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Author
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Topic: Apollo lunar module ascent engine tests
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holcombeyates
Member Posts: 303
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 06-23-2022 03:47 AM
   
I am researching an article and looking for photos (ideally colour) of the Apollo lunar module ascent engine being tested (on Earth) and not having much luck. Also any photos of any anomalies such as fuel leaks etc would also be really helpful (the propellants were particularly dangerous and was a real risk to the test crews).Likewise any closeup photos/engineering drawings/x Rays of the final Injector plate that was used in production! |
Headshot
Member Posts: 1083
From: Vancouver, WA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 06-23-2022 10:46 AM
There are at least two b&w images in "Building Moonships: The Grumman Lunar Module" by Arcadia Publishing. These are now credited to Northrop Grumman and depict the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The caption states that the pictures were taken in 1966. |
Andy Anderson
Member Posts: 110
From: Perth, Australia
Registered: Dec 2009
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posted 06-24-2022 02:07 AM
If you don't have it already, "Remembering The Giants: Apollo Rocket Propulsion Developments" - NASA SP-2009-4545 has some info in that regard that was delivered by Rocketdyne's Tim Harmon in a series of lectures back in 2006 concerning Apollo propulsion development, but the reproduction quality is not great. Here are a couple of the slides that were reproduced in the book.  
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NavyPilot
Member Posts: 74
From:
Registered: Nov 2015
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posted 06-24-2022 05:56 PM
You may already know, but don't forget to search on Bell Model City NY. That's where the company's test stand was located.I've found one B&W photo (in a PDF, if I recall correctly) of an APS burn on that test stand, but nothing else related to APS test runs. |
NavyPilot
Member Posts: 74
From:
Registered: Nov 2015
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posted 06-24-2022 06:12 PM
Was the APS tested at WSTF? Certainly, the DPS was. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5099
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2022 08:09 PM
Once Rocketdyne took over to address challenges Bell was having with LMAE design and integration, combustion instability and qualification testing occurred at their Santa Susanna Facility in addition to WSTF. TRW LMDE contractor test facility was located in Capistrano. |
sts205cdr
Member Posts: 716
From: Sacramento, CA
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-25-2022 12:22 AM
Which engine was developed in Sacramento, CA? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5099
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2022 06:31 AM
Aerojet Gen's AJ10-137 (the SPS Main Engine). |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 303
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 06-25-2022 04:08 PM
Many thanks everyone for all your help. Making some progress. I have also reached out to Rocketdyne PR so will keep you posted. Thanks again. |
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