This memorandum is to report the results of a very brief investigation into the adequacy of the LM Descent Propulsion System (DPS) engine gimbal caution light. Briefly, this light comes on if a difference between the gimbal drive signal and the gimbal response signal from the Y or Z axis trim malfunction logic is sensed….
Category: Descent abort
When is the rendezvous radar designate routine (R29) needed?
George Cherry (MIT) asked if it is possible to drop the rendezvous radar designate routine (R29) out of the descent abort programs (P70 and P71). He gave me the impression that to do so now would significantly reduce their work and permit concentration in testing in more profitable areas. I don’t know when the next…
Descent Aborts and subsequent Rendezvous Mission Techniques
On April 28, 1969 we reviewed the Descent Aborts and subsequent Rendezvous Mission Techniques with the crew and the rest of the world. I think most of this is quite complete and agreeable to everyone concerned, with one major exception. I was shocked and ashamed to find that I had badly misunderstood the situation regarding…
Tweak burns
If you can stand it I would like for you to hear the latest on tweak burns – the trim maneuvers made after LM insertion from a descent abort. I thought we had this settled and on ice a couple of months ago but some things have happened which probably make it logical to revise…
How the MSFN and sextant data are used to target DOI and Descent
We had a meeting on April 9 which was extremely interesting to me. We discussed and settled on how the MSFN tracking and sextant landmark observations would be used in the MCC/RTCC to produce optimum DOI and Descent targeting for the LM. The big new factor that had to be taken into account somehow was…
APS and DPS operational constraints clarification is needed
Procedures for descent abort (and nominal ascent, too) can be made significantly simpler if we assume it is possible to operate the DPS and APS engines to propellant depletion. You have indicated this is an acceptable way to operate the engines both verbally and in writing, and mission techniques have been developed based on that….
Aborts from powered descent on the lunar landing mission
We spent the entire May 8 Ascent Data Priority meeting discussing mission techniques associated with aborts from powered descent on a lunar landing mission. This discussion led to some pretty simple procedures which are outlined in this memo. They are based on some assumptions which I’ve also listed below. If you feel that they are…
Apollo 12 Mission Techniques
On September 15 and 16 we had the second (and last) Mission Techniques meeting for Apollo 12. It was advertised to be a “catchall” and it was. It all went smoothly enough considering how many people were there – the place was stuffed (even the projection room!) – and the exhaustion and emotion these things…
Ascent newsletter
This memo is to report several interesting things regarding lunar ascent, both nominal and after a descent abort….
Some G Mission Techniques action items
This memo is just a list of action items assigned to MPAD and/or MIT which I remember coming from our recent G descent/descent abort meetings. In addition to reminding those responsible for them, they serve as some sort of indication of what’s going on in this business which you might find interesting….