Why 009?
Unmanned Apollo test flights were identified by double zeros before their
numeric designation.
The objectives of the test flight were to evaluate the spacecraft's
communications and electronic subsystems, heat shield, and mission support
facilities. In addition, the flight was used to verify the structural
integrity, launch load, stage separation, and subsystem operations of the
Saturn IB launch
vehicle.
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This launch was also the first test of the newly developed computerized
"Automated Checkout Equipment" used to monitor nine functional pre-launch
systems:
- Communication
- Instrumentation
- Service propulsion and re-action control
- Stabilization and control
- Guidance and navigation
- Power and sequence
- Fuel cell and cryogenics
- Aeromedical and astronaut communications
- Environmental control
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The Flight of Apollo 009
The Saturn IB, carrying the unmanned Apollo Spacecraft CSM-009, was
launched at 11:12 AM on February 26, 1966 from launch complex 34 of the eastern
test range of Cape Canaveral. After ignition of the S-IVB liquid
hydrogen-powered two-stage rocket, the launch escape tower was jettisoned and
the recoverable cameras ejected. Following a seven-minute burn, the second
stage instrument unit separated from the spacecraft. The Command Module
reached a maximum altitude of 310 miles (499 kilometers) over the Atlantic
Ocean before beginning descent.
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"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
The national effort that enabled Neil Armstrong to speak those words as he
stepped onto the lunar surface began with unmanned test flights like the Apollo
009 Command Space Module/Saturn 201 suborbital test flight. |