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Apollo 16 Mission Anomaly Report No. 1: Oxidizer Deservicing Tank FailureThe command module reaction control system is emptied of all remaining propellant using ground support equipment designed to provide an acid/base neutralization of the propellant in both the liquid and gaseous phases so that it may be disposed of safely. During the deactivation operation of the oxidizer from the Apollo 16 command module on 7 May 1972, the scrubber tank of the decontamination unit exploded, destroying the ground support equipment unit and damaging the building that housed the operation. Only minor injuries were received by the personnel in the area and the command module was not damaged. Test results show that the failure was caused by an insufficient quantity of neutralizer for the quantity of oxidizer. This insufficiency lead to exothermic nitration-type reactions which produced large quantities of gas at a very high rate and failed the decontamination tank.
Document ID
19720024159
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Date Acquired
September 2, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1972
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Space Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-X-68604
MSC-07032
Accession Number
72N31809
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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