Apollo spacecraft

The Apollo spacecraft was designed as part of the Apollo Program, by the United States in the early 1960s to land people on the moon before 1970 and return them safely to earth. It was made up of multiple units or modules that worked together to perform the mission of landing on the moon and returning to earth. The main parts of the Apollo spacecraft were (going from top to bottom) the launch escape system, the Command Module, the Service Module, the Lunar Module and the lunar module adapter.

Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA)

The Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) is an aluminum cone shaped structure that connects the Service Module to the Saturn S-IVB rocket stage. It also protects the Lunar Module during launch and ascent through the atmosphere. It is made up of four large panels that open from the top similar to flower petals.

Related Topics:
S-IVB - Lunar Module

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The SLA is made from 42.5 mm thick aluminum honeycomb material. The exterior of the SLA is covered by a layer of cork nearly 1 mm thick and then painted white. The cork insulates the Lunar Module from atmospheric frictional heat generated durning launch and ascent.

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Once in space, the Command and Service Module detach from the SLA. Then the four SLA panels are then opened and released from the S-IVB rocket stage. This uncovers and allows access to the Lunar Module. The Command and Service Module turns 180 degrees and docks with the Lunar Module and then pulls it free from the S-IVB rocket stage.

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• Specifications:
• Height: 28ft (8.5 m)
• Diameter - Apex: 12 ft 10 in (3.9 m) Service Module end
• Diameter - Base: 21 ft 8 in (3.85 m) S-IVB end
• Weight: 4,050 lb (1,837 kg)
• Volume: 6,700 ft³ (2,042 m³), 5,000 ft³ (1,524 m³) usable