May 20

Space Rocket History #339 – Apollo 15 – The Launch

The last face they saw was Guenter’s, smiling and waving an enormous crescent wrench. Then the heavy hatch closed with a deep thunk.

May 06

Space Rocket History #338 – Apollo 15 – CDR Dave Scott Part 2 & The Postal Covers Incident

As Command Module Pilot for Apollo 9, Scott’s responsibilities were heavy. The Lunar Module was to separate from the Command and Service Module during the mission; if it failed to return, Scott would have to run the entire spacecraft for reentry, normally a three-man job.

Apr 22

Space Rocket History #337 – Apollo 15 – LMP Jim Irwin & CDR Dave Scott

Dave Scott showed incredible presence of mind during the unexpected events of the Gemini 8 mission. Even in the middle of an emergency, out of contact with Mission Control, he had thought to reenable ground control of the Agena before the two vehicles separated. This allowed NASA to check the Agena from the ground and use it for a subsequent Gemini mission. Scott’s competence was recognized by NASA when, five days after the brief flight, he was assigned to an Apollo crew and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

Nov 09

Space Rocket History #184 – Apollo 9 – The Return

Even before crawling back into the command module, McDivitt said he was tired and ready for a three-day holiday.  Another 140 hours would pass before touchdown in the Atlantic, but the crew had achieved more than 90 percent of the mission objectives.

Rusty Schweickart's Practice Suit for Apollo 9. Pic taken at Wallops

Rusty Schweickart’s Practice Suit for Apollo 9. Pic taken at Wallops

Apollo 9 approaches splashdown

Apollo 9 approaches splashdown

Apollo 9 crew onboard USS Guadalcanal

Apollo 9 crew onboard USS Guadalcanal