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Spacecraft 012 had three hatches located in and latched to the three command module structures: [list][*]The inner structure hatch was an inward-opening, completely removable, lightweight structure designed to react the applied loads with interlocking edge members on three sides and latches on the fourth. Cabin pressure was used to aid in sealing; the pressure differential had to be balanced before the hatch could be removed and stowed. [*]The heat shield hatch was an outward-opening, removable structure with interlocking edge members and latches on four sides. [*]The boost protective cover hatch was a removable lightweight structure of fiber glass and cork, which opened outward. Its latches could be opened from within the command module by manually striking a plunger which penetrated the heat shield hatch and contacted the boost protective cover latch mechanism. It could also be opened from the outside by the use of a special tool.[/list] The basic procedure for egress was to: [list][*]Equalize pressure across the inner structure hatch. [*]Unlatch and remove the inner structure hatch and stow inside the command module. [*]Strike the plunger to open the boost protective cover hatch latches. [*]Unlatch the heat shield latches. [*]Push the heat shield hatch and boost protective hatch outboard. [*]Egress.[/list] This hatch system was deemed acceptable for early Apollo spacecraft (designated Block I) because there was no firm requirement for extravehicular activity, and a 90-s egress time for the three astronauts was thought to be sufficient. Previous consideration for using a large explosive blowout panel for simultaneous exit for three astronauts was eliminated because of the danger of pyrotechnics inside the crew compartment.
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