AS-201 - Objectives

Objectives

The objectives of the mission were to:

• Demonstrate the Saturn IB launch vehicle propulsion, guidance and electrical systems
• Demonstrate structural compatibility between the launch vehicle and CSM, ensuring the spacecraft's design loads weren't exceeded
• Demonstrate appropriate separation of all vehicle elements
• Demonstrate the CSM's heat shield, service propulsion system (including in-space restart), CM and SM reaction control systems, environmental control of cabin pressure and temperature, partial communications, stability and control, Earth landing system, and electrical power subsystem.
• Evaluate the Emergency Detection System in an open-loop configuration
• Demonstrate the CM heat shield ablator at a 200 BTU/ft2/sec heat transfer rate
• Demonstrate support facilities for launch, mission control, and recovery

The mission profile called for the Saturn IB to launch the spacecraft on an east-by-southeast heading into a high ballistic trajectory; then the CSM would separate from the SLA. The service module engine would be fired twice, then the command module would re-enter and land in the south Atlantic ocean.