Posts: 3387 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
posted 05-09-2015 02:59 AM
Apollo command module boilerplate #22 atop Little Joe II launch vehicle 12-51-2 is awaiting launch from Launch Complex 36 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The spacecraft was launched May 19, 1965, to test the launch escape system. Also known as A-003, this was the fourth abort test of the Apollo spacecraft. During the launch an actual abort situation occurred, but the LES successfully pulled BP-22 away from the malfunctioning Little Joe and it landed safely under parachutes.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-09-2015 05:30 AM
One of my favorite scenes in the excellent Science Channel documentary "Moon Machines" occurred during this "successful failure." Sure, it showed that they had work to do on the booster's gyroscopes, but the fact that the rocket started to roll, eventually tearing itself apart, caused a perfect test of the escape tower.
If you'd like to see this 2-3 minute scene, you could start at 12:45.
Jonnyed Member
Posts: 396 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
posted 05-09-2015 09:58 AM
Terrific photo and story. Sorry to ask such a fundamental question (I'm a nuclear engineer not an aerospace engineer) but what is the intent of the launch pad cant angle? To ensure some movement downrange and away from the pad itself during most malfunction scenarios?
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 05-09-2015 01:13 PM
Also the angle (which can be changed) is necessary to adjust to the wind direction to enable recovery by parachute within a designated area. The same applies to its smaller-scale cousins, toy model rockets launched from its own adjustable launch platform.
Jonnyed Member
Posts: 396 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
posted 05-12-2015 08:26 PM
Were there any Saturn V launch disaster scenarios (post ignition) where even this escape tower system would prove to be ineffective? Or did it cover 99.9% of the scenarios?
posted 05-09-2015 02:59 AM
advertisement