Description

Apollo 9 Patch

Space fans and collectors!  Enjoy the beautifully embroidered Apollo 9 Patch.  It is the perfect tribute to this crew and their mission!

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

1. Objective:
   • Apollo 9 was the first crewed flight that involved all the essential Apollo lunar hardware components.
   • It marked the maiden crewed flight of the lunar module (LM).
2. Mission Highlights:
   • Spacecraft: The mission utilized the full Apollo spacecraft, which consisted of the command and service module (CSM) along with the Lunar Module (LM).
   • Test in Earth Orbit: Apollo 9 operated in low Earth orbit, serving as a crucial testbed for lunar landing operations.
   • LM Qualification: The primary goal was to qualify the LM for lunar orbit operations. This involved demonstrating the LM’s descent and ascent propulsion systems, independent crew control, and rendezvous and docking with the CSM.
   • Backup Mode: The crew also fired the LM descent engine as a backup mode (similar to what would be needed during the Apollo 13 mission).
   • Spacewalk (EVA): During the ten-day mission, the astronauts performed a two-person spacewalk (EVA).
   • Docking Maneuvers: Apollo 9 achieved the second docking of two crewed spacecraft, following the Soviets’ spacewalk crew transfer between Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5.
3. Crew Members:
   • Commander: James A. McDivitt
   • Command Module Pilot: David R. Scott
   • Lunar Module Pilot: Rusty Schweickart
4. Notable Achievements:
   • Systems and procedures critical for lunar landings were tested, including LM engines, backpack life support systems, and navigation.
   • The LM demonstrated its ability to dock with the CSM.
5. Landing:
   • Apollo 9 splashed down in the North Atlantic Ocean on March 13, 1969.

Apollo 9 played a vital role in paving the way for subsequent lunar missions, including the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing