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Questions about AS-201

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What was the purpose of the AS-201 mission?

AS-201 was the first uncrewed test flight of an entire production Block I Apollo command and service module and the Saturn IB launch vehicle, flown on the 26th of February 1966. Its objectives included demonstrating the Saturn IB propulsion and guidance systems, the command module heat shield, the service propulsion system's ability to restart in space, and the Earth landing system.

What problems occurred during the AS-201 flight?

Three problems were recorded. The service module engine ran for only 80 seconds before helium pressurant gas entered the combustion chamber through a break in an oxidizer line. An electrical failure caused the command module to lose steering control during reentry. A short circuit also prevented reentry measurements from being recorded; the last two failures were traced to incorrect wiring.

What Saturn rocket flew on AS-201?

AS-201 flew on the Saturn IB, an upgraded successor to the Saturn I. The Saturn IB raised first-stage thrust from 1,500,000 lbf to 1,600,000 lbf and introduced the S-IVB second stage powered by a liquid hydrogen-burning J-2 engine, hardware that would also be used on the Saturn V.

How long did the AS-201 flight last?

The AS-201 flight lasted 37 minutes from launch to splashdown in the south Atlantic Ocean. The spacecraft splashed down 72 km from the planned touchdown point and was recovered aboard an aircraft carrier within two hours.

Where is the AS-201 capsule now?

The AS-201 command module is on display at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. After the flight it was used for drop tests at White Sands Missile Range before being preserved as a museum exhibit.

What was the AS-201 spacecraft's configuration?

AS-201 flew CSM-009, consisting of CM-009 (the second production Block I command module) and SM-009 (the first production Block I service module). CM-009 lacked the guidance and navigation system and crew equipment, while SM-009 replaced its fuel cells with batteries and omitted S-band communication equipment.

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