Saturn V Operational Flight History
With Vehicle Variation Notes
SA-501: Apollo 4
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-1, S-II-1, S-IVB-501, S-IU-501
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-017 (Block 1), LTA-10R (Lunar Module Test Article)
Vehicle Liftoff: 07:00:01 AM, November 9, 1967, Pad 39A ML #1
Crew:None
Mission type: A (Unmanned, testing launch vehicle and CM heatshield)
Flight Duration: 8 hours, 36 minutes, 59 seconds
Comments: First flight of the Saturn V, first "All-Up" testing flight demonstrated capabilities of launch vehicle and CM heatshield at lunar reentry velocities.
Vehicle variation notes:
- Stacked in VAB High-bay #1
- S-IC/S-II Interstage carried 8 ullage rockets
- S-IC had no stage serial numbers
- S-IC "USA" script with rounded "S", stage manufactured at Marshall
- S-IC had black areas on intertank painted over with white paint, this creates a noticeable difference in tint
- S-II carried "Camera Targets" spaced around the forward skirt
- Carried Dual Separation Plane camera on S-II Thrust structure
- S-IVB Forward skirt fitted with "Flutter Kit" (ring stiffeners)
SA-502: Apollo 6
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-2, S-II-2, S-IVB-502, S-IU-502
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CM-020, SM-014 (SM-020 destroyed by tank explosion), LTA-2R
Vehicle Liftoff: 07:00:01 AM April 4, 1968, Pad 39A ML #2
Crew: Unmanned
Mission type:A (unmanned orbital test)
Flight Duration: 10 hours, 22 minutes, 59 seconds
Comments: Last unmanned Saturn V flight. Severe Pogo effect on this flight caused partial failure of Spacecraft LM Adapter, Pogo solution was to inject Helium into the propellant valves to dampen fuel motion. Problems with J-2 engines on S-II and S-IVB due to vibrations in flexible sections of fuel feed lines causing failure. SPS engine on Service Module used to send CSM on a trajectory which simulated Lunar reentry speeds (S-IVB would not restart after orbit insertion)
Vehicle variation notes
- S-IC had no stage serial numbers
- S-IC "USA" script with rounded "S", stage manufactured at Marshall
- S-IC carried TV and cameras on Boattail and Forward skirt
- 502 and subsequent, beef-up of Dual Plane separation joints on S-IC/S-II interstage
- Last flight to carry Dual separation plane cameras on S-IC/S-II interstage
- Ullage pressure in S-II reduced to 33psi from 36psi
- S-II/S-IVB interstage aft joint strengthened
- Last flight to carry R&D instrumentation on the S-IVB
- Structural Beef-up of IU/SLA joint
SA-503: Apollo 8
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-3, S-II-3, S-IVB-503N, S-IU-503
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-103, LTA-B
Liftoff: 07:51:00 AM December 21, 1968, Pad 39A ML #1
Crew: Frank Borman CDR, Jim Lovell CMP, Bill Anders PLT
Mission type: C'(C-Prime, combination of C and D mission objectives)
Flight Duration: 6 days, 3 hours, 0 minutes, 02 seconds
Comments: First manned Saturn V mission and first manned circumlunar mission.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-IC manufactured at Michoud, LA, all subsequent S-IC's manufactured there
- This S-IC and subsequent carried serial numbers (S-IC-3)
- S-IC "USA" lettering had squared off "S", typical of Michoud stages
- CSM had no docking probe or ring (not needed, no LM carried to moon)
- S-IC lightweight stucture, reduction of 1230 lbs results in 80 lbs more payload
- S-IC engine fairing air scoops removed, base heating lower than expected
- Last flight for S-IC boattail and separation TV and film cameras
- On the S-II, independent power supply for each Emergency Detection System (EDS) pressure transducer
- Last flight for Ring Stiffener kit on S-IVB forward skirt
- O2/H2 Burner added to S-IVB for repressurization for Trans-lunar Injection burn
- J-2's on S-IVB uprated to 230,000 lbs thrust for this and subsequent vehicles
- On the S-IVB, independent power supply for each Emergency Detection System (EDS) pressure transducer
- Special instrumentation for S-IVB 503N, replacement for original 503 destroyed on test stand
- Last flight for Instrument Unit R&D instrumentation
- S-1C impact point 353.462nmi downrange, 30.24N , 74.109W
SA-504: Apollo 9
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-4, S-II-4, S-IVB-504,S-IU-504
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-104 (Gumdrop), LM-3 (Spider)
Liftoff: 11:00:00 AM March 3, 1969, Pad 39A MLP #2
Crew: Jim McDivitt CDR, Dave Scott CMP, Rusty Schweickart LMP
Mission type: D (Earth Orbital CSM/LM testing)
Flight Duration: 10 days, 1 hour, 54 seconds
Comments: All lunar landing hardware tested on this mission, LM given a thorough shakedown testing all systems.
Vehicle variation notes:
- Starting with this mission through Apollo 17 (AS-512) exterior markings remainded identical for all vehicles
- LM RCS plume deflectors not installed on descent stage
- Lunar contact probe installed on forward footpad, would be deleted later so it would not interfere with astronauts' descent down the ladder
- CSM had no VHF Radar Ranging, this would be needed for rendezvous in Lunar orbit
- Lengthened standpipe in S-IC for early center engine cut-off (CECO) and reduced residual propellants
- S-IC low propellant level sensor for CECO
- Improved F-1 injector resulting in 3 second specific impulse increase and improved combustion stability (this and subsequent vehicles)
- S-II lightweight structure, 4000 lbs lighter, 1330 lbs payload increase (this and subsequent vehicles)
- S-II thicker aft LOX bulkhead to carry more LOX (this and subsequent vehicles)
- S-II uprated J-2's, 225,000 to 230,000 lbs thrust (this and subsequent vehicles)
- S-1C impact point, 346.635nmi downrange, 30.183N 74.238W
SA-505: Apollo 10
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-5,S-II-5, S-IVB-505, S-IU-505
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-106 (Charlie Brown)/LM-4 (Snoopy)
Vehicle Liftoff: 12:49:00 PM May 18, 1969, Pad 39B ML #3
Crew: Tom Stafford (CDR), John Young (CMP), Gene Cernan (LMP)
Mission type: F (Manned Lunar Orbit test with LM)
Flight Duration: 8 days, 0 hours, 3 minutes, 23 seconds
Comments: Tested LM down to 50,000 feet above the lunar surface, abort modes tested
Vehicle variation notes:
- The LM was not capable of landing, as it was too heavy; also it carried only a 63% fuel load in the ascent stage to simulate weight at that altitude after "lifting off" from the moon.
- Last flight for S-IC R&D Instrumentation
- Last flight for S-II R&D Instrumentation
- S-1C impact point, 348.8nmi downrange, 30.188N 74.207W
SA-506: Apollo 11
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-6, S-II-6, S-IVB-506, S-IU-506
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-107 (Columbia), LM-5 (Eagle)
Vehicle Liftoff: 09:32:00 AM July 16, 1969, Pad 39A ML #1
Crew: Neil Armstrong (CDR), Mike Collins (CMP), Buzz Aldrin (LMP)
Mission type: G (Basic manned lunar landing flight with EASEP experiments
Flight Duration: 8 days, 3 hours, 18 minutes, 35 seconds
Comments: First manned landing on the moon, 46 pounds of sample retrieved during 2.5 hour EVA. Duration of Lunar visit: 21.6 hours.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-II spray-on foam insulation on LH2 forward bulkhead
- S-II replace 35 Amp-hour batteries with with 25 AH; reduced power requirement
- S-1C impact point, 357.1nmi downrange, 30.212N 74.038W
SA-507: Apollo 12
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-7, S-II-7, S-IVB-507, S-IU-507
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-108 (Yankee Clipper), LM-6 (Intrepid)
Liftoff: 11:22:00 AM November 14, 1969, Pad 39A ML #2
Crew: Pete Conrad (CDR), Dick Gordon (CMP), Al Bean (LMP)
Mission type: H (Manned lunar exploration with ALSEP package)
Flight Duration: 10 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes, 25 seconds
Comments: Saturn V struck by lightning soon after liftoff, knocks spacecraft systems out temporarily. Once in orbit all systems check out as unaffected. EVA's totaling almost 8 hours with 75 pounds of lunar material collected. The Surveyor 3 lander was examined and samples retrieved.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-1C impact point, 365.2nmi downrange, 30.273N 73.895W
SA-508: Apollo 13
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-8, S-II-8, S-IVB-508, S-IU-508
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-109 (Odyssey), LM-7 (Aquarius)
Vehicle Liftoff: 14:13:00 PM April 11, 1970, Pad 39A ML #3
Crew: Jim Lovell (CDR), Ken Mattingly (CMP)**, Fred Haise (LMP)
Mission type: H (Manned Lunar exploration with ALSEP)
Flight Duration: 5 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes, 41 seconds
Comments: Normal launch except for a shutdown of the center J-2 engine on the S-II. Explosion of an oxygen tank while enroute to the moon cripples the CSM, the LM is used as a lifeboat and returns the crew to earth.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-II Spray-on insulation on LH2 tank walls this vehicle and subsequent, replaces helium purged insulation panels.
- S-1C impact point, 355.3nmi downrange30.177N 74.065W
SA-509: Apollo 14
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-9, S-II-9, S-IVB-509, S-IU-509
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-110 (Kitty Hawk), LM-8 (Antares)
Vehicle Liftoff: 16:03:00 PM January 31, 1971, Pad 39A ML #2
Crew: Alan Shepard (CDR), Stu Roosa (CMP), Ed Mitchell (LMP)
Mission type: H (manned lunar exploration with ALSEP)
Flight Duration: 9 days, 0 hours, 57 seconds
Comments: Two EVA's totaling 9.1 hours with 94 pounds of lunar material collected. Total surface stay: 33.5 hours.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-1C impact point, 351.7nmi downrange, 29.835N 74.042W
SA-510: Apollo 15
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-10, S-II-10, S-IVB-510, S-IU-510
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-112 (Endeavour)/LM-10 (Falcon)
Vehicle Liftoff: 08:34:00 AM July 26, 1971, Pad 39A ML #3
Crew: Dave Scott (CDR), Al Worden (CMP), Jim Irwin (LMP)
Mission type: J (Advanced manned lunar landing with use of Lunar Rover Vehicle and ALSEP)
Flight Duration: 12 days, 17 hours, 11 minutes, 53 seconds
Comments: First flight to use Lunar Rover (LRV), total distance traveled: 17 miles, 169 pounds of lunar material collected during 3 EVA's totaling 18.5 hours.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-1C impact point 368.8nmi downrange, 29.42N 73.653W
SA-511: Apollo 16
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-11, S-II-11, S-IVB-511, S-IU-511
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-113 (Casper)/LM-11 (Orion)
Vehicle Liftoff: 12:54:00 PM April 16, 1972, Pad 39A MLP #3
Crew: John Young (CDR), Tom Mattingly (CMP), Charlie Duke (LMP)
Mission type: J (Advanced lunar landing with LRV, ALSEP and UV camera)
Flight Duration: 11 days, 1 hour, 51 minutes, 05 seconds
Comments: Lunar Rover expeditions travel 16.7 miles over three EVA's totaling 20.2 hours with 213 pounds of Lunar material collected.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-1C impact point 351.6nmi downrange, 30.207N 74.147W
SA-512: Apollo 17
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-12, S-II-12, S-IVB-512/S-IU-512
Spacecraft serial numbers: Apollo CSM-114 (America), LM-12 (Challenger)
Liftoff: 00:33:00 EST December 7, 1972, Pad 39A ML #3
Prime Crew: Gene Cernan (CDR), Ron Evans (CMP), Jack Schmitt (LMP)
Mission type: J (Advanced manned lunar landing with LRV and ALSEP)
Flight Duration: 12 days, 13 hours, 51 minutes, 59 seconds
Comments: Last manned lunar landing, EVA's totaling 22.1 hours with 22 miles traveled in the Lunar Rover. 258 pounds of lunar material collected.
Vehicle variation notes:
- S-1C impact point 356.6nmi downrange, 28.219N 73.878W
SA-513: Skylab 1
Launch vehicle serial numbers: S-IC-13, S-II-13, S-IVB-212 (Skylab), S-IU-513
Spacecraft serial numbers: Skylab Orbital Workshop built from S-IVB-212
Vehicle Liftoff: 13:30:00 PM May 14, 1973, Pad 39A ML #2
Crew: None
Comments: Skylab launch successful except for premature deployment of Micrometeroid shield on station exterior. Shield was ripped off station by aerodynamic forces, taking Solar Array Wing No. 1 with it. After repair by astronauts, three manned periods took place successfully.
Vehicle variation notes:
- Sway Targets on S-II/S-IVB interstage deleted
- Boost acceleration limit increased to 4.7g from 4.0g
- S-IC engine cutoff changed to 1-2-2 from 1-4 to lessen deceleration loads, cutting off all four outboard engines at once would have subjected the Apollo Telescope Mount to excessive dynamic loads
- S-II modified to be the terminal stage (last to provide propulsion); engine cutoff by guidance as opposed to fuel depletion; Safeing sequence provided to render stage inert within 1 hour 15 minutes to ensure it remained intact until orbit decayed (unsafed, the S-II might rupture and fill Skylab's orbit with potentially hazardous debris)
- Instrument Unit modified to provide payload attitude control signals and events sequencing, control switched to ATM before end of IU's 7.5 hour lifetime
- I.U. structural lifetime increased to 8 months through verification of adhesives and materials
Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999 by John
Duncan |