SA-4 (Apollo)

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Mission emblem
Emblem of the Apollo program
Mission dates
Mission: SA-4
COSPAR-ID : SATURNSA4
Launcher: Saturn I
Begin: March 28, 1963 , 20:11:55 UTC
Starting place: CCAFS , LC-34
Landing: March 28, 1963 , 20:26:55 UTC
Landing place: Atlantic
Flight duration: 15 minutes
Apogee : 129 km
Covered track: 400 km
Payload: 2nd level and payload dummies
◄ Before / After ►
SA-3 SA-5

SA-4 was the fourth test flight of the first stage of a Saturn I with second stage dummies and the payload.

aims

Due to the size and power of the Saturn rocket family, NASA decided to conduct a test flight for each and every component 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. The aim was to test the behavior of the rocket in the event of an engine failure and the aerodynamic properties of the second stage. For this purpose, an engine was set so that it shuts down after 100 seconds of flight and the second stage was provided with valves, screws and the like. Furthermore, the brake rockets of the stage separation should be re-ignited.

Preparations

The rocket was delivered by sea on February 2, 1963 and then assembled within 54 days - the shortest time in the program until then.

Flight history

Saturn I SA-4 on the launch site

The countdown was to be the longest in the Saturn program to date, with a total of 120 minutes of interruption. The rocket finally lifted off at 20:11:55 UTC on March 28, 1963. The flight went smoothly up to the scheduled shutdown of an engine after 100 seconds. The on-board computer immediately redistributed the fuel supply automatically to ensure a safe flight with only seven of the eight engines and to reach the target altitude. After the burnout, the brake rockets were ignited. The rocket crashed into the Atlantic after this maneuver .

The test was a complete success. It has been proven that the on-board computers can compensate for the failure of an engine - this should be important for Apollo 6 and Apollo 13 . There were no aerodynamic problems with the second stage either.

With the next flight SA-5 the stage separation and ignition of the second stage should now be tested.

Web links

Commons : Saturn-Apollo 4  - collection of images, videos and audio files