Apollo 4 a.k.a. AS-501 was meant to demonstrate the structural and thermal integrity and compatibility of the launch vehicle Saturn V and spacecraft while confirming launch loads and dynamic characteristics. It was also being used to verify operation of the command module heat shield, the adequacy of Block II design for reentry at lunar return conditions needed to be tested, service propulsion system (SPS) including a no ullage start, and selective subsystems, the performance of the emergency detection system in open-loop configuration was on the slate as well as a need to demonstrate mission support facilities and operations needed for launch, mission conduct, and CM recovery. All mission objectives were achieved.
During third orbit of the Apollo 4 mission, and after SPS engine burn, the spacecraft coasted to a simulated trans-lunar trajectory, reaching an altitude of 18,079 kilometers. The AS-501 launch marked the initial flight testing of the S-IC and S-II stages. The first stage S-IC performed accurately with the center F-1 engine cutting off at 135.5 seconds and the outboard engines cutting off at LOX depletion at 150.8 seconds when the vehicle was traveling at 9660 km/h at an altitude of 61.6 km. Stage separation occurred only 1.2 seconds off the predicted time. Cutoff of the S-II occurred at 519.8 seconds. Another highlight of the mission was that it was also the first launch from launch complex 39, specifically built for the Saturn V.
Footage of the Apollo 4 mission is probably the most used space mission photos in the world. One of the most used pieces shows the interstage between the first and second stages falling away. This footage even shows up in a Star Trek episode. To capture this footage the cameras ran at 15 times normal speed to show the events in slow motion. The camera capsules were jettisoned soon after the first stage separation and though at about 60,000 m in altitude, were well below orbital velocity. They then reentered the atmosphere and parachuted to the ocean where they floated waiting for recovery. Both S-II cameras from Apollo 4 were recovered so that there is footage from both sides of the vehicle.
The NASA page about Apollo 4 is very succinct. Here is another article on the mission. Here on Universe Today we have a great article with many images of the various Apollo space missions. Astronomy Cast offers a nice episode about losing contact with rovers over the years.
References:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-4/apollo-4.htm
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-4/apollo-4.html
Comments on this entry are closed.