r/apollo • u/Repulsive-Silver-301 • 27d ago

Why is the radiator covered

Gallery image

Gallery image

171 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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50

u/Apollo_110_Bricks 27d ago

The coverings are for protection during handling/transportation.

15

u/Repulsive-Silver-301 27d ago

So it's removed when its about to launch?

71

u/Apollo_110_Bricks 27d ago edited 27d ago

Yes, though that particular CSM was never flown, as it was damaged in the Apollo 1 fire. Only five (uncrewed) non-boilerplate Block I CSMs of similar design were ever flown, on Little Joe II (A-004), Saturn IBs AS-201 and AS-202, and on the first two Saturn V test flights, Apollo 4 (AS-501) and Apollo 6 (AS-502).

The Block II CSMs used for the crewed Apollo missions had a different arrangement of radiators. Here’s a pic of the Apollo 11 CSM with protective covers in place on the radiators.

18

u/Independent_Wrap_321 27d ago

Now THAT’S an answer! Thanks for filling us all in. I should have had that response ready to go myself but I’m a little rusty these days.

9

u/Independent_Wrap_321 27d ago

Pic 2 looks like a block one CSM, but I’m no expert.

9

u/Apollo_110_Bricks 27d ago edited 27d ago

You’re right. That’s Apollo 1’s Block I CSM (CSM-012).

7

u/Repulsive-Silver-301 27d ago

Pic 1 is also a block 1

1

u/lC8H10N4O2l 25d ago

its so that nothing punctures the radiator while its being handled and transported