One of the signs which accompanied the CSM/SLA. It reads
NASA Saturn V Launch Vehicle
Spacecraft-Lunar Module Adapter (SLA)
This cone-shaped section housed the Apollo Lunar Module (LM), the craft that
landed astronauts on the surface of the moon. After the S-IVB stage shut down, at 16,650 km (10,350
mi) from Earth, four panels of the SLA opened, exposing the Lunar Module.
Next, the Apollo Command and Service Modules (CSM) maneuvered 180 degrees and
docked - nose first - with the LM. Finally, the LM was pulled away from the
S-IVB stage, which lagged behind. The newly-joined spacecraft continued their
trip to the moon. Two astronauts entered the LM to power it up and perform
systems checks. Eventually, after lunar orbit was achieved, the spacecraft
undocked and the LM descent
stage engine was fired to begin descent maneuvers.
Length: 28 ft (8.5m)
Contractors: North American Aviation