Page 33 - The Appollo Story

-------------1 The Apollo Story~---------.

Apollo 10 (AS-505) We Are Close
Part of the procedure was to test the backup navigational system, but as luck would have it the astronauts
had flicked a vital switch into the wrong position. When the bolts were fired to separate the two stages all
hell broke loose. Suddenly diving and spinning totally out of control, Stafford instinctively flipped the
switch, thinking he was re-engaging the main navigation computer but actually compounded the problem
further. The radar which should have been seeking the CM was sending them on course straight for the
Moon. Stafford left Mission Control in no doubt about their situation. 'We're in trouble ... ' he radioed.
'Snoop, we show you close to gimbals lock!' came the response. If the gyroscopes orientating the naviga-
tional computers in relation to the lunar horizon overloaded then it was all over. Fearing that a thruster
had stuck open, Stafford took manual control and swiftly had the spacecraft back on an even keel. In-
credibly, this whole episode only lasted fifteen seconds; a lifetime to the astronauts who had escaped with
only moments to spare.

Above is an Hungarian stamp showing the LM testing its descent engine as if it was launching from the
Moon and then on to Moon orbit to rendezvous with the CSM. Below is a launch cover signed by Gene
Ceman.