The first unmanned test of the Lunar Module was done in mission Apollo 5 LM 1. The separation of the ascent stage from the descent stage was done during flight. Did they install additional sensors and telemetry channels to supervize the separation?
1 Answer
Additional instrumentation known as Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) was present.
The Apollo Experience Report - Development Flight Instrumentation (p. 38)- states
A total of 195 DFI measurements was installed on the LM-1 vehicle for the Apollo 5 mission. The flight equipment used is listed in table C-11. The instrumentation system performed satisfactorily, with the exception of seven measurements that did not respond as planned. Four thermocouple measurements malfunctioned (probably became unbonded), and three low-pressure measurements failed (probably because of constricted ports from engine firing).
Unfortunately the referenced table lists the components used by the DFI system, but does not list the parameters that were monitored.
Page 48 of the Post-Flight Mission Report discusses the sensors that failed.
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1$\begingroup$ 90 strain gages, 45 pressure transducers, 18 vibration systems, 36 resistance thermometers, 25 thermocouples and 2 strain/temperature systems, that is not a small DFI system! $\endgroup$– UweApr 14, 2020 at 13:26
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1$\begingroup$ @Uwe I would love to find a list showing specifically what was monitored, but I haven't been able to. $\endgroup$ Apr 14, 2020 at 13:28
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1$\begingroup$ These documents might have some information about DFI: Apollo 5 First Lunar Module Test in Space, NASA Press Release 68-6, January 11, 1968 Apollo 5 Mission Report, MSC-PA-R-68-7, NASA Manned Space Center, March 1968 Final Flight Evaluation Report: Apollo 5 Mission, D2-117017-2 Rev C, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, October 1968 $\endgroup$– UweApr 14, 2020 at 14:07