Prev heroicrelics.org
Destination Moon Site Index
Apollo 11 Gallery
Next

dscc9642.jpg

One of the pilot chute mortars (the round canister at rear, under the shield), located against gusset #1.

After the drogues were jettisoned, the pilot chutes were deployed, which in turn extracted the main parachutes. The mains were located between each pair of gussets except between #3 and #4 (where the drogue mortars, pitch thrusters, sea recovery cable, and parachute flower pot were located).

In front of the canister, at the base of gusset #1, is an unusual and modern-looking fixture (these are present at the base of all four gussets). It appears that the Smithsonian has inserted a threaded rod and some sort of lifting lug in the bolt hole for the launch escape tower.

They are presumably to assist in lifting and transporting Columbia for the tour. They were not present when she was displayed in the Milestones of Flight gallery.

 
Apollo 11 pilot chute mortar at Destination Moon
Time picture taken Thu Aug 23 12:52:18 2018
Location picture taken Boeing Hall
St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis, MO
Prev Apollo 11 Gallery Next