SIM
Contents
Scientific Instruments Module (SIM)
(glossary entry)
Description
The Scientific Instruments Module (SIM) was a compartment in the Service Module (SM) of the Apollo spaceship CSM (Command Service Module). This compartment was called the SIM-bay. In this bay, the High-Resolution cameras (the Fairchild metric/mapping camera and the Itek panoramic camera) were aimed at the moon's surface, while the CMP (Command Module Pilot) operated them and performed a concluding SIM-bay EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity, a "spacewalk") to retrieve the exposed film-rolls.
During the missions of Apollo 15 and 16, a Subsatellite was ejected into orbit around the moon.
There were only three SIMs; aboard Apollo 15, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17 (the three scientific "J"-missions).
- AP15-S71-2250 is an overview of Apollo 15's SIM-bay.
- AS15-88-11973 shows Apollo 15's CSM Endeavour over the region near crater Taruntius (at the left margin of the photograph). Note the Scientific Instruments Module' in Endeavours cylindrical Service Module.
- Apollo 17's CMP Ronald Evans during water SIM-bay EVA exercises, at building 5.
- Apollo 17's backup CMP Stuart Roosa rehearses the SIM-bay EVA.
- ap15-S71-22401 shows the crew of Apollo 15 with the SIM's Subsatellite.
Additional Information
An interesting painting of Apollo 15's SIM-bay EVA, performed by CMP Alfred Worden, was included on page 261 of the article TO THE MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON by Kenneth F. Weaver, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC February 1972. Painting by Pierre Mion. - DannyCaes Jan 7, 2008
LPOD Articles
Bibliography
The SIM-bay cameras, by Robin Wheeler.
