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Author
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Topic: Apollo command module hatch closing
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spacemal
Member Posts: 30
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Registered: Aug 2014
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posted 01-06-2016 07:24 AM
   
Having read extensively on the Apollo systems, I have never seen it explained why during command module hatch closure it takes significant effort by the closeout team to push the hatch into the closed position. This effort was obviously not required during the closeouts of the Apollo 9, 15, 16, and 17 EVAs — it would have been impossible! I am assuming it is due to the gas pressurisation system, which is part of the hatch system. The NASA document "Technical Memorandum 33-425 - The Apollo Command Module Side Access Hatch" is excellent in its technical description but does not explain such things as closing forces etc. Can anyone shed light on this subject? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1488
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 01-06-2016 07:38 AM
EVAs didn't have a Boost Protective Cover on the hatch. |
Space Cadet Carl
Member Posts: 225
From: Lake Orion, Michigan
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 01-06-2016 08:38 AM
I recall seeing three technicians push like crazy to close the hatch inside the White Room, but I can't recall if it was the spacecraft hatch or the BPC outer hatch. Good question. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 3324
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 01-06-2016 08:59 AM
It was the CM hatch, as seen at 18:10 in this Apollo 16 launch day footage. You can also see them closing the BPC hatch. |
space1
Member Posts: 861
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 01-06-2016 09:25 AM
When closing the hatch just before launch the technicians were pushing against the pressure of the counterbalance, with one of its two Apollo hatch counterbalance pressurized cylinders open. |
Lou Chinal
Member Posts: 1332
From: Staten Island, NY
Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 01-08-2016 12:31 PM
Yes, I have to agree with Space1. It was the counter-balance cylinders. |
Lou Chinal
Member Posts: 1332
From: Staten Island, NY
Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 01-08-2016 12:42 PM
As a note I will also add that it was possible to open the hatch from the outside, in the event of a worst case situation. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 3324
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 01-08-2016 01:37 PM
Is that why Navy diver Clancy Hatleberg, wearing a BIG suit, had difficulty closing the CM hatch during the Apollo 11 recovery? |
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