22
$\begingroup$

Apollo 13 was launched at Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 1970. The mission report devotes a considerable amount -- over 7 pages -- to a set of electrical measurements at the launch site:

The separate experiments consisted of measurements of the atmospheric electric field, low-frequency and very-low-frequency radio noise, the air/earth current density, and the electrical current flowing in the earth's surface

No mission before or since has studied electrical phenomena at the launch site to such detail. Why was so much data collected with Apollo 13 for this purpose?

I am hoping that some steely-eyed missile man can provide an answer.

This is the first of a series of questions honoring the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, "NASA's finest hour".

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
25
$\begingroup$

According to an article from the Lunar and Planetary Institute (archive.org link):

As a result of the electrical disturbances experienced during the Apollo 12 launch, several experiments were performed prior to and during the launch of Apollo 13 to study certain aspects of launch-phase electrical phenomena. Measurements taken indicated a significant separation of electrical charge that could possibly increase the hazards of marginal weather launches.

The prior moon mission, Apollo 12, was struck by lightning, twice, during the initial ascent. The lightning strike shut down the electrical system of the spacecraft briefly, but the Saturn V launcher itself was unaffected, and continued safely to orbit while the spacecraft was getting back into operation, thanks to the quick thinking of "steely-eyed missile man" John Aaron, as addressed in another QA on the site.

Understandably, investigating atmospheric electrical phenomena around rocket launch was of some interest immediately following Apollo 12!

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Correct! Might be worth explaining the reference to "steely-eyed missile man." $\endgroup$
    – DrSheldon
    Apr 11, 2020 at 17:20
  • $\begingroup$ P sure we've had QAs on the Apollo 12 incident; I'll find a good one to link rather than rehashing it here. $\endgroup$
    – Russell Borogove
    Apr 11, 2020 at 17:26
  • $\begingroup$ One such: space.stackexchange.com/q/30073/6944 $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Apr 11, 2020 at 17:42
  • $\begingroup$ You are our steely-eyed missile man! $\endgroup$
    – DrSheldon
    Apr 11, 2020 at 18:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.