Plugs-out test

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The plug-out test is a spacecraft test in which all external connections are disconnected as far as possible. It is one of the last tests that can be performed before a rocket launch . In addition to supply lines, external connections also include measurement and simulation connections. They are being withdrawn step by step; there is often an external power supply that emulates the internal power supply. This is always the case when the internal power supply cannot be put into operation. The reasons for this are a unbetanktes spacecraft in which the fuel cells are not working or folded-in solar cells - panels .

At NASA , the test was considered a non-critical test until the Apollo 1 accident , for which no special safety precautions were taken. Since then, however, he has been viewed as critical, additional personnel and the fire brigade are available. The plug-out test at Apollo 1 is often confused in the literature with a pressure test because the capsule was filled with a pure oxygen atmosphere, but this was the usual filling of the capsule at that time, and the pressure was also different from other tests not increased as planned, the pressure only increased after the fire broke out in response to the increased consumption of oxygen by the fire itself.

The last plug-out test in the Apollo program was carried out at Apollo 10 ; from Apollo 11 onwards , it was dispensed with because NASA saw no additional gain in knowledge compared to the plug-in tests at the time, a complete separation of all lines was not possible .

Realistic plug-out tests are often difficult, especially for space probes that rely on the Deep Space Network or ESTRACK , as a connection to these networks on the ground cannot be established.

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