1965-06-29 USA Pad Abort Test 2

A Pad Abort Test 2 cover from "Sokolsky", postmarked at White Sands Missile Range with a machine cancel on June 29, 1965.

Pad Abort Test 2 (PA-2) was the second test of the Apollo Launch Escape System (LES) under simulated launch-pad emergency conditions. Using boilerplate Command Module BP-23A, the successful test demonstrated that the escape system could rapidly propel an Apollo spacecraft away from the launch pad and safely return it to Earth, helping validate a critical crew-safety system for future Apollo missions. The test also evaluated the canards, boost protective cover, separation sequence, and Earth landing system.