Command Module CSM-009

The placard on this display reads:
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 communication and electronic subsystesm, heat shield, and mission support facilities. In addition, the flight was to verify the structural integrity, launch load, stage separation, and subsystem operations of the Saturn 1B launch vehicle.


The Flight of Apollo 009

The Saturn 1B, carrying the unmanned Apollo CMS-009, was launched at 11:12 am on February 26, 1966, from launch complex 34 of the easter test range of Cape Canaveral. After ignition of the 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 altitue of 310 miles (499 kilometers) over the Atlantic Ocean before beginning descent.



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Sven Knudson
IPMS#32490
sven@ninfinger.org