File:SA-500D test article from Saturn V quarterly reports.ogv

English: This video is a compliation of excerpts from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Saturn V Quarterly Film Reports 9, 12, 16, and 17 pertaining especially to the components and testing of SA-500D.

In processing the clips, I adjusted volume levels, filtered out film grain noise, brightened some passages, adjusted white balance on passages, and realigned the audio track to make it transition at the same time as various clips at the same time as the video. I also exercised discretion about which clips to include; there is more information available about the manufacture of certain articles.

Assembly of the dynamic test instrument unit S-IU-200D/500D was completed February 1 at MSFC with the installation of dummy equipment. The Unit is for use in both the Saturn IB and V programs. The dynamic test unit was later installed atop the Saturn IB dynamic test stage in Marshall's Saturn I-IB dynamic test stand where it underwent testing as part of the Saturn IB vehicle.

A ceremony at Douglas Aircraft Co. Huntington Beach, California facility, Ealry December marked the turnover to NASA of the first S-IV-B stage built by the company. The sage, designated S-IVB-D was then shipped from the West coast to the Marshall center for use in Saturn IB and Saturn V dynamic test programs. At Marshall, the stage was installed in the Saturn I-IB dynamic test stand in mid-january as part of the Saturn IB vehicle.

At Marshall's Michoud assembly operations in New Orleans, the S-IC-D dynaimc test stage which had been moved into the staged test building from the horizontal installation position in the plant building on August 25, received only minor damage when the building itself was severly hit by Hurricane Betsy September 9, 1965. Cell number 1 where S-IC-D had less damage than the other three and was quickly repaired. The hurricane damage has not seriously affected S-IC production schedules at Michoud.

Following checokout and weighing of the dynamic test stage, which is the first Michoud-assembled S-IC, it was moved to the Michoud barge docs on October 5 for shipment to the Marshall Center. The stage arrived at MSFC on October 14. In January 1966, S-IC-D will beinstalled in the dynamic test stand where preparations are now underway for acceptance.

A hydrodynamic support system consisting of four large concrete pillars with hydrostatic bearings will enable the vehicle to float virtually frictionless on a film of oil during vibration testing simulating flight conditions. Steel bumpers are being erected inside the test stand to prevent the vehicle from sliding off the support pedistals. A roof has also been installed atop the stand to prevent a chimney effect whereby gusts of wind might distort test measurements.

Although the structural test stage collapsed in the final test on September 29, the failure occurred at an acceptable load level. Testing duplicated in-flight loads on the structure at the end of S-IC stage boost. Marshall and S&ID engineers are investigating the mode of failure. Original plans were for modification of S-II-S for dynamic testing, but as a result of the stage loss, the all systems test stage will be used instead.

The second stage was modified at KSC to the dynamic configuration and shipped on October 29 to Marshall. After dynamic testing, it will later be returned to KSC for pad B checkout. At the Marshall center, the second stage of the Arrived on November 10 from KSC for further use as part of the dynamic test vehicle. After receiving inspection, the second stage was transferred to Marhall's test laboratory for installation in the Saturn V Dynamic Test Stand. The stage was stacked atop the first stage on November 23.

The third stage was installed on November 30. The remaining units including the Instrument Unit, spacecraft adapter, and the Apollo spacecraft are scheduled to be stacked in December to complete the dynamic test vehicle.

Configuration One, or full-vechicle testing, to determine bending and vibration characteristics the vehicle will be subjected to in flight, is scheduled to start in January. Test completion is expected by late February. Later, for Configuration Two testing, the first stage will be removed from the stand and the remainder of the vehicle will be tested to determine its behavior in flight after first-stage burnout and separation.

This artist's concept illustrates how the Saturn V dynamic test vehicle appears when fully erected inside the dynamic test stand.

Configuration One testing began after completion of stacking. The vehicle was vibrated by electrodynamic shakers to determine the bending and vibration characteristics the vehicle will be subjected to during flight. This bending and vibration data is required to verify the adequacy of guidance and control systems' design. Several minor irregularities indicating the need for possible engineering changes were discovered as a result of configuration one testing during this period, and additional tests in these areas will be conducted next quarter.

Configuration two testing which includes testing the entire vehicle minus the first stage will then begin. The purpose of this test series is to verify guidance and control design for conditions which will be encountered after first stage separation.