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Author
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Topic: First 'plugs out' test of Block II Apollo CSM
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Jim_Voce
Member Posts: 273
From:
Registered: Jul 2016
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posted 10-17-2018 03:11 AM
   
The Apollo 1 accident occurred during a "plugs out" test meaning that the hatch was sealed and the spacecraft was running on internal power. The "plugs out" portion I believe (but I am not certain) refers to the gantry/white room electrical cables that were usually plugged into the spacecraft to feed it power during testing. Which crewed Block II Apollo spacecraft was the first to undergo a similar test? Was it the June 1968 test of the Apollo 2-TV-1 crew in a vacuum chamber or was it the Apollo 7 crew prior to June 1968? As a side note, was the 2-TV-1 spacecraft operating on internal power during its simulated mission or were their external electrical feeds going into the spacecraft? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1488
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 10-17-2018 11:16 AM
There are no cables from the gantry (MST/MSS) or white room (just an access arm). The cables come from the umbilical tower and its service arms. As far as "plugs out," the cables are still connected, just not supplying power. |
Jim_Voce
Member Posts: 273
From:
Registered: Jul 2016
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posted 10-17-2018 11:12 PM
Thank you for the clarification on the electrical systems. "Plugs out" seems like a misleading term in that case. I wonder if there were any "plugs out" tests with the hatch open. |
oly
Member Posts: 971
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 10-18-2018 04:50 AM
You need to consider exactly what type of test is being carried out because there is a huge difference between the 2TV-1 test and the pre-launch countdown demonstration test. The first is an extended period test of the complete spacecraft design and systems in a simulated space environment, testing systems such as the thermal protection system, the environmental control system, the fuel cell performance, etc. The spacecraft is positioned next to huge arc lights that heat the exterior with simulated sunlight and then liquified gas is used to lower the temp to the other extreme. This is more than just a plugs out test, it is a full performance test.The tests done at the launch pad are done more to test the flight readiness of the crews, the controllers, the launchpad systems, the network and also the emergency response teams. A simulated countdown to T-0. By this time the spacecraft design was set in stone so to speak, the fuel cells need the space environment to work to evaluate the performance, battery power is used within the command module in the last few mins. The term "plugs out" means that the spacecraft operates as if the plugs were out. The umbilicals are not unplugged. It is not fair to compare the two tests. | |
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