The unmanned Apollo 6 Command Module (CM 020) was launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 4, 1968 and recovered in the Pacific Ocean 10 hours later. The mission was the second test flight for the giant Saturn V launch vehicle and the last unmanned flight of Project Apollo. A boilerplate lunar module (LTA-2R) was aboard to provide information on launch characteristics without having to use an actual Lunar Module, and the CM was attached to Service Module SM-014. The Apollo 6 spacecraft itself performed well on the mission despite problems with the Saturn V's first, second and third stages. The problems were solved after the flight and the next Saturn V, the Apollo 8 mission, was launched manned. The successful performance of the Command and Service Modules also allowed the next launch to be manned--the Apollo 7 mission launched on a Saturn IB booster.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Test Vehicles
Manufacturer
North American Rockwell
Dimensions
Overall: 10ft 7in. x 12ft 10in. (322.58 x 391.16cm)
Materials
Aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium structures. Outer shell - stainless steel honeycomb between stainless steel sheets. Crew compartment inner shell - aluminum honeycomb between aluminum alloy sheets.
Epoxy-resin ablative heat shield covers outside.
Inventory Number
A19740646000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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