How the Apollo Spacecraft works: Part 1

The Apollo Spacecraft was the incredible machine that allowed astronauts to walk on the moon. It was split up into 3 parts the Command Module, the Service Module and the Lunar Module. Later on, we'll talk about what each module does, but first, let's talk about the launch vehicle that gets us into orbit. The Saturn Five rocket. Each mission was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Mission Control was all the way in Houston, Texas. The Saturn Five rocket was 363 feet tall. Just to get a good size comparison, here's the size of a person, and here is the size of a Boeing 747. The Saturn Five was split up into 3 stages; they referred to each stage by a technical name. The first stage was called the S-1C and was powered by five F1 rocket engines. The second stage was called the S2, and was powered by five, slightly smaller, J2 rocket engines. The third stage was called the S-4B and was powered by only one J2 rocket engine. The actual spacecraft, was stored up at the top of the rocket stages. Here is the Lunar Module, which would actually land on the Moon. During the launch, it was protected by four panels, known as the spacecraft Lunar Module adapter. The Service Module contain the engines necessary to enter and leave lunar orbit as well as fuel cells and other electrical components. The Command Module is where the 3 astronauts spent most of their time. At the very top, you'll find the Launch Escape System. In the event of an emergency, it would carry the Command Module safely away from the rocket. The structure you see next to the Saturn Five is called the Launch Umbilical Tower. You'll notice there are 9 service arms that provide access to the Saturn Five. On the day of the launch, the 3 astronauts ride an elevator to the top service arm. The White Room is where they enter the Command Module. Four of the service arms are moved out of the way before the launch. The First Stage ignites 8 seconds before the Saturn Five leaves the ground. As the Saturn Five starts to rise, the remaining 5 service arms quickly rotate to get out of the way. It takes about 12 seconds for the rocket to completely clear the tower. As the Saturn Five picks up speed, the astronauts will feel as much as 4 G's, or 4 times the amount of gravity pressing them into their seats. The First Stage shuts off at 2 minutes 42 seconds at a height of about 42 miles. Explosive bolts detonate releasing the first stage, letting it to fall back down to the Atlantic Ocean; shortly after, the second stage fires up. We're high enough in the atmosphere now, that the Launch Escape System is no longer needed. The second stage shuts off at 9 minutes and 12 seconds at a height of 109 miles. The third stage fires up for a short amount of time to get the astronauts into a Parking Orbit of 118 miles. We'll talk more about the Parking Orbit in the next video. It shuts off at 11 minutes and 39 seconds, but does not detach yet. One of the hardest parts of the mission is over, but the adventure doesn't stop here. Please join me in part two, as we continue our journey towards the Moon.

Channel: Jared Owen

Views: 3,658,068

Keywords: NASA, Apollo Program, Earth, Moon, Saturn V, Lunar Module, Command Module, Service Module, Booster, Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Hydrogen, RP-1, Rocket, Fuel, Launch Umbilical Tower, Cape Canaveral, Service Arms, White Room, Astronauts, Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter, Launch Escape System, S-IC, S-II, S-IVB, Atmosphere, DubbedWithAloud

Id: 8dpkmUjJ8xU

Length: 3min 57sec (237 seconds)

Published: Mon Feb 15 2016

Reddit Comments

[u/speak2easy]

Overall good video. It made me realize how complicated it was with all the various components, multiple separate propulsion systems.

Also interesting that it took 12 seconds to clear the tower, strikes me as very slow.

[u/JoeEnyo]

This is great. Also, short, but detailed, is about the best review a video can get in my opinion.

[u/Seep0zoid]

I would've used kerbal space program to demonstrate how the Saturn V took humans to the moon.

[u/mkjones]

This was great. The "to scale" distance thing was a nice touch.

[u/Huttuded]

I still do not understand how is it possible to calculate trajectories in such accuracy for the lunar module to encounter the command module in the lunar orbit. Does anyone have more info about that?

[u/GruesomeDozer]

Why did they choose to crash the module into the Moon sometimes, and leave it in Moon orbit on other missions?

[u/burkemw3]

The book Apollo by Charles Murray and‎ Catherine Bly Cox covers the engineering and operations of the Apollo program. I highly recommend it for anyone looking another detailed look.

[u/EbolaFred]

That was super excellent. Thank you for sharing!

Also, I wish I had internet when I was kid.

[u/Xenu_RulerofUniverse]

The turnaround to pick up the LM was interesting. Also so many long engine burns. One engine malfunction away from death.