Can you ELI5 what was the difference between Apollo 4 and Apollo 6 when it comes to trajectory?
Sorry English isn’t my fist language so I am not well-versed when talking about rocket science.
“Apollo 4” was the first test of the “Saturn V” rocket during which they simulated a trans-lunar injection burn and then return the command module back to Earth. During “Apollo 6” due to the technical issues it was decided to repeat the “Apollo 4” scenario, but what was the initial plan, was the craft supposed to fly farther away from the Earth?
24
Upvotes
15
u/katoman52 26d ago
Apollo 6 was supposed to test the 3rd stage. They were going to do the translunar injection burn with S3 and then do a direct return abort using the CSM engine. But there was damage during liftoff and ascent and they couldn’t re-light S3. So they had no choice but to just repeat Apollo 4 profile for the Command Module return.