Apollo CommandModule Hatch, Block II
The command module’s “Unified Crew Hatch” weighs in at about 225 lbs, or 112.5 kg and comes with 15 latches around the edge.
This is the second design, after a poorly designed hatch for the early version of the spacecraft, Block 1, was partially responsible the tragic Apollo 1 pad fire in 1967. The main difference was that the Block I hatch had to open inward, an awkward and deadly combination. The commander of the Apollo 1, veteran Mercury astronaut, Gus Grissom, insisted on that design when looking back on his Mercury flight. On that mission, his hatch blew off prematurely (using explosive bolts) causing his near drowning and the loss of the spacecraft. Ultimately, the latter would be recovered in 1999 from a depth greater than the Titanic.
A mechanical reason was never discovered so some concluded it could only be “pilot error.” Still not a satisfactory explanation as Grissom was an outstanding pilot, and many felt he would selected to command the first lunar landing.
Top photo by Oliver Farries, used with permission
