Description

Apollo 10 Patch

Space fans and collectors!  Enjoy the beautifully embroidered Apollo 10 Patch.  It is the perfect tribute to this crew and their mission!

• 4 inches
• Embroidered/Hook and Loop
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business

Apollo 10, launched on May 18, 1969, was the fourth human spaceflight in the United States’ Apollo program and the second mission to orbit the Moon. Here are the key details:

• Objective and Description:
  • Objective: Apollo 10 served as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Apollo 11 mission, which would be the first Moon landing.
  • Operator: NASA.
  • Mission Type: It was designated an “F” mission, intended to test all spacecraft components and procedures except actual descent and landing.
  • Crew:
    • Thomas P. Stafford (Commander)
    • John W. Young (Command Module Pilot)
    • Eugene A. Cernan (Lunar Module Pilot)
  • Major Objectives:
    • Lunar Module Test: Astronauts Stafford and Cernan flew the Apollo Lunar Module (LM) to within 14.4 kilometers (7.8 nautical miles) of the lunar surface—the point at which powered descent for landing would begin on a landing mission.
    • Observations: Stafford and Cernan observed and photographed Apollo 11’s planned landing site in the Sea of Tranquility.
  • Challenges Faced:
    • Pogo Oscillations: During the launch phase, the spacecraft experienced pogo oscillations.
    • Uncontrolled Tumble: The LM ascent stage briefly tumbled uncontrollably during its solo flight in lunar orbit.
  • Safe Return: After completing its 31st orbit of the Moon, Apollo 10 safely returned to Earth.
  • Legacy: While NASA had considered attempting the first crewed lunar landing on Apollo 10, mission planners decided that a practice flight would be prudent to refine procedures and techniques.

Apollo 10 played a crucial role in preparing for the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing, demonstrating the capabilities of the spacecraft and refining mission procedures