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Author
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Topic: Saturn V - Second Stage Ordnance
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Tim Collins
Member Posts: 45
From: Harrisburg, PA
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 12-30-2009 09:06 PM
   
Researching the ordnance used on the S-II stage of the Saturn V. I've typically seen references to the following ordnance related functions: - Second (Plane) Separation (from the S-IC stage)
- S-II/S-IVB Separation
- S-II Retro Rockets
- S-II Ullage Rockets
However, recently I saw references to two other S-II stage devices that apparently had ordnance associated with them, but I'm not sure why or how used. These were marked: Anyone know if these "non-propulsive" vent valves really has ordnance associated with them (perhaps only on a particular mission - maybe the Saturn V launch of the Skylab unit)? |
moorouge
Member Posts: 2458
From: U.K.
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 12-31-2009 06:13 AM
I think you'll find that the vents you mention were non-propulsive. You may find further details here. |
Tim Collins
Member Posts: 45
From: Harrisburg, PA
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 01-01-2010 12:24 AM
Thanks for the reference and info on the S-II vents. Any further details of why these vents may have been associated with the ordnance on this stage appreciated. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4494
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-01-2010 01:20 AM
Have an S-II LH2 Vent Valve and there's no provision for ordnance in association with the valve (its documented on my site). The only conceivable application would be for propellant dispersal/stage destruct to sever the affiliated vent lines from the stage walls. Possibly something initially considered but dropped from the mature S-II design as unnecessary due to the assessed effectiveness of the EBW charges in place on the tanks and interstage. |
Tim Collins
Member Posts: 45
From: Harrisburg, PA
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 01-01-2010 10:12 PM
Thanks for the hardware detail on the vent valve- this then may have been the case (i.e., an earlier aspect of the "propellant dispersion" function). My only other thought was maybe it had something to do with the Skylab launch (on the modified Saturn V), as the dating on the material I'm looking at appears to be around May '72. Thanks again. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4494
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-01-2010 11:14 PM
Well your posting spurred additional research and it does appear SA-513 was modified to include ordnance actuated vent vales for purposes of on-orbit safeing of the S-II stage (the ordnance was used to ensure a sustained open path to space from the tanks for purging of any unexpended propellants). Unsafed, the S-II might have ruptured and filled Skylab's orbit with potentially hazardous debris. This mod was only incorporated into the Skylab S-II. |
Tim Collins
Member Posts: 45
From: Harrisburg, PA
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 01-02-2010 10:06 PM
Thanks so much for your continued research and resultant findings on this issue. It really helps me put the pieces together on the whole matter. Your efforts are a real asset to me and the cS community. Thanks again. |
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