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Author
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Topic: Apollo command module fuel cell assembly
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-30-2005 08:51 PM
   
I have recently added an Apollo Fuel Cell assembly to my collection (technically its a Fuel Cell simulator however it is in every respect an actual fuel cell with the exception of some interface modifications to permit simulation of Command Service Module interfaces). For those diehard Apollo hardware collectors, posting some preliminary images (high resolution variants will be posted to my website shortly).  
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Spacepsycho
Member Posts: 818
From: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 08-30-2005 09:32 PM
Wow! Congratulations on this incredible piece and I'm greener than the jolly green giant on St. Patrick's Day. I love this piece, how you come up with these amazing artifacts baffles me, but I'm happy that you're sharing them. By the way, I saw the lunar module panel in the background, is that your way of making everyone drool more? Is it possible to get this fuel cell working or is it not worth the effort? I think I have a schematic of this in one of my Apollo manuals and do you need any technical info on it? Absolutely incredible and good for you. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-31-2005 02:50 AM
Thanks Ray. It may be theoretically possible to revive the cell but it would require extraordinary logistical support that far exceeds my skill and resources (sourcing and working with the LOX/LH2 for example).I have uploaded some preliminary images to the website, documentation to follow. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 08-31-2005 01:07 PM
When you fire that thing up, just be careful when you stir the cryo tanks.  You do have some amazing toys in your collection. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 09-01-2005 08:33 AM
Scott, when I look at your fuel cell, LM control panel and other pieces on your website I cannot help but think of the Johnny Cash song... "One piece at a time"! Only a few million more to go my friend. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-01-2005 10:00 AM
Hey, I bet collectively as a community we are almost there. Given all the parts/pieces in the collectSPACE members homes, NASA will be hard pressed not to come to us when they build the next Apollo!
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nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 09-01-2005 02:48 PM
To me its a work of art, to your wife it must be a 250lb dusting nightmare!Great piece Scott, any history on the item? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-01-2005 03:42 PM
A dust magnet for sure...History - my understanding is that this fuel cell (which according to the Pratt Whitney label plate is serial number 1) was used with each of the Command/Service Modules as part of the pre-flight integration/interface testing of the assembled LO2/LH2 shelves and to validate the electrical interconnects were functional. Since there were three operational fuel cells per CSM, the assumption is that two other similarly configured fuel cells are circulating in museum/public domain channels, which originally comprised the complete power plant. Would certainly be interested in hearing from anybody who has additional background information... |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 09-01-2005 04:58 PM
With gas at its current prices, maybe you should refurbish it and toss it in your trunk! |
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