#as-202

The mating of the AS-202 Command Module (CSM-011) and Saturn LEM Adapter at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

"Apollo-Saturn 202 mission will verify performance of the Saturn IB, the Apollo spacecraft command service module systems and the ablative heat shield. Launching will be from Complex 34, Cape Kennedy, Florida and will be the third launching in NASA’s S-IB series.”

Date: June 1966

"In the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, workers mate the Apollo CM-011 to its Service Module, with its two blue-painted fuel-cells visible."

Date: June 25, 1966

AS-202 Apollo Command Module (CM-011) being lifted to be mated to its Service Module.

"The CM’s configuration was nearly identical to one that could carry a crew, including a fully functioning life support system. The major significant difference was that CM-011 did not incorporate crew couches. During the flight, mission objectives would include testing the two power-generating fuel cells in the SM, as well as demonstrating the critical multiple restart capability of the Service Propulsion System (SPS) main engine."

Date: May 6, 1966

The Apollo AS-202 capsule (CSM-011) being unloaded from the USS HORNET (CV-12) at Long Beach Naval Station, California.

Date: September 9, 1966

"Ground crews hoist the Saturn IB rocket’s first stage for the Apollo AS-202 mission into position at Launch Pad 34 at the Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, now Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, in Florida."

Date: March 1, 1966

AS-202 Saturn IB (CSM-011/SA-202) lifts off from Launch Complex (LC-34),Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:15 p.m. The mission was a step toward qualifying the Apollo Command and Service Modules (CSM)'s and the uprated Saturn I launch vehicle for manned flight."Primary mission objectives included the confirmation of projected launch loads, demonstration of spacecraft component separation, and verification of heat shield adequacy at high reentry rates."

Note: this mission was retroactively designated Apollo 3.

Commemorative mission patch created by Retrorocket Emblem (source)

Date: August 25, 1966

AS-202 mission profile.

Date: August 25, 1966