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Author
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Topic: Apollo 9
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Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1624
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 09-26-2004 05:53 PM
   
Why did they use a Saturn V on 9? Was it because they needed the extra thrust do to the LM or because Pad 39 had been activated and it was more convenient to use it over Pad 37 again? |
Tom
Member Posts: 1610
From: New York
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 09-26-2004 06:03 PM
The original Apollo 9 type mission was originally "Apollo 3" and after Schirra's Apollo 2 mission was cancelled became "Apollo 2".
Both of these flights called for 2 Saturn 1B launches...the first with the manned CSM (McDivitt Scott and Schweickart) and the next day the launch of the Lunar Module (LM-2).
It wasn't until after the Apollo 1 fire that the schedule was modified to have the first manned flight of the LM on a Saturn 5.
By this time I think LC-37 was already de-commissioned. |
dtemple
Member Posts: 730
From: Longview, Texas, USA
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 09-26-2004 08:06 PM
I have a vague memory of the reasons for the switch from two Saturn IB launches to a single Saturn V. I read something about it in perhaps Moonport or some other such NASA EP or SP publication. There were some problems in launching two Saturn IBs - not with the rockets but something to do with ground equipment. Like I said - vague memory. Also, I don't believe LC 37 had been deactivated when the decision was made to use a Saturn V. I don't think that happened until 1970. NASA was planning the Apollo Applications missions in 1967-1970. Perhaps the switch to a Saturn V for the LM-3 manned test flight was made to make more Saturn IBs available for AAP. Perhaps launching a single Saturn V cost less than launching two Saturn IBs. Furthermore, with the Apollo 1 fire delaying the original launch schedule, time was available to test the Saturn V and get it man-rated. The Saturn V had not flown when the Apollo 2 and 3 flights were planned. |
#204
Member Posts: 41
From:
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 09-26-2004 08:43 PM
The McDivitt crew was originally assigned to Apollo 8, to test the LM, in earth orbit. The McDivitt crew swapped flights with the Borman crew, who were scheduled to fly #9, because the LM would not be ready to fly in'68. The Borman crew swapped command modules with the McDivitt crew and went on to man rate the Saturn V and also on to lunar orbit. McDivitt's crew flew a Saturn V, with a LM in tow to test the complete system in earth orbit. McDivitt was offered the modified Apollo 8 flight to the moon, but was committed to working with the LM. | |
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