Command Module
Quick Summary
The command module is a component of a spacecraft designed to carry the crew, communication equipment, and reentry systems. In the context of the Apollo program, the command module was one of three sections of the spacecraft, alongside the Service Module and the Lunar Module. It housed three astronauts during launch and was the only part of the spacecraft to return to Earth with the crew. The command module was constructed with an outer stainless-steel honeycomb shell for heat shielding and an inner aluminum honeycomb shell for pressure containment. It featured a reentry heat shield at its base and a window on its cone, and could be maneuvered using pitch, roll, and yaw engines. Inside, it contained an instrument panel, computer, environmental equipment, seating, and parachute storage. The command module was crucial for liftoff, landing, and the journey to and from the Moon.123
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ApolloThe conical command module (CM) carried three astronauts. The service module (SM) was attached to the back of the CM and carried its fuel and power to form the command/service module (CSM). Docked to the front of the CSM was the lunar module (LM). One astronaut stayed…
Read MoreThe conical command module (CM) carried three astronauts. The service module (SM) was attached to the back of the CM and carried its fuel and power to form the command/service module (CSM). Docked to the front of the CSM was the lunar module (LM). One astronaut stayed…
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space explorationThe American commitmentA Command Module would house the three-person crew on liftoff and landing and during the trip to and from the Moon. A Service Module would carry various equipment and the rocket engine needed to guide the spacecraft into lunar orbit and then send it back to…
Read MoreA Command Module would house the three-person crew on liftoff and landing and during the trip to and from the Moon. A Service Module would carry various equipment and the rocket engine needed to guide the spacecraft into lunar orbit and then send it back to…
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MoonMission resultsOn each mission the Moon-orbiting Command and Service modules carried cameras and remote-sensing instruments for gathering compositional information.
Read MoreOn each mission the Moon-orbiting Command and Service modules carried cameras and remote-sensing instruments for gathering compositional information.
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