responsible for the supervision of all administrative aspects of management within the manned space flight organization; and
3. the Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight (Technical) would be responsible as the technical director and chief engineer of the manned space flight programs.

1967 December 19

Lunar Exploration Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA Hq. announced establishment of the Lunar Exploration Office within the Office of Manned Space Flight's Apollo Program Office. The new office, headed by Lee R. Scherer, merged program units directing Apollo lunar exploration and planning exploration beyond the first manned lunar landing. OMSF would staff the Systems Development element; the Lunar Science group would be staffed by the Office of Space Science and Applications, which would approve operating plans and scientific objectives, payloads, and principal investigators for specific missions.

1967 December 20

Coax cable problems in Apollo CSM 103 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. As a part of the managers' technical status review, Dale Myers of North American Rockwell presented his analysis of fixes for the coax cable in spacecraft 103 and subsequent spacecraft. . Additional Details: here....

1967 December 20

Apollo LM stress corrosion problems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
ASPO Manager George M. Low pointed out to E. Z. Gray of Grumman that in October 1964 NASA had sent a letter to Grumman voicing concern over possible stress corrosion problems. The Grumman reply on October 30 of that year was unsatisfactory when considered in the light of stress corrosion cracks recently found in the LM aluminum structural members. Low asked what Grumman planned to do to make sure that no other potential stress corrosion problems existed in the LM and asked for a reply by January 1968 on how the problem would be attacked.
On December 21, Low wrote a similar letter to Dale D. Myers of North American Rockwell, reminding him of a letter sent by MSC in September 1964. He said that recent stress corrosion problems had been encountered in the LM and asked that North American make a detailed analysis to ensure that not a single stress corrosion problem existed in the CSM or associated equipment. Again, Low asked for a reply by January 15, 1968.

1967 December 21

Apollo Lunar Mission Planning Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
A Lunar Mission Planning Board meeting was held at MSC with Julian M. West as acting chairman. Also present were Wilmot N. Hess, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Paul E. Purser, and Andre J. Meyer, Jr. (secretary); and invited participants Gus R. Babb, John M. Eggleston, and James J. Taylor. The meeting agenda involved two main subjects:
1. review of major meetings recently held involving lunar exploration and planning; and
2. review of the remote sensors for use in lunar orbit and payload available on the CSM during a manned landing mission for carrying remote sensing instrumentation.
Additional Details: here....

1967 December 21

Apollo Spacecraft Weight and Mission Performance Definition - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told ASPO Manager George M. Low that a review had begun on the "Apollo Spacecraft Weight and Mission Performance Definition" report dated December 12 and that his letter indicated approval of certain changes either requested or implied by the report. Phillips added that his letter identified a second group of pending changes for which insufficient information was available. He stressed his serious concern over the problem of spacecraft weight growth and said weight must be limited to the basic 45,359-kilogram launch vehicle capability. "According to the progression established in your report, CM's 116 through 119 could exceed the parachute hand-weight capability. I would like to establish a single set of controlled basic weights for the production vehicles. For product improvement changes a good rule is a pound deleted for every pound added. For approved changes to the basic configuration, it is the responsibility of NASA to understand the weight and performance implication of the change and to establish appropriate new control values. . . ."

1967 December 22

First fire-in-the-hole Apollo LM test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Television.
The first fire-in-the-hole test was successfully completed at the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF). The vehicle test configuration was that of LM-2 and the test cell pressure immediately before the test was equivalent to a 68,850-meter altitude. All test objectives were satisfied and video tapes of TV monitors were acquired. Test firing duration was 650 milliseconds with zero stage separation.

1967 Week Ending December 22

GAO finds Grumman property records inefficient - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Bethpage RASPO Business Manager Frank X. Battersby met with Grumman Treasurer Pat Cherry on missing items of government property. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) had complained of inefficiency in Grumman property accountability records and had submitted a list of some 550 items of government property to Grumman. After nine weeks of searching, the company had found about 200 items. The auditors contended the missing items amounted to $8 million-$9 million. Cherry said he believed that all the material could be located within one week. Battersby agreed to the one-week period but emphasized that the real problem was not in locating the material but rather in establishing accurate records, since GAO felt that too often the contractor would be tempted to go out and buy replacement parts rather than look for the missing ones.

1967 December 27

NAA Apollo solder joint fixes rejected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht asked the Manager of the Resident Apollo Spacecraft Program Office (RASPO) at Downey to inform North American Rockwell that MSC had found the suggestion that aluminum replace teflon for solder joint inserts and outer armor sleeves in Apollo spacecraft plumbing unacceptable because
1. the teflon insert was designed to give an interference fit to prevent the passage of solder balls into the plumbing;
2. an aluminum insert could not be designed with an interference fit for obvious reasons;
3. the aluminum insert was tested at the beginning of the program and found to be inferior to the teflon insert; and
4. the aluminum armor seal could not be used as a replacement for the outer armor sleeves because it did not eliminate the creep problem of solder.

1967 December 28

Apollo LM ascent engine program plan - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
The LM ascent engine program plan submitted to NASA Hq. on December 9 had been approved, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips told ASPO Manager George M. Low. Phillips was concerned, however, about the impact of recent unstable injector tests at Bell Aerosystems Co. on this plan. He said, "Resolution of these failures must be expedited in order to maintain present schedules. Also of concern, is the possible underestimation of the contractual and integration problems that will exist if the Rocketdyne (Division) injector should be chosen." Phillips asked that those areas receive special attention and that he be kept informed on the progress of both injector programs.

1967 December 28

Glass windows removed from Apollo LM-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. Confirming a discussion between George Low and Samuel Phillips on October 27, a decision was made to replace the glass windows in LM-1 with aluminum windows, as a precaution against a failure in flight similar to the one that occurred on LM-5 in testing..

1968 January 2

Key decisions required to certify the Apollo system-design for manned flight summarized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
MSC called to the attention of North American Rockwell the number of discrepancies found at KSC that could have been found at Downey before hardware shipment. In an effort to reduce the discrepancies North American was requested to obtain and use the KSC receiving inspection criteria as a guide for shipping inspections. It was also suggested that the possibility of sending a few key inspectors to KSC for periods of three to six months to gain additional experience might be investigated.

1968 January 5

High humidity within the Apollo SLA - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Petrone. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager George M. Low discussed with Rocco Petrone of KSC the problem of high humidity levels within the spacecraft-lunar module adapter. Petrone advised that several changes had been made to alleviate the problem: air conditioning in the SLA and the instrument unit would remain on during propellant loading; and the rate of air flow into the SLA was increased. Also, technicians at the Cape had designed a tygon tube to be installed to bring dry air into the LM descent engine bell, should this added precaution prove necessary. With these changes, Low felt confident that the humidity problem had been resolved.

1968 January 5

Plan for lunar exploration by Apollo through the mid-1970s - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Bellcomm engineers presented to NASA a proposed plan for lunar exploration during the period from the first lunar landing through the mid-1970s. The proposed program - based upon what the company termed "reasonable" assumptions concerning hardware capabilities, scientific objectives, launch rates, and relationships to other programs - was divided into four distinct phases:
1. an Apollo phase using existing vehicles,
2. a lunar exploration phase employing an extended LM with increased payload and longer staytime,
3. a lunar orbital survey and exploration phase using remote sensors and photographic equipment on a polar orbit flight, and
4. a lunar surface rendezvous and exploration phase using an unmanned LM to deposit the increased scientific equipment and expendables necessary to extend Apollo's manned lunar capability to two-week duration.

1968 January 5

Review of the LM ascent engine backup program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. Apollo Special Task Team (ASTT) Director Eberhard F. M. Rees, Martin L. Raines, and Ralph Taeuber of MSC, and J. McNamara, North American Rockwell, visited Rocketdyne Division to review the status of the LM ascent engine backup program. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 8

Task team to investigate the problem of stress corrosion in the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller directed MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to establish a task team to investigate why, in light of extreme precautions taken early in the program, the problem of stress corrosion in the LM was being encountered at such a late stage in Apollo. The problem, Mueller stressed, had been discovered at a most critical point in the program - the launch of the first LM was imminent and two subsequent vehicles were already well along in factory checkout. Any resultant slips in the LM program would seriously impact overall Apollo schedules. Gilruth replied he believed that such a team was not required. He affirmed that the reviews undertaken with the contractors in 1964 to guard against just these problems had proved inadequate when judged against present program demands. "The answer simply is that the job was not handled properly on the last go-round."

1968 January 9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Key Apollo program decisions required to certify the Apollo system design summarized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
George E. Mueller, NASA OMSF, in a letter to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, summarized a number of key Apollo program decisions required in order to emphasize the urgency of priority action in preparations necessary to certify the Apollo system design for manned flight. Additional Details: here....

1968 January 11

Concern over configuration control of Apollo flight hardware - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht wrote his counterpart at North American Rockwell, Dale D. Myers, to express concern about NR's seeming inability to implement configuration control of flight hardware and ground support equipment. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 11

Apollo planning for the first two hours on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Apollo Data Coordination Chief Howard W. Tindall, Jr., summarized mission planning for the first two hours on the lunar surface. That period, he said, would be devoted to checking out spacecraft systems and preparing for launch (in effect simulating the final two hours before liftoff). This procedure embodied several important benefits. As a pre-ascent simulation, it would afford an early indication of any problems in the checkout routine. More importantly, the initial checkout procedure would prepare the LM for takeoff at the end of the CSM's first revolution should some emergency situation require such an immediate flight abort.

1968 January 11

Apollo Parachute Test Vehicle failed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
A Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV) test failed at El Centro, Calif. The PTV was released from a B-52 aircraft at 15,240 meters and the drogue chute programmer was actuated by a static line connected to the aircraft. One drogue chute appeared to fail upon deployment, followed by failure of the second drogue seven seconds later. Additional Details: here....

1968 January 13

Apollo Senior Flammability Review Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo.
The Senior Flammability Review Board met at MSC with Chairman Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low, Maxime A. Faget, Aleck C. Bond, Charles A. Berry, Donald K. Slayton, Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, all of MSC, and George Jeffs of North American Rockwell participating. The meeting summary reported that a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen atmosphere was acceptable from a crew physiological standpoint. The requirement for crew prebreathing before launch was not dependent upon launching with the atmosphere. Operationally, the crew could remove their helmets and gloves following orbital insertion and verification of the integrity of the cabin and its environmental control system; oxygen leakage would be allowed to enrich the crew compartment atmosphere.
On January 25, Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations, mote Gilruth: "We do not concur in the stated finding of the Board that a 60 per cent oxygen, 40 per cent nitrogen atmosphere is acceptable from a crew physiological standpoint. While it is true that a 60% oxygen, 40% nitrogen atmosphere at 5.6 psi (3.9 newtons per sq cm) should result in a cabin atmosphere physiologically equivalent to sea level conditions, this will not be the case in a spacecraft launched with a 60% oxygen, 40% nitrogen atmosphere to which no oxygen is added except by normal operation of the cabin regulator. Oxygen will be metabolized by the crew at a much greater rate than nitrogen will be leaking from the spacecraft. Assuming a case in which cabin relief valve seats at 6 psi (4.1 newtons per sq cm) and the cabin regulator does not begin adding oxygen until 4.8 psi (3.3 newtons per sq cm), the cabin atmosphere would then consist of approximately 49% oxygen. This is physiologically equivalent to a 12,000-foot (3,700-meter) altitude in air. It would then take approximately 50 hours at the nominal cabin leak rate for the cabin regulator to enrich the mixture to a sea level equivalent."

1968 January 13

Plans to static-fire the Apollo SPS - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. ASPO Manager George M. Low outlined for the NASA Apollo Program Director MSC plans to static-fire the service propulsion system (SPS) as a complete unit. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 15

Program progress in Apollo described - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, summarized for Administrator James E. Webb recent program progress in Apollo. Preparations were under way toward the revised January 22 launch date for Apollo 5. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 17

Serious quality deficiencies at North American - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Eberhard Rees, Director of the Apollo Special Task Team at North American Rockwell's Downey plant, wrote ASPO Manager George Low outlining what he termed "serious quality and reliability resources deficiencies" and proposed several steps to bolster NASA's manpower in these areas. Specifically, Rees cited the immediate need for additional manpower (primarily through General Electric) to make vendor surveys, test failure assessments, and specification review and analysis and establish minimum inspection points. In addition, Rees said, many areas were almost totally lacking in coverage by the government, such as monitoring qualification tests, receiving inspections, pre-installation test, and many manufacturing operations. He urged Low to reassess his requirements in Houston to determine how many persons MSC might contribute (along with those from MSFC and GE) to plug these vital areas.

1968 January 17

Review of recent Apollo parachute test failure - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Eberhard Rees, Apollo Special Task Team chief at North American Rockwell, participated in a failure review at Northrop-Ventura of the recent parachute test failure and in development of a revised test plan. Others at the review included Dale Myers and Norman Ryker from North American and W. Gasich and W. Steyer, General Manager and Apollo Program Manager at Northrop-Ventura. Those at the review put together a revised drop test program that resulted in only a two-week schedule delay because of the failure. Repair of the parachute test vehicle was under way. Meantime, tests would continue, employing bomb and boilerplate devices. Also, Rees decided to establish a Flight Readiness Review Board (headed by Joseph Kotanchik of MSC) to approve each drop test, and Northrop officials had established an internal review board to review test engineering and planning and were tightening their inspection and quality control areas.

1968 January 18

Contamination of Apollo CM 103's potable water - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. A meeting was held at MSC to determine necessary action concerning recent contamination of CM 103's potable water, oxygen, and water-glycol lines. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 18-19

Review of the Apollo LM thermal vacuum test programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural, LM Structural.
Rolf Lanzkron and Owen Morris, Chiefs of MSC's CSM and LM Project Engineering Divisions, led a review of the 2TV-1 and LTA-8 (thermal vacuum test article and lunar module test article) thermal vacuum test programs at MSC. Chief concerns expressed during the review centered on the heavy concentration of testing during the summer of 1968, the need for simultaneous operation of test chambers A and B, and the lack of adequately trained chamber operations support personnel for dual testing. The review disclosed that maintenance of testing schedules for LTA-8 was most unlikely, even with a seven-day-a-week work schedule. (The central problem was the large number of open items that had to be cleared before start of the tests.)

1968 January 19

Detailed comparison of configuration differences between the Apollo CSM and LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips wrote ASPO Manager George M. Low requesting that he establish and maintain a detailed comparison of configuration differences between the CSM and LM. This comparison, Phillips said, should include major interface differences, subsystems and components, weight, performance, and crew safety. Phillips ordered this comparison chiefly because the Apollo spacecraft was entering an extremely important phase to certify the vehicles for manned flight.

1968 January 22

Problem of stress corrosion in the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Joseph G. Gavin, Jr., LM Program Director at Grumman, advised ASPO Manager George M. Low of steps under way to attack the problem of stress corrosion in the LM. (Low had expressed MSC's concern over this potential danger on December 20, 1967.) While stating that he shared Low's concern, Gavin believed that stress corrosion would not prove to be of significance to the LM mission. However, his organization was prepared to reevaluate the LM's design and fabrication to determine to what extent the problem could be ameliorated. (Gavin denied that such metal corrosion could be absolutely eliminated using present materials as dictated by weight constraints on the LM design.) Gavin stated that he had created a special team of experienced designers and stress analysts to review engineering design of every LM part sensitive to stress corrosion, to review processes employed in fabrication of the LM structure, and to review the adequacy of the company's quality control procedures to ensure corrosion-free parts and assemblies.

1968 January 22

22:48 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC37B. LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo 5 - . Payload: Apollo LM-1. Mass: 14,360 kg (31,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Decay Date: 1968-02-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 3107 . COSPAR: 1968-007B. Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Inclination: 31.60 deg. Period: 89.90 min.
NASA launched Apollo 5 - the first, unmanned LM flight - on a Saturn IB from KSC Launch Complex 37B at 5:48:08 p.m. EST. Mission objectives included verifying operation of the LM structure itself and its two primary propulsion systems, to evaluate LM staging, and to evaluate orbital performances of the S-IVB stage and instrument unit. Flight of the AS-204 launch vehicle went as planned, with nosecone (replacing the CSM) jettisoned and LM separating. Flight of LM-1 also went as planned up to the first descent propulsion engine firing. Because velocity increase did not build up as quickly as predicted, the LM guidance system shut the engine down after only four seconds of operation, boosting the LM only to a 171 x 222 km orbit. Mission control personnel in Houston and supporting groups quickly analyzed the problem. They determined that the difficulty was one of guidance software only (and not a fault in hardware design) and pursued an alternate mission plan that ensured meeting the minimum requirements necessary to achieve the primary objectives of the mission. The ascent stage separated and boosted itself into a 172 x 961 km orbit. After mission completion at 2:45 a.m. EST January 23, LM stages were left in orbit to reenter the atmosphere later and disintegrate. Apollo program directors attributed success of the mission to careful preplanning of alternate ways to accomplish flight objectives in the face of unforeseen events.

1968 January 24

Apollo CSM chief problems listed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute, CSM Recovery.
Eberhard F. M. Rees, head of the Apollo Special Task Team at North American Rockwell, met with Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, MSC, and Martin L. Raines, Manager of the White Sands Test Facility, to review the team's recent operations and the responses of North American and its numerous subcontractors to the team's recommendations. Kleinknecht listed what he thought were the chief problems facing the CSM program: the S-band highgain antenna (which he said should be turned over entirely to the task team for resolution); the parachute program; the environmental control system; and contamination inside the spacecraft. He urged that the team take the lead in developing solutions to these problems.

1968 January 25

Constant concern for Apollo crew safety was becoming more pronounced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In a letter to officials of the three manned space flight Centers, NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips called attention to the fact that as the time for the first manned Apollo flight was approaching constant concern for crew safety was becoming more pronounced. Phillips pointed out that the Crew Safety Panel, Flight Mechanics Panel, Launch Operations Panel, Hazardous Emergency Egress Working Group, and other Intercenter Coordination Panels had each dealt with specific aspects of Apollo crew safety. Individual Centers and contractors had exercised their crew safety responsibilities through system design, quality control, and test channels. Single-point failure analyses, dealing with specific hardware areas, had been made.
He said that these efforts had resulted in current provisions for rapid crew egress on the pad, for spacecraft abort during early phases of the launch, and for contingency flight modes. Phillips added, ". . . to insure that all of the many parts of the problem are properly integrated we should at this time step back and take another look at the overall crew safety picture from ingress to mission completion. The questions to be addressed are:
1. Have we systematically analyzed all likely failure modes or anomalies which could jeopardize the crew from ingress to mission completion?
2. In each of these cases do we have proper and timely cues coupled with a safe egress, abort, or contingency capability?
3. Do we have a plan for the timely solution of the known crew safety related problems?
. . . I would like to have this essential area worked under leadership of MSC-focused at a high management level - with assistance as required from MSFC and KSC. . . ." In a reply to Phillips, on February 28, MSC's George Low indicated that John Hodge had agreed to undertake the task and had already held discussions on the subject with George Hage of Phillips' office.

1968 January 26

Apollo LM-2 flight and requirement meeting - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. A LM-2 flight and requirement meeting was held at MSC, attended by key MSC and NASA Hq. officials. The group reached three conclusions. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 26

Potential stress corrosion problem limited in the Apollo CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural.
In response to a letter from ASPO Manager George M. Low in late December 1967, seeking assurances that no potential stress corrosion problems existed in the CSM, Dale D. Myers, CSM Program Manager at North American Rockwell, reviewed the three instances where problems had been encountered during the CSM project and iterated the extensive efforts to ensure against such potential problems. Echoing much the same words as his counterpart at Grumman, Myers stated that "it is not possible to guarantee that no single instance of stress corrosion will ever occur" and that circumstances "could create a problem not anticipated." He concluded that his company's efforts in this direction had been "entirely adequate and beyond the requirements of the contract and good practice in this industry," and he seated his belief that additional efforts in this area would not produce measurable results.

1968 January 26

Special Task Team for Apollo CSM 103 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. The Special Task Team for CSM 103, appointed January 18, submitted a progress report of activities during daily sessions held January 22 through 25. . Additional Details: here....

1968 January 30

Apollo parachute test vehicle concerns - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
MSC CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, in a letter to North American Rockwell's Dale D. Myers, protested lack of North American reponse to written MSC direction concerning parachute test vehicles. Kleinknecht pointed out that MSC had "considerably modified our usual requirements in supporting the boilerplate 19 task being performed for you by Western Ways, Inc. These efforts seem to be completely negated by delayed go-ahead to Northrop Ventura for their portion of the task. I understand that neither Western Ways nor Northrop Ventura was given a go-ahead until January 19, 1968. The original written direction to NR (North American) was on November 9, 1967, to provide another parachute test vehicle (PTV) and give us an estimate of cost and schedule for another boilerplate PTV." If the effort on the PTV had started at that time, "we would now be able to use that vehicle rather than the bomb-type vehicles after losing PTV No. 2. The cost and schedule for boilerplate 19 was not submitted to MSC until later, on December 22, asking for a reply by January 2, 1968. Because of the holiday period, this written reply was furnished on January 5, after an investigation of the cost and schedule. The Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) stated a completion date of May 5; however, after a request by my people to see what could be done to improve this date, the improvement moved the Northrop Ventura schedule from June 14 to May 24 (a Friday). This date is three weeks later than the date cited in the ECP and is completely unacceptable. . . ."
On February 29, Myers assured Kleinknecht that North American had proceeded with the BP-19A task in advance of NASA full coverage. Initial partial coverage was issued to North American on January 5, 1968. On March 14, in a letter of commendation, Kleinknecht thanked Myers for the attention given the BP-19A effort that made a March 15 completion by Western Ways possible. On May 27, W. H. Gray, RASPO Manager, wrote another letter of commendation thanking North American for completing BP-19A in time for a drop test in May 1968.

1968 February 2

Need for audits of equipment supplied from vendors to Apollo spacecraft contractor - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Eberhard F. M. Rees, Apollo Special Task Team Director at North American Rockwell, reported to ASPO Manager George M. Low on the need for audits of equipment supplied from vendors to the spacecraft contractor. Significant hardware failures and nonconformances had been discovered after delivery of equipment from the vendors to Downey, Rees stated, and NASA must take strong steps to upgrade the quality of workmanship at the vendors' locations.

1968 February 3

Reexamination of all interconnecting systems of the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mrazek. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO Manager George M. Low advised Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that, in accordance with an action item resulting from the spacecraft environmental testing review at MSFC on January 10, he was reexamining the design, fabrication, and inspection of all interconnecting systems of the spacecraft to determine what further steps might be taken to ensure the integrity of those systems. Low had requested William Mrazek of MSFC to direct this effort, using a small task team to review the design of all spacecraft wiring and plumbing systems, their fabrication, and quality assurance and inspection techniques.

1968 February 5

40 per-cent nitrogen prelaunch atmosphere in Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget, Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
A Senior Flammability Review Board meeting at MSC reached a number of decisions on the CSM. Attending were Robert R. Gilruth, chairman; George M. Low, Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, Aleck C. Bond, Maxime A. Faget, Donald K. Slayton, Charles A. Berry, and Rodney G. Rose, all of MSC; Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Hq.; William B. Bergen and Dale D. Myers, North American Rockwell; and George Stoner, Boeing (nonvoting observer).
Several previous action assignments were reviewed:
1. Component level Flammability Test Program - North American reviewed the results of its material identification and test program, the component test program, and the boilerplate 1,250 tests. These tests had provided the basis for design decisions on selection and application of CM nonmetallic materials.
2. Boilerplate 1224 configuration comparison to CSMs 2TV-1 and 101 - North American presented the comparison and the Board decided that the boilerplate configuration was representative of the "worst case" configuration, considering both 2TV-l and 101.
3. Internal ignition rationale - ignition rationale for the boilerplate 1224 tests was presented to the Board. Nichrome wire ignitors were used with the ignitor wire embedded in potting. In some locations a Ladicote cover was applied over the potting and ignitor. The Board pointed out that the ignition techniques were not really representative of actual operating conditions and were indeed overly severe.
4. Crew communications umbilical - North American was evaluating a fluorel crew communications umbilical as well as fluorel oxygen umbilicals. A Beta sleeve over the oxygen and crew communications umbilicals would also be evaluated for its operational acceptability by the Crew.
The Board presented a review of test results. In the tests at pressure of 4.3 newtons per square centimeter (6.2 pounds per square inch) in a 95-percent oxygen atmosphere, there were 38 ignitions in boilerplate 1224. Of these,5 produced fires large enough to require further consideration. In tests at 11.2 newtons per sq cm (16.2 psia) in a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent nitrogen atmosphere, there were 31 ignitions. Of these, 4 produced fires large enough to require further consideration.
The Board concluded that the material changes made in the CM had resulted in a safe configuration in both the tested atmospheres. The Board agreed "that there will always be a degree of risk associated with manned space flight," but the risk of fire "was now substantially less than the basic risks inherent in manned space flight."
Among decisions reached were:
1. the CSM 2TV-1 and 101 coaxial cable configuration would be tested in the 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent nitrogen atmosphere;
2. material improvements and testing would be continued and changes would be phased in, pending the availability of proved materials; and
3. action would be taken to be prepared to use a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen prelaunch atmosphere in CSM 101.
A final decision would be made at the Design Certification Review on March 7.

1968 February 5

Apollo astronaut activity on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator, told MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that at the last meeting of the Lunar and Planetary Missions Board the subject of astronaut activity on the lunar surface had been taken into consideration. The following motion had been generally endorsed by all members of the Board but tabled for formal action with the request that comments of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate be made on the motion and returned to the Board for further consideration: "It is proposed that during lunar EVA it be regarded as general practice and a requirement on the astronauts to utilize fully the voice channel from them to each other and to earth. What is intended is almost incessant talking, describing all actions and thoughts as they occur, but without devoting much additional concentration or interrupting any actions for that purpose. Such talk will have the advantage of increasing the information available should any hazardous situation arise, and therefore increase crew safety; secondly, it will be a major source of information of scientific importance, and the record of such talk will be most helpful to the astronauts themselves as well as others to re-enact the activities later and so better understand the record and the observations obtained."
The MSC Director of Flight Operations prepared an information staff paper for Gilruth that said the proposal had been evaluated by the Directorate, and the "marginal utility to be gained by such a practice is questionable" because "constant talking would involve a real time process of separating significant data from trivia." The Flight Operations Directorate "does not believe that crew safety will be enhanced by constant talking. . . . In summary . . . our present astronaut talking requirements are sufficient to satisfy the scientific world and provide sound operational support. . . ."

1968 February 8

Decision to forego a second unmanned Apollo LM flight using LM-2 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion, LM Guidance, LM Landing Gear.
Grumman President L. J. Evans wrote ASPO Manager George M. Low stating his agreement with NASA's decision to forego a second unmanned LM flight using LM-2. (Grumman's new position - the company had earlier strongly urged such a second flight - was reached after discussions with Low and LM Manager G. H. Bolender at the end of January and after flight data was presented at the February 6 meeting of the OMSF Management Council.) Although the decision was not irreversible, being subject to further investigations by both contractor and customer, both sides now were geared for a manned flight on the next LM mission. Additional Details: here....

1968 February 14

Potential post-reentry fire hazard in Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
James P. Nolan, Jr., Chief of Plans, NASA OMSF, wrote Mission Operations Director John D. Stevenson describing a potential post-reentry fire hazard in the command module. A hazard might result from incomplete mixing of pure oxygen in the cockpit with normal air after landing, which could produce pockets of almost pure oxygen in closed cabinets, equipment bays, wire bundles, and interstices of the spacecraft. (Two test chamber explosions and fires had occurred at Douglas Aircraft Co. under similar conditions during the early 1950s, he advised.) Nolan suggested that the potential fire hazard be critically reviewed, including possible additional chamber flammability testing. Several weeks later, Stevenson informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that he had discussed Nolan's ideas with MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, ensuring attention by the Flammability Review Board. He reported that MSC was planning an additional series of chamber tests to determine whether such a fire hazard actually existed.

1968 February 14

Concern of inadvertent Saturn V abort - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Low, George. Program: Apollo.
In discussing the results of a manned test with MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth, George M. Low mentioned that a single 45-degree motion of the abort handle was required to initiate a launch abort in Apollo. Gilruth voiced concern that an abort could be caused by a single motion. Additional Details: here....

1968 February 14

Reexamination of software requirements for the Apollo mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA Hq. asked MSC's support for the effort under way by the Software Review Board (created at Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips' request several weeks earlier) to reexamine software requirements for the lunar mission. A specific concern of the Board (which included representatives from the major support contractors, IBM, TRW, and Bellcomm) was the level of sophistication and complexity inherent in the present MIT computer programs. To understand better the possibilities of carrying out the lunar mission using the present computer system but with much simpler programming, Mueller asked the Board to examine the feasibility, cost, and schedule implications of carrying out the mission using about half the fixed and erasable memory of the computer and otherwise trading off program simplicity for minor increases in propellant requirements.

1968 February 15

Selection of a prelaunch atmosphere for the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips wrote ASPO Manager George M. Low setting forth a strategy for announcing selection of a prelaunch atmosphere for the spacecraft. Because the decision undoubtedly would draw much public attention, Phillips said, it was important that the decision be based on comprehensive study and be fully documented to explain the rationale for the decision both to NASA's management and to the general public. Foremost, he said, that rationale must include a clear statement of physiological requirements for the mission and for aborts. Secondly, it must also cover flammability factors in cabin atmosphere selection. Finally, the decision rationale must explain engineering factors related to hardware capability and crew procedures, as well as operational factors and how they affected the choice of atmosphere during prelaunch and launch phases of the mission.

1968 February 19

Task team on water requirements aboard Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO Manager George Low appointed Douglas R. Broome to head a special task team to resolve the problem of water requirements aboard the Apollo spacecraft. For some six months, Low noted, numerous discussions had surrounded the question of water purity requirements and loading procedures. Several meetings and reviews, including one at MSC on January 16 and another at KSC on February 13, had failed to resolve the problem, and Low thus instructed Broome's team to reach a "final and definite agreement" on acceptable water specifications and loading procedures. Much unnecessary time and effort had been expended on this problem, Low said, and he expected the team "to put this problem to rest once and for all."

1968 February 19

OMSF to issue a definition for the end of the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP, Apollo Lunar Landing.
MSC Deputy Director George S. Trimble, Jr., recommended to Apollo Program Director Phillips that OMSF issue a definition for the end of the Apollo program. Trimble pointed out that parts of MSC planning would be clearer if there were a specified set of conditions which, when satisfied, would mark the termination of the Apollo program and the start of the lunar exploration program. He said: "It is recommended that the accomplishment of the first lunar landing and safe return of the crew be defined as the end of the Apollo Program. This will give a crisp ending that everyone can understand and will be the minimum cost program. The Lunar Exploration Program, or whatever name is selected, will have a definable whole and can be planned and defended as a unit. . . . The successful termination of the Apollo Program should not be dependent on the successful deployment of ALSEP, EVA on the lunar surface, photos, soil samples or other experiments. Such objectives should not be mandatory for the first landing mission." Trimble added that he had discussed these points with NASA's Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller and it was his understanding that Mueller not only agreed but also planned to include similar material in his congressional testimony in defense of the budget.

1968 February 19

Apollo hardware and software changes to be coordinated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Meetings of the Software Task Force had brought out the lack of a formal requirement that the Change Control Board (CCB) consider how hardware and software changes might affect each other, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Flight Mueller told Apollo Director Phillips. Mueller asked Phillips if he would consider a program directive requiring such assessments before changes could be approved. On March 2, ASPO Manager George Low wrote a note to Flight Operations Director Chris Kraft concerning the same problem. Low believed "our CCB Manual required that any changes requiring or affecting more than one panel (e.g., your software panel and Kleinknecht's CSM panel) should come to the Apollo spacecraft CCB." Kraft replied April 12 that he concurred. Kraft said that "various MSC organizations are represented on my Software Control Board (SCB). These representatives identify related impacts on other functional elements of the program during the discussion of change actions in the . . . meeting. Also, we have taken action to assure integrated assessment of software and spacecraft changes prior to presentation to the SCB. . . . T. F. Gibson, Jr., Flight Operations Directorate, and J. F. Goree, Jr., ASPO, have resolved working arrangements to assure . . . the disciplines called for by the Configuration Management Manual are carried out. I understand that the Change Integration Group in ASPO will critique proposed change actions to either software or spacecraft hardware and identify associated impacts. . . . Changes involving interfaces between the software and spacecraft hardware, or other functional elements of the program, would then be brought to your CCB for disposition of the . . . change as prescribed by the Configuration Control Manual. . . . I feel . . . this formal change integration function is appropriate as a check and balance. . . ."

1968 February 20

Communications during Apollo exploration of the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Communications.
Reflecting the climate of scientific thinking at his Center, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth responded to inquiries from Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator, concerning vocal communications during exploration of the lunar surface. While he termed continuous talking undesirable, Gilruth stated an astronaut's running comment would in effect form a set of field notes that a geologist might ordinarily keep during a field exercise. This normal vocal narrative, he told Newell, would keep ground control informed of mission progress and would ensure a maximum scientific return from the flight.

1968 February 20

Apollo RCS engine ruptured during test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS.
MSC informed NASA Hq. that a reaction control system (RCS) engine ruptured at Marquardt Corp. the previous night during a heater integration test within a normal duty cycle run. This was a development test; the cause of the rupture was unknown at the time of the report. A second RCS failure occurred at Marquardt March 6 during a rerun of the LM heater integration tests. The rerun series started March 2. No facility damage or personnel injuries were reported from either incident. Investigation was under way at Marquardt by both NASA and Marquardt engineers to determine the cause of the failures and the effect on the program.

1968 February 26

Apollo LM Descent Engine Program Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
The LM Descent Engine Program Review was held at TRW Systems, Redondo Beach, Calif., reviewing the overall program status, technical and manufacturing problems, and program costs. Program status reports showed that 28 engines had been delivered in the LM descent engine program to date, including all White Sands Test Facility engines and engine rebuilds and all qualification test and flight engines; 9 WSTF engines and 12 flight engines remained to be delivered. Grumman indicated all engine delivery dates coincided with the vehicle need dates.

1968 February 26

Stress corrosion and window problems in the Apollo LM resolved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. Stress corrosion and window problems in the LM had been resolved, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller advised the Administrator in his weekly progress report. . Additional Details: here....

1968 February 27

Flight Readiness Review Board for Apollo CSM 020; LTA-2R and SLA-9 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The Flight Readiness Review Board for CSM 020, lunar module test article 2R (LTA-2R), and spacecraft-LM adapter 9 (SLA-9) met at KSC. . Additional Details: here....

1968 February 28

Priorities for first Apollo landing mission established - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton wrote Wilmot N. Hess, Director of Science and Applications, regarding priorities between scientific objectives and mission operations in Apollo mission planning, specifically for activities on the lunar surface. Slayton acknowledged that scientific priorities had to be included within an overall mission plan. However, those priorities must inevitably be adjusted by operational factors such as difficulty and duration of activities to maximize success of the mission. Flight planning for surface operations on the first Apollo landing mission, Slayton said, had followed guidelines laid down by ASPO Manager George M. Low on September 18, 1967 (reflecting an MSC Directors' consensus as voiced at a September 15 briefing on lunar surface activities):
- The first extravehicular activity excursion was to consist of a number of simple, mutually independent activities.
- A small lunar sample would be collected on the first excursion.
- The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments package (ALSEP) would not be deployed on the first excursion.
- For planning purposes, a second excursion was also included, with ALSEP deployment as the primary scientific objective.
Deployment of the ALSEP during the first EVA operation, he continued, appeared precluded by safety considerations (no objective ranked higher than the astronauts initial familiarization with 1/6 gravity). Should 1/6 gravity operations turn out to be simpler and less time-consuming than anticipated, ALSEP unloading might be possible; but Slayton stated that EVA experience during the Gemini program dictated a much more conservative plan.

1968 February 29

Results of an Apollo wire improvement study submitted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
In response to action required by the CSM 2TV-2 and CSM 101 Wire Board in October 1967, Dale D. Myers, CSM Program Manager at North American Rockwell, submitted to MSC results of a wire improvement study for the umbilical feedthrough area for the lower equipment bay. Additional Details: here....

1968 March 1

Decision not to static-fire Apollo service modules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. MSC had decided not to static-fire the service modules of Block II spacecraft before flight (specifically, spacecraft 101), ASPO advised NASA Hq. . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 1

Threat posed by an uncontrolled reentry of Apollo 6 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. John D. Stevenson, Director of Mission Operations, NASA OMSF, requested that MSC Flight Operations Director Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., prepare an analysis of the potential terrestrial threat posed by an uncontrolled reentry of the Apollo 6 spacecraft. . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 4

Results of the Apollo CSM flammability tests conducted on boilerplate 1224 assessed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The MSC Flammability Review Board met to assess results of the CSM flammability tests conducted on boilerplate 1224. The Board unanimously recommended using a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen atmosphere in the spacecraft cabin during launch, but continued use of a pure oxygen atmosphere at pressure of 4.1 newtons per square centimeter (6 pounds per square inch) during flight. Members concluded that this mixed-gas environment offered the best protection for the crew on the pad and during launch operations, while still meeting physiological and operational requirements. During the final stages of the flammability test program, tests had indicated that combustion characteristics for the 11-newtons-per-sq-cm (16-psi), 60-40 atmosphere and for the 4.1-newton pure oxygen atmosphere were remarkably similar. Also, full-scale trials had demonstrated that in an emergency the crew could get out of the spacecraft quickly and safely.

1968 March 6-7

Design Certification Reviews of Apollo Apollo CSM 101 and LM-3 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, CSM SPS.
Design Certification Reviews of CSM 101 and LM-3 were held at MSC. Significant program-level agreements reached included validation of a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen cabin atmosphere during launch; reaffirmation of the February 6 Management Council decision that a second unmanned LM flight was not required; and the conclusion that, in light of successful static firing of the 102 service propulsion system and subsequent analysis, a static-firing of the 101 system was not required.

1968 March 8

Apollo S-band high-gain-antenna system problems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
Apollo Special Task Team Director Eberhard F. M. Rees wrote Dale D. Myers, Apollo CSM Program Manager at North American Rockwell, to convey the concern of ASPO Manager George M. Low and others over the status of the S-band high-gain-antenna system. (Of all the subsystems in the spacecraft, that antenna seemed to face perhaps the toughest technical and schedule problems.) On December 14, 1967, Rees had visited the subcontractor's plant (Dalmo Victor) at Belmont, Calif., and had heard optimistic status reports on the entire system, including quality control and delivery schedules. Shortly thereafter, when Dalmo Victor began quality testing, the company encountered serious technical difficulties and the delivery schedule, as Rees put it, "collapsed completely." He then recounted several efforts by analytical teams to pinpoint the technical problems and to put the program back into shape (including reviews in mid-February and again on March 1, when very little progress could be seen). This record of inability to remedy technical problems, said Rees, indicated a serious weakness among Apollo contractors regarding visibility of their programs as well as their analytical engineering capability.

1968 March 8

Flight readiness test for Apollo 6 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA technicians at KSC completed the flight readiness test for Apollo 6. The two-day event was delayed several days because of difficulties in modifying the service propulsion system tank skirt. With that significant launch-preparation event completed, program officials were reassessing the launch date in light of work remaining on the vehicle.

1968 March 11

Completion of integrated system testing of Apollo 2TV-1 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Structural. North American Rockwell technicians at Downey completed integrated system testing on 2TV-1, the CSM thermal vacuum test vehicle. Shipment of the test article to MSC was scheduled for the end of March..

1968 March 12

Results of a thorough review of Apollo subcontractors - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Edgar M. Cortright, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, reported on the results of a thorough review of Apollo subcontractors made during January and February at the request of George E. Mueller. Cortright's review, coordinated with Apollo Program Directors in Washington and Houston, included detailed analysis of subsystem programs and on-site assessment of technical problems, schedule patterns, and testing programs. While favorably impressed with what he had found in general, he cited a number of what he termed "disturbing" conditions: most subsystems were facing hardware delivery schedule problems; many open failures existed; most qualification tests obviously would run beyond flight hardware delivery dates, requiring change-outs at KSC; several of the major subcontractors' difficulties had been compounded by lack of visibility of the overall spacecraft program (those "subs," he said, could have benefited from more attention by the "primes" and from allowing them a role in decision-making affecting their subsystems). Also, Cortright concluded that NASA itself could make more efficient use of subsystem managers and get them more deeply involved in the life of their respective programs. As a remedy to improve the total subsystem picture, Cortright recommended additional subsystem testing (and closer scrutiny by NASA of those tests); a reexamination of the entire Apollo system to determine any procedural errors in operating the subsystems that could result in failure of a subsystem; more contractor involvement in decision-making by both NASA and the primes; and greater emphasis on the manned space flight awareness program.

1968 March 14

40-percent-nitrogen in the Apollo spacecraft cabin on the launch pad - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. NASA announced to the public that program officials had decided to use a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen atmosphere in the Apollo spacecraft cabin while on the launch pad (and to retain the pure-oxygen environment in space). . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 14

Soviets review American plans. - . Nation: Russia. Program: Apollo, Lunar L3.
Six Apollo spacecraft are to be flown into earth orbit in 1968, four unmanned and two manned. Five flights are planned for 1969, including the first landing on the moon. Beyond this is the Apollo Applications Program. Expenditures for this are planned as $179 million in 1968 and $435 million in 1969, leading to the first orbital laboratory in 1970.

1968 March 18

Apollo CSM 020 reaction control system pressure vessel reviews - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM RCS. The MSC Structures and Mechanics Division reported to ASPO Manager George M. Low that additional verification of the spacecraft 020 reaction control system (RCS) pressure vessels would not be required. . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 18

Relaxed review procedures on Apollo LM-4 and LM-5 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Apollo Program Director, expressed concern to ASPO Manager George Low that relaxed review procedures on LM-4 and LM-5 might tend to delay identification and resolution of problems. . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 19

Suggestion of added Apollo spacecraft delivery delays rejected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. ASPO Manager George Low emphatically rejected North American Rockwell's suggestion of added spacecraft delivery delays. . Additional Details: here....

1968 March 21

Apollo lunar landing research vehicle in operation - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
The lunar landing research vehicle was operating and training was being conducted, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth wrote Langley Research Center's Acting Director Charles J. Donlan. MSC intended to conduct a second class for LLRV pilots and one of the first requirements for checkout was a familiarization program on Langley's Lunar Landing Research Facility. He requested that a program be conducted for not less than four nor more than six MSC pilots between April 15 and May 15.

1968 March 21

Review amount of testing of Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC asked Grumman to make a thorough review of the amount of nominal, off-nominal, and extended-life subsystem testing of LM production hardware and recommend any additional testing that should be done. The review of performance data was needed, Neal said, to ensure that program officials had sufficient test data to support flight planners and flight controllers during the manned missions.

1968 March 21

Continuing problems with the Apollo high-gain antenna - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
In an effort to resolve the continuing technical and schedule problems with the high-gain antenna system at Dalmo Victor, Apollo CSM Program Manager Dale D. Myers named a Resident Subsystem Project Manager at the vendor's plant. This change provided a single management interface with Dalmo Victor. The representative had been given authority to call on whatever North American Rockwell resources he might need to accomplish program objectives.

1968 March 22

Concern over problems with leaks in the ball valves for the Apollo service propulsion system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS.
Eberhard F. M. Rees, Director of the Apollo Special Task Team at North American Rockwell, wrote to the company's CSM Program Manager Dale D. Myers to express his concern over persistent problems with leaks in the ball valves for the service propulsion system. Rees doubted that any real progress was being made, stating that the problem persisted despite relaxations in leakage criteria and that qualification failures continued to occur. Rees described a review of the program on March 18 at Aerojet-General Corp. as lacking in factual depth. Also, the company did not appear to be pursuing developmental testing of configurational changes with any degree of vigor. Rees suggested to Myers that his people were on the right track and with management attention the vendor's efforts could be channeled to get some genuine results.

1968 March 23

Apollo drogue chute test failure 99-5 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
Apollo drogue chute test 99-5 failed at the El Centro, Calif., parachute facility. The drop was conducted to demonstrate the slight change made in the reefed area and the 10-second reefing cutter at ultimate load conditions. The 5,897-kilogram vehicle was launched from a B-52 aircraft at 10,668 meters and programmer chute operation and timing appeared normal. At drogue deployment following mortar activation, one drogue appeared to separate from the vehicle. Additional Details: here....

1968 March 27-28

Apollo LM prelaunch atmosphere selection - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM ECS, LM ECS.
A LM prelaunch atmosphere selection and repressurization meeting was held at MSC, attended by representatives of MSC, MSFC, KSC, North American Rockwell, and Grumman. The rationale for MSC selection of 100 percent oxygen as the LM cabin launch atmosphere was based on three factors: use of other than 100 percent oxygen in the LM cabin would entail additional crew procedural workloads at transposition and docking; excessive risk to crew due to depletion of the CM emergency oxygen consumables would be added; and it would require use of 2.7 kilograms of onboard CM oxygen. Two problems were identified with use of 100 percent oxygen in the LM cabin at launch: LM cabin flammability on the pad and LM venting oxygen into the SLA during boost. If air were used in the LM cabin at launch and the LM vent valve opened during boost, the full CM stored-oxygen capacity would be required to pressurize the LM and LM tunnel for umbilical mating. For a lunar mission, this situation would be similar to that before lunar orbital insertion, but would subject the crew to a condition of no stored oxygen for an emergency. For an earth-orbital mission this situation would be objectionable because CM stored oxygen would be lacking for an emergency entry into the atmosphere.

1968 March 27

Nitrogen in the Apollo spacecraft's cabin atmosphere - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
ASPO documented its reasons for using nitrogen rather than helium (as the Air Force had done) as the diluent in the Apollo spacecraft's cabin atmosphere, in response to a suggestion from Julian M. West of NASA Hq. Aaron Cohen, Assistant Chief of the MSC Systems Engineering Division, recounted that the Atmosphere Selection Task Team had addressed the question of nitrogen versus helium (regardless of percentage) and had rejected helium because of uncertainty of the compatibility of spacecraft equipment with helium. Further, helium presented the same physiological problems as did nitrogen, and whatever flammabilities advantages helium possessed were extremely small. For all these reasons, Cohen explained, the team had early elected to concentrate on nitrogen- mixed atmospheres.

1968 March 29

Technical problems in the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package: - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Samuel C. Phillips, NASA Apollo Program Director, wrote ASPO Manager George M. Low to express concern about two particular technical problems in the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package:
1. a system for on-the-pad cooling of the SNAP-27 radioactive fuel cask and
2. the overall weight status of the ALSEP (especially the recent decision to charge the weight penalty of the remote deployment mechanism to the ALSEP weight budget itself).
Because ALSEP was the key to success of the Apollo science program. Phillips asked that Low take the lead in reviewing these and any other pertinent technical problems to effect early resolution and ensure success of the program.

1968 March 29

Lunar photography from orbit during Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LMSS, CSM Recovery.
NASA Hq. asked that MSC consider a variety of lunar photographic operations from orbit during manned landing missions. Cancellation from Apollo of the lunar mapping and survey system had eliminated any specially designed lunar photographic capability; but photography was still desired for scientific, operational, and contingency purposes. Presence of the CSM in orbit during manned landing missions, Headquarters OMSF said, would be a valuable opportunity, however limited, for photographic operations. MSC was asked to evaluate these operations to define whatever hardware and operational changes in Apollo might be required to capitalize upon this opportunity.

1968 March 29

Boeing to support Apollo test evaluation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Scott H. Simpkinson, Acting Chief of ASPO Test Division, authorized assignment of Boeing-TIE personnel to Downey, Calif., and Bethpage. N.Y., to support test evaluation areas - because of fixed limitations on the number of resident NASA personnel at the prime contractors' locations.

1968 April 2

40 percent nitrogen for the Apollo CM cabin in prelaunch operations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
NASA Hq. confirmed oral instructions to MSC and KSC to use 60 percent oxygen and 40 percent nitrogen to pressurize the Apollo CM cabin in prelaunch checkout operations and during manned chamber testing, as recommended by the Design Certification Review Board on March 7 and confirmed by the NASA Administrator on March 12. This instruction was applicable to flight and test articles at all locations.

1968 April 2

Design review of the Apollo CM water sterilization system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Eberhard F. M. Rees, Director of the Special Task Team at North American Rockwell, spearheaded a design review of the CM water sterilization system at Downey, Calif. (The review had resulted as an action item from the March 21 Configuration Control Board meeting in Downey.) Rees and a team of North American engineers reviewed the design of the system and test results and problems to date. Chief among performance concerns seemed to be compatibility of the chlorine solution with several materials in the system, maximum allowable concentration of chlorine in the water supply from the medical aspect, and contamination of the system during storage, handling, and filling. Assuming North American's successful completion of qualification testing and attention to the foregoing action items, said Rees, the system design was judged satisfactory.

1968 April 4

Apollo LM activities immediately after touchdown on the lunar surface considered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
Howard W. Tindall, Jr., Chief of Apollo Data Priority Coordination, reported that several meetings devoted to the question of the LM's status immediately after touching down on the lunar surface, had reached agreement on several operational techniques for a "go/no go" decision. Basically, the period immediately after landing constituted a system evaluation phase (in which both crew and ground controllers assessed the spacecraft's status) - a period of about two minutes, during which immediate abort and ascent was possible. Given a decision at that point not to abort, the crew would then remove the guidance system from the descent mode and proceed with the normal ascent-powered flight program (and an immediate abort was no longer possible). Assuming permission to stay beyond this initial "make ready" phase, the crew would then carry out most of the normal procedures required to launch when the CM next passed over the landing site (some two hours later).

1968 April 4

Soviet view on Saturn V - . Nation: Russia. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo.
The second successful launch of the Saturn V stunned the Soviet engineers. They could not believe the variety and volume of data telemetered back in real-time to the launch centre. They viewed with jealousy the launch room set-up at Cape Canaveral - where each engineering speciality could sit in their own comfortable chair, viewing data as the booster ascended on a computer screen.

1968 April 4

12:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT2. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 6 - . Payload: Apollo CM 020/ SM 014 / Apollo LTA-2R / S-IVB 502. Mass: 36,806 kg (81,143 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 2.43 days. Decay Date: 1968-04-04 . USAF Sat Cat: 3170 . COSPAR: 1968-025A. Apogee: 184 km (114 mi). Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.20 min.
Apollo 6 (AS-502) was launched from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The space vehicle consisted of a Saturn V launch vehicle with an unmanned, modified Block I command and service module (CSM 020) and a lunar module test article (LTA-2R).
Liftoff at 7:00 a.m. EST was normal but, during the first-stage (S-IC) boost phase, oscillations and abrupt measurement changes were observed. During the second-stage (S-II) boost phase, two of the J-2 engines shut down early and the remaining three were extended approximately one minute to compensate. The third stage (S-IVB) firing was also longer than planned and at termination of thrust the orbit was 177.7 x 362.9 kilometers rather than the 160.9-kilometer near-circular orbit planned. The attempt to reignite the S-IVB engine for the translunar injection was unsuccessful. Reentry speed was 10 kilometers per second rather than the planned 11.1, and the spacecraft landed 90.7 kilometers uprange of the targeted landing point.
The most significant spacecraft anomaly occurred at about 2 minutes 13 seconds after liftoff, when abrupt changes were indicated by strain, vibration, and acceleration measurements in the S-IVB, instrument unit, adapter, lunar module test article, and CSM. Apparently oscillations induced by the launch vehicle exceeded the spacecraft design criteria.
The second-stage (S-II) burn was normal until about 4 minutes 38 seconds after liftoff; then difficulties were recorded. Engine 2 cutoff was recorded about 6 minutes 53 seconds into the flight and engine 3 cutoff less than 3 seconds later. The remaining second-stage engines shut down at 9 minutes 36 seconds - 58 seconds later than planned.
The S-IVB engine during its first burn, which was normal, operated 29 seconds longer than programmed. After two revolutions in a parking orbit, during which the systems were checked, operational tests performed, and several attitude maneuvers made, preparations were completed for the S-IVB engine restart. The firing was scheduled to occur on the Cape Kennedy pass at the end of the second revolution, but could not be accomplished. A ground command was sent to the CSM to carry out a planned alternate mission, and the CSM separated from the S-IVB stage.
A service propulsion system (SPS) engine firing sequence resulted in a 442-second burn and an accompanying free-return orbit of 22,259.1 x 33.3 kilometers. Since the SPS was used to attain the desired high apogee, there was insufficient propellant left to gain the high-velocity increase desired for the entry. For this reason, a complete firing sequence was performed except that the thrust was inhibited.
Parachute deployment was normal and the spacecraft landed about 9 hours 50 minutes after liftoff, in the mid-Pacific, 90.7 kilometers uprange from the predicted landing area (27.40 N 157.59 W). A normal retrieval was made by the U.S.S. Okinawa, with waves of 2.1 to 2.4 meters.
The spacecraft was in good condition, including the unified crew hatch, flown for the first time. Charring of the thermal protection was about the same as that experienced on the Apollo 4 spacecraft (CM 017).
Of the five primary objectives, three - demonstrating separation of launch vehicle stages, performance of the emergency detection system (EDS) in a close-loop mode, and mission support facilities and operations - were achieved. Only partially achieved were the objectives of confirming structure and thermal integrity, compatibility of launch vehicle and spacecraft, and launch loads and dynamic characteristics; and of verifying operation of launch vehicle propulsion, guidance and control, and electrical systems. Apollo 6, therefore, was officially judged in December as "not a success in accordance with . . . NASA mission objectives."

1968 April 5-7

A 48-hour delayed-recovery test with Apollo CSM 007 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Lovell, Roosa. Program: Apollo.
Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr., Stuart A. Roosa, and Charles M. Duke, Jr., participated in a recovery test of spacecraft 007, conducted by the MSC Landing and Recovery Division in the Gulf of Mexico. The test crew reported that while they did not "recommend the Apollo spacecraft for any extended sea voyages they encountered no serious habitability problems during the 48-hour test. Additional Details: here....

1968 April 10

Changes in Apollo lunar mission flight profile - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
The Apollo spacecraft Configuration Control Board (CCB) had endorsed changes in lunar orbit insertion and LM extraction on the lunar mission flight profile, the MSC Director notified the Apollo Program Director. ASPO had reviewed the changes with William Schneider of NASA OMSF the same day and Schneider was to present the changes to George E. Mueller and Samuel C. Phillips for approval.
The two-burn lunar orbit insertion (LOI) was an operational procedure to desensitize the maneuver to system uncertainties and would allow for optimization of a lunar orbit trim burn. The procedure would be used for lunar orbit and lunar landing missions. The spacecraft lunar-adapter spring-ejection system was required to ensure adequate clearance during separation of the LM/CSM from the S-IVB/instrument unit and would be used on the first manned CSM/LM mission.

1968 April 10

TV camera to be carried in Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. A TV camera would be carried in CM 101 on the first manned Apollo flight, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, wrote the ASPO Manager (confirming their discussions). . Additional Details: here....

1968 April 12

Wiring harness problems in Apollo CSM discussed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo (ASTP). Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. Apollo Special Task Team Director Eberhard Rees wrote Dale D. Myers at North American Rockwell: "As you are well aware, many manhours have been spent investigating and discussing the radially cracked insulation on wire supplied by Haveg Industries. . Additional Details: here....

1968 April 12

Apollo parachute review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. A number of decisions were made at the completion of a parachute review at Northrop-Ventura.. Additional Details: here....

1968 April 16

Results of Apollo boilerplate 1224 tests in a 60%-oxygen / 40% nitrogen cabin atmosphere - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
A meeting at MSC with Irving Pinkel of Lewis Research Center and Robert Van Dolah of the Bureau of Mines reviewed results of boilerplate 1224 tests at 11.4 newtons per square centimeter (16.5 pounds per square inch) in a 60-percent-oxygen and 40-percent-nitrogen atmosphere. Additional Details: here....

1968 April 17

Numerous radiation detectors evaluated for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC Engineering and Development Director Maxime Faget reported to George Low that his directorate had investigated numerous radiation detectors, ionization particle detectors, and chemical reactive detectors. The directorate had also obtained information from outside sources such as the National Bureau of Standards, Mine Safety Appliances, Parmalee Plastics, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory organization. None of the methods investigated could meet the stated requirements for a spacecraft fire detection system.

1968 April 17

Sigurd A Sjoberg US Representative to the IAF - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth recommended to NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller that MSC's Sigurd A. Sjoberg be approved as the U.S. Representative to the International Committee for Aeronautics of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. Robert Dillaway of North American Rockwell, who had been serving as U.S. Representative, had accepted a position with the Navy and recommended Sjoberg to James F. Nields, President of the National Aeronautic Association, and to Major General Brooke F. Allen, Executive Director of the Association, and they had concurred in the recommendation. NASA Hq. approved the request May 20.

1968 April 18

Major requirements for further Apollo SPS testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, CSM SPS. Two major requirements existed for further service propulsion system (SPS) testing at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), ASPO Manager George M. Low advised Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. . Additional Details: here....

1968 April 22

Apollo thermal-vacuum test programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth observed that the Engineering and Development Directorate would be conducting two thermal-vacuum test programs during the next several months, following the April 9 shipment of the Block II thermal vacuum test article 2TV-1 to MSC from Downey. (The second test article was the LM counterpart, LTA-8.) Both programs were of major importance, Gilruth told his organization. However, because the 2TV-1 test program directly supported - and constrained - the first manned Apollo mission, he said that, in the event of any conflict between the two test programs, 2TV-1 had clear priority.

1968 April 22

100 percent oxygen in the cabin of the Apollo LM at launch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Electrical, LM ECS.
ASPO Manager George M. Low advised top officials in Headquarters, MSFC, and KSC that he was recommending the use of 100 percent oxygen in the cabin of the LM at launch. MSC had reached this decision, Low said, after thorough evaluation of system capabilities, requirements, safety, and crew procedures. The selection of pure oxygen was based on several important factors: reduced demand on the CSM's oxygen supply by some 2.7 kilograms; simplified crew procedures; the capability for immediate return to earth during earth-orbital missions in which docking was performed; and safe physiological characteristics. All of these factors, the ASPO Chief stated, outweighed the flammability question. Because the LM was unmanned on the pad, there was little electrical power in the vehicle at launch and therefore few ignition sources. Further, the adapter was filled with inert nitrogen and the danger of a hazardous condition was therefore minimal. Also, temperature and pressure sensors inside the LM could be used for fire detection, and fire could be fought while the mobile service structure was in place. As a result, Low stated, use of oxygen in the LM on the pad posed no more of a hazard than did hypergolics and liquid hydrogen and oxygen.

1968 April 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Task team of all participants in the dynamic analysis of the Saturn V and boost environment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM ECS.
ASPO Manager George M. Low requested Joseph N. Kotanchik to establish a task team to pull together all participants in the dynamic analysis of the Saturn V and boost environment. He suggested that Donald C. Wade should lead the effort and that he should work with George Jeffs of North American Rockwell, Tom Kelly of Grumman and Wayne Klopfenstein of Boeing, and that Lee James of MSFC could be contacted for any desired support or coordination. The team would define the allowable oscillations at the interface of the spacecraft-LM adapter with the instrument unit for the existing Block II configuration, possible changes in the hardware to detune the CSM and the LM, and the combined effects of pogo and the S-IC single-engine-out case. Low also said he was establishing a task team under Richard Colonna to define a test program related to the same problem area and felt that Wade and Colonna would want to work together.

1968 April 27

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Preparation of third Saturn V for an Apollo manned mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA Administrator James E. Webb approved plans to proceed with preparation of the third Saturn V space vehicle for a manned mission in the fourth quarter of 1968. . Additional Details: here....

1968 April 27

Delays in Apollo CSM and LM delivery dates - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager George M. Low explained to the Apollo Program Director the underlying causes of slips in CSM and LM delivery dates since establishment of contract dates during the fall of 1967. The general excuse, Low said, was that slips were the result of NASA-directed hardware changes. "This excuse is not valid." He recounted how NASA-imposed changes had been under strict control and only essential changes had been approved by the MSC Level II Configuration Control Board (CCB). Additional Details: here....

1968 April 30

Review of Apollo subsystem programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO was implementing actions recommended by Edgar M. Cortright following his review of Apollo subsystem programs and visits to Apollo subcontractors, ASPO Manager George Low advised Apollo Program Director Sam Phillips. These additional steps included further testing of hardware (including "augmented" testing to define nominal and off-nominal operating conditions better); better NASA overseeing of certification test requirements and results; a reexamination by the Crew Safety Review Board of system operating procedures, with emphasis on crew operations; closer subcontractor participation in program decisionmaking, chiefly through the proposed augmented tests and product improvement program; and greater emphasis at the subcontractor plants on the manned flight awareness program.

1968 May 1

Firm baseline configuration for the Apollo LM ascent engine - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager George M. Low ordered LM Manager C. H. Bolender to establish a firm baseline configuration for the LM ascent engine to use during the entire series of qualification tests (including any penalty runs that might be required). Low's memo followed a telephone conversation the previous day with Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. Low cited to Bolender the need for a rigid design control on the engine. During a recent technical review, he explained, NASA officials learned that most qualification tests had been performed on one model (the E2CA injector), while all of the bomb stability tests had used another (the E2C injector). Ostensibly, the only difference between the two injectors was in the welding techniques. However, the first E2CA injector that was bomb-tested showed a combustion instability. Low emphasized that he was not charging that the different welding technique had caused the instability. Nevertheless, "this supposedly minor change (has) again served to emphasize the importance of making no changes, no matter how small, in the configuration of this engine." Once Bolender had set up the requested baseline configuration, Low stated, no change either in design or process should be made without approval by the Configuration Control Board.
Phillips followed up his conversation with Low a week later to express a deep concern regarding the ascent engine program, particularly small improvements in the engine, which could very likely delay the entire Apollo program beyond the present goal. The sensitivity of the engine to even minor design, fabrication, and testing changes dictated absolute control over all such changes. The ascent engine, Phillips told Low, was one of a very few Apollo hardware items in which even the most insignificant change must be elevated to top-level management review before implementation.

1968 May 6

Apollo lunar landing research vehicle No 1 crashed at Ellington Air Force Base - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Armstrong. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Lunar landing research vehicle (LLRV) No. 1 crashed at Ellington Air Force Base, Tex. The pilot, astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, ejected after losing control of the vehicle, landing by parachute with minor injury. Estimated altitude of the LLRV at the time of ejection was 60 meters. LLRV No. 1, which had been on a standard training mission, was a total loss - estimated at $1.5 million. LLRV No. 2 would not begin flight status until the accident investigation had been completed and the cause determined. Additional Details: here....

1968 May 13

Fire-in-the-hole test of the Apollo LM ascent engine issue deferred - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
During an Apollo flight test program review at MSC, the question was left unresolved whether or not to perform a "fire-in-the-hole" test of the LM ascent engine (i.e., start the engine at the same instant the two stages of the spacecraft were disjoined - as the engine would have to be fired upon takeoff from the lunar surface) on either the D or E mission. Additional Details: here....

1968 May 14

John D Hodge assigned as Director of Apollo Lunar Exploration Working Group - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director, announced reassignment of three officials. John D. Hodge was assigned as Director of the newly established Lunar Exploration Working Group. Aleck C. Bond, Manager of the Reliability and Quality Assurance Office and the Flight Safety Office, would be reassigned effective June 1 as Manager, Systems Test and Evaluation, Engineering and Development Directorate. Martin L. Raines, Manager, White Sands Test Facility, would become acting manager of the Reliability and Quality Assurance Office and the Flight Safety Office, in addition to his White Sands assignment.

1968 May 16

Apollo LLRV-1 Crash Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
NASA Headquarters established the LLRV-1 Review Board to investigate the May 6 accidental crash of Lunar Landing Research Vehicle No. 1 at Ellington Air Force Base. The Board would consist of: Bruce T. Lundin, Lewis Research Center, chairman; John Stevenson, OMSF; Miles Ross, KSC; James Whitten, Langley Research Center; and Lt. Col. Jeptha D. Oliver (USAF), Norton Air Force Base. J. Wallace Ould, MSC Chief Counsel, would serve as counsel to the group. The board would
1. determine the probable cause or causes of the accident,
2. identify and evaluate proposed corrective actions,
3. evaluate the implications of the accident for LLRV and LM design and operations,
4. report its findings to the NASA Administrator as expeditiously as possible but no later than July 15, and
5. document its findings and submit a final report to the Administrator with a copy to the NASA Safety Director.

1968 May 17

Concern over escalation of Apollo E-mission objectives - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operations, expressed concern to ASPO Manager George M. Low over the escalation of E-mission objectives; the flight now loomed as an extremely complex and ambitious mission. The probability of accomplishing all the objectives set forth for the mission, said Kraft, was very low. He did not propose changing the mission plan, however. "If we are fortunate," he said, "then certainly the quickest way to the moon will be achieved." Kraft did suggest caution in setting mission priorities and in "apply(ing) adjectives to the objectives." Additional Details: here....

1968 May 21

Potential for lunar photography of the moon from the CSM during Apollo lunar missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Following up on an earlier request to examine the potential for lunar photography of the moon from the CSM during Apollo lunar missions, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips asked MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to expand MSC's effort to include the potential for a range of scientific investigations. Specifically, he asked that MSC study the overall potential of the CSM for lunar science and the modification needed to support increasingly complex experiment payloads. Among experiments that might be carried out from the CSM Phillips cited infrared spectrometer radiometer, ultraviolet absorption spectrometer, passive microwave, radar-laser altimetry, and subsatellites.

1968 May 22

Twist-and-solder wire splices were evaluated for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Electrical.
Twist-and-solder wire splices were evaluated for ASPO Manager Low by Systems Engineering Division. The evaluation stated that twist-and-solder wire splices with shrink sleeve tubing had been used for many years and when properly done were adequate. It then listed three advantages and six disadvantages of this kind of splice. In summary, it stated that the splice could be phased into the LM program but was not recommended by the division because:
1. there are too many variables;
2. the present solder splice (either heat or ZAP gun) had none of the disadvantages or variables mentioned;
3. a substantial amount of time would be required to establish and implement qualification; and
4. qualification testing had proven the present solder splices adequate.
LM Program Manager C. H. Bolender had the memo hand-carried to George Low's office, since he was temporarily withholding approval of an engineering change proposal for Grumman to implement use of the ZAP gun for solder splices. Low, in turn, sent an "Urgent Action" note to his Assistant Manager for Flight Safety, Scott H. Simpkinson, asking his views on the problem and saying, in part, "Personally, I would only use the twist-and-solder splice - but I may be old fashioned." Simpkinson replied to Low with an informal note on May 23, agreeing with the recommendations of the Systems Engineering Division. Simpkinson said, ". . . The worst wire splice in the production world is the twist-and-solder, and cover with tubing. . . . I believe we should use the present LM splice method which has been qualified." He recommended the ZAP gun, "which controls the heat properly so that all the advantages of the present LM wire splices can be realized," recalling the phrase, 'Let's not improve ourselves into a new set of problems.'" On that same day Low instructed Bolender to proceed with the ZAP gun Grumman splices.

1968 May 24

Recommended program for Apollo spacesuit modifications to achieve greater astronaut maneuverability - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips requested from MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth a recommended program for spacesuit modifications to achieve greater astronaut maneuverability. The modifications were required for lunar landing missions, because extravehicular activities such as sampling and instrument deployment were difficult and time consuming with the present suit configuration. Phillips asked for trade-off studies to achieve optimized life support systems, an analysis of mobility requirements and techniques to enhance mobility, and studies of crew station requirements and problem areas such as suit repair, storage, and checkout.

1968 May 25

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Effects of launch vehicle "pogo" vibrations - on Apollo spacecraft studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Parachute. ASPO Manager George M. Low informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips of recent MSC work on the effects of launch vehicle-induced oscillations - i.e., "pogo" vibrations - on the spacecraft and its subsystems. . Additional Details: here....

1968 May 28

Apollo LM ascent engine problem resolved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. NASA and Grumman officials met to resolve the issue of the injector for the LM ascent engine.. Additional Details: here....

1968 May 29

NASA's North American Management Performance Award Board issued a summary of its findings - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA's North American Management Performance Award Board sent a summary of its findings for the first interim period, from September 1967 through March 1968, to North American Rockwell's Space Division. The review board had been charged with assessing the company's performance under spacecraft contract NAS 9-150 and determining an award fee under the contract's incentive agreements. Board Chairman B. L. Dorman wrote Space Division President William B. Bergen that the Board had been impressed by the attention of North American's top management to the CSM program. Moreover, a cooperative attitude from top to bottom had afforded NASA an excellent view into problem areas, while the company's assessment of problems had helped to produce high-quality hardware. On the other hand, several activities needed improvement: cost control; tighter management control over change traffic; stronger management of subcontractors; and better planning and implementation of test and checkout functions.

1968 May

Alternative uses for the Apollo LM-2 vehicle recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller recommended to the Administrator several alternative uses for the LM-2 vehicle, since that spacecraft was no longer destined for flight. . Additional Details: here....

1968 June 3

Test to detect toxic hazards inside Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Crew Station.
ASPO Manager George Low advised Apollo program officials at KSC that, to collect adequate data for evaluating any potential toxicological hazard inside the spacecraft, collection of gas samples of the cabin atmosphere must be made for 12 hours during the unmanned altitude chamber test with all systems operating. Low asked that this requirement be included in the spacecraft test procedures. Additional Details: here....

1968 June 3

Freon for fire extinguishing inside the Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Apollo Program Director Sam Phillips asked ASPO Manager George Low to investigate the value of using freon as a fire extinguishing agent inside the spacecraft. . Additional Details: here....

1968 June 5

Apollo crews of the F and G missions to be selected as early as possible - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, wrote MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to express his personal interest in lunar extravehicular activity (EVA) training for the Apollo crews of the F and G missions (i.e., the initial lunar landing and subsequent flights). Because of the complexity of the EVA tasks that the astronauts must perform, Mueller said, crews for those missions should be selected as early as possible. Also, realistic training - including a realistic run-through of many of the lunar surface tasks, especially development of the S-band antenna and the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package and sampling operations - must be conducted to ensure that the crews competently carried out the various scientific experiments and other tasks during their brief stays on the moon.

1968 June 7

Apollo LM descent stage heatshield and thermal blanket problems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
ASPO Manager George M. Low and others from MSC met with Grumman's LM engineering staff, headed by Thomas J. Kelly, to discuss the descent stage heatshield and thermal blanket problems associated with reduced thrust decay of the descent engine at lunar touchdown. Additional Details: here....

1968 June 10

Important Apollo events - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM RCS. In his weekly progress report to the NASA Administrator, Deputy Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller cited several important Apollo events during the first week of June.. Additional Details: here....

1968 June 10

Flight combustion stability monitor on Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
ASPO Manager George M. Low met with Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton, Directors of MSC Flight and Flight Crew Operations, and several members of their staffs (including astronaut Walter M. Schirra, Jr.) to discuss using the flight combustion stability monitor (FCSM) on the Apollo 7 flight. Additional Details: here....

1968 June 11

Two pilot-chute riser failures during drop tests of Apollo - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Dale D. Myers, Apollo CSM Program Manager at North American Rockwell, advised MSC officials of his company's investigation of two pilot-chute riser failures during recent drop tests of the Block II earth-landing system. Should there be any imperfections in either hardware or assembly techniques, Myers explained, the Block II pilot chute and riser system could be a marginal-strength item. Investigations had determined that early manufacturing processes had allowed a differential length between the two plies of nylon webbing in the pilot-chute riser which caused unequal load distribution between the two plies and low total riser strength. Because of the earlier test failures, Myers said, the pilot chute riser had been redesigned. The two-ply nylon webbing had been replaced by continuous suspension lines (i.e., 12 nylon cords) and the 5.5-millimeter-diameter cable was changed to 6.3-millimeter cable. He then cited a series of recent tests that verified the redesigned pilot-chute riser's strength to meet deployment under worst-case operational conditions.

1968 June 17

Two-burn lunar orbit insertion (LOI) maneuver studied - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Apollo Program Director Phillips wrote MSC Director Gilruth concerning the April 10 proposal for a two-burn lunar orbit insertion (LOI) maneuver and a spring ejection of the LM from the spacecraft-lunar module adapter. Phillips agreed to the two-burn LOI in place of the originally planned one burn if results of an analysis should prove the requirement. He specified that an analysis be made of the tradeoffs and that the analysis include the risk of crash, the assumed risks due to lengthening the lunar orbit time (about four hours), and risks due to an additional spacecraft propulsion system burn, as well as the effect of the lunar gravitational potential on the ability to target the LOI maneuver to achieve the desired vector at the time of LM descent. The proposal for spring ejection of the LM from the SLA was approved with the provision that a failure analysis be made in order to understand the risks in the change.

1968 July 3

Final drop test to qualify the Apollo CSM earth landing system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA and contractor technicians successfully conducted the final parachute drop test to qualify the Apollo CSM earth-landing system. The Block II ELS thus was considered ready for manned flight after 12 Block I, 4 Block II, and 7 increased-capability Block II Qualification Tests - that had followed 77 Block I, 6 Block II, and 25 increased-capability Block II Development Drop Tests.

1968 July 5

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo spacecraft to withstand bending loads due to a failure of engines on the Saturn V booster - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
ASPO Manager George M. Low asked Aaron Cohen, one of his chief technical assistants, to investigate the ability of the Apollo spacecraft to withstand bending loads imposed by a failure of one or more engines on the Saturn V launch vehicle (as well as actual loads that would be imposed on the spacecraft). Additional Details: here....

1968 July 10-11

Apollo Review Board certifies Apollo CSM 101 and the Block II CSM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. The Apollo Design Certification Review (DCR) Board met in Houston to examine CSM 101 and the Block II CSM for proof of design and development maturity and to certify the designs for flightworthiness and manned flight safety.. Additional Details: here....

1968 July 11

Changes in the Apollo LM vibration testing program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural. ASPO Manager Low informed Apollo Program Director Phillips of several changes in the LM vibration testing program. . Additional Details: here....

1968 July 13

Continued propellant leaks in the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion. ASPO Manager George M. Low wrote to Grumman President Llewellyn J. Evans to call his attention to the problem of continued propellant leaks in the LM. . Additional Details: here....

1968 July 15

NASA / Atomic Energy Commission interfaces for the Apollo SNAP-27 radioisotope generator defined - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips laid down Headquarters and MSC interfaces with the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) regarding the SNAP-27 radioisotope thermoelectric generator for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP). The Lunar Surface Program Office at MSC was the field project office responsible for developing the ALSEP system, and the radioisotope generator - as part of the ALSEP - had been assigned to that office for system integration. Thus, the Lunar Surface Program Office served as the AEC's primary contact on the SNAP-27 both for ALSEP program matters and for data pertaining to flight safety and documentation for flight approval. Phillips stressed that all data be fully coordinated with Headquarters before being submitted to the AEC. (Approval for the flight of any nuclear device rested ultimately with the President, but formal documentation had to be concurred in by the NASA Administrator, the AEC Commissioners, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Aeronautics and Space Council.)

1968 July 17

Review of the Apollo LM program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
NASA Associate Administrator George E. Mueller, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, and other high-ranking manned space flight officials from Headquarters visited Bethpage for an overall review of the LM program. Greatest emphasis during their review was on schedules, technical problems, and qualification of the spacecraft's principal subsystems. Mueller and Phillips cited several areas that most concerned NASA:
- Delivery schedules from subcontractors and vendors had slipped significantly during the past year, to the point where many components were only marginally supporting spacecraft deliveries.
- The large number of hardware changes made during the past year was affecting costs and schedules.
- Costs forecast for Fiscal Year 1969 exceeded the current LM budget.
Mueller also suggested that Grumman consider eliminating the LM rendezvous radar to save weight aboard the vehicle. He stated that VHF ranging would be more accurate and would probably be the preferred mode of operation.

1968 July 22

Apollo CSM 102 deleted from the manned flight program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
In the continuing effort to reduce costs while still maintaining a balanced and viable program, ASPO Manager George M. Low recommended to NASA Hq. that CSM 102 be deleted from the manned flight program. He estimated total savings at $25.5 million (excluding cost of refurbishment after the current ground test program). In addition, he said, during the static structural test program at North American Rockwell, CSM 102 would be subjected to loads that would compromise structural integrity of the vehicle for manned flight.

1968 July 23

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

New Saturn V payload at translunar injection of 46,040 kilograms established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Prompted by a request from MSC to increase the Saturn V's performance to 46,070 kilograms for lunar missions, Samuel C. Phillips sought to strike a balance between spacecraft and launch vehicle weight-performance demands. He established as a new payload interface definition at translunar injection a payload of 46,040 kilograms. Should the vehicle per se be incapable of achieving this figure, said Phillips, he would relax certain flight constraints to achieve the best possible balance between the space vehicle and the specific mission to be flown. But he implored both ASPO Manager George M. Low and Lee B. James, Saturn V Program Manager at MSFC, to work toward this balance between spacecraft and launch vehicle and to avoid any hardware changes in the Saturn V solely to meet the new payload interface weight.

1968 July 30

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Plans for S-IVB and Apollo spacecraft separation and use of a slingshot trajectory toward the moon - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Speer. Program: Apollo.
F. A. Speer, Mission Operations Manager at MSFC, advised NASA Hq. of plans for S-IVB and spacecraft separation and employment of a "slingshot" trajectory following insertion into the trajectory toward the moon. Residuals in the S-IVB, said Speer, could be used to place the stage in a trajectory that would avoid recontact with the spacecraft and impact on either the earth or the moon - with preclusion of spacecraft-launch vehicle collision as the most important priority.

1968 August 1

Deletion of the rendezvous radar from the Apollo LM discounted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance.
Howard W. Tindall, Jr., Deputy Division Chief, MSC Mission Planning and Analysis, wrote ASPO Manager George M. Low: "A rather unbelievable proposal has been bouncing around lately. Because it is seriously ascribed to a high ranking official, MSC and Grumman are both on the verge of initiating activities - feasibility studies, procedures development, etc. - in accord with it. . . . The matter to which I refer is the possibility of deleting the rendezvous radar from the LM. The first thing that comes to mind, although not perhaps the most important, is that the uproar from the astronaut office will be fantastic - and I'll join in with my small voice too. Without rendezvous radar there is absolutely no observational data going into the LM to support rendezvous maneuvers. . . . Please see if you can stop this if it's real and save both MSC and GAEC a lot of trouble." On August 9 Low wrote NASA Apollo Program Manager Samuel Phillips that, shortly after Associate Administrator for Manned Space George Mueller had visited Grumman, Low had calls from both C. H. Bolender, MSC, and Joseph Gavin, Grumman, indicating that Mueller had made a suggestion "that we should eliminate the LM rendezvous radar as a weight saving device." He forwarded Tindall's memorandum as the basis for "why we should not consider deleting the radar and why we shouldn't spend any more effort on this work." Low added that MSC was discontinuing "any work that we may have started as a result of George's comments." In a reply on August 28, Phillips told Low, "I am in complete agreement . . . that all work toward deleting the LM rendezvous radar should be discouraged and I have written to George Mueller to that effect."

1968 August 2

Weekly review of all Apollo changes that produced extra work - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
In an effort to stem the number of hardware changes at KSC, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips instituted a weekly review of all changes that produced additional work at KSC in excess of normal checkout flow. Phillips stressed the extraordinary importance of change control and the requirement that only mandatory changes be approved through the control boards at MSC and MSFC. The volume of changes currently under way at KSC constituted a major concern. Key program objectives, he said, were in jeopardy.

1968 August 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

George Low promotes idea of flying Apollo 8 as a lunar orbit mission without the Lunar Module - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Guidance, LM RCS.
On August 7, Low asked MSC's Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., to look into the feasibility of a lunar orbit mission for Apollo 8 without carrying the LM. A mission with the LM looked as if it might slip until February or March 1969. The following day Low traveled to KSC for an AS-503 review, and from the work schedule it looked like a January 1969 launch. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 7

Apollo Review Board certifies the design of Apollo LM-3 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The Apollo Design Certification Review (DCR) Board convened at MSC to examine LM-3 further for proof of design and development maturity and to assess and certify the design of the LM-3 as flightworthy and safe for manned flight. This Delta review was identified as a requirement at the March 6 LM-3 DCR. The Board concluded at the close of the Delta DCR that LM-3 was safe to fly manned with the completion of open work and action items identified during the review.

1968 August 8

Test and checkout problems for Apollo AS-503 and AS-504 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, Petrone. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9.
ASPO Manager George M. Low and several members of his staff met at KSC with Center Director Kurt H. Debus, Launch Operations Director Rocco A. Petrone, and KSC Apollo Program Manager R. O. Middleton to discuss test and checkout problems for AS-503 and AS-504. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Senior Apollo porject management backs Apollo 8 lunar mission concept - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LTA. August 9 was probably one of the busiest days in George Low's life; the activities of that and the following days enabled the United States to meet the "in this decade" goal.. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

North American not enthusiastic about plan to send Apollo 8 to moon. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LTA. More detailed reviews within NASA showed there were still no obvious insurmountable problems that might block the plan. However North American was not too receptive to the idea.. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 10

Houston going ahead with Apollo mission planning that employed a two-burn orbit insertion maneuver - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Capping off a considerable exchange of views between MSC and NASA Headquarters, ASPO Manager George Low advised Apollo Program Director Sam Phillips that Houston was going ahead with mission planning that employed a two-burn orbit insertion maneuver. He forwarded to Phillips a lengthy memorandum from one of his staff, Howard W. Tindall, Jr., that explained in detail MSC's rationale for this two-stage orbital maneuver, the most important of which derived from crew safety and simplified orbital mission procedures. The overriding factor, Tindall explained, was a "concern for the consequences of the many things we will not have thought about but will encounter on the first lunar flight. Anything that can be done to keep the dispersions small and the procedures simple provides that much more tolerance for the unexpected. . . . The cost of the two-stage LOI is a small price to pay for these intangible but important benefits."

1968 August 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 8 lunar mission scheduled for December 20. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LTA.
On August 12 Kraft informed Low that December 20 was the day if they wanted to launch in daylight. With everyone agreeing to a daylight launch, the launch was planned for December 1 with a "built-in hold" until the 20th, which would have the effect of giving assurance of meeting the schedule. LTA (LM test article)-B was considered as a substitute; it had been through a dynamic test vehicle program, and all except Kotanchik agreed this would be a good substitute. Grumman suggested LTA-4 but Low decided on LTA-B.

1968 August 12

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo pogo structural testing quality surveillance defined - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Grau. Program: Apollo.
Dieter Grau, Director of Quality and Reliability Assurance at MSFC, sent his Houston counterpart Martin Raines a memorandum of understanding covering exchanges of quality surveillance responsibility in support of pogo structural testing under way both in Huntsville, Ala., and at MSC. Testing was being conducted simultaneously at the Wyle Laboratories in Huntsville (under contract to North American Rockwell, primarily static loading and referred to as shell stability tests); and dynamic load testing at MSC (called the "short stack" dynamic tests). In effect, each Center assumed the task of overseeing the complete test article (spacecraft, instrument unit, and S-IVB forward skirt) being tested at its own location.

1968 August 13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Borman crew selected for Apollo 8 lunar mission. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Borman, Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Kleinknecht had concluded his CSM 103-106 configuration study by August 13 and determined the high-gain antenna was the most critical item. Kraft was still "GO" and said December 20-26 (except December 25) offered best launch times; he had also looked at January launch possibilities. Slayton had decided to assign the 104 crew to the mission. He had talked to crew commander Frank Borman and Borman was interested.

1968 August 13

Design Certification Review for Apollo spacecraft 101 completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. George M. Low, MSC, in a letter to Samuel C. Phillips, OMSF, said that the Design Certification Review (DCR) for spacecraft 101 had been completed; that assigned action items had been resolved; and most of the open items had been closed. . Additional Details: here....

1968 August 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo senior figures negative on an Apollo 8 lunar mission in December - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Debus, Low, George, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
During a key meeting of Apollo senior figures - top NASA management first approached regarding an Apollo 8 lunar mission in December - reaction: negative. Participants in the August 14 meeting in Washington were Low, Gilruth, Kraft, and Slayton from MSC; von Braun, James, and Richard from MSFC; Debus and Petrone from KSC; and Deputy Administrator Thomas Paine, William Schneider, Julian Bowman, Phillips, and Hage from NASA Hq. Low reviewed the spacecraft aspects; Kraft, flight operations; and Slayton, flight crew support. MSFC had agreed on the LTA-B as the substitute and were still ready to go; and KSC said they would be ready by December 6. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 15

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Webb briefed on Apollo 8 lunar mission concept. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Paine, Phillips, Samuel, Webb. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Phillips and Paine discussed the plan with Webb in Vienna. Webb wanted to think about it, and requested further information by diplomatic carrier. That same day Phillips called Low and informed him that Mueller had agreed to the plan with the provisions that no full announcement would be made until after the Apollo 7 flight; that it could be announced that 503 would be manned and possible missions were being studied; and that an internal document could be prepared for a planned lunar orbit for December.

1968 August 16

Launch preparations for the Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller reported to his superiors that launch preparations for the Apollo 7 mission were running ahead of schedule. Spacecraft 101 had been erected and mated with the launch vehicle on August 9. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Further development of a pogo sensor for the Apollo Apollo CSM halted - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. ASPO Manager George M. Low wrote Program Director Samuel C. Phillips seeking to halt further development of a pogo sensor for the CSM. . Additional Details: here....

1968 August 17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Webb approves Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission for December - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Webb. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Webb approves Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission for December - but no public announcement until after a successful Apollo 7 flight. Phillips and Hage visited MSC, bringing the news that Webb had given clear-cut authority to prepare for a December 6 launch, but that they could not proceed with clearance for lunar orbit until after the Apollo 7 flight, which would be an earth-orbital mission with basic objectives of proving the CSM and Saturn V systems. Phillips said that Webb had been "shocked and fairly negative" when he talked to him about the plan on August 15. Subsequently, Paine and Phillips sent Webb a lengthy discourse on why the mission should be changed, and it was felt he would change his mind with a successful Apollo 7 mission.

1968 August 19

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Changes in planning for Apollo flights - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Anders, Borman, Lovell. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, Apollo Lunar Landing, CSM SPS.
In a Mission Preparation Directive sent to the three manned space flight Centers, NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips stated that the following changes would be effected in planning and preparation for Apollo flights:
Apollo-Saturn 503
- Assignment of Saturn V 503, CSM 103, and LM-3 to Mission D was canceled.
- Saturn V 503 would be prepared to carry CSM 103 and LTA (LM test article)-B on a manned CSM-only mission to be designated the C prime mission.
- The objectives and profile of the C prime mission would be developed to provide maximum gain consistent with standing flight safety requirements. Studies would be carried out and plans prepared so as to provide reasonable flexibility in establishing final mission objectives.
- All planning and preparations for the C prime mission would proceed toward launch readiness on December 6, 1968.
Apollo-Saturn 504
Saturn V 504, CSM 104, and LM-3 were assigned to the D mission, scheduled for launch readiness no earlier than February 20, 1969. The crew assigned to the D mission would remain assigned to that mission. The crew assigned to the E mission (Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr., and William Anders) would be reassigned to the C prime mission. Training and equipping the C prime crews and operational preparations would proceed as required to meet mission requirements and to meet the newly established flight readiness date.
Additional Details: here....

1968 August 26

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Payload weight of 39.78 tonnes for Apollo AS-503 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
ASPO Manager George M. Low asked Joseph N. Kotanchik, head of the Structures and Mechanics Division, to verify that all spacecraft load analyses and safety factors were compatible with the recently agreed-on payload weight of 39,780 kilograms for the AS-503 mission. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 27

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Decision to use Apollo LTA-B as payload ballast on the AS-503 flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo LTA, LM Weight.
George M. Low, ASPO Manager, set forth the rationale for using LTA-B (as opposed to some other LM test article or even a full-blown LM) as payload ballast on the AS-503 mission. That decision had been a joint one by Headquarters, MSFC, and MSC. Perhaps the chief reason for the decision was Marshall's position that the Saturn V's control system was extremely sensitive to payload weight. Numerous tests had been made for payloads of around 38,555 kilograms but none for those in the 29,435- to 31,750-kilogram range. MSFC had therefore asked that the minimum payload for AS-503 be set at 38,555 kilograms. Additional Details: here....

1968 August 28

Detailed study of Apollo LM-4 for lunar orbit mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. NASA asked Grumman to make a detailed study of LM-4 to determine any constraints that might prevent accomplishment of a lunar orbit mission. . Additional Details: here....

1968 August 30

Apollo Special Task Team at North American mission ended - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204.
Eberhard Rees, Director of the Apollo Special Task Team at North American Rockwell, notified the contractor that facilities the team had used at Downey, Calif., were relinquished to the company. Thus ended the mission of the group formed some nine months earlier to oversee the contractor's preparations during the period of adjustment following the Apollo 1 accident.

1968 September 3

Apollo 8 launch readiness date changed to December 13, 1968 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips notified the three manned space flight Centers that the Apollo 8 launch readiness working-schedule date had been changed to December 13, 1968..

1968 September 6

Proposed revisions of the first Apollo lunar landing mission plan - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS, LM Television.
In response to a letter from Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips concerning proposed revisions of the first lunar landing mission plan, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth presented MSC's position on the three major topics:
1. deletion of the lunar geology investigation (LGI) and the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP),
2. television coverage, and
3. extravehicular excursion.
Additional Details: here....

1968 September 10-11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

The Apollo Crew Safety Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. The Apollo Crew Safety Review Board, headed by William C. Schneider, met for the third time at MSFC, a meeting devoted primarily to safety factors for the Saturn V launch vehicle. . Additional Details: here....

1968 September 10

Status of action items assigned by Apollo Crew Safety Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. ASPO Manager George M. Low advised Headquarters of the status of MSC's work on action items assigned as a result of the Apollo Crew Safety Review Board presentation on June 17.. Additional Details: here....

1968 September 11

Extravehicular activities during the first Apollo lunar landing missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Webb. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Television.
At a meeting of the MSF Management Council, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips put forth a number of recommendations regarding planning for extravehicular and scientific activities during the first lunar landing missions:
- During the first mission, extravehicular activities (EVA) should be limited to three hours, with the spacecraft manned by one of the two crewmen at all times.
- The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package should be deleted from the earliest missions (although the present preliminary sample must be improved scientifically).
- Television must be carried aboard the LM, for benefits both for operational and public information.
- To realize the maximum scientific return on the second and subsequent flights, MSC must, during the first landing mission, assess the astronauts' capabilities to conduct lunar surface activities. Also, MSC should study and recommend changes in LM hardware that would lengthen EVA time available for scientific investigations during future Apollo missions.
The Management Council approved Phillips' recommendations and carried them to Administrator James E. Webb for final approval. In Houston, ASPO Manager George M. Low ordered his organization to begin planning for the first landing mission in accordance with these recommendations.

1968 September 12

Preparations for the first manned Apollo flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block I. Dale D. Myers, North American Rockwell's Apollo CSM Program Manager, wrote George M. Low: . Additional Details: here....

1968 September 16

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Changes in the Apollo Program Specification - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips formally notified ASPO Manager George M. Low at MSC and Saturn V Program Manager Lee B. James at MSFC of changes in the Apollo Program Specification. As agreed on during the MSF Management Council meeting on August 6, the Apollo payload interface was set at 46,040 kilograms (with a flight geometry reserve of 137 kilometers per hour). Also, the present spacecraft loading philosophy allowed a total spacecraft weight of 46,266 kilograms for lunar missions having less than maximum flight geometry requirements. Additional Details: here....

1968 September 17

Requirements for the flight crew debriefing for the Apollo AS-205 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7.
Ernest B. Nathan, MSFC Cochairman of the Saturn-Apollo Flight Evaluation Panel, sent to MSC Marshall's requirements for the flight crew debriefing for the AS-205 mission. Generally, these requirements called for the crew's visual and sensory evaluation of the launch vehicle's performance and behavior.

1968 September 18

Review of the Apollo CSM subsystems - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mrazek, Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Dale D. Myers, Apollo CSM Program Manager at North American Rockwell, wrote to CSM Manager Kenneth S. Kleinknecht at MSC to apprise him of the company's response to an earlier review of the CSM subsystems development program. During February a small task team from MSFC, headed by William A. Mrazek, had surveyed the design, manufacture, and checkout of several of the spacecraft's subsystems. Findings of the team had been reviewed with Eberhard F. M. Rees, then at Downey as head of the Apollo Special Task Team. Myers sent Kleinknecht briefing notes of a presentation to Rees and others of the special team describing North American's responses to specific issues raised by Mrazek's group. These issues, Myers reported, had been resolved to the satisfaction of both contractor and customer.

1968 September 18

Configuration management for Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
ASPO officials headed by Manager George M. Low met with spacecraft managers from North American Rockwell and Grumman to discuss configuration management for the remainder of the Apollo program and to set forth clear ground rules regarding kinds of changes (described as Class I and Class II) and the requisite level of authority for such changes. The outcome of this meeting, as Low told Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips, was that MSC would pass judgment on all Class I changes and that "nearly every change (would) fall in this category." Minor design changes might still be approved at the contractor or subcontractor levels, said Low, but MSC would judge whether those changes were indeed Class II changes. The overall result of this policy, he told Phillips, would be a better awareness by NASA of all changes made by spacecraft subcontractors and a firm understanding that only NASA could approve Class I design modifications.

1968 September 23

The Apollo Guidance Software Task Force submitted its final report - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Apollo Guidance Software Task Force, which NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller had convened in December 1967, submitted its final report. Purpose of the task force, as Mueller had stated at the time, was to determine whether "additional actions . . . could be taken to improve the software development and verification process and control of it." Between December and July 1968, the group met 14 times at NASA and contractor locations to review the historical evolution of software programs within the Apollo project. Because of the great complexity of this entire field, the task force members recommended that it continue to receive attention by top management levels at both MSC and MSFC. And drawing upon experience learned in the Apollo program, the task force recommended that software not be slighted during any advanced manned programs and that adequate resources and experienced personnel be assigned early in the program to this vital and easily underestimated area.

1968 September 24

Apollo Site Selection Board - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Stuhlinger. Program: Apollo.
Samuel C. Phillips announced membership of the OMSF Apollo Site Selection Board, which was to meet September 26: Phillips, chairman; Lee R. Scherer, OMSF, secretary; John D. Stevenson and Harold D. Luskin, both of OMSF; Oran W. Nicks, NASA Hq., John D. Hodge, Owen E. Maynard, and Wilmot N. Hess, all of MSC; Ernst Stuhlinger, MSFC: and Roderick O. Middleton, KSC. J. H. Turnock and Charles W. Mathews had been deleted from the previous membership list and Hodge, Luskin, and Scherer added.

1968 September 24

Launch wind constraint for Saturn IB relaxed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips wrote to his two principal counterparts at MSFC and MSC, Lee B. James and George M. Low, to express his concern that the launch-release wind constraint for the Saturn IB, currently 45 kilometers, was perhaps the most restrictive of all such constraints. Additional Details: here....

1968 September 25

Apollo LM ascent engine to use Rocketdyne injector - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Ascent Propulsion. The LM ascent engine to be flown in LM-3 and subsequent missions would incorporate the Rocketdyne injector, Apollo Program Director Phillips informed ASPO Manager Low. The engine would be assembled and delivered by Rocketdyne under subcontract to Grumman.. Additional Details: here....

1968 September 25

Concerns over quality coverage of Apollo spacecraft testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
NASA Resident ASPO Manager Wilbur H. Gray at Downey told Dale D. Myers, North American Rockwell CSM Manager, that NR quality coverage of spacecraft testing no longer provided NASA with confidence in test results and that NASA Quality Control would return to monitoring test activities in and from the ACE (acceptance checkout equipment) control room. Gray charged that North American had progressively backed away from contractually agreed steps of the November 30, 1967, Quality Program Plan, and that these actions had affected test readiness, testing, and trouble shooting to the point that test acceptance could not be accepted with any reasonable assurance. Gray said that - unless North American responded by immediate reinstatement of the procedures which, as a minimum, were those that worked satisfactorily on CSMs 103 and 104 - NASA formal acceptance of operational checkout procedures would be discontinued and contractual action initiated. An annotation to George Low from Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, MSC's CSM Manager, indicated the letter had been written with the concurrence and at the suggestion of Kleinknecht.
Myers replied: "I regret that NASA feels any lack of confidence in current test results. . . . For the past year, there has been a constant improvement program carried out in Test Quality Assurance to (1) perform quality evaluation and acceptance of test results in real time and (2) upgrade the test discipline to be consistent with good quality practice. I believe that this improvement program has been effective and is evidenced by the current efficiency of test and expedient manner in which test paper work is being closed out. While there is naturally some cost benefit experienced from the successful improvements, cost never has been placed as a criteria above quality. . . .
"Again, I want to emphasize that the CSM Program has not nor will not intentionally place cost ahead of quality. . . . The procedures which worked satisfactorily on CSM 103 and 104 are being improved to provide better test discipline and more effective Quality Assurance coverage. Test progress on CSM 106 to date indicates a greater test effectiveness and a greater confidence in test results than any previous CSM's." Additional Details: here....

1968 September 26

Commendation for Rees and the Apollo Special Task Team - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth sent Eberhard F. M. Rees, MSFC Deputy Director, his "personal commendation" and appreciation for Rees's leadership of the Apollo Special Task Team and its efforts to bring the CSM program out of the difficult period early in 1967. The work of Rees and his group, said Gilruth, had made an outstanding contribution to the Apollo program and had given NASA management "a significantly higher level of technical confidence" that the Block II spacecraft could safely perform its mission. In addition, Gilruth noted, Rees's "diplomacy in interfacing with North American management also created a much better NASA-contractor relationship and mutual understanding of program technical requirements."

1968 Week Ending September 27

Apollo descent-stage tank blew up during qualification test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
The Allison descent-stage propellant tank, being redesigned at Airite Division of Sargent Industries to a "lidless" configuration, blew up during qualification test at Airite. The crew noticed loss of pressure and therefore tightened fittings and repressurized. As the pressure went up, the tank blew into several pieces. Grumman dispatched a team to Airite to determine the cause and the necessary corrective action.

1968 September 28

Review of functional interfaces between launch vehicle and spacecraft for Apollo 7 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. Results of a joint MSFC-MSC review of functional interfaces between the launch vehicle and spacecraft for Apollo 7 were forwarded to NASA Hq. . Additional Details: here....

1968 September 30

Launch preparation for Apollo 7 and 8 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller summarized for his superiors launch preparation for the near-term missions Apollo 7 and Apollo 8.. Additional Details: here....

1968 September 30

Apollo D and G missions to test Apollo EMU - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo CSM.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips asked ASPO Manager George M. Low to investigate the feasibility of using data from the D and G missions to increase NASA's knowledge of and confidence in the operational capabilities of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). Phillips included in his request specific recommendations for additional instrumentation to obtain the necessary data. His action stemmed from a general concern about the extent and complexity of surface operations on the first lunar landing flight (which might substantially reduce chances for successful completion). For this reason, he and other program officials had stringently limited the number of objectives and the extent of those surface activities. But to plan confidently for surface EVA during follow-on Apollo landing missions, Phillips said, as much information as possible had to be gathered about the operational capability of the crew and the EMU.

1968 October 1-2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

The Apollo Crew Safety Review Board held its fourth meeting at MSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Apollo Crew Safety Review Board held its fourth meeting at MSC. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 2

Operational philosophy for the Apollo 7 mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, wrote MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth to reemphasize the operational philosophy for the Apollo 7 mission. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 3

Apollo 7 flight readiness review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7.
Senior management from NASA Hq. and the three manned Centers conducted the Apollo 7 flight readiness review at KSC. Crew, space vehicle, and all supporting elements were ready for flight. Countdown-to-launch sequence had started on October 6, and flight preparations were on schedule for launch readiness at 11:00 a.m. EDT on October 11.

1968 October 4

Mission techniques for the Apollo D mission discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC spacecraft and mission planning experts met to discuss mission techniques for the D mission, specifically the rendezvous exercise. Because of the slow progress in reviewing a draft of the D Rendezvous Mission Techniques document, Apollo Data Priority Coordinator Howard W. Tindall reported that the Center's effort in this area needed to be strengthened. Participants did identify exactly what spacecraft equipment had to be working at the start of each segment of the rendezvous exercise. A general principle was that the CSM must at all times be prepared to rescue the LM. Participants therefore insisted on having a redundant capability in the CSM for all crucial operations. This rescue capability by the CSM provided an adequate backup for each possible LM system failure except braking. This general philosophy, stated Tindall, "seemed to provide the best tradeoff between crew safety and assurance of meeting mission objectives."

1968 October 7

Apollo test recording guidelines - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In compliance with Apollo Program Directive 29 of July 6, 1967, ASPO Manager George M. Low informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips that "the private umbilical connection between the astro- communicator and the astronauts, the private administrative telephone connection via the umbilical cable to the astronauts, and the private aeromed communications in the MSOB (Manned Spacecraft Operations Building) will be recorded during all hazardous spacecraft tests. The recording will be placed in the hands of the Director of Flight Crew Operations, who will keep this recording for a period of 30 days following mission completion. After that time the recording may be destroyed."

1968 October 7

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 8 CSM installed atop the Saturn V - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
In preparation for the flight of Apollo 8, NASA and industry technicians at KSC placed CSM 103 atop the Saturn V launch vehicle. The launch escape system was installed the following day; and on October 9 the complete AS-503 space vehicle was rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building and moved to the launch pad, where launch preparations were resumed.

1968 October 7

Plan for control of configuration changes on the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight.
Ralph H. Tripp, LM Program Manager at Grumman, forwarded his company's plan for control of configuration changes on the LM. The need for such a formal statement had been discussed at a meeting in Bethpage on September 25 between ASPO Manager George M. Low; his deputy for the LM, C. H. Bolender; other Apollo engineers from Houston; and Tripp, LM Program Director Joseph G. Gavin, Jr., and others from Grumman. Grumman's ground rules set forth explicit guidelines governing change approval levels, specifically those changes which the contractor might make without obtaining prior specific approval from NASA (defined as "compatibility changes" that did not have significant cost, weight, performance, schedule, or safety effects) - although Grumman must continue to inform MSC of these changes as they occurred.

1968 October 7

Soviets consider Apollo 8 has no chance of success - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Tyulin. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1. Flight: Apollo 8.
Tyulin is still complaining that the VVS never signed the L1 design specification. But the crews are ready for flight. The flight of Apollo 8 to the moon is announced. Kamanin considers this an adventure with no chance of success. After all, there have been only two Saturn V launches, the last one a partial failure. The US has never flown a crew to escape velocity or lunar distance. The whole thing is a risky, unsafe adventure.

1968 October 9

Surface activities for the first Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Maynard. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Members of the MSF Management Council considered scientific experiments and surface extravehicular activities (EVA) for the first Apollo lunar landing mission. They decided to go ahead with development of three proposed experiments, the passive seismometer, laser reflector, and solar wind collector. They made no commitment to fly any of the three, however, pending development schedules and a clear understanding of timelines required for their deployment during the EVA portion of the mission. Other issues examined by the Council still were unresolved: one versus two-man EVA, use of television, and timeline allocations for EVA trials and development by the crew. During the discussions, ASPO Manager George M. Low recommended attempting television transmission via the Goldstone antenna (although the operational procedures would further burden an already heavily constrained mission). The erectable antenna would also be carried and used if the landing site and EVA period precluded sight of the Goldstone antenna. Charles W. Mathews and others from Washington voiced concern that the EVA timeline did not allow sufficient time for learning about EVA per se in the one-sixth-gravity environment of the moon. The astronaut must perform some special tasks, but must also have some time for personal movements and evaluation of EVA capabilities in order to build confidence toward a fairly complex EVA exercise during the second landing mission. Low asked his chief system engineering assistant, Owen E. Maynard, to incorporate these operational decisions into the Apollo mission planning and to define mounting of the television camera and its early use in the mission.

1968 October 9

LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

All changes to Apollo 7 as a result of Apollo 1 fire completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. NASA Apollo Mission Director William C. Schneider reported completion of all action items pertinent to Apollo 7 assigned by Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips as a result of recommendations by the Apollo Crew Safety Review Board on May 27, 1968.. Additional Details: here....

1968 October 10

Revised policies and procedures for control of changes for Apollo AS-503 and subsequent missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Because of the continuing problem of hardware changes, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips revised policies and procedures for control of changes for AS-503 and subsequent missions. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 11

15:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC34. LV Family: Saturn I. Launch Vehicle: Saturn IB.

Apollo 7 - . Call Sign: Apollo 7. Crew: Cunningham, Eisele, Schirra. Backup Crew: Cernan, Stafford, Young. Payload: Apollo CSM 101 / S-IVB-205. Mass: 14,674 kg (32,350 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 10.84 days. Decay Date: 1968-10-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 3486 . COSPAR: 1968-089A. Apogee: 306 km (190 mi). Perigee: 229 km (142 mi). Inclination: 31.60 deg. Period: 89.90 min.
Apollo 7 (AS-205), the first manned Apollo flight, lifted off from Launch Complex 34 at Cape Kennedy Oct. 11, carrying Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham. The countdown had proceeded smoothly, with only a slight delay because of additional time required to chill the hydrogen system in the S-IVB stage of the Saturn launch vehicle. Liftoff came at 11:03 a.m. EDT. Shortly after insertion into orbit, the S-IVB stage separated from the CSM, and Schirra and his crew performed a simulated docking with the S-IVB stage, maneuvering to within 1.2 meters of the rocket. Although spacecraft separation was normal, the crew reported that one adapter panel had not fully deployed. Two burns using the reaction control system separated the spacecraft and launch stage and set the stage for an orbital rendezvous maneuver, which the crew made on the second day of the flight, using the service propulsion engine.
Crew and spacecraft performed well throughout the mission. During eight burns of the service propulsion system during the flight, the engine functioned normally. October 14, third day of the mission, witnessed the first live television broadcast from a manned American spacecraft.

1968 October 16

Saturn IB program placed in a standby status - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips ordered that the Saturn IB program be placed in a standby status pending any future requirements for Apollo or the Apollo Applications program. Phillips' action signaled the shift in Apollo to the Saturn V vehicle, effective with AS-503.

1968 October 17

Loss of attitude control caused Apollo LLRV Crash - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV, LM Structural.
Two NASA investigation boards had reported that loss of attitude control caused the May 6 accident that destroyed lunar landing research vehicle No. 1, NASA announced. Helium in propellant tanks had been depleted earlier than normal, dropping pressure needed to force hydrogen peroxide propellant to the attitude-control lift rockets and thrusters. Additional Details: here....

1968 October 17

Contractor support of the Apollo flight program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Dale D. Myers, Apollo CSM Manager at North American Rockwell, wrote ASPO Manager George Low on the policy question of contractor and subcontractor support of the current Apollo flight program and potential follow-on activities. Support for such activities, Myers said, "can be seriously jeopardized if we permit . . . experienced, specialized personnel and unique facilities to become irretrievably lost to the program." He emphasized in particular the case of Aeronca, Inc., of Middletown, Ohio, manufacturer of stainless steel honeycomb panels that formed the structure of the CSM heatshield. Without some sort of sustaining activity, manufacturing skills and capabilities at Aeronca - and numerous other subcontractors and vendors - would rapidly wither. Myers earnestly solicited Low's views on the subject of subcontractor capability retention. In Low's response, he indicated that immediate action was being initiated to establish capability retention for the three most critical sources, Aeronca, Beech, and Pratt and Whitney, and a plan of action was being prepared for others.

1968 October 18

Apollo official policy position for landings on land - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
David B. Pendley, Technical Assistant for Flight Safety at MSC, recommended to ASPO Manager George M. Low an official policy position for landings on land. Pendley stated that despite all efforts by the Center's Engineering and Development Directorate to develop a safe land-landing capability with the CSM, the goal could not be attained. The best course, he told Low, was to accept the risk inherent in the fact that a land landing could not be avoided in an early launch abort-accept the risk openly and frankly and to plan rescue operations on the premise of major structural damage to the spacecraft. "If we do not officially recognize the land landing hazard," Pendley said, "this will place us in an untenable position should an accident occur, and will further prejudice the safety of the crew by continuing a false feeling of security on the subject."

1968 October 19

Extravehicular activities on the first Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips apprised Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller of recent program decisions and planning for extravehicular activities (EVA) on the first Apollo lunar landing mission. Primary objective on that first flight, Phillips said, had from the inception of the program been a safe manned landing and return. However, in light of current schedules, mission planning, and crew training activities, the agency must now commit itself to a definite scope for EVA activities on the first flight. After thorough review of the mission, a tentative EVA outline had been drawn up at the end of August and distributed to the Centers and Headquarters offices for comment. On September 11 the Manned Space Flight Management Council reviewed the proposed EVA scheme and criticisms and approved a formal EVA mission plan:
- The first mission would include a single EVA period of up to three hours. Training experience and simulations would form the basis for a decision on one- versus two-man EVAs during the period.
- The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package and the Lunar Geology Investigation experiment would not be carried aboard the flight. Lunar soil samples would be collected. Also, other candidate experiments would be considered for inclusion on the flight.
- Television would be carried aboard the flight, both for operational and public information benefits.
- A paramount objective on the first landing would be to assess limitations and capabilities of the astronauts and their equipment in the lunar surface environment, to enhance the scientific return from the second and subsequent missions. (MSC was to structure detailed test objectives and experiments to satisfy this goal.)
- And MSC would recommend to Headquarters (including cost and schedule impacts) hardware changes that would lengthen the EVA time available for scientific investigations during subsequent flights.

1968 October 21

Launch preparations for Apollo 8 and 9 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II. Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller summarized launch preparations for the near-term missions Apollo 8 and Apollo 9. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 21

Operational Readiness Inspection Committee for the Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth formally constituted an Operational Readiness Inspection Committee to inspect the Lunar Receiving Laboratory to demonstrate its suitability to accomplish its mission. John D. Hodge of MSC was appointed Chairman of the ORI and Peter J. Armitage, MSC, Executive Secretary. Other members were Aleck C. Bond, John W. Conlon, D. O. Coons, Joseph P. Kerwin, Paul H. Vavra, and Earle B. Young, all of MSC; E. Barton Geer, LaRC; A. G. Wedum, Ft. Detrick, Md.; and Donald U. Wise, NASA Hq.

1968 October 21

Apollo 7 CSM to Downey for postflight testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
While the flight of Apollo 7 was still in progress, ASPO Manager George M. Low ordered that CSM 101 be returned to Downey as quickly as possible at the end of the mission to begin postflight testing as quickly as possible. Therefore, no public affairs showing of the spacecraft could be permitted.

1968 October 22

Landing of Apollo 7 - . Return Crew: Cunningham, Eisele, Schirra. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cunningham, Eisele, Schirra. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7.
The SPS engine was used to deorbit after 259 hours 39 minutes of flight. CM-SM separation and operation of the earth landing system were normal, and the spacecraft splashed down about 13 kilometers from the recovery ship (27.32 N 64.04 W), the U.S.S. Essex at 11:11 GMT. Although the vehicle initially settled in an apex-down ("stable 2") attitude, upright bags functioned normally and returned the CSM to an upright position in the water. Schirra, Eisele, and Cunningham were quickly picked up by a recovery helicopter and were safe aboard the recovery vessel less than an hour after splashdown.
All primary Apollo 7 mission objectives were met, as well as every detailed test objective (and three test objectives not originally planned). Engineering firsts from Apollo 7, aside from live television from space, included drinking water for the crew produced as a by-product of the fuel cells. Piloting and navigation accomplishments included an optical rendezvous, daylight platform realignment, and orbital determination via sextant tracking of another vehicle. All spacecraft systems performed satisfactorily. Minor anomalies were countered by backup systems or changes in procedures. With successful completion of the Apollo 7 mission, which proved out the design of the Block II CSM (CSM 101), NASA and the nation had taken the first step on the pathway to the moon.
Although the systems worked, the crew became grumpy with head colds and talked back to the ground. As a result, NASA management determined that none of them would fly again. Apollo 7 landed at 07:12 GMT.

1968 October 23

Two failures of Apollo LM propellant tanks fail during testing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. LeRoy E. Day, Apollo Test Director, NASA Hq., informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips of two failures of LM propellant tanks during testing, a problem that might have significant program impact on LMs 6 and 7 and subsequent vehicles. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 24

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Retesting Saturn V following a lightning strike - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Howard D. Burns, Chief of the Saturn V Test Management Office at MSFC, sent to Apollo launch operations officials at KSC a list of requirements for retesting the Saturn V following a lightning strike on the vehicle while on the pad.. Additional Details: here....

1968 October 26

Results of the inspection performed on Apollo LM-4 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. In a memorandum for the record, MSC's Apollo LM Program Manager C. H. Bolender reviewed results of the receiving inspection performed on LM-4 at KSC on October 21. . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 28

No static-firing of the Apollo 8 reaction control system on the pad - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II. MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office Manager George M. Low deleted the requirement for a short static-firing of the Apollo 8 service module reaction control system on the pad before launch (the so-called "burp" firing). . Additional Details: here....

1968 October 31

AS-504 and AS-505 missions officially designated as Apollo 9 and Apollo 10 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 9. NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips officially designated the AS-504 and AS-505 missions as Apollo 9 and Apollo 10..

1968 November 7

Informal crew log for each Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Slayton. Program: Apollo.
The Configuration Control Board had decided in favor of an informal crew log for each Apollo spacecraft, ASPO Manager George M. Low informed MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton. The log would be an unofficial document kept by consulting pilots at the spacecraft contractor plants during checkout and test of the vehicles and by the flight crew support team at KSC. Although not intended to replace other, more formal procedures for recording hardware discrepancies, the log would contain such items as switching anomalies, meter bias, and what Low termed "bona fide 'ghosts'" which had no reasonable engineering explanation, as well as audible and visual "idiosyncrasies" in spacecraft operation.

1968 November 8

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Proper spacecraft deployment during the Apollo 8 flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Petrone. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo Spacecraft Systems Development Diaries. Spacecraft: CSM Electrical. ASPO Manager George M. Low asked Rocco A. Petrone, Launch Operations Director at KSC, to set up a special task team to review all paperwork and to inspect visually all hardware, to ensure proper spacecraft deployment during the Apollo 8 flight. . Additional Details: here....

1968 November 10

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Success of Apollo 7 clears way for Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission in December. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 7, Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LTA.
Apollo 7 - flown October 11-22 - far exceeded Low's expectations in results and left no doubts that they should go for lunar orbit on Apollo 8. At the November 10 Apollo Executive meeting Phillips presented a summary of the activities; James gave the launch vehicle status; Low reported on the spacecraft status and said he was impressed with the way KSC had handled its tight checkout schedule; Slayton reported on the flight plan; and Petrone on checkout readiness. Petrone said KSC could launch as early as December 10 or 12. Phillips said he would recommend to the Management Council the next day for Apollo 8 to go lunar orbit. Additional Details: here....

1968 November 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Paine gives Apollo 8 go-ahead for lunar orbit mission. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LTA. Low's initiative had paid off; the final decision to go to the moon in 1968 was made with the blessings of all of NASA's decision-makers, the Apollo Executive Committee, STAC, and PSAC..

1968 November 12

Public announcement of decision to send Apollo 8 to lunar orbit. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8.

1968 November 12

Land landing of the Apollo CSM in the area of the launch site after an abort assessed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The Apollo Crew Safety Review Board met to assess land landing of the CSM in the area of the launch site if a flight were aborted just before launch or during the initial phase of a flight. In general the Board was satisfied with overall planned recovery and medical operations. The only specific item to be acted on was some means of purging the interior of the spacecraft to expel any coolant or propellant fumes that might be trapped inside the cabin. The Board was also concerned about the likelihood of residual propellants trapped inside the vehicle even after abort sequence purging, a problem that MSC secured assistance from both the Ames and Lewis Research Centers to solve. At the Board's suggestion, MSC's Crew Systems Division also investigated the use of a helmet liner for the astronauts to prevent head injury upon impact. Finally, the Board recommended continued egress training with fully suited crews, including some night training.

1968 November 13

Effects of moisture on the Apollo launch adapter structure - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Chamberlin. Program: Apollo. ASPO Manager Low asked Aaron Cohen, one of his staff assistants, to lead an investigation to determine detrimental effects of moisture on the strength of the bonded covering of the launch adapter structure. . Additional Details: here....

1968 November 19

Apollo White Sands Test Facility phasedown - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Martin L. Raines, MSC's Manager at the White Sands Test Facility, recommended to ASPO Manager George M. Low that he issue official direction to the two spacecraft contractors, North American Rockwell and Grumman, governing the phasedown of operations at the engine test site. Early action was needed, Raines said, for proper contractual action on the phasedown and for proper disposition of equipment and supplies. This action signaled the end of the long and difficult supportive development effort to prove out the Apollo spacecraft rocket engines for flight.

1968 November 22

Astronaut training runs with the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
In a memorandum for the record, ASPO Manager George M. Low summarized results of November 19 and 22 meetings on procedures for astronaut training runs with the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) under simulated space conditions. The runs would be in the two vacuum test chambers of the Center's Space Environment Simulation Laboratory. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth had attended the meetings. Training runs were always to be preceded by a run also under altitude conditions and using a gas umbilical from the life support system of the facility itself. Although connected to the crewman, the facility umbilical would not be used as a gas supply under normal test conditions. For the final training run, the astronaut would wear a complete flight-configured EMU without any other link with the facility. Although several participants objected that training runs using the EMU alone ran greater risk than normal in chamber tests, the decision to conduct the exercises using the all-up flight configuration was reaffirmed.

1968 November 22

Development of the Apollo SPS engine reviewed - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller reviewed for NASA Acting Administrator Thomas O. Paine the development of the Apollo service propulsion system (SPS) engine. . Additional Details: here....

1968 November 22

Problem with the Apollo LM fuel -remaining light - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Conrad. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
Howard W. Tindall, Jr., Chief of Apollo Data Priority Coordination within ASPO, reported an operational system problem aboard the LM. To give a returning Apollo crew an indication of time remaining to perform a landing maneuver or to abort, a light on the LM instrument panel would come on when about two minutes worth of propellants remained in the descent propellant system tanks with the descent engine running at 25-percent thrust. The present LM weight and descent trajectory were such that the light would always come on before touchdown. The only hitch, said Tindall, was that the signal was connected to the spacecraft master alarm. "Just at the most critical time in the most critical operation of a perfectly nominal lunar landing mission, the master alarm with all its lights, bells, and whistles will go off." Tindall related that some four or five years earlier, astronaut Pete Conrad had called the arrangement "completely unacceptable . . . but he was probably just an Ensign at the time and apparently no one paid any attention." If this "is not fixed," Tindall said, "I predict the first words uttered by the first astronaut to land on the moon will be 'Gee whiz, that master alarm certainly startled me.'" Tindall recommended either rerouting the signal wiring to bypass the alarm or cutting the signal wire and relying solely on the propellant gauges to assess flight time remaining.

1968 November 27

Apollo LM-11 midsection assembly collapsed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
The LM-11 midsection assembly collapsed in the assembly jig during the bulkhead prefitting stage of construction at Grumman. The structure buckled when the bulkheads, which had just been prefitted and drilled, were removed to permit deburring the drilled holes. Jig gates that were supposed to hold up the assembly were not in position, nor was the safety line properly installed. The structure was supported by hand. Damage to the skin of the structure was not severe, although a small radius bend was put in one of the upper skins.

1968 November 27

Flight-test of manual control of Apollo LM ascent configuration - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM guidance.
The need to flight-test manual control of the light LM ascent configuration had been discussed at the October 15 MSC Flight Program Review, MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth informed NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. There was an implication that a control problem could exist for this configuration. Gilruth said he had stated that MSC should be able to establish manual control handling qualities of the LM through proper simulation and be confident about the adequacy of the control system.
Subsequently, Gilruth had reviewed the operating characteristics of the LM control system and the status of the simulation program related to manual control of the light ascent stage during docking. He said that the most demanding requirement for precision manual attitude control was the docking maneuver. Docking control had been simulated extensively at MSC, Grumman, and LaRC using functional representation of the control system and these simulations established the capability of docking the LM well within the specified docking criteria. In addition, other LM control tasks had been simulated at MSC and Grumman, and the LM was found to have satisfactory handling qualities for all manual control tasks.

1968 December 4

Soviets judge that Apollo 8 has only a 25% chance of success. - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1.
The State Commission investigating Gagarin's crash publishes it report. It found that pilot error put the aircraft into a critical situation. Kamanin judges that the Apollo 8 mission is only being flown to give US President Lyndon Johnson a triumph before he leaves office. He judges the mission has only a 25% chance of success.

1968 December 6

Scientific experiments deferred to the second Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Several scientific experiments had been deferred from the first to the second lunar landing mission, Apollo Program Director Phillips informed the ASPO Manager at MSC: S-031, Lunar Passive Seismology; S-034, Lunar Tri-axis Magnetometer; S-035, Medium Energy Solar Wind; S-036, Suprathermal Ion Detection; S-058, Cold Cathode Ionization Gauge; and S-059, Lunar Geology Investigation. Substituted was a more conservative group that included Lunar Passive Seismology (S-031); a Laser Ranging Retroreflector (S-078); and Solar Wind Composition (S-080). Also assigned to the first landing mission, included among operational tasks, were sampling activities and observations of lunar soil mechanics.

1968 December 8

Apollo lunar landing training vehicle No 1 crashed and burned at Ellington AFB - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
During a routine flight of lunar landing training vehicle (LLTV) No. 1, MSC test pilot Joseph S. Algranti was forced to eject from the craft when it became unstable and he could no longer control the vehicle. The LLTV crashed and burned. A flight readiness review at MSC on November 26 had found the LLTV ready for use in astronaut training, and 10 flight tests had been made before the accident. Additional Details: here....

1968 December 9

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Launch preparations for Apollo 8 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM SPS. Launch preparations for Apollo 8, scheduled for flight December 21, were on schedule, the NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight reported. . Additional Details: here....

1968 December 13

Soviets ponder Apollo 8 - . Nation: Russia. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
Articles appear in the Soviet newspapers explaining the risky nature of the Apollo 8 flight. Meanwhile an LLRV lunar landing trainer has crashed in America - Kamanin notes this is the second loss of an American 'lunar module'. The Apollo 8 flight has been delayed from 18 to 21 December due to engine problems.
Kamanin reviews the organisational structure of the NII-TsPK Gagarin Centre. There is a commander, three deputies, 700 staff, and 12 MiG-21's for flight training (8 single-seat combat aircraft and four two-seat trainers). There are three training tracks for the cosmonauts: Orbital, Lunar, and Military.

1968 December 14

Functional check of Apollo ALSEP lunar handtools - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM ECS. The ASPO Manager asked Wilmot N. Hess, MSC Director of Science and Applications, to devise a crew fit and functional check of lunar handtools before the LM-5 crew training tests. . Additional Details: here....

1968 December 15

Final countdown for the launch of Apollo 8 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9.
Final countdown for the launch of Apollo 8, the second manned Apollo mission, began on schedule at KSC. Significant launch preparation events included the "wet" countdown demonstration test on December 10, three days of flight simulations, an operational review, and launch site recovery exercises. Mission preparations were on schedule for launch on December 21. Launch preparations were also on schedule for the next two flights, Apollo 9 and 10.

1968 December 16

Potential uses for television aboard Apollo CSM and LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Television. NASA Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips asked ASPO Manager George M. Low for comments on potential uses for television aboard all Apollo spacecraft (both CMs and LMs). . Additional Details: here....

1968 December 17

Reviews of Apollo testing procedures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Apollo Program Director Phillips described to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth two reviews of testing and checkout procedures, conducted by the Apollo Test Office and MSC's Crew Systems Division, at Hamilton Standard September 23-26 and at International Latex September 30-October 4. (The reviews were a follow-on to similar test and checkout reviews at North American Rockwell and at Grumman earlier in the year.) The review at "Ham-Standard," manufacturer of the portable life support system, uncovered only two minor discrepancies, which the company immediately corrected. At International Latex, manufacturer of the Apollo spacesuit, however, the review teams found what Phillips termed a "disappointing situation despite extensive management direction by the Crew Systems Division." The NASA review group made several recommendations to improve the situation:
- Improved management control of suit processing and checkout to afford higher confidence in configuration, inspection, and performance integrity.
- Stricter enforcement of the acceptance data package on each delivered suit.
- Compulsory contractor updating and enforcement of specifications to meet MSC spacesuit requirements.
- Improved and rigidly enforced discipline and cleanliness.
These problems, Phillips noted, had not impaired flight readiness of the spacesuit, "but it does explain the delivery problems we have been experiencing."

1968 December 17

Reusability of systems aboard the Apollo CM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Heat Shield.
Apollo Program Director Phillips asked ASPO Manager Low to hasten work on the study at North American to define reusability of systems aboard the CM. He asked Low for a review of the area in mid-February 1969 if sufficient data were available by then. Also, Phillips asked Low's recommendations for an effectivity date on any recovery operations to increase reusability of either spacecraft systems or of the complete vehicle. (North American submitted Space Division Report No. 69-463, dated August 29, 1969, recommending preflight preservation treatment and postflight refurbishment that could be accomplished on CMs and its components to enhance reusability. Removal of heatshield access ports and flushing with fresh water on the recovery ship was the only recommendation implemented, because the others were not judged cost effective.)

1968 December 19

Crew briefings on Apollo flammability tests and fire extinguishing methods expanded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. Crew briefings on flammability tests and fire extinguishing methods should be expanded, ASPO Manager Low recommended to MSC Director of Flight Operations Donald K. Slayton. . Additional Details: here....

1968 December 20

The lunar closeup stereo camera on Apollo missions discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The lunar closeup stereo camera on Apollo missions was not a separate scientific experiment, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight wrote MSC Deputy Director George S. Trimble. An adjunct to the field geology experiment, the camera's stereoscopic photographs of fine details on the lunar surface would document individual material samples. Additional photography where no samples were taken would provide information on the range of surface textures near the landing site. Following deployment by the crew of emplaced experiments, the field geology investigation - and thus the stereo camera - had priority. Mueller stated that inclusion of the camera on all early Apollo landing missions was desirable, including the first. However, it was doubtful that the contractor could deliver the first flight article in time for that mission, although the camera could be ready for the second landing if granted waivers in documentation, reliability, and quality controls. Mueller affirmed his desire to grant these relaxations in the normally rigid Apollo hardware demands - to the extent that such waivers could be granted without jeopardizing crew safety or overall mission success. As an added benefit, the Associate Administrator said, "the experiment of giving a qualified contractor a relatively free hand in managing a development project within his particular field of competence should be instructive in the planning of future procurements of this type."

1968 December 21

12:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT1. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 8 - . Call Sign: Apollo 8. Crew: Anders, Borman, Lovell. Backup Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong, Haise. Payload: Apollo CSM 103 / LTA-B / S-IVB-503N. Mass: 28,833 kg (63,565 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 8. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 6.13 days. Decay Date: 1968-12-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 3626 . COSPAR: 1968-118A. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.
Apollo 8 (AS-503) was launched from KSC Launch Complex 39, Pad A, at 7:51 a.m. EST Dec. 21 on a Saturn V booster. The spacecraft crew was made up of Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr., and William A. Anders. Apollo 8 was the first spacecraft to be launched by a Saturn V with a crew on board, and that crew became the first men to fly around the moon.
All launch and boost phases were normal and the spacecraft with the S-IVB stage was inserted into an earth-parking orbit of 190.6 by 183.2 kilometers above the earth. After post-insertion checkout of spacecraft systems, the S-IVB stage was reignited and burned 5 minutes 9 seconds to place the spacecraft and stage in a trajectory toward the moon - and the Apollo 8 crew became the first men to leave the earth's gravitational field.
The spacecraft separated from the S-IVB 3 hours 20 minutes after launch and made two separation maneuvers using the SM's reaction control system. Eleven hours after liftoff, the first midcourse correction increased velocity by 26.4 kilometers per hour. The coast phase was devoted to navigation sightings, two television transmissions, and system checks. The second midcourse correction, about 61 hours into the flight, changed velocity by 1.5 kilometers per hour.
The 4-minute 15-second lunar-orbit-insertion maneuver was made 69 hours after launch, placing the spacecraft in an initial lunar orbit of 310.6 by 111.2 kilometers from the moon's surface - later circularized to 112.4 by 110.6 kilometers. During the lunar coast phase the crew made numerous landing-site and landmark sightings, took lunar photos, and prepared for the later maneuver to enter the trajectory back to the earth.
On the fourth day, Christmas Eve, communications were interrupted as Apollo 8 passed behind the moon, and the astronauts became the first men to see the moon's far side. Later that day , during the evening hours in the United States, the crew read the first 10 verses of Genesis on television to earth and wished viewers "goodnight, good luck, a Merry Christmas and God bless all of you - all of you on the good earth."
Subsequently, TV Guide for May 10-16, 1969, claimed that one out of every four persons on earth - nearly 1 billion people in 64 countries - heard the astronauts' reading and greeting, either on radio or on TV; and delayed broadcasts that same day reached 30 additional countries.
On Christmas Day, while the spacecraft was completing its 10th revolution of the moon, the service propulsion system engine was fired for three minutes 24 seconds, increasing the velocity by 3,875 km per hr and propelling Apollo 8 back toward the earth, after 20 hours 11 minutes in lunar orbit. More television was sent to earth on the way back.

1968 December 22

Soviet reaction to Apollo 8 - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Khrushchev, Pashkov, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Lunar L1, Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Voskhod 3.
Apollo 8 has been launched. Kamanin recalls that he first saw a model of the Saturn V during his visit to Washington DC with Titov in 1962. At that time the Soviet Union planned to fly the N1 in four years, but the only manned spacecraft on the drawing boards after Voskhod was the Sever. Khrushchev didn't give a go-ahead for the lunar program until 1964. In the gap between Voskhod and Soyuz flights, when the American Gemini program seized the lead, the USSR could have achieved a record by flying Volynov for 18 days in Voskhod 3. But this was cancelled at the last minute by the leadership because the Voskhod had 'no development potential'. Ustinov, Smirnov, Pashkov were responsible for this decision, which put the USSR permanently behind in the space race.

1968 December 24

Cosmonauts ponder loss of the moon race - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Khrunov, Shatalov, Shonin, Ustinov, Volynov, Yeliseyev. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1. Flight: Apollo 8.
The Soyuz 4 and 5 crews arrive at Tyuratam aboard an An-24. They work with their spacesuits at Area 31 until 23:00. On the bus back to the sleeping quarters Kamanin tells them of Ustinov's 'recommendation' that they do an automatic docking. They are against it, argue for a manual docking. If allowing enough time for the crew of the active spacecraft to adapt to zero-G is the issue, they propose switching the launch order of the active and passive spacecraft. This alternative is ruled out - it is too late and risky to modify the flight programs. Shatalov bursts out - 'Here we are debating this for the tenth time, while he Americans are orbiting the moon'. They call for the bus to stop. They exit out into the icy clear night and look at the moon. Thoughts came of the nine comrades who had died trying to put the USSR first to the moon, all to no avail.

1968 December 24

Plans for television cameras aboard remaining Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II, LM Television.
ASPO Manager George M. Low apprised Program Director Samuel C. Phillips of MSC's plans for television cameras aboard remaining Apollo missions. With the exception of spacecraft 104 (scheduled for flight as Apollo 9), television cameras were to be flown in all CMs. Also, cameras would be included in all manned LMs (LM-3 through LM-14).

1968 December 25

Launch Vehicle: N1.

L3 lunar lander behind schedule - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Brezhnev, Keldysh, Malinovskiy, Mishin, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo, Lunar L1. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8, Soyuz 7K-L1.
The L3 spacecraft still does not even exist in mock-up form. All of the leadership are responsible for this farce - Malinovskiy, Smirnov, Ustinov, Brezhnev. There is no single manager of the space program. The VPK and Central Committee operate on rumours. The Interagency Soviet headed by Keldysh was supposed to coordinate space activities, but in fact has not functioned in the last four to five years. There is no single military space organisation in the Ministry of Defence. Piloted flight tests are being run by former artillery officers in the RSVN. Various organizations of MAP and VVS coordinate ground and flight tests poorly. These are the reasons for the failure of the Soviet Union in space. Today in the Central Committee Ustinov asked - 'how to answer Apollo 8?' Ustinov relies on Keldysh, Keldysh supports Mishin, and Mishin is unfit for his duties. But Mishin is not even there! The program they come up with: In January 1969, 2 Venera probes will be launched, two manned Soyuz missions, and L1 s/n 13 will be sent around the moon. In February the first N1 will be launched. By the end of March the first Ye-8 robot will land on the moon and return lunar soil to the earth. This meeting is followed by a session of the VPK at 16:00. The crews are named for the Soyuz 4 and 5 flights.

1968 December 27

Americans win the race to be first around the moon - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Bushuyev, Mishin, Tyulin, Vershinin. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1. Flight: Apollo 8, Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1, Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 2, Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 3.
The General Staff considers the impending Soyuz 4 and 5 flights. Vershinin asks - what is the likelihood of Apollo 8 being successful? Kamanin tells him it is very good now; the final midcourse correction was made successfully. A State Commission convenes to consider the Zond 6 failure. Mishin and Tyulin do not attend - they send Bushuyev to represent them. It has been found that 70 km from the cosmodrome, as the spacecraft deployed its parachute, the parachute lines were pyrotechnically severed at 3 km altitude and the capsule crashed into the plain. This in turn was found to be due to an ONA landing antenna failure; and this in turn caused by the SUS going down to temperatures of -5 deg C during the flight and the depressurisation of the cabin. The hydrogen peroxide, due to the low temperature, put the spcecraft at a 45 degree attitude instead of the 18 degree maximum (?). There are five L1's left. Number 13 is at Tyuratam begin prepared for an unmanned flight due for launch on 20 or 21 January, number 11 is being readied for a March 1969 manned launch, to be followed by numbers 14, 15, and 16 in April, May, June. At 19:15 the successful splashdown of Apollo 8 is reported. The race to be first around the moon is over.

1968 December 27

Apollo LM open spacecraft failure items issue - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
C. H. Bolender, ASPO LM Manager at MSC, wrote Ralph H. Tripp, LM Program Manager at Grumman, regarding open spacecraft failure items. Although he acknowledged Grumman's recent progress in reducing the number of open failures, Bolender said that the approaching manned phase of the LM program dictated a fundamental change in the method of handling those open problems. Apollo required "zero open problems." Moreover, all failures must receive NASA approval of closeout before launch. Bolender called on Tripp to revamp his failure closeout procedures with several objectives: all closeout packages must contain sufficient documentation to permit NASA approval of the action; each package should be available as a reference for any future review of problem definition, analysis, and correction; and the contractor should further improve the discipline applied to technical resolution of open items and to the preparation of closeout packages. Bolender anticipated that Grumman's actions to meet these objectives would greatly reduce the number of open failure closeout disapprovals by NASA. But when a disagreement did exist, both parties must act quickly to resolve the issue. "Prompt attention to NASA disapprovals has been a problem," noted the LM Program Manager.

1968 December 27

Landing of Apollo 8 - . Return Crew: Anders, Borman, Lovell. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Anders, Borman, Lovell. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8.
On the sixth day, the crew prepared for reentry and the SM separated from the CM on schedule. Parachute deployment and other re-entry events were normal. The Apollo 8 CM splashed down in the Pacific, apex down, at 15:51 GMT - 147 hours and 42 seconds after liftoff. As planned, helicopters and aircraft hovered over the spacecraft and pararescue personnel were not deployed until local sunrise, 50 minutes after splashdown. The crew was picked up and reached the recovery ship U.S.S. Yorktown at 17:20 GMT. All mission objectives and detailed test objectives were achieved, as well as five that were not originally planned.
The crew was in excellent condition, and another major step toward the first lunar landing had been accomplished.

1968 December 28

Soviet space cadres stand down after Apollo 8 success - . Nation: Russia. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1. Flight: Apollo 8.
Two to three days rest for the demoralised cadres is declared, before renewing anew the assault on the cosmos in January. Kamanin muses that some day Communism will be on all of the planets of the solar system, and men will travel in fully automated spacecraft. But full automation is the wrong approach now.

1969 January 3

Mission preparation for Apollo 9 continued on schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9.
Mission preparation for Apollo 9 continued on schedule. Rollout of the space vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building, KSC, began. Mission Control Center simulations checkout, which began at MSC on December 20, 1968, was proceeding on schedule. Also, a series of thermal vacuum tests was completed, with the Apollo 9 crew using extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) flight equipment. Wind up of these tests completed the required EMU testing for the Apollo 9 flight.

1969 January 14

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Arthur Rudolph, special assistant to the MSFC Director, retired - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rudolph. Program: Apollo.
MSFC announced that Arthur Rudolph, special assistant to the MSFC Director, would retire January 31. Rudolph had served as the manager of the Saturn V rocket program from August 1963 to May 1968. He was one of the more than 100 rocket experts who came to the United States from Germany in 1945. The MSC ASPO Manager, in a congratulatory letter said, "I will always consider Saturn V to be one of the outstanding achievements that occurred during my lifetime. Its sheer size is simply fantastic. But even more astounding was its performance in its first flights." Rudolph's work in bringing the nation's most powerful launch vehicle to flight status was rewarded when the first Saturn V lifted off from KSC and performed flawlessly on November 9, 1967, Rudolph's birthday.

1969 January 15-17

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Final flight program for Apollo 9 verified - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. The final flight program for Apollo 9 was verified; the emergency egress test with the prime and backup crew was conducted; and the software integration test between the lunar module and Mission Control Center, MSC, was completed on January 15. . Additional Details: here....

1969 January 15

Guidelines for Apollo missions after first landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
The Apollo Program Director expressed concern to the Director of MSC over the lack of guidelines of sufficient scope and depth for the lunar missions that would be flown after the first lunar landing and before the proposed lunar exploration program tentatively scheduled to begin in 1973. He asked each of the manned space flight Centers to appoint a working group to define guidelines and to outline program objectives and content for the period of lunar exploration immediately following the first lunar landing. Areas requiring study were: scientific exploration, mission planning rationale, flight schedules and program impact, and vehicle product improvement.

1969 January 16

Apollo astronauts' toilet facilities described - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
In response to a query, the ASPO Manager responded: "Insofar as the astronauts' 'call of nature' is handled, they urinate through a tube into a plastic bag. The bag is periodically emptied through an overboard dump nozzle. Although we have considered using an aircraft type relief tube that would dump overboard directly, we have not yet adopted this approach since an uncontrolled dump would most likely freeze the liquid in the tube or the dump nozzle. Defecation is handled through the use of a plastic bag, part of which fits over the hand like a glove. Although this method is primitive, it was found to work reasonably well, both in Gemini and in Apollo. A disinfectant pill is then placed in the bag and it is stowed in a special container in the spacecraft. The astronauts' diet, both before and during the flight, is such that the need to use this bag may only arise once or twice during the flight."

1969 January 16

Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory design certification - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
The Apollo Program Director requested that MSC present a Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) review like that for design certification. The presentation would cover
1. landing and recovery procedures,
2. LRL operations,
3. release scheme for astronauts and samples,
4. sample processing and distribution plans, and
5. scientific investigations.
The purpose would be to assess overall readiness following the first lunar landing in these five areas.

1969 January 17-20

Checkout on schedule for an Apollo 10 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10.
Checkout was on schedule for an Apollo 10 launch readiness date of May 17. On January 17 the backup crew participated in an altitude test run. The spacecraft docking test, using a simulated adapter, was completed January 20. All three fuel cells were being replaced because of suspected contamination in fuel cell No. 1 and the failure of fuel cell No. 2 to take any voltage load during the power-up for the manned altitude run.

1969 January 19-22

Apollo 9 flight readiness test - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8, Apollo 9.
The Apollo 9 flight readiness test began on January 19 and was successfully completed January 22, in preparation for a February launch. A one-day delay in the testing was caused by a loss of air conditioning for the RCA-110A computer. The hatch and side windows of the spacecraft were being modified to overcome the fogging effect experienced during the Apollo 8 mission.

1969 January 24

Apollo CSM Flight Readiness Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The CSM Flight Readiness Review Board convened at MSC. Martin L. Raines presented the Reliability and Quality Assurance assessment and pointed out the improvement in discrepancy reports between spacecraft 101, 103, and 104 and concluded that 104 was better than 103 and ready to fly. George M. Low noted that the CSM Review had been outstanding.

1969 January 24

Apollo experiments on visual perception on the moon - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
In an exchange of letters, the feasibility and compatibility of experiments covering contrast perception, color perception, and distance estimation on the moon were discussed. Incorporation of the three experiments in the lunar landing mission's detailed test objective "Lunar Environment Visibility" for Apollo 11 was recommended.

1969 January 24-29

Tests completed for the Apollo 9 launch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9.
The following tests were completed in preparation for the planned February Apollo 9 launch: all Mission Control Center data system integration tests, MSC preflight readiness test, KSC launch readiness test, and MSFC preflight test. In addition, recovery training exercises were conducted aboard the U.S.S. Guadalcanal, the prime recovery ship for Apollo 9.

1969 January 25

Launch Vehicle: N1.

Apollo vs Ye-8-5 - . Nation: Russia. Program: Lunar L3, Luna, Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft Bus: Luna Ye-8. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8-5.
America is preparing Apollo 9 for flight, and Kamanin muses that the Soviet reply will be the N1 and Ye-8-5, neither of which is proven or reliable. The Soviet Union would have a better chance of sending a manned L1 on a flight around the moon during the first quarter of 1969. Meanwhile Mishin's bureau has a new L3M lunar lander on the drawing boards. This will land 4 to 5 men on the moon, but require two N1 or seven UR-500K launches to assemble in orbit.

1969 January 27

Certification reviews for parachute packers in the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute.
MSC and North American Rockwell reached agreement on certification reviews for parachute packers in the Apollo program. The certification was effective for all parachute packers not previously certified, with upgrading of packers and recertification of present Apollo packers when required.

1969 January 31

Symbolic activities for the first Apollo moon landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA Hq. asked Center directors for ideas for symbolic activities on the moon during the first landing to dramatize international agreements regarding exploration of the moon. Possible ideas were flying a U.N. flag with the U.S. flag on the moon; placing decal flags of the U.N. member nations on the LM descent stage; and leaving an appropriate information capsule at the landing site.

1969 January 31

Apollo potential catastrophic switch problem - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Cockpit, LM Crew Station.
During integrated testing of the Apollo spacecraft, a well-qualified test pilot accidentally threw two guarded switches marked "CM/SM Separation" instead of the intended adjacent switches marked "CSM/LM Final Sep" to separate the lunar module from the command and service modules. Had the error occurred in a lunar flight, the CM would have separated from the SM, with a high probability of leaving the crew stranded in lunar orbit. Studies of methods to preclude such an accident in actual flight led later to provisions for visual differences in switch covers.

1969 January 31

Aluminum fittings replaced in Apollo lunar modules - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Landing Gear. About 30 small aluminum brackets and fittings were replaced or reinforced in Apollo lunar modules to rule out the possibility of cracking from stress corrosion. . Additional Details: here....

1969 February 3

12-month plan for Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery.
NASA Hq. released a 12-month forecast of manned space flight missions, reflecting an assessment of launch schedules for planning purposes. Five flights were scheduled for the remainder of 1969:
- Apollo 9 - February 28, SA-504, CSM 104, LM-3; manned orbital; up to 10 days' duration; Atlantic recovery.
- Apollo 10 - May 17, SA-505, CSM 106, LM-4; manned lunar mission, Pacific recovery.
- Apollo 11 - SA-506, CSM 107, LM-5; manned lunar mission; up to 11 days' duration; Pacific recovery.
- Apollo 12 - SA-507, CSM 108, LM-6; manned lunar mission; up to 11 days; Pacific recovery.
- Apollo 13 - SA-508, CSM 109, LM-7; manned lunar mission; up to 11 days' duration; Pacific recovery.

1969 February 3

Lunar samples would cool the Apollo LM - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. In response to a query, a study indicated that, because of the temperature on the moon's surface, lunar samples would cool the LM cabin when placed in the rock box inside the cabin..

1969 February 5

Actions to augment Apollo successful lunar landing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery, LM Descent Propulsion.
The MSF Management Council, meeting at KSC, agreed that MSC would take the following actions for augmenting the capability of the Apollo system to accomplish a successful lunar landing mission and for planning further lunar exploration:
Capability Augmentation:
- Submit for Apollo Level I approval a plan for developing and procuring the A9L spacesuit.
- Submit a plan to the Apollo program Director describing how the portable life support system's improvement program procurement would be done.
- Proceed with the 1/6-g special test equipment. The plan - including scope, schedule, and cost estimates for this simulator - would be submitted to Apollo Program Director by 1 March.
- Proceed with the engineering definition of software and hardware required to precision-land the LM at sites anywhere on the front surface of the moon.
Lunar Exploration:
- Submit a plan for the buildup of the cannibalized ALSEP, listing experiments to be included, the estimated cost, and delivery schedule.
- Submit a plan for the procurement of additional ALSEPs including proposed quantities, estimated costs, and experiments.
- Proceed to define further a CSM lunar orbital science package and a lunar polar orbit mission science package, including instruments, costs, delivery schedule, and approach to CSM integration. Costs would include instruments and spacecraft integration.
- Proceed with the definition to increase the size of LM descent stage tanks and to improve the propellant pressurization system.
- Submit a plan for the procurement of a constant volume suit, including a description of any further development not under contract that MSC planned to add to any present contract by change order.
- Proceed with engineering change analysis of performance (including habitability) improvements to the CSM and LM.

1969 February 8

Spacecraft hoisting loop failed on Apollo 8 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 8. The permanently mounted spacecraft hoisting loop was inadequate for expected spacecraft loads and had failed on Apollo 8, ASPO Manager George M. Low informed Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. . Additional Details: here....

1969 February 11

Unmanned Apollo LM landing discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The possibility of an unmanned LM landing was discussed at NASA Hq. The consensus was that such a landing would be a risky venture. Proposals had been made which included an unmanned LM landing as a prerequisite to a manned landing on the moon. However, the capability to land the LM unmanned did not exist and development of the capability would seriously delay the program.

1969 February 12

Apollo operational plans and procedures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Three members of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination met at MSC to review Apollo operational plans and procedures. Some concern was expressed about the lack of a bacterial filter on the spacecraft postlanding system. However, the committee representatives indicated that the approach was reasonable in terms of the tradeoff on operational recovery problems. The full committee was scheduled to meet in March.

1969 February 12

Apollo Operations Handbook review - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
George M. Low, MSC, told Maxime A. Faget, MSC, that he had recently learned the Apollo Operations Handbook (AOH) was prepared for the Flight Crew Operations Directorate by prime contractors without any formalized review by engineering elements of MSC. On several occasions, when the Engineering and Development (E&D) subsystems managers looked at a section of the handbook in connection with problem areas they found the handbook in error. Low proposed that E&D should
1. verify technical accuracy of the baseline issue of the handbook before its final issue for the F mission,
2. verify all changes in the AOH in a timely manner, and
3. verify any crew checklist changes made during the last 45 days before launch.

1969 February 14

Flammability tests of the Sony Apollo tape/voice recorder - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Flammability tests of the Sony tape/voice recorder were made to determine if the recorder met crew-cabin use requirements. Testing was by electrical overloads of nichrome wire ignitors in an atmosphere of 100 percent oxygen at 4.3 newtons per square centimeter (6.2 psia). Post-test evaluations indicated that flammability requirements had been met, since ignitions were self-extinguishing and only localized internal damage occurred.

1969 February 17

Crew Safety Review Board to assess Apollo LM emergency procedures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC was urged to reconstitute the Crew Safety Review Board to determine if the following questions could be affirmatively answered concerning the LM, extravehicular activity, portable life support system, and emergency procedures. Were all likely failure modes or anomalies that could jeopardize the crew from entrance to mission systematically analyzed? Were proper and timely cues coupled with a safe egress, abort, or contingency capability prepared for use in each of these? Was there a plan for the timely solution of the known crew safety-related problems?

1969 February 22

Apollo 9 countdown began - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The Apollo 9 countdown to launch began, with launch scheduled for liftoff February 28. The 10-day flight would mark the first manned earth orbital flight of the lunar module, the first Apollo spacewalk, and the first manned checkout, rendezvous, and docking operations of the complete Apollo spacecraft. The Apollo 9 mission would be open-ended, allowing the mission plan to progress from one step to the next on the basis of real-time success.

1969 February 27

Apollo Preliminary Lunar Landing Phase Photographic Operations Plan seriously deficient - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Maxime A. Faget, MSC Director of Engineering and Development, said he believed the Preliminary Lunar Landing Phase Photographic Operations Plan was seriously deficient in meeting its stated objectives. "From the standpoint of public information and historical documentation, I'm terribly disappointed to find that although 560 feet (170 meters) of movie film has been set aside for lunar surface use none will be exposed with the intent of providing first-class visual appreciation of the astronaut's activity on the moon during this singularly historical event. Everyone's impression of this occasion will be marred and distorted by the fact that the greatest frame rate is 12 frames per second. One can argue that 'suitable' (although jerky) motion rendition is produced by 'double-framing.' Nevertheless, it is almost unbelievable that the culmination of a 20 billion dollar program is to be recorded in such a stingy manner and the low-quality public information and historical material is in keeping with an otherwise high-quality program." Faget also noted he felt that, from a historical standpoint, both the lunar module pilot and the commander should be photographed with the Hasselblad camera while on the surface.

1969 March 1

No data on energy expenditure by Apollo astronauts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
The Apollo Program Director expressed concern about the inability to obtain adequate data on the expenditure of energy by astronauts during lunar exploration. The problem was discussed with the medical and crew systems personnel. The consensus was that the only meaningful indicator of human energy expenditure which could be developed into an operational procedure in time for lunar landings would be measurement of carbon dioxide production. From a technical standpoint the most feasible means of doing this would be incorporating a carbon dioxide measurement system in the portable life support system. A study was initiated to determine how quickly a measurement system could be developed and to estimate the cost.

1969 March 3

16:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT2. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 9 - . Call Sign: Gumdrop. Crew: McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott. Backup Crew: Bean, Conrad, Gordon. Payload: Apollo CSM 104 / Apollo LM 3 / Saturn S-IVB-504N. Mass: 36,511 kg (80,492 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 10.04 days. Decay Date: 1969-03-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 3769 . COSPAR: 1969-018A. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min.
Apollo 9 (AS-504), the first manned flight with the lunar module (LM-3), was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, on a Saturn V launch vehicle at 11:00 a.m. EST March 3. Originally scheduled for a February 28 liftoff, the launch had been delayed to allow crew members James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart to recover from a mild virus respiratory illness. Following a normal launch phase, the S-IVB stage inserted the spacecraft into an orbit of 192.3 by 189.3 kilometers. After post-insertion checkout, CSM 104 separated from the S-IVB, was transposed, and docked with the LM. At 3:08 p.m. EST, the docked spacecraft were separated from the S-IVB, which was then placed on an earth-escape trajectory. On March 4 the crew tracked landmarks, conducted pitch and roll yaw maneuvers, and increased the apogee by service propulsion system burns.
On March 5 McDivitt and Schweickart entered the LM through the docking tunnel, evaluated the LM systems, transmitted the first of two series of telecasts, and fired the LM descent propulsion system. They then returned to the CM.
McDivitt and Schweickart reentered the LM on March 6. After transmitting a second telecast, Schweickart performed a 37-minute extravehicular activity (EVA), walking between the LM and CSM hatches, maneuvering on handrails, taking photographs, and describing rain squalls over KSC.
On March 7, with McDivitt and Schweickart once more in the LM, Scott separated the CSM from the LM and fired the reaction control system thrusters to obtain a distance of 5.5 kilometers between the two spacecraft. McDivitt and Schweickart then performed a lunar-module active rendezvous. The LM successfully docked with the CSM after being up to 183.5 kilometers away from it during the six-and-one-half-hour separation. After McDivitt and Schweickart returned to the CSM, the LM ascent stage was jettisoned.
During the remainder of the mission, the crew tracked Pegasus III, NASA's meteoroid detection satellite that had been launched July 30, 1965; took multispectral photos of the earth; exercised the spacecraft systems; and prepared for reentry.

Apollo 9 LM - . Call Sign: Spider. Payload: Apollo LM 3. Mass: 14,530 kg (32,030 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 10.04 days. Decay Date: 1969-03-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 3769 . COSPAR: 1969-018x. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min.

1969 March 5

Nomination of Acting Administrator Thomas O Paine to be the NASA Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Nixon, Paine. Program: Apollo. President Nixon, at a White House ceremony, announced the nomination of Acting Administrator Thomas O. Paine to be the NASA Administrator..

1969 March 6

Concern about Apollo software - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo.
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller, wrote MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth of his concern about Apollo software. "Software as I mean it to be understood in this letter includes computer programs, mission profiles and procedures (training). As I recall, the Apollo project started with a legacy of warnings from other programs about the rigors and pitfalls of software development. . . . I believe we are giving far more management attention to hardware changes than to software changes of similar impact." He questioned "whether some of these changes make the system better or safer when the disruptive effects of change are also considered. . . . We are making too many discretionary software changes. These are costing money and effort which could better be used elsewhere. . . ."
Gilruth replied March 11: "I cannot agree with your contention that we are now controlling software with the same rigor and management attention that we are devoting to hardware changes. Our Apollo Spacecraft Program Office has organized a number of Configuration Control Boards at MSC. These include George Low's Apollo Spacecraft Configuration Control Board, Max Faget's Board for Government Furnished Equipment, Chris Kraft's Software Configuration Control Board, and Deke Slayton's Procedures Change Control Board. . . . Hardware changes . . . are directly under George Low's control. All computer program changes, both on board and on the ground, are controlled by Chris Kraft's Board. Changes to the Apollo Operations Handbook, flight crew procedures, crew checklists, trainers and simulators are controlled by Slayton. Changes in software or crew procedures that involve changes in schedule must additionally be approved by George Low's Board. The system I described is working well and, according to Sam Phillips, has resulted in a more disciplined change control than anywhere else in the Apollo Program. . . . We are not making discretionary software changes. We are only making those changes which our managers deem to be necessary in their effort to carry out the Apollo Program in the most effective manner."

1969 March 6

16:45 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 9-1 - . Crew: Schweickart, Scott. EVA Duration: 0.0319 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Schweickart, Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LM. Stand-Up External Vehicular Activity. Tested Apollo spacesuit..

1969 March 7

Radiation survey of Apollo CSM 107 planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
A radiation survey of CSM 107 was planned to determine if the radiation produced by onboard sources would be of a sufficient level to impair the effectiveness of proposed experiments to measure the natural radiation emitted from the lunar surface. The survey would be conducted at KSC by personnel from the Goddard Space Flight Center.

1969 March 7

Accomplishments of the space program summarized - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery, LM Ascent Propulsion, LM Descent Propulsion.
In a report to the Administrator, the Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight summed up the feeling of accomplishment as well as the problem of the space program: "The phenomenal precision and practically flawless performance of the Apollo 9 lunar module descent and ascent engines on March 7 were major milestones in the progress toward our first manned landing on the moon, and tributes to the intensive contractor and government effort that brought these two complex systems to the point of safe and reliable manned space flight. Additional Details: here....

1969 March 10 and 31

Flight Readiness Review Board for Apollo Lunar Landing Training Vehicle No 2 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
A Flight Readiness Review Board convened at MSC to determine the readiness of Lunar Landing Training Vehicle No. 2 and the Flight Crew Operation Directorate for resuming flight test operations. During the briefing and discussion the board agreed that the operation test team was operationally ready. However, a release for resuming flight test operations was withheld until certain open items were resolved. The board reconvened on March 31 and after examination of the open items, agreed that flight testing of LLRV No. 2 should be resumed as soon as possible.

1969 March 11

Apollo 10 transferred to Pad B, Launch Complex 39 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Apollo 10 was transferred to Pad B, Launch Complex 39, at KSC - for first operational use of Pad B. Meanwhile, a revised work schedule providing for a Flight Readiness Test on April 9 and launch readiness on May 18 was being prepared for Apollo 10..

1969 March 11

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Cost of the Apollo 204 fire $410 million - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 204. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
The additional direct cost to the Apollo research and development program from the January 27, 1967, Apollo 204 fire was estimated at $410 million, principally for spacecraft modifications, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller testified in congressional hearings. The accident delayed the first manned flight of the spacecraft by about 18 months. "During this period, however, there occurred a successful unmanned test of the Lunar Module and two unmanned tests of the Saturn V vehicle."

1969 March 12

Status of a fire detection system for Apollo - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Faget. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
George M. Low discussed the status of a fire detection system for Apollo in a memorandum to Martin L. Raines, reminding him that such a system had been under consideration since the accident in January 1967. Low said: "Yesterday, Dr. (Maxime A.) Faget, you, and I participated in a meeting to review the current status of a flight fire detection system. It became quite clear that our state of knowledge about the physics and chemistry of fire in zero gravity is insufficient to permit the design and development of a flightworthy fire detection system at this time. For this reason, we agreed that we would not be able to incorporate a fire detection system in any of the Apollo spacecraft. We also agreed that it would be most worthwhile to continue the development of a detection system for future spacecraft."

1969 March 13

Delivery dates for the Apollo LM changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
MSC requested that Apollo Program Directive No. 41 delivery dates for the LM be changed as follows: LM-6 from March 1 to March 26, LM-7 from April 16 to May 15, LM-8 from May 31 to July 15,and LMs 9 through 14 two months apart. The rescheduling was to permit incorporation of the redesigned ascent-stage fuel-tank torus ring, installation and testing of the liquid-cooled suit loop, replacement of the descent-stage tanks, and incorporation of structural fitting changes to prevent stress corrosion.

1969 March 13

Landing of Apollo 9 - . Return Crew: McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott. Nation: USA. Related Persons: McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9.
The Apollo 9 CM splashed down in the Atlantic 290 kilometers east of the Bahamas at 17:01 GMT. The crew was picked up by helicopter and flown to the recovery ship U.S.S. Guadalcanal within one hour after splashdown. Primary objectives of the flight were successfully accomplished.

1969 March 14

Apollo Lunar Gravity Simulation device plans - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Simulator.
MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth forwarded plans for the MSC Lunar Gravity Simulation device to Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips. He informed Phillips that "we have moved out on the design and fabrication of the inclined plane 1/6 g simulator and our schedule shows that it will be completed and ready for checkout by May 1, 1969 (see February 5). The vertical system approach is somewhat more sophisticated and our scheduled completion is February 1, 1970." Phillips replied March 28 that he was pleased to read that the simulator program was progressing so rapidly and "I feel very strongly that this device will greatly contribute to our capability to create useful lunar exploration missions."

1969 March 20

Deletion of Apollo CSM boost protective cover rejected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM LES.
ASPO Manager George Low wrote NASA Hq. - referring to a briefing of George Low at Downey on October 25, 1968 - that "MSC has reviewed the possibility of deleting the CSM boost protective cover. We have concluded that deletion . . . would require the following spacecraft modifications: a. A new thermal coating would have to be developed to withstand the boost environment. b. Protective covers would have to be developed for the windows, EVA handholds, vent lines, etc. . . . We have further concluded that a resulting overall weight reduction is questionable, and . . . have therefore decided that the cost of this change could not be justified and that the boost protective cover should be retained."

1969 March 24

Apollo 10 would be a lunar orbit mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 9. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Recovery. NASA announced that Apollo 10, scheduled for launch May 18, would be a lunar orbit mission during which two astronauts would descend to within 15,240 meters of the moon's surface. . Additional Details: here....

1969 March 25

First flight-model ALSEP delivered - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The first flight-model ALSEP arrived at KSC, where it would undergo software integration tests and be prepared for installation in the LM..

1969 March 28

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo astronauts thrown forward during Saturn V S-IC/S-II stage separation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 9. Following a report by the Apollo 9 astronauts that they were thrown forward in their seats and had to grab their arm rests for support during the S-IC/S-II stage separation, an evaluation working group were studying the problem. . Additional Details: here....

1969 April 3

Apollo ASPO requested a plan for flight crew tests of sleeping pills and other drugs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
ASPO requested a plan for flight crew tests of sleeping pills and other drugs. The plan was to include number of tests to be performed by each crew member; time of the test with respect to the last sleep period; amount and kind of food and drink taken during a specified time before the test; general physical activity by the crew before taking a drug; and, for comparison purpose, any available statistical information on the effect of these pills after being taken.

1969 April 5

ASPO Manager George Low, commented on control of Apollo spacecraft weight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Caldwell. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch.
ASPO Manager George Low, commented on control of Apollo spacecraft weight. Following the January 1967 spacecraft fire at Cape Kennedy, there had been substantial initial weight growth in the CSM. This was attributed to such items as the new CSM hatch, the flammability changes, and the additional flight safety changes. In mid-1967 the CSM weight stabilized and from then on showed a downward trend. The LM weight stabilized in mid1968 and since that time had remained fairly constant. Conclusions were that the program redefinition had caused a larger weight increase than expected, but that once the weight control system became fully effective, it was possible to maintain a weight that was essentially constant. Low told Caldwell C. Johnson, Jr., of the MSC Spacecraft Design Division that the weight control was in part due to Johnson's strong inputs in early 1968. Johnson responded, "Your control of Apollo weight growth has destroyed my reputation as a weight forecaster - but I'm rather glad."

1969 April 7-11

Work on Apollo 10 continued on schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Work on Apollo 10 continued on schedule for a May 18 launch readiness date. The flight readiness test began on April 7 and was completed on April 10. A lunar module mission-simulation run was completed on April 10, and a crew compartment fit and function test on April 11. Mission control simulations were proceeding on schedule without major problems. The Apollo 10 preflight readiness review was held at MSC on April 11.

1969 April 12

Weight allowance for the Apollo scientific payload increased - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Weight. ASPO Manager George Low informed MSC Director of Science and Applications Wilmot N. Hess that he had signed paperwork increasing the weight allowance for the Apollo scientific payload from 136 to 156.4 kilograms. . Additional Details: here....

1969 April 14-21

Twenty-two astronauts trained for Apollo lunar reentry - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Simulator.
Twenty-two astronauts trained in the MSC Flight Acceleration Facility during the week, for lunar reentry. Closed-loop simulation permitted the crews to control the centrifuge during the lunar reentry deceleration profiles. Each astronaut flew four different reentry angles, which imposed acceleration loads of from 4.57 to 9.3 g.

1969 April 18

Changes in launch readiness dates for Apollo 12 and Apollo 13 missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12, Apollo 13. ASPO announced changes in launch readiness dates for the Apollo 12 and Apollo 13 missions. Apollo 12 was moved up from September 18 to September 13, 1969; and Apollo 13 was moved up from December 1 to November 10..

1969 April 25

Discovery of six new mascons beneath the moon's surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Discovery of six new mascons (mass concentrations of dense material) beneath the moon's surface by William L. Sjogren, Paul M. Muller, and Peter Gottlieb of Jet Propulsion Laboratory was announced. The first six mascons had been discovered in 1968 by Sjogren and Muller. Each mascon was found to be centered below a ringed sea, or an ancient, obliterated circular sea on the side of the moon's surface facing the earth. Noticeable acceleration variations were seen as moon-orbiting spacecraft flew over the mascons. Information was not available concerning possible mascons on the far side of the moon, since orbiting spacecraft could not be tracked while the moon blocked them from the view of earth antennas.

1969 April 25-26

Aseptic sampler and a closeup stereo camera for the Apollo 11 flight - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. In an exchange of correspondence, Samuel C. Phillips, NASA OMSF, and ASPO Manager George Low, MSC, discussed the possibility of carrying an aseptic sampler and a closeup stereo camera on the Apollo 11 flight. . Additional Details: here....

1969 April 28

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 10 launch vehicle damage - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10.
A power outage, required to permit maintenance work at the KSC Launch Control Center, was relayed to the pneumatic controls of the S-IC stage of the Apollo 10 launch vehicle, causing the prevalves to open and allowing 5,280 liters of RP-1 fuel to drain from the vehicle. Additional Details: here....

1969 April 29

Recommendation to carry an erectable antenna on the Apollo 11 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
The NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight concurred in a recommendation to carry an erectable antenna on the Apollo 11 mission. However, it would be deployed only if required to obtain satisfactory television, voice, telemetry, and biomedical data simultaneously from the lunar surface.

1969 May 2

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Temporary fix for Apollo S-II-stage early center engine cutoff - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 12.
A temporary fix to provide for an S-II-stage early center engine cutoff was made for Apollo 10 and 11. Purpose was to eliminate oscillations of the center engine and sympathetic structures. Meanwhile, plans were being made to incorporate a permanent fix into Apollo 12 and subsequent vehicles to eliminate the oscillations.

1969 May 5

Apollo CM cold storage compartment - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Cockpit.
MSC asked North American Rockwell to propose a design modification in the CM to add a cold storage compartment for fresh and frozen foods. If the frozen food study appeared promising, then the addition of a small oven or heater, similar in concept to that used by the Air Force on long flights, would also be required.

1969 May 5

Apollo manned-test abort of the portable life support system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
ASPO reported a recent manned-test abort of the portable life support system had been caused by a nonfunctional lithium hydroxide canister. Quality control procedures were in existence and if properly implemented would have precluded the abort incident. To prevent similar incidents from occurring, all manned-test and flight equipment would be accompanied by complete documentation, would be visually inspected, and would be certified by quality assurance personnel before use.

1969 May 7-8

The fifth and final drop test of Apollo LM-2 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Structural.
The fifth and final drop test of LM-2 was made on May 7. The first four drop tests had been made to establish the proper functioning of all LM systems after a lunar landing. The fifth test was made to qualify the functioning of the pyrotechnics after landing. On May 8, the final test, physically separating the ascent stage, was conducted.

1969 May 8

Apollo Back Contamination Documentation and Configuration Control Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
The Apollo Back Contamination Documentation and Configuration Control Office was established at MSC to provide a documentation program for any possible contamination from the moon. The program was required by June 15, to meet deadlines for the launch of Apollo 11.

1969 May 8

Status of Apollo experiment support facilities - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips suggested to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that a meeting be held at MSC during the period of the Apollo 10 return flight to earth to review the status of experiment support facilities and the overall plans for science support operations during lunar missions and over an extended period of time. Additional Details: here....

1969 May 9

Science sequence recommended for the Apollo 12 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
NASA Hq. informed MSC that, for planning purposes and Change Control Board action, the following science sequence was being recommended for the Apollo 12 mission:
1. contingency sample;
2. ALSEP deployment; and
3. field geology investigations.
The message said, "It is important that ALSEP be deployed in the first EVA (extravehicular activity). Then the entire second EVA could be devoted to Field Geology Investigations."

1969 May 9

Plan for the Apollo 15 Lunar Surface Science Project - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. MSC forwarded a plan for the Apollo 15 Lunar Surface Science Project to NASA Hq. . Additional Details: here....

1969 May 12

Prelaunch cooling system required for Apollo ALSEP radioisotopic thermoelectric generator (RTG) - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. Because the first flight of the ALSEP was scheduled on Apollo 12, NASA Hq. asked MSFC to provide for installation at KSC of the prelaunch cooling system for the ALSEP radioisotopic thermoelectric generator (RTG) on instrument units 507 through 510..

1969 May 13

NASA policy on release of Apollo manned space flight communications - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
NASA policy on release of manned space flight communications was outlined. The policy was to release all air-to-ground conversations in real time. However, if circumstances arose in which crew or mission director requested a private conversation, the public information officer responsible for the mission commentary would be notified and would monitor the conversation with the mission director. A summary would be released at the discretion of the Office of Public Affairs. Tapes of the air-to-ground private conversations would not be released.

1969 May 16

Myth 'we were never in the moon race' disseminated by the Soviet Union - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Babakin, Keldysh. Program: Luna, Apollo, Lunar L3, Lunar L1. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft Bus: Luna Ye-8. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8-5.
Keldysh first revealed the new 'party line' at a press conference on the semi-successful Venera 5 landing on Venus. When asked about Soviet lunar plans, he revealed that Russia would only use robot probes, that it wouldn't risk men's lives in such an endeavour. At the same time Babakin was hard at work finishing the first Ye-8-5 robot lunar soil return spacecraft, to be launched before Apollo 11.

1969 May 18

16:49 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39B. Launch Platform: LUT3. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 10 - . Call Sign: Charlie Brown. Crew: Cernan, Stafford, Young. Backup Crew: Cooper, Eisele, Mitchell. Payload: Apollo CSM 106 / Apollo LM 4 / Saturn S-IVB-505N. Mass: 28,870 kg (63,640 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-05-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 3941 . COSPAR: 1969-043A. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.
Final dress rehearsal in lunar orbit for landing on moon. LM separated and descended to 10 km from surface of moon but did not land. Apollo 10 (AS-505) - with crew members Thomas P. Stafford, Eugene A. Cernan, and John W. Young aboard - lifted off from Pad B, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 12:49 p.m. EDT on the first lunar orbital mission with complete spacecraft. The Saturn V's S-IVB stage and the spacecraft were inserted into an earth parking orbit of 189.9 by 184.4 kilometers while the onboard systems were checked. The S-IVB engine was then ignited at 3:19 p.m. EDT to place the spacecraft in a trajectory toward the moon. One-half hour later the CSM separated from the S-IVB, transposed, and docked with the lunar module. At 4:29 p.m. the docked spacecraft were ejected, a separation maneuver was performed, and the S-IVB was placed in a solar orbit by venting residual propellants. TV coverage of docking procedures was transmitted to the Goldstone, Calif., tracking station for worldwide, commercial viewing.
On May 19 the crew elected not to make the first of a series of midcourse maneuvers. A second preplanned midcourse correction that adjusted the trajectory to coincide with a July lunar landing trajectory was executed at 3:19 p.m. The maneuver was so accurate that preplanned third and fourth midcourse corrections were canceled. During the translunar coast, five color TV transmissions totaling 72 minutes were made of the spacecraft and the earth.
At 4:49 p.m. EDT on May 21 the spacecraft was inserted into a lunar orbit of 110.4 by 315.5 kilometers. After two revolutions of tracking and ground updates, a maneuver circularized the orbit at 109.1 by 113.9 kilometers. Astronaut Cernan then entered the LM, checked all systems, and returned to the CM for the scheduled sleep period.
On May 22 activation of the lunar module systems began at 11:49 a.m. EDT. At 2:04 p.m. the spacecraft were undocked and at 4:34 p.m. the LM was inserted into a descent orbit. One hour later the LM made a low-level pass at an altitude of 15.4 kilometers over the planned site for the first lunar landing. The test included a test of the landing radar, visual observation of lunar lighting, stereo photography of the moon, and execution of a phasing maneuver using the descent engine. The lunar module returned to dock successfully with the CSM following the eight-hour separation, and the LM crew returned to the CSM.
The LM ascent stage was jettisoned, its batteries were burned to depletion, and it was placed in a solar orbit on May 23. The crew then prepared for the return trip to earth and after 61.5 hours in lunar orbit a service propulsion system TEI burn injected the CSM into a trajectory toward the earth. During the return trip the astronauts made star-lunar landmark sightings, star-earth horizon navigation sightings, and live television transmissions.

Apollo 10 LM - . Call Sign: Snoopy. Payload: Apollo LM 4. Mass: 13,941 kg (30,734 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-05-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 3941 . COSPAR: 1969-043x. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.

1969 May 19

Serious incidents reported involving mercury used in Apollo hardware - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Recent serious incidents were reported at MSC, involving mercury and affecting ground support equipment or Apollo flight hardware. These incidents reflected the relaxation of safety disciplinary procedures required in handling mercury and mercury-filled instruments. To preclude further such incidents, stringent regulations were imposed governing the acquisition, use, and disposition of mercury at MSC.

1969 May 19

Vision distortion found looking through the Apollo helmet during Water Immersion Facility training - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L.
Vision distortion was found when looking through the pressure garment assembly helmet during Water Immersion Facility training activities at MSC. Curvature of the helmet caused objects to appear distorted, hampering crew training. Studies were being made in an effort to correct the problem. Negotiations were also under way with the Department of the Navy to provide a modified indoctrination course in open-circuit SCUBA for a number of astronauts, to ensure their safety while training in the Water Immersion Facility.

1969 May 19

Postlanding ventilation filter eliminated for Apollo 12 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
In a telephone conference, MSC personnel and members of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination agreed to eliminate the requirement for a postlanding ventilation filter for Apollo 12, approve a plan for sterilization of the CM in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL), release the spacecraft at the same time as the crew release, and approve the LRL Bioprotocol Summary. The ICBC planned to meet on June 5 to complete planning and documentation for Apollo 11.

1969 May 26

Landing of Apollo 10 - . Return Crew: Cernan, Stafford, Young. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Stafford, Young. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10.
Apollo 10 splashed down in the Pacific at 12:52 p.m. EDT on May 26, 5.4 kilometers from the recovery ship. The crew was picked up and reached the recovery ship U.S.S. Princeton at 16:52 GMT. All primary mission objectives of evaluating performance and support and the detailed test objectives were achieved.

1969 May 27

Manned Apollo lunar roving vehicle go-ahead - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. MSFC was authorized to proceed with development of a manned lunar roving vehicle for use on the Apollo missions beginning in mid-1971. A meeting was scheduled for June 6 in Washington to establish requirements for development of the vehicle..

1969 May 27

Manual guidance for TLI on Apollo missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Apollo Program Director Sam C. Phillips wrote to MSC regarding a Flight Readiness Review action item on translunar injection (TLI: insertion into a trajectory toward the moon) dispersions after manual guidance for TLI on Apollo missions. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 3

Proposed landing sites for Apollo 12 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Surveyor. In a report to the ASPO Manager, the Chief of MSC's Systems Engineering Division described Apollo Site Selection Board (ASSB) action on proposed landing sites for the Apollo 12 mission. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 3

Experiment assigned to the first Apollo lunar landing mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Apollo Program Office Change Control Board (CCB) Directive No. 140 assigned Experiment S080, Solar Wind Composition, to the first lunar landing mission. CCB Directive No. 156 requested MSC to also include this experiment on the second lunar landing mission.

1969 June 3

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Engineering evaluation of Apollo 10 launch vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. The early engineering evaluation of the Apollo 10 launch vehicle, Saturn V AS-505, indicated that the major flight objectives were accomplished. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 7

Use of Velcro in Apollo CSM discussed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12.
ASPO Manager George Low suggested to MSC Director of Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton that beginning with Apollo 12 Velcro applications should be "in a spacecraft configuration and not vice versa." In the past, Velcro applications had presumably been made in the spacecraft to conform to the configurations used in training.

1969 June 9

Apollo 11 CSM Flight Readiness Review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Block II. The CSM 107 (Apollo 11) Flight Readiness Review Board met at MSC. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 9

Apollo 11 on schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
Preparation of Apollo 11 was on schedule for a July 16 launch date. Lunar landmark and landing site mosaics were delivered for flight crew training. A flight readiness test, begun on June 4, had been completed June 6 despite an MSC Mission Control Center power outage that delayed the test for several hours.

1969 June 9-13

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Studies of impact of empty Apollo stages on the lunar surface - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
Studies were being conducted to determine the feasibility of intentionally impacting an S-IVB stage and an empty LM stage on the lunar surface after jettison, to gather geological data and enhance the scientific return of the seismology experiment. Data would be obtained with the ALSEP seismographic equipment placed on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 or Apollo 12 flight. MSFC and Bellcomm were examining the possibility of the S-IVB jettison; MSC, the LM ascent stage jettison. Intentional impacting of the ascent stage for Apollo 11 was later determined not to be desirable.

1969 June 11

Task force for Apollo hardware development - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. In establishing a task force for hardware development, Apollo Program Director Samuel C. Phillips stated: "We have recently been given . . . approval on our plans for continuing the lunar missions through Apollo 20...". Additional Details: here....

1969 June 13

Modifications made to Apollo LLTV - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LLRV.
The NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, in a message to MSC, said he understood that, subsequent to the MSC Flight Readiness Review (FRR) and the NASA Headquarters Readiness Review of the LLTV, additional modifications had been made to that training vehicle. Additional Details: here....

1969 June 13

Modified Apollo ALSEP design - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. NASA Hq. authorized MSC to modify its contract with Bendix to include a 60- to 90-day effort to define a modified ALSEP design. Additional cost was not to exceed $300,000..

1969 June 13

Color TV coverage for Apollo 11 approved - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Television.
Apollo Program Director Phillips wrote MSC ASPO Manager George Low, that "based on the excellent results of the color TV coverage on the Apollo 10 mission . . . I concur with your plan to carry and utilize a color TV camera in the Command Module for Apollo 11 and subsequent missions. . . ."

1969 June 17

Seven-day simulation of Apollo Lunar Receiving Laboratory activities was completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
A seven-day simulation was successfully completed in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory at MSC. The test simulated processing of lunar samples, operation of the mobile quarantine facility and crew reception area, and biolab activities. Action was under way to overcome procedural and equipment difficulties encountered in the vacuum laboratory.

1969 June 20

Requirements for the Apollo lunar roving vehicle (LRV) design - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operations, recommended that the following fundamental requirements be considered during the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) design approach: "a. A means of continuous voice communication with one crew member, on or off the LRV to the mother station (LM) and from the mother station to earth, must be provided. b. A simple dead reckoning system should be considered for determining the LRV and crew location at all times in order to provide a safe return of the astronauts to the LM. The accuracy should be sufficient to permit the astronauts to rendezvous with the LM from any point on a sortie. c. The vehicle should be designed so that a telemetry system is not required for operation. However, for crew safety and systems operations, instrumentation may be required."

1969 June 20

List of records for Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10, Apollo 11. Sigurd A. Sjoberg, MSC Deputy Director of Flight Operations, informed MSC management of a list of records that could be set in the Apollo 11 flight. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 23

Preparations for the Apollo 11 on schedule - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. Preparations for the first manned lunar landing continued on schedule for a July 16 launch of Apollo 11. . Additional Details: here....

1969 June 27

The decision - who would be first on the moon - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Armstrong. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
How the decision was reached on who would be the first man to step out onto the moon was reported in a letter by ASPO Manager George M. Low: "Some time during the middle of the night, I had a call from Associated Press informing me that they had a story that Neil Armstrong had pulled rank on Buzz Aldrin to be the first man on the surface of the moon. They wanted to know whether it was true and how the decision was reached concerning who would get out of the LM first.
"To the best of my recollection, I gave the following information:
"a. There had been many informal plans developed during the past several years concerning the lunar timeline. These probably included all combinations of one man out versus two men out, who gets out first, etc.
"b. There was only one approved plan and that was established 2 to 4 weeks prior to our public announcement of this planning. I believe that this was in April 1969.
"c. The basic decision was made by my Configuration Control Board. It was based on a recommendation by the Flight Crew Operations Directorate. I am sure that Armstrong had made an input to this recommendation, but he, by no means, had the final say. The CCB decision was final."

1969 June 27

Status of Apollo 11 crew training program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The status of the Apollo 11 crew training program as of June 15 was reported to NASA Headquarters by MSC. . Additional Details: here....

1969 July 1

Preparations continued on schedule for a July 16 launch of Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Preparations continued on schedule for a July 16 launch of Apollo 11. . Additional Details: here....

1969 July 2

Quarantine applicable to Apollo crew, spacecraft, and returned lunar soil - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination agreed to the designation of the MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations as the agent to impose a quarantine applicable to the crew, the spacecraft, and the returned lunar materials during any phase of the Apollo 11 mission. He was authorized to appoint persons at each location and phase of the mission who would have the responsibility of exercising the quarantine authority if necessary.

1969 July 8

Apollo spacecraft walk-down team to look at spacecraft as late as possible before delivery to KSC - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
In an effort to stem the increasing number of human errors found in flight hardware, the ASPO Manager appointed a spacecraft walk-down team to take a first-hand look at spacecraft as late as possible before delivery to KSC. Team members selected were highly experienced in their respective fields and thoroughly familiar with the spacecraft. While ASPO recognized that the team could not possibly discover all the possible discrepancies, it hoped that the inspections might help avoid some of the problems experienced in the past.

1969 July 9

Apollo costs could be reduced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
The ASPO Manager for the command and service modules expressed belief that costs could be reduced and others avoided by the effective use of agency resources in many areas. However, he pointed out that the very nature of the program - that is, one operating in a research and development atmosphere - would result in higher costs than would a mass-production program.

1969 July 9

Apollo astronaut itching due to insulation in the command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 10. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch.
Microscopic examination of dust particles collected from the spacecraft after the Apollo 10 mission and of samples collected from the inside of nine garments worn by the Apollo 10 astronauts confirmed preliminary findings that the itching experienced by the astronauts was due to the insulation in the tunnel hatch of the command module. Additional Details: here....

1969 July 16

13:32 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT1. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 11 - . Call Sign: Columbia. Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins. Backup Crew: Anders, Haise, Lovell. Payload: Apollo CSM 107 / Apollo LM 5 / EASEP / S-IVB-506. Mass: 28,800 kg (63,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 8.14 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 4039 . COSPAR: 1969-059A. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.
First landing on moon. Apollo 11 (AS-506) - with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., aboard - was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16. The activities during earth-orbit checkout, translunar injection, CSM transposition and docking, spacecraft ejection, and translunar coast were similar to those of Apollo 10.
At 4:40 p.m. EDT July 18, the crew began a 96-minute color television transmission of the CSM and LM interiors, CSM exterior, the earth, probe and drogue removal, spacecraft tunnel hatch opening, food preparation, and LM housekeeping. One scheduled and two unscheduled television broadcasts had been made previously by the Apollo 11 crew.
The spacecraft entered lunar orbit at 1:28 p.m. EDT on July 19. During the second lunar orbit a live color telecast of the lunar surface was made. A second service-propulsion-system burn placed the spacecraft in a circularized orbit, after which astronaut Aldrin entered the LM for two hours of housekeeping including a voice and telemetry test and an oxygen-purge-system check.
At 8:50 a.m. July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin reentered the LM and checked out all systems. They performed a maneuver at 1:11 p.m. to separate the LM from the CSM and began the descent to the moon. The LM touched down on the moon at 4:18 p.m. EDT July 20. Armstrong reported to mission control at MSC, "Houston, Tranquillity Base here - the Eagle has landed." (Eagle was the name given to the Apollo 11 LM; the CSM was named Columbia.) Man's first step on the moon was taken by Armstrong at 10:56 p.m. EDT. As he stepped onto the surface of the moon, Armstrong described the feat as "one small step for man - one giant leap for mankind."
Aldrin joined Armstrong on the surface of the moon at 11:15 p.m. July 20. The astronauts unveiled a plaque mounted on a strut of the LM and read to a worldwide TV audience, "Here men from the planet earth first set foot on the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." After raising the American flag and talking to President Nixon by radiotelephone, the two astronauts deployed the lunar surface experiments assigned to the mission and gathered 22 kilograms of samples of lunar soil and rocks. They then reentered the LM and closed the hatch at 1:11 a.m. July 21. All lunar extravehicular activities were televised in black-and-white. Meanwhile, Collins continued orbiting moon alone in CSM Columbia.
The Eagle lifted off from the moon at 1:54 p.m. EDT July 21, having spent 21 hours 36 minutes on the lunar surface. It docked with the CSM at 5:35 p.m. and the crew, with the lunar samples and film, transferred to the CSM. The LM ascent stage was jettisoned into lunar orbit. The crew then rested and prepared for the return trip to the earth.
The CSM was injected into a trajectory toward the earth at 12:55 a.m. EDT July 22. Following a midcourse correction at 4:01 p.m., an 18-minute color television transmission was made, in which the astronauts demonstrated the weightlessness of food and water and showed shots of the earth and the moon.

Apollo 11 LM - . Call Sign: Eagle. Payload: Apollo LM 5. Mass: 15,095 kg (33,278 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 8.14 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 4039 . COSPAR: 1969-059x. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.

1969 July 19

Apollo 11 crew observes illumination event in crater Aristarchus. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
During the Apollo 11 mission, members of the Lunar International Observer Network (LION) made continuous observations of a lunar area where illuminations had been noted. At 18:45 GMT (2:45 p.m. EDT), the astronauts sighted an illumination in the Aristarchus region, the first time that a lunar transient event was sighted by an observer in space. The sighting was confirmed by a LION observer in West Germany.

1969 July 21

EVA Apollo 11-2 - . Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong. EVA Duration: 0.0188 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Armstrong. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..

1969 July 21

02:39 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 11-1 - . Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong. EVA Duration: 0.10 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Armstrong. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed EPISEP unmanned scientific station equipment..

1969 July 24

Landing of Apollo 11 - . Return Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
At 16:50 GMT Apollo 11's command module Columbia splashed down in the mid-Pacific, about 24 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Hornet. Following decontamination procedures at the point of splashdown, the astronauts were carried by helicopter to the Hornet where they entered a mobile quarantine facility to begin a period of observation under strict quarantine conditions. The CM was recovered and removed to the quarantine facility. Sample containers and film were flown to Houston.
All primary mission objectives and all detailed test objectives of Apollo 11 were met, and all crew members remained in good health.

1969 July 27-August 1

Scientific experiments planned for the Apollo 11 mission accomplished - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. The scientific experiments planned for the Apollo 11 mission were reported successfully accomplished. . Additional Details: here....

1969 July 28

Apollo 11 mission anti-souvenier measures - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
To guard against cannibalization, misuse, or destruction of any part of the lunar mission support equipment, spacecraft, and recovered equipment (however insignificant it might seem) from the Apollo 11 mission, NASA Hq. specified that certain steps be taken. Additional Details: here....

1969 July 29

Tentative planning schedule for the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 17, Apollo 18, Apollo 19, Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing, Surveyor.

NASA issued a tentative planning schedule for the Apollo program:

Flight	Launch Plans	Tentative Landing Area
Apollo 12	November 1969	Oceanus Procellarum lunar lowlands
Apollo 13	March 1970	Fra Mauro highlands
Apollo 14	July 1970	Crater Censorinus highlands
Apollo 15	November 1970	Littrow volcanic area
Apollo 16	April 1971	Crater Tycho (Surveyor VII impact area)
Apollo 17	September 1971	Marius Hills volcanic domes
Apollo 18	February 1972	Schroter's Valley, riverlike channel-ways
Apollo 19	July 1972	Hyginus Rille region-Linear Rille, crater area
Apollo 20	December 1972	Crater Copernicus, large crater impact area

1969 July 31

Gen Samuel Phillips made Commander of SAMSO - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo.
The Secretary of Defense announced the assignment of Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips (USAF), who had been serving as Apollo Program Director in the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, to be Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO) in Los Angeles. He would assume his new responsibilities in the Air Force effective September 1.

1969 August 1

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 11 debriefing indicates a number of items requiring investigation - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, CSM Hatch, LM Hatch. During the Apollo 11 management debriefing, the ASPO Manager noted a number of items requiring investigation. . Additional Details: here....

1969 August 7

Apollo lunar roving vehicle restricted to a 181-kilogram weight limit - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. MSFC-NASA Hq. correspondence emphasized the need to restrict the lunar roving vehicle to a 181-kilogram weight limit. If necessary, range and speed would be traded off to retain this weight limit..

1969 August 7

Modes for future Apollo lunar surface exploration - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Aldrin, Armstrong, McDivitt. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
George Low, James McDivitt, Neil Armstrong, and Edwin Aldrin discussed lunar exploration that could be carried out by astronauts walking in spacesuits or riding roving vehicles. The following conclusions were reached: "a. A possible mode of exploration would be to walk 1 hour (3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 kilometers)) to an exploration site; spend 1 to 2 hours at that site; and then return to the LM. b. It would be easy to carry anything that need be carried, provided that it did not require the hands for the purpose. c. A roving vehicle might work if it had extremely large wheels. There appeared to be no significant advantage of using the presently conceived roving vehicle instead of walking. d. All extravehicular excursions should be carried out by two men at a time. e. Excursions should not be carried out beyond the radius of ground communications."

1969 August 10

Apollo Interagency Committee on Back Contamination met in Atlanta. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery. The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination met in Atlanta, Ga. . Additional Details: here....

1969 August 12

Apollo LM-6 (Apollo 12) guidance computer removed and replaced - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Guidance. During lunar module checkout activities at KSC, the LM-6 (for Apollo 12) guidance computer was removed and replaced because of an unexpected restart during panel revalidation..

1969 August 13

Antenna for Apollo communications on the lunar surface suggested - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Communications.
S. C. Phillips, NASA Hq., suggested that for communications on the lunar surface a long, deployable antenna might work. He suggested that an antenna about 30 meters long could be used. The antenna would be rolled up like a tape measure and would curl into a cylinder when deployed, somewhat like an antenna that had been used on the CSM.

1969 August 18

Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle Task Team reconstituted as the Lunar Mobility Task Team - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
The Lunar Roving Vehicle Task Team, which had been established at MSFC on April 7, was reconstituted as the Lunar Mobility Task Team. Its function would be to direct and coordinate MSFC efforts to conceive, design, and develop various modes of lunar transportation systems.

1969 August 19

The Apollo 11 seismic experiment package on the moon was reactivated - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
The Apollo 11 seismic experiment package on the moon was reactivated. Indications were that the unit was fully functional. The laser reflector was also operating well. Scientists at the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Tex., conducted ranging operations that established the distance between the earth and the moon, to within an accuracy of 4 meters as 373,794.3333 kilometers.

1969 August 20

MSC rejected a Grumman proposal to use the Apollo LM as a lunar reconnaissance module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo LRM.
MSC rejected a Grumman proposal to use the LM as a lunar reconnaissance module. MSC pointed out that an MSC special task team had recently studied a number of proposals for lunar reconnaissance. These included use of a command module test vehicle, the AAP multiple docking adapter, the subsystem test bed, the ascent stage of the LM, and the entire LM vehicle.

1969 August 22

Rocco A Petrone named as Director of the Apollo Program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Petrone, Phillips, Samuel. Program: Apollo. NASA named Rocco A. Petrone, Director of Launch Operations at KSC, to succeed Samuel C. Phillips as Director of the Apollo Program effective September 1..

1969 August 26

Primary batteries should be used to power the Apollo lunar roving vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV, LM Electrical.
In response to a query from MSFC, MSC took the position that primary batteries as opposed to secondary (rechargeable batteries) should be used to power the lunar roving vehicle. Concern was expressed that a solar array recharge assembly would introduce an extra complexity into the LM payload packaging and the roving vehicle servicing requirements and would contribute to a loss in effective EVA time because astronauts would need time to deploy the solar array and connect it to the rover.

1969 September 1

Kamanin lists the reasons the Soviets have lost the moon race. - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Feoktistov, Gagarin, Keldysh, Korolev, Mishin, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1, Lunar L3. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1, Soyuz 7K-LOK, Soyuz 7K-OK.
The Americans were able to pull equal in the race during their Gemini programme, then ahead with Apollo. The Soviet Union is now four to five years behind. Kamanin's accounting:
- No qualified Soviet government leadership in space research (Ustinov and Smirnov are a parody of proper management). They operate without rhyme or reason or plan. There is no single direction, no disciplined execution when a decision is finally made
- Korolev, Keldysh, Mishin, and Feoktistov are all dedicated to automated spacecraft - 'over-automation'
- Korolev and MIshin's rejection of Glushko's engines, and the leadership's rejection of the UR-700 as an alternative
- Ustinov and Smirnov's cancellation of the 18 day Voskhod 3 mission, even though the crews had been trained, and the associated pressure on development of Soyuz. This resulted in Soyuz being flown before it was mature, resulting in the death of Komarov and an 18 month delay in manned flights
- Death of Korolev and Gagarin both badly affected morale
- Making Mishin head of TsKBEM was a huge mistake. Mishin cannot cope with the huge number of space and missile projects assigned to his bureau

1969 September 1

Phillips made Commander of SAMSO. - . Spacecraft Bus: Apollo Lunar Landing. Spacecraft: Apollo. Lieutenant General Samuel C. Phillips, former director of NASA's Apollo program, became Commander of SAMSO, replacing Lieutenant General John W. O'Neill who moved up to become Vice Commander, AFSC..

1969 September 2

Apollo 11 samples 3.1 billion years old - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Analyses of the radioactive decay of Argon 40 and Neon 21 in two lunar samples indicated that the minimum age of the part of the Sea of Tranquillity from which the samples were obtained was about 3.1 billion years - plus or minus 200 million years..

1969 September 8

Recommendations for processing samples to be brought from the moon by the Apollo 12 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12. After the preliminary examination of Apollo 11 lunar samples, the Department of the Interior made a number of recommendations for processing samples to be brought from the moon by the Apollo 12 mission..

1969 September 16

First reported weights of Apollo 11 lunar samples said to be inaccurate - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
The first reported weights of Apollo 11 lunar samples were inaccurate because of a number of variables that could not be eliminated until after quarantine was lifted, MSC told NASA Hq. Because of the concern this inaccuracy had generated, procedures were being developed for future missions to permit more accurate determination of sample weights early in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory processing cycle.

1969 September 17

Changes in Apollo mission recovery procedures recommended - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Recovery.
The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination recommended changes in Apollo mission recovery procedures, including:
- Elimination of the biological isolation garment and, instead, use of a mask and clean room garment for astronauts returning from lunar missions.
- Design changes to improve the spacecraft and mobile quarantine facility tunnel operation.

1969 September 19

MSC reports that 136 flags of other nations were flown on Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. MSC replied to a query that 136 flags of other nations, the U.N. flag, and flags from each state and territory of the United States had been flown on Apollo 11. . Additional Details: here....

1969 September 23

Guinness records for Apollo 8 and Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 8.
In response to a query from Guinness Superlatives, London, as to the maximum distance from the earth reached by Apollo 8 and Apollo 11, MSC said the maximum distance for Apollo 8 was 377,348.704 kilometers, during the 10th lunar revolution. Additional Details: here....

1969 September 25-26

Apollo Manned Space Flight Awareness seminar - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. A Manned Space Flight Awareness seminar was held at MSC. The seminar, attended by some 500 industry and government representatives, emphasized the need for maintaining the dedication and motivation that led to the success of Apollo 11..

1969 September 25

James A McDivitt appointed Apollo ASPO Manager - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, McDivitt. Program: Apollo. James A. McDivitt was appointed ASPO Manager at MSC. George M. Low, former ASPO Manager was temporarily on special assignment at MSC to plan future MSC programs and work on organizational matters..

1969 October 3

Handbooks on lessons learned from Apollo program prepared as an aid to future programs - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. An exchange of correspondence that had begun in April formalized the suggestion that a series of handbooks on the "lessons learned" from the Apollo program should be prepared as an aid to future programs..

1969 October 6

Program responsibility for the Saturn launch vehicles was divided - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Program responsibility for the Saturn launch vehicles was divided, at the Headquarters level, between the Apollo Program Office and the Apollo Applications Program. Overall responsibility for the Saturn V remained with the Apollo Program Office, while overall responsibility for the Saturn IB vehicle was assigned to Apollo Applications.

1969 October 10

Major milestones for the Apollo 16-20 missions - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: A7L.
Major milestones were reached for extending astronauts' staytime on the moon and increasing their mobility for the Apollo 16-20 missions. Modifications in the A7L spacesuit incorporating improved waist mobility were authorized, and letter contract authority for the portable life support system secondary life support system was approved.

1969 October 12

Decision that Apollo 12 mission would examine Surveyor III and recover its TV camera - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Surveyor. A portion of the Apollo 12 mission would be devoted to an examination of Surveyor III and recovery of its TV camera and thermal-switch glass mirror fragments, MSC announced.. Additional Details: here....

1969 October 21

Apollo 12 film to be delivered for decontamination within 24 to 36 hours after recovery - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Apollo 12 film from the onboard cameras would be delivered in two batches to the Lunar Receiving Laboratory for decontamination within 24 to 36 hours after recovery, MSC reported. . Additional Details: here....

1969 October 22

Opposition to a major effort to develop a lunar flyer until after the Apollo 16 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 16. Spacecraft: LFV North American.
The Flight Crew Operations Directorate expressed opposition to a major effort to develop a lunar flyer until after the Apollo 16 mission. Plans for Apollo flights 12 through 16 required that the LM be maneuvered to landings at various points of scientific interest on the lunar surface, and experience from Apollo 11 and partial gravity simulators indicated the crews would be able to accomplish their surface EVA tasks for these missions without the aid of a mobility device.

1969 October 27

Apollo 12 to set space records - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. MSC Flight Operations informed the Apollo 12 commander that records could be set in a number of areas on the Apollo 12 mission. . Additional Details: here....

1969 October 28

Apollo lunar roving vehicle (LRV) contract awarded to the Boeing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
A lunar roving vehicle (LRV) cost-plus-incentive-fee contract was awarded to the Boeing Co. LRV-1 was scheduled for delivery on April 1, 1971, leaving only 17 months for vehicle development, production, and tests. The LRV project was managed at MSFC by Saverio F. Morea as a project within the Saturn Program Office. The Boeing Company would manage the LRV project in Huntsville, Ala., under Henry Kudish. General Motors Corp. AC Electronics Defense Research Laboratories in Santa Barbara, Calif., would furnish the mobility system (wheels, motors, and suspension). The Boeing Go. in Seattle, Wash., would furnish the electronics and navigation system. Vehicle testing would take place at the Boeing facility in Kent, Wash., and the chassis manufacturing and overall assembly would take place at the Boeing facility in Huntsville, Ala.

1969 October 30

The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination made the following decisions regarding Apollo 12 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination made the following decisions regarding Apollo 12. The biological isolation garment would not be used. A biological mask and flight suit would be used instead. Sterilization of flight film was eliminated. Data tapes would be sterilized if required before the release of samples. The command module would not be decontaminated unless access for postflight testing was required before the sample release date of January 7, 1970.

1969 November 3

Apollo team made a walkaround inspection of Apollo 14 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
The spacecraft walk-down team, established by ASPO in July in an effort to stem the increased number of human errors found in flight hardware, made a walkaround inspection of CSM-110 (Apollo 14 hardware). Cooperation of North American Rockwell and the Resident Apollo Spacecraft Program Office was excellent during the preparation and implementation of the inspection. No significant discrepancies were found by the inspection team during the several hours of inspection.

1969 November 3

In-house review reevaluates the Apollo secondary life support system - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operations, suggested that an in-house review reevaluate the Apollo secondary life support system, because of its complexity and cost of development, and at the same time reexamine the possibilities of an expanded oxygen purge system using identical concepts.

1969 November 4-7

Preparations for a November 14 launch of Apollo 12 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Crew Station. Preparations for a November 14 launch of Apollo 12 continued on schedule. . Additional Details: here....

1969 November 4

Thermometer to read lunar surface temperature considered for Apollo 13 ALSEP - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. Provision of a thermometer that could be attached to the ALSEP for the Apollo 13 mission, to take a reading of the lunar surface soil temperature, was being considered at MSC..

1969 November 6

Concern over weight growth of the Apollo lunar roving vehicle - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. In an exchange of correspondence between MSFC and MSC concern was expressed over the weight growth of the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) and its payload. As a result, a recommendation was made that MSFC manage the weight of the LRV and MSC the payload weight..

1969 November 10

Apollo 12 targetting point for Surveyor 3 changed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: LM Guidance, Surveyor.
At the request of the Apollo 12 crew, the internal primary guidance and navigational control system targeting for descent was being changed so that the automatic guidance would land LM-6 at Surveyor III rather than at a point offset 305 meters east and 153 meters north as originally planned.

1969 November 10

Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E Mueller resigns - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo.
NASA announced the resignation of Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller effective December 10. In December Charles W. Mathews was named Acting Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight until a successor for Mueller was appointed.

1969 November 14

16:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT2. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 12 - . Call Sign: Yankee Clipper. Crew: Bean, Conrad, Gordon. Backup Crew: Irwin, Scott, Worden. Payload: Apollo CSM 108 / Apollo LM 6 / ALSEP / S-IVB-507. Mass: 28,790 kg (63,470 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 10.19 days. Decay Date: 1969-11-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 4225 . COSPAR: 1969-099A. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.
Apollo 12 (AS-507)-with astronauts Charles Conrad, Jr., Richard F. Gordon, Jr., and Alan L. Bean as the crewmen-was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 11:22 a.m. EST November 14. Lightning struck the space vehicle twice, at 36.5 seconds and 52 seconds into the mission. The first strike was visible to spectators at the launch site. No damage was done. Except for special attention given to verifying all spacecraft systems because of the lightning strikes, the activities during earth-orbit checkout, translunar injection, and translunar coast were similar to those of Apollo 10 and Apollo 11.
During the translunar coast astronauts Conrad and Bean transferred to the LM one-half hour earlier than planned in order to obtain full TV coverage through the Goldstone tracking station. The 56-minute TV transmission showed excellent color pictures of the CSM, the intravehicular transfer, the LM interior, the earth, and the moon.
At 10:47 p.m. EST, November 17, the spacecraft entered a lunar orbit of 312.6 x 115.9 kilometers. A second service propulsion system burn circularized the orbit with a 122.5-kilometer apolune and a 100.6-kilometer perilune. Conrad and Bean again transferred to the LM, where they perfomed housekeeping chores, a voice and telemetry test, and an oxygen purge system check. They then returned to the CM.
Conrad and Bean reentered the LM, checked out all systems, and at 10:17 p.m. EST on November 18 fired the reaction control system thrusters to separate the CSM 108 (the Yankee Clipper) from the LM-6 (the Intrepid). At 1:55 a.m. EST November 19, the Intrepid landed on the moon's Ocean of Storms, about 163 meters from the Surveyor III spacecraft that had landed April 19, 1967. Conrad, shorter than Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon, July 20), had a little difficulty negotiating the last step from the LM ladder to the lunar surface. When he touched the surface at 6:44 a.m. EST November 19, he exclaimed, "Whoopee! Man, that may have been a small step for Neil, but that's a long one for me."
Bean joined Conrad on the surface at 7:14 a.m. They collected a 1.9-kilogram contingency sample of lunar material and later a 14.8-kilogram selected sample. They also deployed an S-band antenna, solar wind composition experiment, and the American flag. An Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package with a SNAP-27 atomic generator was deployed about 182 meters from the LM. After 3 hours 56 minutes on the lunar surface, the two astronauts entered the Intrepid to rest and check plans for the next EVA.
The astronauts again left the LM at 10:55 p.m. EST November 19. During the second EVA, Conrad and Bean retrieved the lunar module TV camera for return to earth for a failure analysis, obtained photographic panoramas, core and trench samples, a lunar environment sample, and assorted rock, dirt, bedrock, and molten samples. The crew then examined and retrieved parts of Surveyor III, including the TV camera and soil scoop. After 3 hours 49 minutes on the lunar surface during the second EVA, the two crewmen entered the LM at 2:44 a.m. EST November 20. Meanwhile astronaut Gordon, orbiting the moon in the Yankee Clipper, had completed a lunar multispectral photography experiment and photographed proposed future landing sites.
At 9:26 a.m. EST November 20, after 31 hours 31 minutes on the moon, Intrepid successfully lifted off with 34.4 kilograms of lunar samples. Rendezvous maneuvers went as planned. The LM docked with the CSM at 12:58 p.m. November 20. The last 24 minutes of the rendezvous sequence was televised. After the crew transferred with the samples, equipment, and film to the Yankee Clipper, the Intrepid was jettisoned and intentionally crashed onto the lunar surface at 5:17 p.m. November 20, 72.2 kilometers southeast of Surveyor III. The crash produced reverberations that lasted about 30 minutes and were detected by the seismometer left on the moon.
At 3:49 p.m. EST November 21, the crew fired the service propulsion system engine, injecting the CSM into a transearth trajectory after 89 hours 2 minutes in lunar orbit. During the transearth coast, views of the receding moon and the interior of the spacecraft were televised, and a question and answer session with scientists and the press was conducted.

Apollo 12 LM - . Call Sign: Intrepid. Payload: Apollo LM 6. Mass: 15,223 kg (33,560 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 10.19 days. Decay Date: 1969-11-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 4225 . COSPAR: 1969-099x. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min.

1969 November 15

Apollo subcontractor performance excellent - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
A review of North American Rockwell Space Division's in subcontract management indicated that its subcontractor schedule and cost performance had been excellent. The quality had been achieved, for the most part, by effective North American Rockwell subcontract management planning and execution of these plans.

1969 November 17

Apollo Orbital Science Photographic Team selected - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
NASA selected an Apollo Orbital Science Photographic Team to provide scientific guidance in design, operation, and data use of photographic systems for the Apollo lunar orbital science program. Chairman was Frederick Doyle of the U.S. Geological Survey. The 14-man team comprised experts from industry, universities, and government.

1969 November 17

Changed nomenclature for the lunar exploration phase of the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
NASA discontinued the use of names such "LEO," "ALEM," and "Apollo Lunar Exploration Program" that had been used since Apollo 11 to identify the lunar exploration phase of the Apollo program. Henceforth, the single word title "Apollo" would be used when referring to the program. Additional Details: here....

1969 November 19

11:32 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 12-1 - . Crew: Bean, Conrad. EVA Duration: 0.16 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Bean, Conrad. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment..

1969 November 20

EVA Apollo 12-3 - . Crew: Bean, Conrad. EVA Duration: 0.0014 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Bean, Conrad. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..

1969 November 20

03:54 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 12-2 - . Crew: Bean, Conrad. EVA Duration: 0.16 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Bean, Conrad. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Surveyor. Moonwalk to Surveyor 3, which had landed two years before. Recovered parts of Surveyor 3 which seemed to show that Earth bacteria could survive for that period in space and be revived..

1969 November 24

Landing of Apollo 12 - . Return Crew: Bean, Conrad, Gordon. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Bean, Conrad, Gordon. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12.
Parachute deployment and other reentry events occurred as planned. The CM splashed down in mid-Pacific at 3:58 p.m. EST (20:58 GMT), 7.25 kilometers from the recovery ship, U.S.S. Hornet. The astronauts, wearing flight suits and biological face masks, were airlifted by helicopter from the CM to the recovery ship, where they entered the mobile quarantine facility. They would remain in this facility until arrival at the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, MSC. The Apollo 12 mission objectives were achieved and the experiments successfully accomplished.

1969 November 26

Christopher C Kraft, Jr, appointed Deputy Director of MSC - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., was appointed Deputy Director of MSC. Kraft, Director of Flight Operations at MSC since November 1963, succeeded George S. Trimble, Jr., who had resigned September 30..

1969 December 1

Requirement for a simple lightweight Apollo lunar roving vehicle guidance and navigation system - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV, LM Communications, LM Guidance, LM Weight.
The MSC Flight Crew Operations Directorate submitted its requirement for a simple lightweight Rover (lunar roving vehicle) guidance and navigation system that would provide the following displayed information to the crew: vehicle heading and heading to the LM, speed in kilometers per hour, total distance traveled in kilometers, and distance to the LM. Additional Details: here....

1969 December 2

Apollo 12 crew debriefing - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12.
The Apollo 12 crew program/project debriefing was held. Some areas of concern included the lunar dust which obscured visibility during the landing, a dust problem in the suit connectors after completion of the first extravehicular activity, and wear on the suits after completion of the second EVA.

1969 December 3

George M Low NASA Deputy Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George, Paine. Program: Apollo. George M. Low was sworn in as NASA Deputy Administrator by Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator..

1969 December 3

Increasing space scientist dissatisfaction with the space program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Program: Apollo.
MSFC Director Wernher von Braun forwarded to MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth an analysis of increasing space scientists' dissatisfaction with the space program. "Ultimate origin" of dissatisfaction was in "the very complex and difficult interfaces between science, engineering, and management" in NASA and governmental systems and "the need for a quick and flexible challenge-and-response capability."
Young scientists from an academic environment found changing from a research scientist to a science administrator difficult; they often preferred active research to desk-and-meetings career.
Many scientists were reluctant to accept the long times between conceptual design and data gathering in space experiments - often 6 to 10 years. The question was not only of patience, graduate student support, and funding continuity, but also of scientific obsolescence.
Scientists felt that science was not as well represented in upper NASA management as were engineering and project management and that high-level decisions were often made without consideration of scientific viewpoints. While recognizing that the space program also had other prime objectives - such as advancement of technology, national achievement, applications, earth resources, and "bringing the world closer together" - they felt that "science is still a stepchild in this family of program objectives."
The analysis said that a good portion of the problems could be relieved by actions taken by Centers and NASA Hq. over the next few months and years. NASA space projects should be structured to give more scientists an opportunity to launch experiments. With the few present scientific flights, only a few scientists could hope to have their experiments flown in their lifetimes. The situation would improve when the Space Shuttle and Space Station were available, but that would not be before 1978 or 1979. With low emphasis on OAO, HEAO, Pioneer, ATM, and planetary flights suggested by the President's Space Task Group, "we will have almost no good flight experiments prepared, and almost no scientists left in the program, by the time the gates of the shuttle and the station open for science."
NASA should also find ways to reduce the time span between conception and flight of an experiment. "For Bill Kraushaar, who proposed a measurement of gamma rays with a simple (now almost obsolete) sensor on a Saturn launch vehicle, this time is now 8 years, with no end in sight." For the Apollo telescope mount principal investigators, "this time will be 8 years, provided that ATM-A is launched early in 1972."
The Shuttle promised great improvements, but "initiation or continuation of unmanned, relatively unsophisticated spacecraft projects for science payloads" was "highly desirable."
Procedures for proposal, screening, selection, acceptance, and final approval of experiments were "exceedingly cumbersome and time consuming." Streamlining requirements after approval - early definition, documentation, reporting, reviews, and administrative actions - as well as the maze of committees, boards, panels, and offices, was urgently recommended.
"Many scientists inside and outside NASA have suggested that NASA should establish, at a high level in the Administrator's Office, a 'Chief Scientist' position with no other functions than to act as a spokesman for . . . scientists who wish to participate in the space program."

1969 December 15

Mobile equipment transporter for Apollo LM-8, LM-9, and LM-10 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12, Apollo 15. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo MET.
NASA was considering incorporation of a mobile equipment transporter on LM-8, LM-9, and LM-10, to help with problems such as the Apollo 12 astronauts had in carrying hand tools, sample boxes and bags, a stereo camera, and other equipment on the lunar surface. The MET also could extend lunar surface activities to a greater distance from the lunar module. A prototype MET and training hardware were being fabricated and were expected to be available in late December.

1969 December 16-18

Apollo lunar roving vehicle preliminary requirements review - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
A lunar roving vehicle preliminary requirements review was held at MSFC. MSC was asked to review the requirement for a roll bar which it had requested in the interest of astronaut safety. Navigation system requirements as defined by MSC would require changes in the design presented by Boeing. Full-length fenders and effects of dust on radiators, sealed joints, and vision needed to be considered and appropriate measures taken in the vehicle design, the review found.

1969 December 18

Configuration control panel for Apollo GFE scientific equipment established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A configuration control panel for Apollo GFE scientific equipment was established at MSC, with Robert A. Gardiner as chairman. The panel would control proposed changes in Apollo spacecraft GFE science equipment..

1969 December 22

Apollo 12 indicated that lunar dust completely obscured landing point - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11, Apollo 12.
Correlation of the Apollo 12 descent film with the crew's comments during landing indicated that lunar dust first became apparent at about 30 meters from the surface and that from about 12 meters above to the actual touchdown the ground was almost completely obscured by the dust. Additional Details: here....

1969 December 28

Sigurd A Sjoberg named Director of Flight Operations - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. MSC announced the appointment of Sigurd A. Sjoberg as Director of Flight Operations, replacing Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., who had been appointed MSC Deputy Director Nov. 26. Sjoberg had been Deputy Director of Flight Operations since 1963..

1970 January 4

Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

NASA canceled the Apollo 20 mission and stretched out the remaining seven missions - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA had canceled the Apollo 20 mission and stretched out the remaining seven missions to six-month intervals, Deputy Administrator George M. Low told the press in an interview after dedication of the Lunar Science Institute (next to MSC in Houston). Budget restrictions had brought the decision to suspend Saturn V launch vehicle production after vehicle 515 and to use the Apollo 20 Saturn V to launch the first U.S. space station in 1972.

1970 January 5-8

Detailed reports on the Apollo 11 sample analyses were presented at the Lunar Science Conference - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. Detailed reports on the Apollo 11 sample analyses were presented at the Lunar Science Conference at MSC. . Additional Details: here....

1970 January 6

North American refused to join Coordinated Aerospace Supplier Evaluation (CASE) organization - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
North American Rockwell declined to become a member of the Coordinated Aerospace Supplier Evaluation (CASE) organization. North American Rockwell stated that its Certified Special Processors system provided greater effectiveness, that there was no real assurance that a supplier listed in the CASE Register was capable of performing to all the requirements of the indicated specifications, and that participants in CASE were prohibited from any exchange of information concerning supplier inadequacies. Several processors discontinued by North American Rockwell because of poor performance were still enjoying the full benefit of listing in the CASE Register, with the implication of system acceptability and certified-processor status that the listing provided.

1970 January 6

Apollo MSC Experiments Review Group established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. An MSC Experiments Review Group was established to consider new or late experiments for the Apollo flights. The group would recommend MSC policy on changes in experiments and would serve as a management clearing house..

1970 January 7

NASA issued instructions for deletion of the Apollo 20 mission from the program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
NASA issued instructions for deletion of the Apollo 20 mission from the program. MSC was directed to take immediate action to:
- Stop work on LM-14 and determine its disposition.
- Delete requirements for the Apollo 20 spacesuits and portable and secondary life support systems.
- Determine disposition of CSM 115A pending a final decision as to its possible use in a second workshop mission.
- Reevaluate orbital science experiments and assignments and prepare proposed revisions.

1970 January 12

Dale D Myers' appointed NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller. Program: Apollo.
Dale D. Myers' appointment as NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight was announced effective January 12, to succeed Dr. George E. Mueller, who had joined General Dynamics Corp. in New York City as a Vice President. Before this appointment, Myers was Vice President and General Manager of the Space Shuttle Program, North American Rockwell Corp.

1970 January 14

Scientific debriefing of the Apollo 12 astronauts - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12, Apollo 13. The scientific debriefing of the Apollo 12 astronauts indicated there were areas of strong interest for which there was no data and that the data could have been provided by an Apollo lunar surface closeup stereo camera. . Additional Details: here....

1970 January 16

Apollo 16-19 lunar orbital science experiments revised - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16.
An MSC meeting to realign the Apollo 16-19 lunar orbital science experiments recommended that the Sounding Radar Experiment, S-167, be deleted and the Lunar Electromagnetic Sounder, S-168, should be developed and flown. Scientific-value for the experiments was ranked in the following descending priorities for the various scientific disciplines: geochemistry, particles and fields, imagery and geodesy, surface and subsurface profiles, and atmospheres.

1970 January 29

Ground rules for Apollo service module design and integration established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 18, Apollo 19. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
Ground rules for service module design and integration, established during recent changes in the lunar orbital science program, were reported. The Apollo LM experiment hardware would be installed and tested at KSC. A single scientific instrument module configuration was being proposed for Apollo 16-19 with modification kits developed, as required, to install Apollo 18 and Apollo 19 experiments. An expanded Apollo LM data system would be available for Apollo 16 (spacecraft 112).

1970 February 5

Investigation of the Apollo 12 flight anomalies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. North American Rockwell completed an investigation, requested by NASA, of the Apollo 12 flight anomalies associated with apparent vehicle electrostatic discharges at 36.5 and 52 seconds into the flight. . Additional Details: here....

1970 February 6

Requirements for Apollo lunar roving vehicle (LRV) established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
A statement of agreements was reached between NASA Hq. and the Centers covering the requirements for a lunar roving vehicle (LRV). Appropriate portions of the agreements were being incorporated in a revised Apollo Program Specification and in Apollo Program Directive No. 4.

1970 February 17

Accident damaged Apollo lunar module descent tank beyond repair - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Descent Propulsion.
MSC appointed a panel to investigate a February 13 accident at the Aerojet-General plant in Fullerton, Calif., that had damaged a lunar module descent tank beyond repair. Panel findings were reported to a review board later in the month, which recommended needed safety measures.

1970 March 7

President Nixon listed six specific objectives for the space program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Nixon. Program: Apollo.
In a White House release, President Nixon listed six specific objectives for the space program: continued exploration of the moon, exploration of the planets and the universe, substantial reductions in the cost of space operations, extension of man's capability to live and work in space, rapid expansion of the practical applications of space technology, and greater international cooperation in space.

1970 March 13

Wernher von Braun made NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Planning - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Rees, von Braun. Program: Apollo. Wernher von Braun was sworn in as NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Planning. He left MSFC on March 1 and was succeeded as MSFC Director by Eberhard F. M. Rees..

1970 April 6-10

Swigert, Apollo 13 backup pilot, began intensive training to replace Mattingly - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Astronaut John L. Swigert, Jr., Apollo 13 backup command module pilot, began intensive training as a replacement for Thomas K. Mattingly II. The Apollo 13 prime crew had undergone a comprehensive medical examination after German measles had been contracted by Charles M. Duke, Jr., a member of the Apollo 13 backup crew. Mattingly had not shown immunity to the rubella virus and it was feared that he might become ill during the Apollo 13 flight.

1970 April 11

19:13 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT3. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 13 - . Call Sign: Odyssey. Crew: Haise, Lovell, Swigert. Backup Crew: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Support Crew: Brand, Kerwin, Lousma. Payload: Apollo CSM 109 / Apollo LM 7 / ALSEP / S-IVB-508. Mass: 28,790 kg (63,470 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 5.95 days. Decay Date: 1970-04-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 4371 . COSPAR: 1970-029A. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.31 min.
Apollo 13 (AS-508) was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 2:13 p.m. EST April 11, with astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr., John L. Swigert, Jr., and Fred W. Haise, Jr., aboard. The spacecraft and S-IVB stage entered a parking orbit with a 185.5-kilometer apogee and a 181.5-kilometer perigee. At 3:48 p.m., onboard TV was begun for five and one-half minutes. At 4:54 p.m., an S-IVB burn placed the spacecraft on a translunar trajectory, after which the CSM separated from the S-IVB and LM Aquarius. (The crew had named lunar module 7 Aquarius and CSM 109 Odyssey.) The CSM then hard-docked with the LM. The S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system made an evasive maneuver after CSM/LM ejection from the S-IVB at 6:14 p.m. The docking and ejection maneuvers were televised during a 72-minute period in which interior and exterior views of the spacecraft were also shown.
At 8:13 p.m. EST a 217-second S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system burn aimed the S-IVB for a lunar target point so accurately that another burn was not required. The S-IVB/IU impacted the lunar surface at 8:10 p.m. EST on April 14 at a speed of 259 meters per second. Impact was 137.1 kilometers from the Apollo 12 seismometer. The seismic signal generated by the impact lasted 3 hours 20 minutes and was so strong that a ground command was necessary to reduce seismometer gain and keep the recording on the scale. The suprathermal ion detector experiment, also deployed by the Apollo 12 crew, recorded a jump in the number of ions from zero at the time of impact up to 2,500 shortly thereafter and then back to a zero count. Scientists theorized that ionization had been produced by 6,300 K to 10,300 K (6,000 degrees C to 10,000 degrees C) temperature generated by the impact or that particles had reached an altitude of 60 kilometers from the lunar surface and had been ionized by sunlight.
Meanwhile back in the CSM/LM, the crew had been performing the routine housekeeping duties associated with the period of the translunar coast. At 30:40 ground elapsed time a midcourse correction maneuver took the spacecraft off a free-return trajectory in order to control the arrival time at the moon. Ensuring proper lighting conditions at the landing site. The maneuver placed the spacecraft on the desired trajectory, on which the closest approach to the moon would be 114.9 kilometers.
At 10:08 p.m. EST April 13, the crew reported an undervoltage alarm on the CSM main bus B, rapid loss of pressure in SM oxygen tank No. 2, and dropping current in fuel cells 1 and 3 to a zero reading. The loss of oxygen and primary power in the service module required an immediate abort of the mission. The astronauts powered up the LM, powered down the CSM, and used the LM systems for power and life support. The first maneuver following the abort decision was made with the descent propulsion system to place the spacecraft back in a free-return trajectory around the moon. After the spacecraft swung around the moon, another maneuver reduced the coast time back to earth and moved the landing point from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific.

Apollo 13 LM - . Call Sign: Aquarius. Payload: Apollo LM 7. Mass: 15,192 kg (33,492 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 5.95 days. Decay Date: 1970-04-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 4371 . COSPAR: 1970-029x. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.31 min.

1970 April 13

Apollo 12 ALSEP continuing to transmit data - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 12. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP. MSC informed NASA Hq. that the Apollo 12 ALSEP left on the moon in November 1969 was continuing to transmit satisfactory data. . Additional Details: here....

1970 April 13-June 15

Apollo 13 - "Hey - we've got a problem here" - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical.
"Hey, we've got a problem here." The message from the Apollo 13 spacecraft to Houston ground controllers at 10:08 p.m. EDT on April 13, initiated an investigation to determine the cause of an oxygen tank failure that aborted the Apollo 13 mission. Additional Details: here....

1970 April 17

Apollo 13 Review Board established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. NASA Hq. established an Apollo 13 Review Board to investigate the Apollo 13 accident..

1970 April 17

Landing of Apollo 13 - . Return Crew: Haise, Lovell, Swigert. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Haise, Lovell, Swigert. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13.
About four hours before reentry on April 17, the service module was jettisoned and the crew took photographs and made visual observations of the damaged area. About one hour before splashdown the command module was powered up and the lunar module was jettisoned. Parachutes were deployed as planned, and the Odyssey landed in the mid-Pacific 6.4 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Iwo Jima at 1:07 p.m. EST (18:07 GMT). The astronauts were picked up by helicopter and transported to the recovery ship less than an hour after splashdown.

1970 April 18

Kamanin considers the Apollo 13 mission. - . Nation: Russia. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13.
He believes it was a 'true test' of American technical capability in space. The saving of the American astronauts demonstrated the robust redundancy in the American Saturn V - Apollo design, as compared with the Soviet N1-L3. The latter, Kamanin remarks, is a bad launch vehicle, boosting a bad spacecraft. Kamanin sees the Soviet science fiction film Solaris - and finds it too fantastic for his taste.

1970 April 19

Apollo 13 Review Board panels established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical, CSM Fuel Cell, CSM RCS. To support the Apollo 13 Review Board, an MSC Apollo 13 Investigation Team, headed by Scott H. Simpkinson, was established with the several panels.. Additional Details: here....

1970 June 26

Actions initiated as a result of Apollo 13 Review Board - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. NASA Hq. and Center actions were initiated on recommendations of the Apollo 13 Review Board. . Additional Details: here....

1970 July 14

Apollo 13 investigation personnel redirected to the Apollo-experience-reporting project - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. Efforts of MSC personnel that had been redirected to support the Apollo 13 investigation would again be concentrated on the Apollo-experience-reporting project in an effort to attain a publication date of November 1, 1970..

1970 July 16

Reassessment of all Apollo spacecraft subsystems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. MSC moved to reassess all Apollo spacecraft subsystems and the engineering organizations responsible for them at MSC and its prime contractors, in response to Apollo 13 Review Board recommendation 9..

1970 July 17

Anniversary of Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11. During the anniversary of Apollo 11, NASA Administrator Thomas O. Paine said: "The success of Apollo 11 marked the beginning of a new and important phase of mankind - not just the triumphant end of a mission. . Additional Details: here....

1970 August 7

William B Bergen named North American's Group Vice President - Aerospace and Systems - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS.
North American Rockwell announced that William B. Bergen, who had been serving as president of North American's Space Division, would become a corporate vice president with the title Group Vice President - Aerospace and Systems. This was one of a number of key organizational steps taken since January to improve and strengthen the North American management structure in response to significant changes that had occurred in the aerospace environment.

1970 September 2

NASA canceling Apollo missions 15 and 19 because of congressional cuts - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing.
NASA was canceling Apollo missions 15 and 19 because of congressional cuts in FY 1971 NASA appropriations, Administrator Thomas O. Paine announced in a Washington news conference. Remaining missions would be designated Apollo 14 through 17. The Apollo budget would be reduced by $42.1 million, to $914.4 million - within total NASA $3.27 billion.

1970 September 11

Modifications were made to Apollo lunar roving vehicle simulator to eliminate extreme fatigue - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
Modifications were made in MSFC's lunar roving vehicle simulator and the static mockup to eliminate extreme arm and hand fatigue felt by a flight crew member and other test subjects after driving 10 to 15 minutes in LRV simulator evaluation tests. A T-shaped handle was added to the pistol grip; a parking-brake release and a reduced brake-travel distance were incorporated; and a mechanical reverse lockout was added.

1970 November 24

MSC Director Robert R Gilruth reported MSC actions on the Apollo 13 Review Board recommendations - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13, Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM ECS, CSM Electrical, CSM Fuel Cell. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth reported MSC actions on the Apollo 13 Review Board recommendations.. Additional Details: here....

1970 November 25

NASA Administrator discussed significance of Russian unmanned lunar probes to Apollo. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8.
George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, discussed the significance of unmanned lunar probes Luna XVI and XVII launched by the U.S.S.R. September 12 and November 10. Luna XVI had brought lunar samples back to earth and Luna XVII had landed an unmanned Lunokhod roving vehicle on the moon's surface. Low stated in a letter to Chairman Clinton P. Anderson of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences that while the two launches were impressive their contributions to science and technology were relatively minor. Low suggested that the main lesson to be learned from the two launches specifically and the U.S. and U.S.S.R. space programs in general was that while the Soviet launch rate was increasing that of the United States was decreasing. These trends in the two countries' space programs should be a cause of concern if the United States was interested in maintaining a position of leadership in space.

1971 January 18

Real-time television coverage of Apollo lunar surface activities planned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM, LM Television.
NASA was considering several methods for providing real-time television coverage of lunar surface activities with scientific commentary to the news media during future Apollo flights. A recommended approach would place scientific personnel from within NASA, including Apollo Program principal investigators, in the MSC news center briefing room with a panel representing the news media. The scientific personnel would supplement the normal air-to-ground communications, public affairs commentary, and TV transmissions from the moon with spontaneous commentary on surface activities in progress.

1971 January 29

Space vehicle for the Apollo 14 mission determined ready for launch - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 14.
The space vehicle for the Apollo 14 mission was determined ready for launch on January 31. The Flight Readiness Review had been held at KSC on December 17, 1970; all required action and open work had been completed; and the Pre-Liftoff Readiness Review had been favorably completed January 29.

1971 January 31

21:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT2. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 14 - . Call Sign: Kitty Hawk. Crew: Mitchell, Roosa, Shepard. Backup Crew: Cernan, Engle, Evans. Support Crew: Chapman, McCandless, Pogue. Payload: Apollo CSM 110 / Apollo LM 8 / ALSEP / S-IVB-509. Mass: 29,230 kg (64,440 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 9.00 days. Decay Date: 1971-02-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 4900 . COSPAR: 1971-008A. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi). Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Inclination: 31.12 deg. Period: 88.18 min.
The Apollo 14 (AS-509) mission - manned by astronauts Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Stuart A. Roosa, and Edgar D. Mitchell - was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 4:03 p.m. EST January 31 on a Saturn V launch vehicle. A 40-minute hold had been ordered 8 minutes before scheduled launch time because of unsatisfactory weather conditions, the first such delay in the Apollo program. Activities during earth orbit and translunar injection were similar to those of the previous lunar landing missions. However, during transposition and docking, CSM 110 Kitty Hawk had difficulty docking with LM-8 Antares. A hard dock was achieved on the sixth attempt at 9:00 p.m. EST, 1 hour 54 minutes later than planned. Other aspects of the translunar journey were normal and proceeded according to flight plan. A crew inspection of the probe and docking mechanism was televised during the coast toward the moon. The crew and ground personnel were unable to determine why the CSM and LM had failed to dock properly, but there was no indication that the systems would not work when used later in the flight.
Apollo 14 entered lunar orbit at 1:55 a.m. EST on February 4. At 2:41 a.m. the separated S-IVB stage and instrument unit struck the lunar surface 174 kilometers southeast of the planned impact point. The Apollo 12 seismometer, left on the moon in November 1969, registered the impact and continued to record vibrations for two hours.
After rechecking the systems in the LM, astronauts Shepard and Mitchell separated the LM from the CSM and descended to the lunar surface. The Antares landed on Fra Mauro at 4:17 a.m. EST February 5, 9 to 18 meters short of the planned landing point. The first EVA began at 9:53 a.m., after intermittent communications problems in the portable life support system had caused a 49-minute delay. The two astronauts collected a 19.5-kilogram contingency sample; deployed the TV, S-band antenna, American flag, and Solar Wind Composition experiment; photographed the LM, lunar surface, and experiments; deployed the Apollo lunar surface experiments package 152 meters west of the LM and the laser-ranging retroreflector 30 meters west of the ALSEP; and conducted an active seismic experiment, firing 13 thumper shots into the lunar surface.
A second EVA period began at 3:11 a.m. EST February 6. The two astronauts loaded the mobile equipment transporter (MET) - used for the first time - with photographic equipment, tools, and a lunar portable magnetometer. They made a geology traverse toward the rim of Cone Crater, collecting samples on the way. On their return, they adjusted the alignment of the ALSEP central station antenna in an effort to strengthen the signal received by the Manned Space Flight Network ground stations back on earth.
Just before reentering the LM, astronaut Shepard dropped a golf ball onto the lunar surface and on the third swing drove the ball 366 meters. The second EVA had lasted 4 hours 35 minutes, making a total EVA time for the mission of 9 hours 24 minutes. The Antares lifted off the moon with 43 kilograms of lunar samples at 1:48 p.m. EST February 6.
Meanwhile astronaut Roosa, orbiting the moon in the CSM, took astronomy and lunar photos, including photos of the proposed Descartes landing site for Apollo 16.
Ascent of the LM from the lunar surface, rendezvous, and docking with the CSM in orbit were performed as planned, with docking at 3:36 p.m. EST February 6. TV coverage of the rendezvous and docking maneuver was excellent. The two astronauts transferred from the LM to the CSM with samples, equipment, and film. The LM ascent stage was then jettisoned and intentionally crashed on the moon's surface at 7:46 p.m. The impact was recorded by the Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 ALSEPs.
The spacecraft was placed on its trajectory toward earth during the 34th lunar revolution. During transearth coast, four inflight technical demonstrations of equipment and processes in zero gravity were performed.
The CM and SM separated, the parachutes deployed, and other reentry events went as planned, and the Kitty Hawk splashed down in mid-Pacific at 4:05 p.m. EST February 9 about 7 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. New Orleans. The Apollo 14 crew returned to Houston on February 12, where they remained in quarantine until February 26.
All primary mission objectives had been met. The mission had lasted 216 hours 40 minutes and was marked by the following achievements:
- Third manned lunar landing mission and return.
- Use of mobile equipment transporter (MET).
- Payload of 32,500 kilograms placed in lunar orbit.
- Distance of 3.3 kilometers traversed on lunar surface.
- Payload of 43.5 kilograms returned from the lunar surface.
- Lunar surface stay time of 33 hours.
- Lunar surface EVA of 9 hours 47 minutes.
- Use of shortened rendezvous technique.
- Service propulsion system orbit insertion.
- Active seismic experiment.
- Inflight technical demonstrations.
- Extensive orbital science period during CSM solo operations.

Apollo 14 LM - . Call Sign: Antares. Payload: Apollo LM 8. Mass: 15,279 kg (33,684 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 9.00 days. Decay Date: 1971-02-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 4900 . COSPAR: 1971-008x. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi). Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Inclination: 31.12 deg. Period: 88.18 min.

1971 February 5

Soviet view of Apollo 14. - . Nation: Russia. Related Persons: Keldysh, Mishin, Shonin, Smirnov, Ustinov. Program: Apollo, Lunar L3. Apollo 14 successfully lands on the moon. Kamanin notes that the Soviet Union is now five to six years behind, due to the mistakes of Mishin, Keldysh, Smirnov, and Ustinov. Shonin is training on Soyuz s/n 32 at the KIS of TsKBEM..

1971 February 5

14:42 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 14-1 - . Crew: Mitchell, Shepard. EVA Duration: 0.20 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mitchell, Shepard. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment..

1971 February 6

EVA Apollo 14-3 - . Crew: Mitchell, Shepard. EVA Duration: 0.0014 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mitchell, Shepard. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..

1971 February 6

08:11 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 14-2 - . Crew: Mitchell, Shepard. EVA Duration: 0.19 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mitchell, Shepard. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 14. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo MET. Attempted to reach rim of Cone Crater on moonwalk with ''golf cart'' for hauling equipment..

1971 February 9

Landing of Apollo 14 - . Return Crew: Mitchell, Roosa, Shepard. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mitchell, Roosa, Shepard. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 14.
The CM and SM separated, the parachutes deployed, and other reentry events went as planned, and the Kitty Hawk splashed down in mid-Pacific at 21:05 GMT 7 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. New Orleans. The Apollo 14 crew returned to Houston on February 12, where they remained in quarantine until February 26. All primary mission objectives had been met. Additional Details: here....

1971 February 22

MSC requested removal of sharp corners from the Apollo lunar roving vehicle (LRV) seat - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: A7L, Apollo LRV.
MSC requested removal of sharp corners from the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) seat. During a recent series of LRV/EMU (extravehicular mobility unit) tests, a nicking or tearing of the portable life support system thermal cover had been discovered. Observation revealed that the thermal cover was contacting sharp corners on the LRV seats, when the test subject entered and left the vehicle.

1971 March 1

Automatic deployment system for the Apollo lunar roving vehicle abandoned - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV.
Because of difficulties during the past several months in developing and qualifying an automatic deployment system for the lunar roving vehicle, the automatic system was abandoned in favor of a manual system. Boeing was directed to stop all further effort on the automatic system.

1971 March 10

Photographic coverage of a lunar eclipse during the Apollo 15 mission studied - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
Action was initiated to determine the feasibility of providing photographic coverage of a lunar eclipse from the lunar surface or the CSM during the Apollo 15 mission. The eclipse would occur on August 6, three or four days after the scheduled Apollo 15 mission lunar surface liftoff.

1971 April 26

Quarantine for crew members who would go to the moon on future Apollo flights was discontinued - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15.
Acting NASA Administrator George M. Low discontinued the quarantine for future Apollo flights to the moon beginning with the Apollo 15 mission. The decision was based on a recommendation of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination (ICBC). The ICBC would continue as an active body, however, at least until the results of the last Apollo lunar mission were reviewed. Biomedical characterization of returned lunar samples would also be continued.

1971 April 27

LV Family: Shuttle. Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle.

James C Fletcher sworn in as NASA Administrator - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Fletcher, Low, George, Nixon, Paine. Program: Apollo.
James C. Fletcher was sworn in as NASA Administrator at a White House ceremony. Fletcher decided to push for Congressional approval of the stalled space shuttle program, but found that would only be forthcoming if the US Air Force agreed to participate. In order for that to happen, NASA would have to incorporate the USAF requirements for the shuttle that it had so far ignored (greater payload, higher cross-range). In another attempt to share the cost of the shuttle with other nations, previous NASA Administrator Thomas Paine had already tried to obtain international partners. But the only remnants of that effort were the Canadian robotic arm for the shuttle, and the European Space Agency Spacelab module. Neither represented a significant amount of the total program cost.
President Nixon had nominated Fletcher for the position on March 1, and the Senate had confirmed the nomination on March 11. George M. Low, NASA Deputy Administrator, had been Acting Administrator since the resignation of Paine on September 15, 1970.

1971 April 30

J T Shepherd named Acting Director, MSFC Program Management - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.
Lee B. James, Director of Program Management at MSFC, would leave for a position in the academic community effective May 31, MSFC announced. On June 1, J. T. Shepherd would assume the duties as Acting Director, Program Management. James had been active in the space program since 1947.

1971 May 5

Apollo Site Selection Board selected Descartes as the Apollo 16 site - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16.
The Apollo Site Selection Board selected Descartes as the Apollo 16 site. However, after the selection, a discussion began as to whether the Kant or Descartes region would be the better choice. NASA finally decided to go with the original selection of the Board: Descartes would be the prime Apollo 16 Site.

1971 May 13

Contamination measurements on the remaining Apollo flights for use in Skylab planning - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15, Apollo 16.
NASA was considering a plan for obtaining contamination measurements on the remaining Apollo flights for use in Skylab planning. The plan required photography on Apollo 15 of liquid dumps, limited magnitude starfield, and window deposition photography. Apollo 16 and 17 would carry instrumentation to measure cloud intensity and effects, deposits and their effects, critical surfaces, particle count, surface charge potential, and pressure.

1971 July 26

13:34 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT3. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo 15 - . Call Sign: Endeavour. Crew: Irwin, Scott, Worden. Backup Crew: Brand, Gordon, Schmitt. Payload: Apollo CSM 112/LM 10/ ALSEP/ LRV-1/PFS 1/S-IVB-510. Mass: 30,343 kg (66,894 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 12.30 days. Decay Date: 1971-08-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 5351 . COSPAR: 1971-063A. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). Perigee: 166 km (103 mi). Inclination: 29.68 deg. Period: 87.84 min.
Apollo 15 (AS-510) with astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred M. Worden, and James B. Irwin aboard was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 9:34 a.m. EDT July 26. The spacecraft and S-IVB combination was placed in an earth parking orbit 11 minutes 44 seconds after liftoff. Activities during earth orbit and translunar injection (insertion into the trajectory for the moon) were similar to those of previous lunar landing missions. Translunar injection was at about 12:30 p.m., with separation of the CSM from the LM/S-IVB/IU at 12:56 p.m. At 1:08 p.m., onboard color TV showed the docking of the CSM with the LM.
S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system burns sent the S-IVB/IU stages toward the moon, where they impacted the lunar surface at 4:59 p.m. EDT July 29. The point of impact was 188 kilometers northeast of the Apollo 14 landing site and 355 kilometers northeast of the Apollo 12 site. The impact was detected by both the Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 seismometers, left on the moon in November 1969 and February 1971.
After the translunar coast, during which TV pictures of the CSM and LM interiors were shown and the LM communications and other systems were checked, Apollo 15 entered lunar orbit at 4:06 p.m. EDT July 29.
The LM-10 Falcon, with astronauts Scott and Irwin aboard, undocked and separated from the Endeavor (CSM 112) with astronaut Worden aboard. At 6:16 p.m. EDT July 30, the Falcon landed in the Hadley-Apennine region of the moon 600 meters north-northwest of the proposed target. About two hours later, following cabin depressurization, Scott performed a 33-minute standup EVA in the upper hatch of the LM, during which he described and photographed the landing site.
The first crew EVA on the lunar surface began at 9:04 a.m. July 31. The crew collected and stowed a contingency sample, unpacked the ALSEP and other experiments, and prepared the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) for operations. Some problems were encountered in the deployment and checkout of the LRV, used for the first time, but they were quickly resolved. The first EVA traverse was to the Apennine mountain front, after which the ALSEP was deployed and activated, and one probe of a Heat Flow experiment was emplaced. A second probe was not emplaced until EVA-2 because of drilling difficulties. The first EVA lasted 6 hours 33 minutes.
At 7:49 a.m. EDT August 1, the second EVA began. The astronauts made a maintenance check on the LRV and then began the second planned traverse of the mission. On completion of the traverse, Scott and Irwin completed the placement of heat flow experiment probes, collected a core sample, and deployed the American flag. They then stowed the sample container and the film in the LM, completing a second EVA of 7 hours 12 minutes.
The third EVA began at 4:52 a.m. August 2, included another traverse, and ended 4 hours 50 minutes later, for a total Apollo 15 lunar surface EVA time of 18 hours 35 minutes.
While the lunar module was on the moon, astronaut Worden completed 34 lunar orbits in the CSM operating scientific instrument module experiments and cameras to obtain data concerning the lunar surface and environment. X-ray spectrometer data indicated richer abundance of aluminum in the highlands, especially on the far side, but greater concentrations of magnesium in the maria.
Liftoff of the ascent stage of the LM, the first one to be televised, occurred at 1:11 p.m. EDT August 2. About two hours later the LM and CSM rendezvoused and docked, and film, equipment, and 77 kilograms of lunar samples were transferred from the LM to the CSM. The ascent stage was jettisoned and hit the lunar surface at 11:04 p.m. EDT August 2. Its impact was recorded by the Apollo 12, Apollo 14, and Apollo 15 seismometers, left on the moon during those missions. Before leaving the lunar orbit, the spacecraft deployed a subsatellite, at 4:13 p.m. August 4, in an orbit of 141.3 by 102 kilometers. The satellite would measure interplanetary and earth magnetic fields near the moon. It also carried charged-particle sensors and equipment to detect variations in lunar gravity caused by mascons (mass concentrations).
A transearth injection maneuver at 5:23 p.m. August 4 put the CSM on an earth trajectory. During the transearth coast, astronaut Worden performed an inflight EVA beginning at 11:32 a.m. August 5 and lasting for 38 minutes 12 seconds. He made three trips to the scientific instrument module (SIM) bay of the SM, twice to retrieve cassettes and once to observe the condition of the instruments in the SIM bay.

Apollo 15 LM - . Call Sign: Falcon. Payload: Apollo LM 10. Mass: 16,437 kg (36,237 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 12.30 days. Decay Date: 1971-08-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 5351 . COSPAR: 1971-063x. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). Perigee: 166 km (103 mi). Inclination: 29.68 deg. Period: 87.84 min.

Apollo 15 Subsatellite - . Payload: PFS 1. Mass: 36 kg (79 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar probe. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: PFS. USAF Sat Cat: 5377 . COSPAR: 1971-063D. Released from Apollo 15 into 102 x 142 km lunar orbit on 4 August 1971 at 20:13:29 GMT; studied lunar particles and included fields experiments. Last telemetry from lunar orbit in 1984..

1971 July 31

00:16 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 15-1 - . Crew: Scott. EVA Duration: 0.0229 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Stand-Up External Vehicular Activity. Photographed lunar surface panorama from top hatch of LM..

1971 July 31

13:12 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 15-2 - . Crew: Irwin, Scott. EVA Duration: 0.27 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment..

1971 August 1

11:48 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 15-3 - . Crew: Irwin, Scott. EVA Duration: 0.30 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to Hadley Delta..

1971 August 2

EVA Apollo 15-5 - . Crew: Irwin, Scott. EVA Duration: 0.0014 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..

1971 August 2

08:52 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 15-4 - . Crew: Irwin, Scott. EVA Duration: 0.20 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Scott. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to Hadley Rille..

1971 August 5

15:31 GMT - .

EVA Apollo 15-6 - . Crew: Irwin, Worden. EVA Duration: 0.0264 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Worden. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Stand-Up External Vehicular Activity. Deep space retrieval of film cartridges from Service Module..

1971 August 7

Landing of Apollo 15 - . Return Crew: Irwin, Scott, Worden. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Irwin, Scott, Worden. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15.
CM and SM separation, parachute deployment, and other reentry events went as planned, but one of the three main parachutes failed, causing a hard but safe landing. Splashdown - at 4:45 p.m. EDT (20:45 GMT), after 12 days 7 hours 12 minutes from launch - was 530 kilometers north of Hawaii and 10 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Okinawa. The astronauts were carried to the ship by helicopter, and the CM was retrieved and placed on board. All primary mission objectives had been achieved.

1971 October 6-7

Apollo 15 anomalies - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15, Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Electrical, LM RCS. Major items of discussion during the Manned Space Flight Management Council meeting in Washington were the Apollo 15 anomalies. . Additional Details: here....

1971 October 21

Apollo science program required for years after the lunar landings completed - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
Some members of the Lunar Sample Review Board expressed concern that, unless provisions were made to retain vital parts of the Apollo science program for a number of years after the lunar landings were completed, tangible returns from the lunar landings would be greatly diminished. Three main areas of concern were the lunar sample analysis program, the curatorial staff and facilities for care of the sample collection, and the lunar geophysical stations and Apollo orbital science.

1971 November 18

Detailed assessment of the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) used on the Apollo 15 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. A detailed objective assessment of the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) used on the Apollo 15 mission indicated:
- The LRV was successfully deployed, with minor problems. . Additional Details: here....
1971 December 7
- Plan to provide the National Space Science Data Center with Apollo scientific material - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
  A meeting was held at NASA Hq. to formulate a plan to provide the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) with the material required to serve the scientific community. As a result of the meeting, MSC was requested to:
  - Prepare index map overlays and frame indexes for all lunar photos from command module and scientific instrument module cameras.
  - Evaluate the photos in terms of the correctness of the exposure settings and the visible effects of any camera malfunctions.
  - Manage the preparation of the photo support data and camera calibration data to ensure their suitability for the photogrammetric reduction and subsequent analysis of the photographs.
  - Manage the preparation of microfiche imagery of all command module photographs and every third mapping camera photograph, supplying masters and/or copies of the fiches to NSSDC.
  - Provide paper prints to NSSDC for the preparation of microfilm imagery of the panoramic camera photographs.
1972 January 14
- Gilruth appointed NASA Director of Key Personnel Development - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Kraft. Program: Apollo.
  Manned Spacecraft Center Robert R. Gilruth was appointed to the newly created position of NASA Director of Key Personnel Development. He would integrate NASA planning to fill key positions, identify actual and potential candidates, and guide them through appropriate work experience.
  Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC Deputy Director, was named Director of MSC. Both Kraft and Gilruth were original members of the NASA Space Task Group established in 1958 to manage Project Mercury.
1972 January 18
- Sigurd A Sjoberg named Deputy Director of Manned Spacecraft Center. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Program: Apollo. Sigurd A. Sjoberg was named Deputy Director of Manned Spacecraft Center. Sjoberg succeeded Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., who was named Director of MSC January 14..
1972 January 19
- Policy on astronaut preference kits flown on Apollo spacecraft - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A directive establishing policy and procedure and assigning responsibilities governing articles to be included in astronaut preference kits flown on board Apollo spacecraft was promulgated..
1972 March 8
- Olympic Games flag to be carried in the command module during the Apollo 16 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, LM Weight. An Olympic Games flag 1.2 by 1.8 meters would be packed in a fireproof container and carried in the command module during the Apollo 16 mission. . Additional Details: here....
1972 April 16
17:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT3. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
- Apollo 16 - . Call Sign: Caspar. Crew: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Backup Crew: Haise, Mitchell, Roosa. Payload: Apollo CSM 113/LM 11/ ALSEP/ LRV-2/PFS 2/S-IVB-511. Mass: 30,358 kg (66,927 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 11.08 days. Decay Date: 1972-04-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 6000 . COSPAR: 1972-031A. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Inclination: 32.54 deg. Period: 88.93 min.
  The Apollo 16 (AS-511) space vehicle was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 12:54 p.m. EST April 16, with a crew of astronauts John W. Young, Thomas K. Mattingly II, and Charles M. Duke, Jr. After insertion into an earth parking orbit for spacecraft system checks, the spacecraft and the S-IVB stage were placed on a trajectory to the moon at 3:28 p.m. CSM transposition and docking with the LM were achieved, although a number of minor anomalies were noted.
  One anomaly, an auxiliary propulsion system leak on the S-IVB stage, produced an unpredictable thrust and prevented a final S-IVB targeting maneuver after separation from the CSM. Tracking of the S-IVB ended at 4:04 p.m. EST April 17, when the instrument unit's signal was lost. The stage hit the lunar surface at 4:02 p.m. April 19, 260 kilometers northeast of the target point. The impact was detected by the seismometers left on the moon by the Apollo 12, 14, and 15 missions.
  Spacecraft operations were near normal during the coast to the moon. Unexplained light-colored particles from the LM were investigated and identified as shredded thermal paint. Other activities during the translunar coast included a cislunar navigation exercise, ultraviolet photography of the earth and moon, an electrophoresis demonstration, and an investigation of the visual light-flash phenomenon noted on previous flights. Astronaut Duke counted 70 white, instantaneous light flashes that left no after-glow.
  Apollo 16 entered a lunar orbit of 314 by 107.7 kilometers at 3:22 p.m. April 19. After separation of LM-11 Orion from CSM 112 Casper, a CSM active rendezvous kept the two vehicles close together while an anomaly discovered on the service propulsion system was evaluated. Tests and analyses showed the redundant system to be still safe and usable if required. The vehicles were again separated and the mission continued on a revised timeline because of the 5 3/4-hour delay.
  The lunar module landed with Duke and Young in the moon's Descartes region, about 230 meters northwest of the planned target area at 9:23 p.m. EST April 20. A sleep period was scheduled before EVA.
  The first extravehicular activity began at 11:59 a.m. April 21, after the eight-hour rest period. Television coverage of surface activity was delayed until the lunar roving vehicle systems were activated, because the steerable antenna on the lunar module could not be used. The lunar surface experiments packages were deployed, but accidental breaking of the electronics cable rendered the heat flow experiment inoperable. After completing activities at the experiments site, the crew drove the lunar roving vehicle west to Flag Crater, where they performed the planned tasks. The inbound traverse route was just slightly south of the outbound route, and the next stop was Spook Crater. The crew then returned via the experiment station to the lunar module and deployed the solar wind composition experiment. The duration of the extravehicular activity was 7 hours 11 minutes. The distance traveled by the lunar roving vehicle was 4.2 kilometers. The crew collected 20 kilograms of samples.
  The second extravehicular traverse, which began at 11:33 a.m. April 22, was south-southeast to a mare-sampling area near the Cinco Craters on Stone Mountain. The crew then drove in a northwesterly direction, making stops near Stubby and Wreck Craters. The last leg of the traverse was north to the experiments station and the lunar module. The second extravehicular activity lasted 7 hours 23 minutes. The distance traveled by the lunar roving vehicle was 11.1 kilometers.
  Four stations were deleted from the third extravehicular traverse, which began 30 minutes early at 10:27 a.m. April 23 to allow extra time. The first stop was North Ray Crater, where "House Rock" on the rim of the crater was sampled. The crew then drove southeast to "Shadow Rock." The return route to the LM retraced the outbound route. The third extravehicular activity lasted 5 hours 40 minutes, and the lunar roving vehicle traveled 11.4 kilometers.
  Lunar surface activities outside the LM totaled 20 hours 15 minutes for the mission. The total distance traveled in the lunar roving vehicle was 26.7 kilometers. The crew remained on the lunar surface 71 hours 14 minutes and collected 96.6 kilograms of lunar samples.
  While the lunar module crew was on the surface, Mattingly, orbiting the moon in the CSM, was obtaining photographs, measuring physical properties of the moon and deep space, and making visual observations. Essentially the same complement of instruments was used to gather data as was used on the Apollo 15 mission, but different areas of the lunar surface were flown over and more comprehensive deep space measurements were made, providing scientific data that could be used to validate findings from Apollo 15 as well as add to the total store of knowledge of the moon and its atmosphere, the solar system, and galactic space.
  The LM lifted off from the moon at 8:26 p.m. EST April 23, rendezvoused with the CSM, and docked with it in orbit. Young and Duke transferred to the CSM with samples, film, and equipment, and the LM was jettisoned the next day. LM attitude control was lost at jettison; therefore a deorbit maneuver was not possible and the LM remained in lunar orbit, with an estimated orbital lifetime of about one year.
  The particles and fields subsatellite was launched into lunar orbit and normal system operation was noted. However, the spacecraft orbital shaping maneuver was not performed before ejection and the subsatellite was placed in a non-optimum orbit that resulted in a much shorter lifetime than the planned year. Loss of all subsatellite tracking and telemetry data on the 425th revolution (May 29) indicated that the subsatellite had hit the lunar surface.
  The mass spectrometer deployment boom stalled during a retract cycle and was jettisoned before transearth injection. The second plane-change maneuver and some orbital science photography were deleted so that transearth injection could be performed about 24 hours earlier than originally planned.
  Activities during the transearth coast phase of the mission included photography for a contamination study for the Skylab program and completion of the visual light-flash-phenomenon investigation that had been partially accomplished during translunar coast. A 1-hour 24-minute transearth extravehicular activity was conducted by command module pilot Mattingly to retrieve the film cassettes from the scientific instrument module cameras, inspect the equipment, and expose a microbial-response experiment to the space environment. Two midcourse corrections were made on the return flight to achieve the desired entry interface conditions.
- Apollo 16 LM - . Call Sign: Orion. Payload: Apollo LM 11. Mass: 16,437 kg (36,237 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 11.08 days. Decay Date: 1972-04-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 6000 . COSPAR: 1972-031x. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Inclination: 32.54 deg. Period: 88.93 min.
- Apollo 16 Subsatellite - . Payload: PFS 2. Mass: 36 kg (79 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar probe. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: PFS. Decay Date: 1972-05-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 6009 . COSPAR: 1972-031D. Released from Apollo 16 into lunar orbit on 24 April 1972 at 21:56:09 GMT into a 96 km x 122 km orbit; fields and particles data; impacted lunar surface 29 May 1972..
1972 April 21
16:47 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 16-1 - . Crew: Duke, Young. EVA Duration: 0.30 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Young. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment..
1972 April 22
16:33 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 16-2 - . Crew: Duke, Young. EVA Duration: 0.31 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Young. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to Stone Mountain..
1972 April 23
- EVA Apollo 16-4 - . Crew: Duke, Young. EVA Duration: 0.0014 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Young. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..
1972 April 23
15:25 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 16-3 - . Crew: Duke, Young. EVA Duration: 0.24 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Young. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to North Ray crater..
1972 April 25
20:33 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 16-5 - . Crew: Duke, Mattingly. EVA Duration: 0.0507 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Mattingly. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Stand-Up External Vehicular Activity. Deep space retrieval of film cartridges from Service Module..
1972 April 27
- Landing of Apollo 16 - . Return Crew: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16.
  Entry and landing were normal, completing a 265-hour 51-minute mission. The command module was viewed on television while dropping on the drogue parachutes, and continuous coverage was provided through crew recovery. Splashdown was at 2:45 p.m. EST (19:45 GMT) in mid-Pacific, 5 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Ticonderoga. All primary mission objectives had been achieved.
1972 April 28
- Owen G Morris appointed Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program Office - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: McDivitt. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.
  Owen G. Morris was appointed Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program Office, at MSC. Morris, who had been Manager for the Lunar Module, succeeded James A. McDivitt, who was appointed Special Assistant to the Center Director for Organizational Affairs. Both appointments were effective immediately.
1972 May 7
- Tank cart defueling the Apollo 16 command module exploded - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15, Apollo 16. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Parachute. A tank cart at the San Diego Naval Air Station, defueling the Apollo 16 command module after its April 27 return from its mission to the moon, exploded because of overpressurization. . Additional Details: here....
1972 June 26
- No foreseeable mission for Apollo Apollo CSMs 115 and 115a - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Block II.
  NASA Deputy Administrator George M. Low and Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dale D. Myers met and decided there was no foreseeable mission for CSMs 115 and 115a; funds would not be authorized for any work on these spacecraft; and skills would not be retained specifically to work on them.
1972 July 13
- Photographic tasks of command module pilot during Apollo 17 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A meeting at NASA Hq. reviewed the proposed photographic and visual observation tasks of the command module pilot during the Apollo 17 mission scheduled for December. Feasibility of the tasks and potential flight planning impact were discussed..
1972 July 15
- Lunar Science Institute's summer study on post-Apollo lunar science - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
  The Lunar Science Institute's summer study on post-Apollo lunar science arrived at a number of conclusions and recommendations. Some conclusions were: Lunar science would evolve through three rather distinct phases. For two years immediately following Apollo 17, high priority would be given to collection, organization, and preliminary analysis of the wealth of information acquired from the exploration of the moon. In the next two years (1975 and 1976), emphasis would shift to a careful first look at all the data. In the next years, investigations would be concentrated on key problems. Additional Details: here....
1972 September 26
- MSC responsible for the medical briefing during Apollo 17 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 17.
  During the Apollo 17 mission, MSC would be responsible for the medical briefing at the mission reviews, would provide the medical staffing of the mission operations control room, would assume the medical line responsibilities in the operations team, and would provide mission surgeons to take part in the change-of-shift press briefings.
1972 December 7
05:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: LUT3. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
- Apollo 17 - . Call Sign: America. Crew: Cernan, Evans, Schmitt. Backup Crew: Duke, Roosa, Young. Payload: Apollo CSM 114/LM 12/ ALSEP/ LRV-3/S-IVB-512. Mass: 30,342 kg (66,892 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Duration: 12.58 days. Decay Date: 1972-12-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 6300 . COSPAR: 1972-096A. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi). Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Inclination: 28.53 deg. Period: 87.83 min.
  Apollo 17 (AS-512), the final Apollo manned lunar landing mission, was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 12:33 a.m. EST December 7. Crew members were astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans, and Harrison H. Schmitt. The launch had been delayed 2 hours 40 minutes by a countdown sequencer failure, the only such delay in the Apollo program caused by a hardware failure.
  All launch vehicle systems performed normally in achieving an earth parking orbit of 170 by 168 kilometers. After checkout, insertion into a lunar trajectory was begun at 3:46 a.m.; translunar coast time was shortened to compensate for the launch delay. CSM 114 transposition, docking with LM-12, and LM ejection from the launch vehicle stage were normal. The S-IVB stage was maneuvered for lunar impact, striking the surface about 13.5 kilometers from the preplanned point at 3:27 p.m. EST December 10. The impact was recorded by the passive seismometers left on the moon by Apollo 12, 14, 15, and 16.
  The crew performed a heat flow and convection demonstration and an Apollo light-flash experiment during the translunar coast. The scientific instrument module door on the SM was jettisoned at 10:17 a.m. EST December 10. The lunar orbit insertion maneuver was begun at 2:47 p.m. and the Apollo 17 spacecraft entered a lunar orbit of 315 by 97 kilometers. After separation of the LM Challenger from the CSM America and a readjustment of orbits, the LM began its powered descent and landed on the lunar surface in the Taurus-Littrow region at 2:55 p.m. EST on December 11, with Cernan and Schmitt.
  The first EVA began about 4 hours later (6:55 p.m.). Offloading of the lunar roving vehicle and equipment proceeded as scheduled. The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package was deployed approximately 185 meters west northwest of the Challenger. Astronaut Cernan drove the lunar roving vehicle to the experiments deployment site, drilled the heat flow and deep core holes, and emplaced the neutron probe experiment. Two geological units were sampled, two explosive packages deployed, and seven traverse gravimeter measurements were taken. During the 7-hour 12-minute EVA, 14 kilograms of samples were collected.
  The second extravehicular activity began at 6:28 p.m. EST December 12. Because of geological interest, station stop times were modified. Orange soil was discovered and became the subject of considerable geological discussion. Five surface samples and a double core sample were taken in the area of the orange soil. Three explosive packages were deployed, seven traverse gravimeter measurements were taken, and observations were photographed. Samples collected totaled 34 kilograms during the 7 hours and 37 minutes of the second EVA.
  The third and final EVA began at 5:26 p.m. EST December 13. Specific sampling objectives were accomplished. Samples - including blue-gray breccias, fine-grained vesicular basalts, crushed anorthositic rocks, and soils - weighed 66 kilograms. Nine traverse gravimeter measurements were made. The surface electrical properties experiment was terminated. Before reentering the LM, the crew selected a breccia rock to dedicate to the nations represented by students visiting the Mission Control Center. A plaque on the landing gear of the lunar module, commemorating all of the Apollo lunar landings, was then unveiled. After 7 hours 15 minutes, the last Apollo EVA on the lunar surface ended. Total time of the three EVAs was approximately 22 hours; the lunar roving vehicle was driven 35 kilometers, and about 115 kilograms of lunar sample material was acquired.
  While Cernan and Schmitt were exploring the lunar surface, Evans was conducting numerous scientific activities in the CSM in lunar orbit. In addition to the panoramic camera, the mapping camera, and the laser altimeter, three new scientific instrument module experiments were included in the Apollo 17 orbital science equipment. An ultraviolet spectrometer measured lunar atmospheric density and composition; an infrared radiometer mapped the thermal characteristics of the moon; and a lunar sounder acquired data on the subsurface structure.
  Challenger lifted off the moon at 5:55 p.m. EST December 14. Rendezvous with the orbiting CSM and docking were normal. The two astronauts transferred to the CM with samples and equipment and the LM ascent stage was jettisoned at 1:31 a.m. December 15. Its impact on the lunar surface about 1.6 kilometers from the planned target was recorded by four Apollo 17 geophones and the Apollo 12, 14, 15, and 16 seismometers emplaced on the surface. The seismic experiment explosive packages that had been deployed on the moon were detonated as planned and recorded on the geophones.
  During the coast back to earth, Evans left the CSM at 3:27 p.m. EST December 17 for a 1-hour 7-minute inflight EVA and retrieved lunar sounder film and panoramic and mapping camera cassettes from the scientific instrument module bay. The crew conducted the Apollo light- flash experiment and operated the infrared radiometer and ultraviolet spectrometer.
  Reentry, landing, and recovery were normal. The command module parachuted into the mid-Pacific at 2:25 p.m. EST December 19, 6.4 kilometers from the prime recovery ship, U.S.S. Ticonderoga. The crew was picked up by helicopter and was on board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga 52 minutes after the CM landed. All primary mission objectives had been achieved.
- Apollo 17 LM - . Call Sign: Challenger. Payload: Apollo LM 12. Mass: 16,448 kg (36,261 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Duration: 12.58 days. Decay Date: 1972-12-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 6300 . COSPAR: 1972-096x. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi). Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Inclination: 28.53 deg. Period: 87.83 min.
1972 December 8
- Apollo extolled - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
  "Apollo, of course, was an absolutely unprecedented event in human history, one whose ultimate importance is impossible to fully comprehend at such close range," NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dale D. Myers wrote the Administrator. "In addition, its scientific contributions have far exceeded the expectations not only of the skeptics, but even of its proponents. It has virtually created a new branch of science as well as added a brilliant new chapter in the annals of exploration."
1972 December 12
23:54 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 17-1 - . Crew: Cernan, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.30 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment..
1972 December 13
23:28 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 17-2 - . Crew: Cernan, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.32 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to South Massif..
1972 December 14
22:25 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 17-3 - . Crew: Cernan, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.30 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. Drove in lunar rover to North Massif..
1972 December 15
- EVA Apollo 17-4 - . Crew: Cernan, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.0014 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..
1972 December 15
- EVA Apollo 17-5 - . Crew: Cernan, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.0007 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar lander. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Internal Vehicular Activity. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off..
1972 December 17
20:27 GMT - .
- EVA Apollo 17-6 - . Crew: Evans, Schmitt. EVA Duration: 0.0458 days. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Evans, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Class: Moon. Type: Manned lunar spacecraft. Flight: Apollo 17. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Stand-Up External Vehicular Activity. Deep space retrieval of film cartridges from Service Module..
1972 December 19
- Landing of Apollo 17 - . Return Crew: Cernan, Evans, Schmitt. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Cernan, Evans, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 17.
  Reentry, landing, and recovery were normal. The Apollo 17 command module parachuted into the mid-Pacific at 19:25 GMT, 6.4 kilometers from the prime recovery ship, U.S.S. Ticonderoga. The crew was picked up by helicopter and was on board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga 52 minutes after the CM landed. Manned exploration of the moon had ended.
1973 January 22
- Posthumous tribute to the Apollo program from former President Johnson - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon. Program: Apollo.
  Former President Lyndon B. Johnson - who as Senator had drafted the National Aeronautical and Space Act of 1958 establishing NASA and as Vice President had chaired the National Aeronautics and Space Council at the time of the U.S. decision to land a man on the moon - died of a heart attack in Austin, Tex., at the age of 64.
  A letter Johnson had sent was read at the National Space Club's "Salute to Apollo" in Washington, D.C., in the evening. Johnson commended the "space pioneers who have made the Apollo miracle a living reality." He said: "It has been more, so much more than an amazing adventure into the unexplored and the unknown. The Apollo Program . . . will endure as a monument to many things, to the personal courage of some of the finest men our nation has ever produced, to the technological and managerial capability which is the genius of our system and to a successful cooperation among nations which has proved to us all what can be done when we work together with our eyes on a glorious goal.
  "I rate Apollo as one of the real wonders of the world and I am proud that my country, through the exercise of great ability and daring leadership, has given it as a legacy to mankind."
1973 January 26
- Ames requested six R4D rocket engines surplus to the Apollo program for Pioneer-Venus - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Pioneer 12.
  Ames Research Center requested that six R4D rocket engines designed for use in the Apollo program be transferred from MSC to Ames. Possibly the engines would be suitable for the retro-injection function in the Pioneer Venus series of atmospheric probe and orbiter missions. First launch was planned for early 1977.
1973 February 17
- The Manned Spacecraft Center renamed the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Johnson, Lyndon. Program: Apollo.
  The Manned Spacecraft Center was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center by Public Law 93-8. The late President's interest and support of the space program began while he was Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences and continued during his tenure as Vice President and President.
1973 March 6
- Apollo Spacecraft Program Office reorganized - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Lunney. Program: Apollo. The Apollo Spacecraft Program Office, with Glynn S. Lunney as Manager, was reorganized. Lunney was also Manager for ASTP (Apollo/Soyuz Test Project), an assignment to which he had been appointed in June of 1972..
1973 March 15
- Post-Apollo Lunar Programs Office established - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15. Spacecraft Bus: Apollo LM. Spacecraft: Apollo ALSEP.
  A Lunar Programs Office, under which the Lunar Data Analysis and Synthesis Program would be conducted, was established in the Office of Space Science, NASA Hq. The office was responsible for continued operation and collection of data from the Apollo lunar surface experiment packages and the Apollo 15 subsatellite; Apollo surface and orbital science data analysis by principal investigators; development of selenodetic, cartographic, and photographic products; continued lunar laser ranging experiment; continued lunar sample analysis; lunar supporting research and technology; and advanced program studies.
1973 July
- Apollo 18 (cancelled) - . Crew: Brand, Gordon, Schmitt. Support Crew: Allen, Henize, Parker. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Allen, Brand, Gordon, Henize, Parker, Schmitt. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 18. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
  The most likely landing site was the crater Gassendi. Before the cancellation, astronaut-geologist Schmitt was pressing for a more ambitious landing in Tycho or the lunar farside. NASA cancelled Apollo 18 and 19 on 2 September 1970 because of congressional cuts in FY 1971 NASA appropriations. Pressure from the scientific community resulted in geologist Schmitt flying on Apollo 17, the last lunar mission, bumping Joe Engle from the lunar module pilot slot.
1973 August 7
- NASM established a complete library of Apollo lunar photos - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Collins. Program: Apollo.
  National Air and Space Museum Director Michael Collins advised JSC that NASM had established a center for research and study with responsibility for a complete library of lunar photos to document scientific results of the Apollo missions. The library would be used for original research and for planning and updating scientific parts of exhibits.
1973 August 27
- Actions for the final phaseout of the Apollo program - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
  Apollo Soyuz Test Project Program Director Chester M. Lee, Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Hq., was assigned as the management official to take actions necessary for the final phaseout of the Apollo program. All Apollo program inquiries, activities, and actions not covered by specific delegations of authority would be referred to Lee for appropriate decision and disposition.
1973 November 2
- Space Window with a two-centimeter Apollo 11 lunar sample commissioned for the National Cathedral - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Paine. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
  With the support of the trustees of the Washington Cathedral, Francis B. Sayre and Thomas O. Paine commissioned a large stained glass Space Window to be installed in the south wall of the nave, the main auditorium of the Cathedral. The window would be 5.4 meters high by 2.7 meters wide. The center of the window would contain an Apollo 11 lunar sample 2 centimeters in diameter.
1973 December
- Apollo 19 (cancelled) - . Crew: Carr, Haise, Pogue. Support Crew: England, Hartsfield, Peterson. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Carr, England, Haise, Hartsfield, Peterson, Pogue. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 19. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Apollo 19 was planned to land in the crater Copernicus. NASA cancelled Apollo 18 and 19 on 2 September 1970 because of congressional cuts in FY 1971 NASA appropriations..
1974 January 4
- 93 Apollo 17 lunar plaque presented to various countries - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 17. Of the 134 Apollo 17 lunar plaques, 93 were presented by American embassies to the countries in which the embassies were located..
1974 January
- Television version of Apollo 13 mission - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13.
  Universal Studios filmed a program for the ABC TV Network entitled, "Houston, We've Got a Problem." Although fictitious, the show revolved around mission control and the flight controllers during the Apollo 13 mission. The production was televised March 2, 1974.
1974 July
- Apollo 20 (cancelled) - . Crew: Lind, Lousma, Roosa. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Lind, Lousma, Roosa. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 20. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.
  The preferred landing site was the Marius Hills, or, if the operational constraints were relaxed, the bright crater Tycho. The flight was cancelled on January 4, 1970, before any crew assignments were made. The most likely crew would have been Roosa (Commander); Lind (Lunar Module Pilot); and Lousma (Command Module Pilot).
1974 July 13
- Nixon proclaimed July 16-24 United States Space Week on the fifth anniversary of Apollo 11 - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Nixon. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 11.
  In recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Apollo 11 flight, which landed the first men on the moon, President Nixon proclaimed the period July 16 through July 24 as United States Space Week, stating: "The knowledge to be gained from space will lead to scientific, technological, medical and industrial advances which cannot be fully perceived today. Additional Details: here....

Total LEM	14,515 kg (32,000 lbs)
Ascent stage inert	2,193 kg (4,835 lbs)
Descent stage inert	2,166 kg (4,775 lbs)

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1953 March

1955 March

1956 January 10

1956 November 1

1957 April

1957 December 30

1958 February 10

1958 June 23

1958 July 29

1958 August 6

1958 August 15

1958 September 1

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1958 October 11

1958 October 25

1958 November 1

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1958 November 5

1958 December 3

1958 December 15

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1959 January 19

1959 January 27

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1959 September 28

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1959 November 2

1959 November 19

1959 November 27