SA-2 (Apollo)

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Mission emblem
Emblem of the Apollo program
Mission dates
Mission: SA-2
COSPAR-ID : SATURNSA2
Launcher: Saturn I
Begin: April 25, 1962
14:00:34 UTC
Starting place: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
LC-34
Landing: April 25, 1962
2:02:37 UTC (detonated)
Flight duration: 2 min 3 s
Apogee : 105.0 km
Covered track: 331.5 km
Payload: 2nd and 3rd level dummies, highwater 1
◄ Before / After ►
SA-1 SA-3

SA-2 was the second test flight of the first stage of a Saturn I with second stage dummies and the payload. During this mission the Highwater project was carried out.

aims

Due to the size and power of the Saturn rocket family, NASA decided to conduct a test flight for every single part of the rocket. The second stage was filled with water to simulate the takeoff weight. At the point of the payload was a Jupiter rocket tip. Testing the functionality of the first stage was an objective of this mission. It was also the first of two flights for the Highwater Project. In this case, explosive charges were mounted on the rocket. You should detonate the missile at an altitude of 105 km and release the water contained in the ballast steps.

Preparations

The missile was delivered by sea and assembled within two months.

Flight history

Start of the SA-2 mission

After a smooth countdown, the 83% fueled rocket launched on April 25, 1962 at 14:00:34 UTC . After an error-free, almost two-minute flight, she reached an altitude of 105 km and was detonated as planned. Five seconds later, from the launch site, the formation of a cloud was seen that rose to 160 km.

The flight went according to plan and without further incidents. For the next flight , the missile should be tested with full fuel. In addition, Project Highwater should fly again.

Web links

Commons : Saturn-Apollo 2  - collection of images, videos and audio files