1.
INTERIOR: NASA Vertical Assembly Building. MLS "Boilerplate - 6" and its lunch escape system being checked out.


2.
AS ABOVE: Lo-angle shot of lunch escape system tower.


3.
AS ABOVE: MS Boilerplate command module.


4.
EXTERIOR: MS Boilerplate is taken by truck to launch pod.


5.
EXTERIOR: MS track with boilerplate arrives in launch ???. (??? but seen)


6.
EXTERIOR: MS truck and ???plate arch hoist is attached to boilerplate.


7.
AS ABOVE: MS boilerplate lifted from truck and swung around over ??? adapter.


8.
AS ABOVE: MLS Boilerplate over pod adapter.


9.
AS ABOVE: MS Boilerplate lowered into pod adapter.


10.
AS ABOVE: Closer shot.


11.
AS ABOVE: LS Pod in installation of boilerplate.


12.
EXTERIOR: LS Boilerplate is place on pod adapter. Disconnecting crane.


13.
AS ABOVE: LS removing covers from boilerplate.


14.
EXTERIOR: LS attaching crane to launch escape system. (???)


15.
AS ABOVE: Different shot


16.
AS ABOVE: MS Launch escape system being prepared for ??? with boilerplate.


17.
AS ABOVE: SCU launch escape tower.


18.
EXTERIOR: LS crane lifting launch escape system.


19.
EXTERIOR: LS crane lifting launch escape system (different shot)


20.
AS ABOVE: MS launch escape system is upright position (removing support from launch escape tower)


21.
AS ABOVE: LS ??? launch escape system and boilerplate.


22.
MS of ??? ???.


23.
AS ABOVE: MCU launch escape tower is place on top of boilerplate.


24.
EXTERIOR: MS same as above.


25.
AS ABOVE: LS of above.


26.
AS ABOVE: MS boilerplate being inspected. (Hatch cover removed)


27.
EXTERIOR: MLS removing crane attachment from launch motor.


28.
AS ABOVE: ??? action (Different shot)


29.
AS ABOVE: LS lo-angle of launch escape rocket motor.


30.
EXTERIOR: LS of entire vehicle (boilerplate ??? with launch escape system)


31.
AS ABOVE: MS two engineers discuss operation.




Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: At the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, preparation is well advanced for Apollo Mission Pod Abort Test No. 1. This test, the first of a planned series to qualify the Apollo launch escape system, is scheduled to take place on November 1, 1963.

A test-version of the Apollo Command Module (termed a "Boilerplate" for its structural ever-strength) will be used to demonstrate the capability of the launch escape system to propel the Apollo Spacecraft away form the launch vehicle on the pod in the event of a hazardous condition.

The launch escape system consists of a powerful solid-propellant rocket motor attached to the ??? ??? by means of a tower. Upon the signal to abort, the command module is instantaneously separated from the launch vehicle, and the escape rocket fires to accelerate it away to a safe distance. A small pitch control motor fires at the same time to impart a side thrust to the flight of the escape rocket.

When a safe separation distance is reached, explosive-bolts attaching the launch escape tower are blown automatically, and another rocket motor fires to accelerate the escape system from the command module.

The parachute of the earth landing system are then sequentially deployed to ensure a safe return to the ground. First, a pyrotechnic-mortar ??? parachute is ejected to stabilize the command module and orient it in a blunt and toward position. Then three mortar-deployed pilot parachute are used to draw three, ???-foot diameter, ??? parachute from their bags.

The following film sequence shows Boilerplate-Six and its launch escape system being checked out in NASA's Vertical Assembly Building at White Sands.

After checkout, the ??? are segregated and transferred to the launch pod. Here, "Boilerplate-Six" is lifted unto the pod adapter which will simulate the upper stage of the Apollo launch vehicle for the pod abort test.

The protective covers are then removed from the boilerplate and preparations are made to ??? the launch escape tower and rocket motors.

After assembly of the entire flight vehicle, a specially designed facility known as a "Tiki" but (two halves of which can be seen on the launch pod clearly) will be around the vehicle, to protect it doing the final phase of launch preparation.