Pioneer P-1: Difference between revisions
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'''Pioneer P-1''' was a failed mission in the [[Pioneer program]]. The [[spacecraft]] was a 1 meter diameter sphere, with a propulsion module. It was launched on September 24, 1959 on an [[Atlas rocket|Atlas-C]] launcher. It was to carry a TV camera and a magnetic field sensor. It was to be [[spin-stabilized satellite|spin-stabilized]], and was known as a 'paddlewheel' spacecraft. The Atlas - Able launch vehicle was destroyed in an explosion on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral during a pre-launch static test. The payload of P-1 spacecraft and Able IV space engine was not present on the launch vehicle when it exploded.<ref>Gunter's Space Page - information on [http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pioneer_p1.htm Pioneer P-1]</ref> <ref>New York Times, "US Moon Rocket Blows Up in Test", Sept 25, 1959</ref> |
'''Pioneer P-1''' was a failed mission in the [[Pioneer program]]. The [[spacecraft]] was a 1 meter diameter sphere, with a propulsion module. It was launched on September 24, 1959 on an [[Atlas rocket|Atlas-C]] launcher. It was to carry a TV camera and a magnetic field sensor. It was to be [[spin-stabilized satellite|spin-stabilized]], and was known as a 'paddlewheel' spacecraft. The Atlas - Able launch vehicle was destroyed in an explosion on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral during a pre-launch static test. The payload of P-1 spacecraft and Able IV space engine was not present on the launch vehicle when it exploded.<ref>Gunter's Space Page - information on [http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pioneer_p1.htm Pioneer P-1]</ref> <ref>New York Times, "US Moon Rocket Blows Up in Test", Sept 25, 1959</ref> |
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The vehicle intended to launch Pioneer P-1 was an Atlas C missile (production number 9C) that had been specially built with longer fuel tanks. Two Atlas Bs had been flown successfully with this configuration, but mechanical differences prevented it from working properly on the Atlas C. Atlas 9C was set up for a static firing test intended to last only a few seconds, but helium from one of the pressurization bottles got into a turbopump and caused it to overspeed, damaging the LOX lines in the Atlas. A fire started that was fed by leaking liquid oxygen. Pad extinguishers were unable to contain the blaze, which eventually detonated the RP-1 (kerosene) tank. The Atlas collapsed in a massive fireball that caused severe damage to LC-14, knocking down the pad service tower and throwing it 100 feet. The Able second stage was blasted away from the Atlas and landed mostly intact near the pad. This was the largest explosion to have occurred at Cape Canaveral up to that point. Afterwards, it was decided to use the Atlas D for space launches instead of the Atlas C. |
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Revision as of 03:33, 10 October 2010
Pioneer P-1 was a failed mission in the Pioneer program. The spacecraft was a 1 meter diameter sphere, with a propulsion module. It was launched on September 24, 1959 on an Atlas-C launcher. It was to carry a TV camera and a magnetic field sensor. It was to be spin-stabilized, and was known as a 'paddlewheel' spacecraft. The Atlas - Able launch vehicle was destroyed in an explosion on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral during a pre-launch static test. The payload of P-1 spacecraft and Able IV space engine was not present on the launch vehicle when it exploded.[1] [2]
- ^ Gunter's Space Page - information on Pioneer P-1
- ^ New York Times, "US Moon Rocket Blows Up in Test", Sept 25, 1959
External links
- Gunter's Space Page - information on Pioneer P-1
- Space Technology Laboratories Documents Archive
- Atlas Able at Encyclopedia Astronautica
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