Optics cover jettison

Optics cover jettison
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Before beginning the platform realignment, the optics dust cover, on the opposite side of the CM from the hatch, was jettisoned to enable the spacecraft's optical instruments to be used. The cover protects the external surfaces of the sextant and scanning telescope during spacecraft preparation and launch. (ap15fj)

[edit] Apollo 15

Scott: (Technical Debriefing) [to Worden] Optics cover jettison. Did you see any debris?

Worden: (Technical Debriefing) Didn't see any debris. Didn't see anything through the optics when they went. All I heard was a slight thumping noise when the covers came off. That was it, never saw anything in the optics [relating to the jettison].

    This article is based on material extracted, with permission, from the [Apollo Flight Journal] by David Woods and Frank O'Brien. The NASA Apollo Flight Journal files are copyright © 1998 - 2004. W. David Woods and Frank O'Brien.(more...)
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