1964-05-13 USA Little Joe II Abort Test (A-001)

A-001 was the second abort test of the Apollo spacecraft, designed to demonstrate the launch escape system's ability to safely separate the command module during critical abort scenarios. Unlike Pad Abort Test 1, where the escape system was activated at ground level, this mission aimed to show the system's effectiveness in propelling the command module away from the launch vehicle while in the high-dynamic-pressure (transonic) phase of the Saturn trajectory.

Little Joe II Abort Test (A-001) launch cover with "Swanson" illustrated cachet, postmarked White Sands Missile Range, May 13, 1964.
Photo: Launch of Little Joe II.
The launch vehicle was the second in the Little Joe II series, designed for early and cost-effective testing of the launch escape system. The Little Joe II was powered by seven solid-propellant rocket motors: one Algol sustainer motor that delivered thrust for about 42 seconds, and six Recruit motors that burned out approximately 1.5 seconds after ignition. The spacecraft comprised a launch escape system and a boilerplate command and service module (BP-12).

Little Joe II Abort Test (A-001) launch cover with "Sokolsky" cachet, postmarked White Sands Missile Range, May 13, 1964.