January 22 


22 January 1968


Lunar Module 1 being mated to the Spacecraft–LM adapter in preparation for launch as Apollo 5. Credit: NASA

Apollo 5, the uncrewed first flight of the Apollo Lunar Module (LM), that would later carry astronauts to the lunar surface, was launched on January 22, 1968. The Saturn IB launch vehicle (SA204) for the Apollo 5 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 37B at Cape Kennedy with LM-1, the first flight-ready Apollo lunar module. The mission verified the ascent and descent stage propulsion systems, including restart and throttle operations of the Lunar Module. 

   After launch, the S-IVB second stage of the launch vehicle ignited to insert the spacecraft into a 163 x 222 km Earth orbit with a period of 88.3 minutes and an inclination of 31.63 degrees. The nose cone was jettisoned and after a coast of 43 min 52 sec the LM was separated from the LM adapter. The LM entered a 167 x 222 km orbit with a period of 88.4 min and an inclination of 31.63 degrees. 

Apollo 5's Saturn IB on the launchpad. Credit: NASA

   A planned descent propulsion system (DPS) of 39 seconds was cut short after only 4 seconds. The burn was designed to simulate deceleration for descent to the lunar surface, but was stopped prematurely due to overly conservative programming of the flight software. An alternate flight plan was put into effect, in which the DPS fired for 26 seconds at 10% thrust and then for 7 seconds at maximum thrust. A third DPS firing was performed 32 seconds later, consisting of a 26 second burn at 10% thrust and 2 seconds at maximum thrust, followed by a burn to simulate an abort during the landing phase, in which the ascent propulsion system (APS) was ignited simultaneously with the DPS being shut down. The APS burn lasted 60 seconds, followed by a 6 min 23 sec firing which depleted APS fuel. At the end of the 11 hr, 10 min test period, both LM stages were left in orbit eventually to reenter and disintegrate. Despite the initial premature DPS shutdown, the mission was deemed a success and operation of all LM systems was confirmed.

Launch of Apollo 5 from Launch Complex 37B at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station. Credit: NASA


© 2026, Andrew Mirecki

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