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Author
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Topic: Apollo command module abort handle
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teachspace
Member Posts: 105
From: river edge, nj usa
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-20-2026 02:34 AM
   
Does anyone have a picture of the Apollo command module abort handle on the instrument panel? |
Andy Anderson
Member Posts: 136
From: Perth, Australia
Registered: Dec 2009
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posted 03-20-2026 06:32 AM
If I understand your question, for a manual abort during launch, the commander could rotate the translation controller on the left side of his couch counterclockwise. This image from the Apollo 14 command module shows the translation controller at the top of the photo. There was an ABORT warning light on the panel but no control handle there for that purpose.  |
space1
Member Posts: 973
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 03-20-2026 07:34 AM
Check out additional details about the Apollo Translation Control and its abort function.I am really surprised that no labels were included on the translation control for the additional critical launch functions of guidance switching, and abort, by rotating the handle. |
teachspace
Member Posts: 105
From: river edge, nj usa
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-20-2026 11:10 AM
Thank you so much. I didn’t think it was part of the instrument panel but something I found and read said it was. This is a great help for my up-coming class about Apollo 12. Thanks again. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 2038
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 03-21-2026 04:28 PM
quote:
Originally posted by space1:
I am really surprised that no labels were included on the translation control...
When would somebody read it or have the time or need to read it? |
space1
Member Posts: 973
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 03-21-2026 08:43 PM
Just a simple "SEC GUID" and "ABORT" would be handy to see if in the moment the CDR tries to recall which rotation does what. The Gemini abort handle and secondary guidance switch had very useful labels. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 2038
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 03-22-2026 09:11 AM
It is only used at launch and the commander has his hand on it before T-0 and through LES jettison. If the situation arises, he is not going to look at it before using it. And he likely can't read anything on it anyways in 1 g on the couch.And they trained enough where this would be ingrained into memory. Different than a pilot in an aircraft with occasional training. |
MartinAir
Member Posts: 506
From:
Registered: Oct 2020
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posted 03-22-2026 09:32 AM
In numerous interviews, astronauts reported that they did not keep their hands on the handle during the abort phase due to the violent vibrations, fearing inadvertent activation. |
oly
Member Posts: 1532
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 03-27-2026 08:56 PM
quote:
Originally posted by space1:
I am really surprised that no labels were included on the translation control.
Aircraft do not have placards on the control wheel or stick that identify it as the main control. They add placards to buttons and switches that are infrequently used, easily mistaken, or in the past have proven critical to identifying that individual feature.Sometimes the shape of the control is a better way to identify that control's feature. The landing gear selector can have the control look like a wheel, and wing flap controls sometimes look like a wing flap, while other times they can just be a switch, lever, or handle. If that control can only be reached by one crew member, and is something easy to reach and has a unique function, there is no need to put a label on it, because the label only benefits someone who was not trained in the use of that control. Sometimes controls are colour-coded. Ejection system controls have black and yellow (or gold) stripes. The main ejection handle does not always have a placard to identify it, because when needed, the operator does not have time to read the placard. Someone who is not trained in the dangers and operation of that handle is never allowed to get near it unless the system has been made safe. Once made safe, what is the point of putting a label on it? Anyone seated in an Apollo capsule commander's seat when the abort system is armed is probably fully qualified and aware of the function of the abort handle. Putting a label on it only benefits people who will never use it an anger. |
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