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NASA Apollo 6 Saturn V

Launch Status
Partial Failure

Rocket Launch Video Stream

About the Apollo 6 Mission

Mission details for Apollo 6
TypeHuman Exploration
OrbitElliptical Orbit

Apollo 6 was intended to send a Command and Service Module (CSM) plus a Lunar Module Test Article (LTA), a simulated Lunar Module (LM) with mounted structural vibration sensors, into a translunar trajectory. However, the Moon would not be in position for a translunar flight, and the Service Module engine would be fired about five minutes later to slow the craft, dropping its apogee to 11,989 nautical miles (22,204 km) and causing the CSM to return to Earth, simulating a "direct-return" abort. On the return leg, the engine would fire once more to accelerate the craft to simulate the nominal lunar return trajectory with a re-entry angle of -6.5 degrees and velocity of 36,500 feet per second (11,100 m/s). The entire mission would last about 10 hours.

Launch Pad & Location

Launch Complex 39A

Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Launch statistics for Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launches224
Orbital Launch Attempts223
Total Launches283

The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of NASA's ten field centers. Since 1968, KSC has been NASA's primary launch center of American spaceflight, research, and technology. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and managed by KSC. Located on the east coast of Florida, KSC is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).

Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida

NASA Saturn V Rocket

The Saturn V was a human-rated expendable rocket used by NASA between 1967 and 1973. Most notably, the Saturn V took the Apollo program to the Moon. It still remains the world's tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever brought to operational status and is the only launch vehicle to take humans beyond LEO.

Rocket specifications for NASA Saturn V
Length110.6 m
Diameter10.1 m
Stages3
Launch Mass2,970.0 T
Takeoff Thrust35,100.0 kN
LEO Capacity140,000 kg
Maiden Flight11/9/1967

Learn more about the NASA Saturn V Rocket

Mission Spacecraft

Apollo CSM-020

Apollo CSM-020 (CSM-020) was the spacecraft used for this mission. It is a North American Aviation Capsule designed for Cargo and Human Transportation to Lunar Orbit and traveled to Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit.

CSM-020 was an Apollo Command & Service Module used in the Apollo 6 mission. The Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) was one of two principal components of the United States Apollo spacecraft, used for the Apollo program which landed astronauts on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. The CSM functioned as a mother ship which carried a crew of three astronauts and the second Apollo spacecraft, the Lunar Module, to lunar orbit, and brought the astronauts back to Earth. It consisted of two parts: the conical Command Module, a cabin that housed the crew and carried equipment needed for atmospheric reentry and splashdown; and the cylindrical Service Module which provided propulsion, electrical power and storage for various consumables required during a mission. An umbilical connection transferred power and consumables between the two modules. Just before reentry of the Command Module on the return home, the umbilical connection was severed and the Service Module was cast off and allowed to burn up in the atmosphere. 14 days

Spacecraft details for Apollo CSM-020
TypeCapsule
AgencyNorth American Aviation
Serial NumberCSM-020
StatusSingle Use
DestinationHighly Elliptical Earth Orbit
Maiden Flight2/26/1966
Mission End4/4/1968
Flights1
Crew Capacity3
Human RatedYes
Height11.0 m
Diameter3.9 m
Payload Capacity1,050 kg

About NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch statistics for NASA
Total Launches142
Successful122
Failed20
Pending5
Consecutive Success12

Learn more about NASA

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch scheduled?

The NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch was scheduled for:
.

Where can I watch the NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch video?

You can watch the NASA Saturn V launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.

Where did the NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 mission launch from?

The NASA Saturn V rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA. The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of NASA's ten field centers. Since 1968, KSC has been NASA's primary launch center of American spaceflight, research, and technology. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and managed by KSC. Located on the east coast of Florida, KSC is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).

What rocket was used for the Apollo 6 mission?

The Apollo 6 mission launched aboard a NASA Saturn V rocket. The Saturn V was a human-rated expendable rocket used by NASA between 1967 and 1973. Most notably, the Saturn V took the Apollo program to the Moon. It still remains the world's tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever brought to operational status and is the only launch vehicle to take humans beyond LEO. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.

What weather conditions could have delayed the NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch?

The NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.

How can I get updates if the NASA Saturn V Apollo 6 launch was delayed?

This page was updated in real-time with the latest NASA Saturn V launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Apollo 6 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official NASA live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.

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