Apollo 7, launched on October 11, 1968, was the first crewed mission in NASA’s Apollo program, and it marked the successful return to crewed spaceflights after the tragic Apollo 1 disaster. It was a critical mission to test the Command and Service Module (CSM) in Earth’s orbit before attempting missions to the Moon. The mission was commanded by Walter M. Schirra 🔗, with Jr., Donn F. Eisele 🔗 as the Command Module Pilot and Walter Cunningham 🔗 as the Lunar Module Pilot.
Despite the interpersonal challenges, Apollo 7 was a resounding success and cleared the way for the more ambitious Apollo 8 mission, which would orbit the Moon later that year. The successful completion of the mission proved that the CSM was spaceworthy, leading directly to Apollo 8‘s circumlunar mission and the eventual Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969.
Apollo 7 also established NASA’s confidence in the Saturn IB launch vehicle, which performed flawlessly during the mission. This ensured that future Apollo missions would use this reliable rocket for Earth-orbital missions, while the more powerful Saturn V would be used for lunar missions.
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Mission Objectives
Apollo 7 had several important objectives that paved the way for future Apollo missions:
- Testing the Command and Service Module (CSM): Apollo 7’s primary goal was to perform an extensive test of the CSM in low Earth orbit. This included verifying the spacecraft’s systems, life support, communications, navigation, and propulsion.
- Re-entry Procedures: One of the crucial tests was ensuring that the spacecraft could safely return to Earth and withstand re-entry temperatures.
- Docking Capabilities: Although Apollo 7 did not carry a Lunar Module (LM), it simulated docking maneuvers to prepare for future missions where the CSM would have to dock with the LM in lunar orbit.
- Live Broadcasts: Apollo 7 marked the first time live television broadcasts were made from space, with the crew famously broadcasting live updates and a tour of the spacecraft to viewers on Earth, bringing space exploration into homes for the first time.
Mission Highlights
Apollo 7 launched aboard a Saturn IB rocket from Cape Kennedy Air Force Station and lasted 11 days, from October 11 to October 22, 1968. The mission conducted 163 orbits of the Earth.
This mission was the first crewed Apollo flight following the Apollo 1 tragedy, and its success was crucial to restoring confidence in the Apollo program. The spacecraft performed exceptionally well, proving that the design modifications made after Apollo 1’s fire had improved safety and functionality.
Walter Schirra, a veteran astronaut who had flown on Mercury-Atlas 8 and Gemini 6A, commanded the mission. He became the first person to fly in space three times, and Apollo 7 was his final spaceflight.
Challenges and Crew Dynamics
While Apollo 7 achieved all of its technical objectives, the mission was also known for the tense relationship between the crew and Mission Control. Schirra, suffering from a severe cold during the mission, clashed with ground controllers over various issues, including workload and mission schedules.
The cold, compounded by the cramped quarters of the Command Module, caused discomfort for all three astronauts, and communication with NASA became strained at times.
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