Upthread: C’ Transearth Midcourse Correction (MCC) and Entry Mission Techniques (Sep 20, 1968)
Downthread: F/G cis-lunar midcourse correction mission techniques (Feb 06, 1969)
FL/Chief, Landing and Recovery DivisionJanuary 7, 196969-PA-T-1APA/Chief, Apollo Data Priority CoordinationLet’s move the recovery force a little
Jerry, I've done a lot of joking about the spacecraft hitting the aircraft carrier, but the more I think about it the less I feel it is a joke. There are reports that the C Prime command module came down right over the aircraft carrier and drifted on its chutes to land 5,000 yards away. This really strikes me as being too close. In other words, I realize the probability of the spacecraft hitting the aircraft carrier is very low but there is absolutely no advantage in having the ship within five or ten miles of the aim point – with the possible exception of the PAO requirements for good commercial TV. It certainly does not improve the recovery operation at all. And, the consequence of the spacecraft hitting the carrier is truly catastrophic.
In summary, I seriously recommend relocating the recovery force at least five or ten miles from the target point.
- Aug 03, 1967 – Deep serious trouble (3.6σ)
- Dec 14, 1967 – Extra cost of boresight TPI (3.6σ)
1969_tindallgrams.pdf
