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Apollo Moon Missions
The Apollo Moon Missions were a series of NASA missions that put 12 men on the moon through six space flights during 1961-1975. This category is for questions and answers about those missions.
3,276 Questions
What caused the fire on Apollo 1?
The fire on Apollo 1 was caused by an electrical fault in the spacecraft's pure oxygen atmosphere. The fire rapidly spread due to the flammable materials in the cabin, trapping the crew inside. Additionally, the highly pressurized atmosphere made it difficult for the astronauts to open the hatch and escape.
Apollo 9 was an Earth-orbital test of the lunar module, crucial for the upcoming Moon landings. The mission included testing the docking and undocking procedures with the command module in space, as well as testing the performance of both the lunar module and the command module systems.
What was the main objective for the Apollo 1?
The main objective of the Apollo 1 mission was to conduct a "plugs-out" test of the Command Module to assess its systems while running on internal power without being connected to ground support equipment. This test was a crucial step in preparing for manned spaceflight missions to the Moon.
What did Emmett w chapelle invent?
Emmett W. Chappelle invented a way to detect life on other planets using bioluminescence, a chemical reaction that produces light in living organisms. He also developed methods to detect pollutants in the environment and improve the productivity of plants.
The Apollo 13 spacecraft was approximately 36.2 feet tall, or 11 meters.
A cabin fire during a launch pad test on January 27 at Launch Pad 34 at Cape Canaveral killed all three crew members-Command Pilot Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White II and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee. Immediately after the fire, NASA convened the Apollo 204 Accident Review Board to determine the cause of the fire. Although the ignition source was never conclusively identified, the astronauts' deaths were attributed to a wide range of lethal design and construction flaws in the early Apollo Command Module. The manned phase of the project was delayed for 20 months while these problems were corrected.
The launch simulation on January 27, 1967, was a "plugs-out" test to determine whether the spacecraft would operate nominally on (simulated) internal power while detached from all cables and umbilicals. Passing this test was essential to making the February 21 launch date. The test was considered non-hazardous because neither the launch vehicle nor the spacecraft was loaded with fuel or cryogenics, and all pyrotechnic systems were disabled.
At 1:00 pm EST (1800 GMT) on January 27, first Grissom, then Chaffee, and White entered the Command Module fully pressure-suited, and were strapped into their seats and hooked up to the spacecraft's oxygen and communication systems. There was an immediate problem: Grissom noticed a strange odor in the air circulating through his suit which he compared to "sour buttermilk," and the simulated countdown was held at 1:20 pm, while air samples were taken. No cause of the odor could be found, and the countdown was resumed at 2:42 pm. (The accident investigation found this odor not to be related in any way to the fire.)
A voltage transient was recorded at 6:30:54 (23:30:54 GMT). Ten seconds later (at 6:31:04), after Chaffee said the word "Hey," scuffling sounds followed for three seconds before Grissom reported a fire that began that minute. Chaffee then reported, "We've got a fire in the cockpit," while White responded to Chaffee's comment. After 12 seconds, Chaffee urged the crew to get out of the Command Module. Some witnesses said they saw White on the television monitors, reaching for the inner hatch release handle as flames in the cabin spread from left to right and licked the window. The final voice transmission from the crew was very garbled. "They're fighting a bad fire-let's get out. Open 'er up" or, "We've got a bad fire-let's get out. We're burning up" or, "I'm reporting a bad fire. I'm getting out." Only 17 seconds after the first indication by crew of any fire, the transmission ended abruptly at 6:31:21 with a cry of pain and then a hiss as the cabin ruptured after rapidly expanding gases from the fire over-pressurized the Command Module to 29 psi (200 kPa) and burst the cabin interior.
The initial phase of the fire lasted only about 15 seconds before the Command Module's hull ruptured (which occurred three seconds after the final crew communication). As the cabin depressurized, the convective rush of air caused the flames to spread rapidly, beginning the second phase. The third phase began when most of the atmosphere was consumed. At this point, the fire largely stopped, but massive amounts of smoke, dust, carbon monoxide, and fumes now filled the cabin. Although the cabin lights remained lit, the ground crew was at first unable to find the astronauts through the dense smoke. As the smoke cleared they found the bodies but were not able to remove them. The fire had partly melted Grissom's and White's nylon space suits and the hoses connecting them to the life support system. Grissom had removed his restraints and was lying on the floor of the spacecraft. White's restraints were burned through, and he was found lying sideways just below the hatch. It was determined that he had tried to open the hatch per the emergency procedure, but was not able to do so against the internal pressure. Chaffee was found strapped into his right-hand seat, as procedure called for him to maintain communication until White opened the hatch. Because of the large strands of melted nylon fusing the astronauts to the cabin interior, removing them took nearly 90 minutes.
The Apollo 1 Command Module has never been on public display. After the accident, the spacecraft was removed and taken to Kennedy Space Center to facilitate the review board's disassembly in order to investigate the cause of the fire. When the investigation was complete, it was moved to the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and placed in a secured storage warehouse.
On February 17, 2007, the parts of CM-012 were moved approximately 90 feet (27 m) to a newer, environmentally controlled warehouse. Only a few weeks earlier, Gus Grissom's brother Lowell publicly suggested CM-012 be permanently entombed in the concrete remains of Launch Complex 34.
What is the name of the lunar module?
The lunar module was named "Eagle" during the Apollo 11 mission when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in 1969.
When did Apollo set foot on the moon?
Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969.
How many pounds of thrust does the first stage of the Apollo rocket have?
The first stage of the Apollo rocket had about 7.5 million pounds of thrust, generated by five F-1 engines. This massive amount of thrust was needed to launch the rocket and overcome Earth's gravity.
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was a joint effort between the US and what country?
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was a joint effort between the United States and the Soviet Union, which is now Russia. It was a significant milestone in space exploration as it marked the first time American and Soviet spacecraft docked in space.
Why did NASA name it Apollo 11?
The Apollo missions were named more or less in order. After Apollo 1 was destroyed in a fire there were no other manned missions until Apollo 7. As such, starting at Apollo 7, the missions were named in order. Apollo 11 was 4th mission after Apollo 7.
Why did astronauts travel to the moon?
Astronauts traveled to the moon to conduct scientific research, collect samples, and carry out experiments that would help advance our understanding of the moon's geology, environment, and potential for human exploration. The Apollo program also aimed to demonstrate American technological prowess and achieve the national goal set by President John F. Kennedy to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth.
On the movie Apollo 13 what did jims wife drop in the shower?
In the movie "Apollo 13," Jim's wife dropped a wedding ring down the shower drain. Jim had to retrieve it by removing the trap under the shower.
Wjat was the main goal of the Apollo program?
The main goal of the Apollo program (which was made by the United States during the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union) was to safely get a man to the moon and back.
Why do scientists continue to study the moon long after the Apollo project ended?
Scientists continue to study the moon because it offers insights into the early history of our solar system, helps us understand Earth's formation, and provides information about other planetary bodies. Studying lunar samples can also shed light on evolution of life on Earth. Additionally, the moon serves as a potential platform for future space exploration missions.
Did Apollo 16 leave anything on the moon?
Yes, Apollo 16 astronauts left behind scientific instruments including a lunar observatory called the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP). They also left the Lunar Module Ascent Stage (LM) on the moon's surface before returning to Earth.
Did Apollo 15 leave anything on the moon?
The Apollo 15 left behind the lunar module, scientific equipment , , footprints and the moon rover as well.
How did the Apollo 11 spacecraft for the launch?
The Apollo 11 spacecraft consisted of the command module called Columbia, the service module, and the lunar module named Eagle. The spacecraft was launched using a Saturn V rocket from Kennedy Space Center on July 16, 1969. The crew onboard included Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
Who where there the first two men to land on the moon?
The first two men to land on the moon were Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, both of whom were part of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Neil Armstrong was the first human to set foot on the lunar surface, followed shortly by Buzz Aldrin.
Apollo 13 did not crash. It experienced an oxygen tank explosion that led to a critical failure of the spacecraft's systems, forcing the crew to abort the mission and return to Earth using the Lunar Module as a lifeboat. The crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970.
Is there an American moon landing conspiracy?
Yes.
Many believe that the moon landing was a hoax. I am not one of them. People say they see "proof" that it was a hoax, but it can be explained due to features found on the Moon. I have seen a video where they believe they saw a reflection of a man holding a blow torch in the background during reentry. I looked at it closer and it was just the reflection of the astronauts. Many also believe that they saw the flag flap in the wind while on the moon and it had to have been on earth because there is no wind on the moon. It was not actually flapping in the wind. That is just how it behaves in a vacuum. Because there is no air on the moon, there is no friction. So when the Apollo astronauts placed the flag on the moon, it caused it to swing around as if it were flapping. Anyone (with a very powerful laser) can see for sure if men have landed on the moon or not because, lucky for us, Neil Armstrong left mirrors on the moon. If you do have a strong enough laser you can point it at the mirrors, and you will get some light back- this is proof that men have landed on the moon.
How long did the Apollo 13 crew practice before the actual launch into space?
The Apollo 13 crew trained for several months before the actual launch into space. They underwent extensive simulations and training exercises to prepare for the mission.
How astronauts communicate in space?
Astronauts communicate in space using a variety of methods such as radios, intercom systems, and video connections. They can communicate with each other, mission control on Earth, and other spacecraft using these systems to coordinate tasks, receive instructions, and stay connected while in space. Additionally, astronauts use specialized software and protocols to ensure effective communication despite the challenges of operating in a zero-gravity environment.
