The Apollo 13 spacecraft performed the barbecue roll maneuver using the service module reaction control system.
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
1 source for · 1 against
AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
Historical documentation indicates that while the service module reaction control system was normally used for the barbecue roll maneuver, the Apollo 13 service module was disabled by an explosion, requiring the crew to utilize the lunar module instead.
SM2A-03-BLOCK II-(1). |
APOLLO OPERATIONS. HANDBOOK
SYSTEMS DATA
SECTION 2
SUBSECTION 2.5
REACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (RCS)
(CSM 106 and subs)
The Apollo command service module includes two separate reaction
control systems completely independent designated SM RCS and CM RCS.
The SM RCS is utilized to control S/C rates and rotation in all three axis
in addition to any minor translation requirements including CSM-S-IVB
separation, SPS ullage and CM-SM separation maneuvers. The CM RCS
is utilized to control CM rates and rotation in all three axis after CM-SM
separation and during entry. The CM RCS does not have automatic trans-
lation capabilities.
Both the SM and CM RCS may be controlled either automatically or
manually from the command module. Physical location of the RCS engines
is shown in figure 2.5-l. Engine firing sequence for specific maneuvers
and individual engine circuit breaker power control is shown in
figures 2,5-2 through 2.5-6.
SM RCS FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION.
The SM RCS consists of four individual, functionally identical
packages, located 90 degrees apart around the forward portion (+X axis)
of the SM periphery, and offset from the S/C Y and Z axis by 7 degrees
15 m
# Did Apollo 13 "barbecue roll" under the propulsion of the lunar module?
Tags: lunar-module, thermal-control, apollo-13
- Score: 25
- Views: 4633
- Answers: 1
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: DrSheldon (49636 rep)
- Asked: 2020-04-14
- Site: space
## Question
Apollo spacecraft were often put in a "barbecue roll" (officially called passive thermal control mode), which slowly rotated the spacecraft along its main axis. Without this maneuver, one side of the spacecraft would get too hot from facing the sun all the time, and the opposite side would get too cold. The maneuver evened out the heating around the spacecraft. It was normally performed by the reaction control system in the service module.
The explosion onboard Apollo 13 disabled the service module. The crew famously used the lunar module to perform maneuvers which helped them get home. Was the lunar module also used to perform a barbecue roll?
This question is part of a series honoring the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, "NASA's finest hour".
## Answers
### Answer by Russell Borogove (score: 26 [ACCEPTED])
Was the lunar module also used to perform a barbecue roll?
Yes, although it took them a while to get there, accordin