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Author
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Topic: Apollo crews in lunar module on launch pad
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oly
Member Posts: 1484
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 02-25-2016 12:03 AM
   
From Apollo Experience Report: NASA Lunar Module Landing Gear Subsystem: The lunar-surface-sensing-probe switches are subject to inadvertent activation and latching during vehicle checkout at the launch site. For this reason, a final visual check of these switches is performed approximately 18 hours before launch, just before closeout of the SLA. This is the final vehicle check performed before the work platforms are removed from around the LM. Functional checks of the struts are not practical after installation of the honeycomb cartridges; however, such checks are performed during landing-gear assembly. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 02-25-2016 12:14 AM
The next paragraph also mentions the SLA: Because the landing gear is exercised considerably before the flight and because much work is performed in the vicinity of the landing gear during vehicle checkout, certain basic hazards have been identified with regard to the hardware. The item of greatest concern has been the possibility of misuse of landing-gear hardware inside the SLA where the working area is cramped. Several instances of inadvertent actuation of probe switches have occurred on vehicles being readied for launch. In addition, concern for misuse of landing-gear hardware, such as using struts for handholds or footholds, prompted a special training program for personnel working inside the SLA to preclude any further incidents. |
oly
Member Posts: 1484
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 02-26-2016 07:20 AM
This photo (from this thread) gives a good view of the alignment of the SLA access panel and lunar module porch and hatch. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 02-28-2016 08:26 PM
The Apollo 17 launch operations described in NASA SP-4204 Moonport included this: The morale at the spaceport remained generally high. For most companies, KSC contracts continued through Skylab and the Apollo-Soyuz flight. Apollo 17, however, marked the end of the road for the 600 members of the Grumman team ... The men working for test supervisor Ray Erickson wanted to assure the astronaut crew of their continued support. The result was a large poster at the lunar module working level of the mobile service structure. Signed by Grumman's employees, it read: THIS MAY BE OUR LAST BUT IT WILL BE OUR BEST. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1527
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 03-01-2016 07:46 AM
I put together a couple of diagrams for "Countdown to a Moon Launch" which show the work platforms inside the upper SLA, one with and one without the LM and CSM present: 
Access to the porch was through the MSS. You could also get there by taking Swing Arm 7 from the LUT to the IU and then up a series of ladders and work platforms to the upper SLA, but it was "a real pain" to do that. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-01-2016 08:19 AM
Thank you for sharing those great diagrams. Very informative. As I understand it, those work platforms were in place inside the SLA when the Apollo spacecraft (CSM/LM/SLA) arrived at the VAB for stacking. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 03-02-2016 12:43 AM
Are you saying before or after stacking? |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1527
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 03-02-2016 09:08 PM
The work platforms were installed in the SLA while the spacecraft was still in the MSOB (O&C Building), through stacking in the VAB, and were still in place up until final countdown.This photo very clearly shows work platforms in the lower SLA as the Apollo 12 spacecraft stack is being mated to the IU in the VAB. Installation and use of the platforms in the SLA is detailed in my book, "Countdown to a Moon Launch."  |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-03-2016 07:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by LM-12:
... the lunar landing fire-to-touchdown problem
The LM thermal insulation issue is mentioned in an abstract by author William F. Rogers at MSC Houston, who writes: A significant thermal-design problem was caused by the effects of descent-engine-plume heating near the lunar surface. A few months before Apollo 11, test data indicated that heating rates on the landing gear were much higher than anticipated. At approximately the same time, the LM flight crew expressed a desire to have the option of using either the probe mode or the pad mode for landing. The probe mode is the primary procedure for LM touchdown and consists of descent-engine shutdown initiation after probe contact with the lunar surface but before footpad contact. The pad mode is considered a backup landing mode in which engine thrust is terminated after footpad contact. Inclusion of the pad mode resulted in even higher predicted heating rates for the landing gear...Consequently, the Apollo 11 landing-gear thermal-insulation weight was increased 39 pounds over that of Apollo 10. A more refined analysis allowed reduction of the landing-gear-insulation weight on subsequent vehicles. That extra insulation was added to LM-5 at the pad. |
PeterO
Member Posts: 460
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 03-03-2016 08:22 AM
It must have been quite difficult to work around the LM due to the limited space between the LM and SLA panels, as well as a challenge to remove all the platforms without damaging anything. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 03-03-2016 08:48 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ilbasso:
The work platforms were installed in the SLA while the spacecraft was still in the MSOB (O&C Building), through stacking in the VAB, and were still in place up until final countdown.
MSOB high bay was a clean area and the integration stand would make a much easier staging area for the installation of the access platforms. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-03-2016 09:07 AM
The Apollo 11 CSM and SLA can be seen in this photo of the integrated test stand in the MSOB. The location of the SM high-gain antenna seems to be different from the diagram above. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 04-10-2019 02:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by CMikeW:
I believe the amount of clearance in the static position on the pad was in the order of six inches or less
At the other end of the LM in the SLA, photo KSC-71-1976 shows the clearance between the LM (Apollo 15) descent engine nozzle and the forward dome of the S-IVB stage. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 01-21-2020 10:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by ilbasso:
the work platforms inside the upper SLA
Here is some information on twitter about the patent for an escape system for those working on the LM inside the SLA. |
Space Cadet Carl
Member Posts: 305
From: Lake Orion, MI
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 01-27-2020 09:14 AM
quote:
Originally posted by CMikeW:
I believe the amount of clearance in the static position on the pad was in the order of six inches or less
That's a great photo showing just a few inches between the LM descent stage engine bell and the forward tank dome of the S-IVB. I've also wondered how much space there was between the service module engine bell with the top of the LM ascent stage? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 01-27-2020 09:54 AM
A few inches too. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 12-11-2023 02:07 PM
The first Apollo 17 EVA was on this date in 1972. Shortly after stepping onto the lunar surface, Cernan was inspecting the LM and made this comment: CERNAN: Hey, let me ask you. When I was behind the LM, I could look right into an area and see the bell of the ascent stage. I never realized that before, but I guess that's normal, huh?SCHMITT: Yes. We saw it on the pad. Remember. CERNAN: Barely. SCHMITT: Remember when we went out there? That might have been during the "LM A/S C2F2, Pad" event on October 18 mentioned in the second post. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-16-2024 04:58 PM
The LM at Pad 39A was accessed from Work Platform 3A on the MSS (Mobile Service Structure). It is mentioned in Spaceport News: Apollo 17 marks the end of the road for the Grumman Aerospace Corp. in currently planned manned space flight but Lunar Module 12 is receiving the same high degree of tender, loving care lavished upon earlier lunar landers.The feelings of the 600 Grumman personnel grooming LM-12 for flight on Complex 39's Pad A are reflected in a sign posted on the Mobile Service Structure's Work Platform 3A from which they service the lunar module. The sign, presented to the crew, proclaims: "This may be our last, but it will be our best" and it stands as a pledge that there will be no letdown in the launch team's efforts. The sign is adorned with hundreds of signatures. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-19-2024 03:43 PM
I made a list of some of the LM tasks done inside the SLA. The list is by no means complete, and the tasks are not necessarily in the order they were performed. Any additions or corrections? - install SLA work platforms
- install SLA cookie cutter
- LM mission sim
- LM cabin C2F2
- install RCS plume deflectors (4)
- install LM battery
- install plutonium fuel cask
- install extra thermal insulation on landing gear (LM-5)
- install ALSEP package
- LM MESA flight stowage
- LM MESA C2F2
- LM PLSS checks
- install LM plaque and flag (Apollo 11)
- LM storage and closeout activities
- LM cabin closeout photos
- visual check of landing gear sensing probes
- remove SLA cutter
- remove SLA pads
- install LM porch
- install LM hatch
- remove SLA work platforms
- SLA closeout
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oly
Member Posts: 1484
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 10-19-2024 07:14 PM
Install LM Guidance Computer Program Memory Modules. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 10-20-2024 10:15 AM
- propellant load
- helium or water load?
These were one time only: - install RCS plume deflectors (4)
- install extra thermal insulation on landing gear (LM-5)
- install LM plaque and flag (Apollo 11)
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LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-20-2024 03:57 PM
The Apollo 16 LM plaque was also installed inside the SLA. See photo on page 2.Apollo 13 and Apollo 14 photos show that the RCS plume deflectors were not installed when the SLA was lowered onto the LM. Here is Apollo 13:  |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 10-20-2024 04:46 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LM-12:
The Apollo 16 LM plaque was also installed inside the SLA.
Are you making a distinction when the access was done (MSOB, VAB or pad)? |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-20-2024 05:56 PM
Most of the tasks on the list were done at the pad. A few were done in the MSOB. The Apollo 16 plaque was installed at the pad, according to the caption. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-20-2024 07:29 PM
Addition: - LM evacuation practice ... in VAB
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Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1948
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 10-21-2024 03:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LM-12:
Most of the tasks on the list were done at the pad.
Of course, that was the point of the platforms and pad stay of 3-4 months, a lot of stowage would have to be done at the pad. |
LM-12
Member Posts: 4009
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 10-23-2024 06:06 PM
This is the countdown chart for Apollo 11. It shows the MSS move off the pad was planned for T-10 hours. Then there was a 6-hour built-in-hold starting at T-9 hours. So, I doubt the MSS was even on the pad when they installed the flag and plaque late in the count. They must have accessed the LM via swing arm #7 on the LUT. |
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