 |
| "SpaceCraft" Saturn SA-5 launch cover, postmarked Cape Canaveral, Jan 29, 1964. |
SA-5, launched on January 29, 1964, was the first launch of the Block II Saturn I rocket and was part of the Apollo program. The major changes that occurred on SA-5 were that for the first time the Saturn I would fly with two stages - the S-I first stage and the S-IV second stage. Other major design changes included the enlargement of the fuel tanks on the first stage.
 |
| Photo: "CAPE OF MOON HOPE Stretching along Florida's Cape Canaveral, Complex 37 for Saturn launchings is part of a vast development with one goal - a manned moonshot by 1970. The Atlantic Ocean cape is the Eastern terminus of a space age crescent which starts at Houston, Tex. It is changing the area, and to some extent the whole state of Florida, from a tourist and retirement haven to a booming industrial center. AP Newsfeatures Photo. October 13, 1963." |
For the first time the rocket would carry its planned 750,000 lb (340,000 kg) of propellant and would use eight upgraded engines producing a thrust each of 188,000 lbf (836 kN). Also the guidance and control computer on the rocket was positioned above the second stage. This was where it would be found on the Saturn V flights that would take astronauts to the Moon. The Instrument Unit controlled the ascent of the rocket through the atmosphere, automatically compensating for any winds or loss of thrust during the ascent. This flight was an
orbital mission, which was possible because of the upgraded first stage
and the addition of the second stage. It would enter into an elliptical
orbit and re-enter a couple of days later as its orbit decayed.
 |
| Photo: Launch of Saturn I with two stages on January 29, 1964. |
 |
| Goldcraft Saturn SA-5 launch cover, postmarked Cape Canaveral, Jan 29, 1964. |
 |
| Photo: US President Johnson watching the launch of the Saturn 1 rocket from Cape Kennedy. |
