Translunar coast

Abstract

Immediately after the TLI manoeuvre, the S-IVB adopted an orientation calculated to yield favourable illumination for the separation of the CSM and its subsequent transposition, docking and extraction (TD&E) of the LM. Armstrong yielded the left-hand couch to Collins who, as CMP, had trained for this delicate operation. The reaction control system (RCS) comprised four units at 90-degree intervals on the side of the service module, each with a cluster of four rocket thrusters that could be fired separately or in various combinations to control roll, pitch and yaw motions. During the climb through the atmosphere, the conical adapter mounted on top the S-IVB was allowed to vent to ensure that there would be no sudden release of air when the spacecraft separated.