Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator
An example of a Block I Command Module Annunciator warning indicator panel, designed to light up if there was a problem with any of the associated electronic systems.Annunciators are common place in aircraft and spacecraft, highlighting the condition of equipment by lighting up when there is a fault. They were a crucial part of the Apollo Command Module. Apollo Command Modules were designated as either Block I or Block II. Block II Command Modules were designed to take astronauts to the Moon and had rendezvous capability. Block I versions were intended for use in un-crewed testing and some low Earth orbit testing. Following the Apollo 1 tragedy, where the crew died after a fire ripped through their Block I Command Module, all crewed Apollo flights were re-designated to use only Block II.
The Apollo 1 fire led to the Apollo 204 Review Board taking a close look at the design of the Command Module, with many safety improvements implemented. One area of concern had been the wiring, with recommendations to use protective insulation throughout. The fact that this Annunciator has had one panel of lights removed to reveal the wiring and circuit boards behind, could be an indication that the Review Board used this one to examine the wiring for this crucial piece of safety equipment. The Annunciator panel was subsequently redesigned for the Block II Command Modules that took astronauts to the Moon.
All images:
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![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator]()
Apollo Block I Command Module Annunciator -
![The Apollo 1 crew pose alongside a model of the Command Module. From Left to right: Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee. All three men died tragically because of a fire in their Command Module during testing - Credit: NASA]()
The Apollo 1 crew pose alongside a model of the Command Module. From Left to right: Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee. All three men died tragically because of a fire in their Command Module during testing - Credit: NASA -
![The crew of Apollo 1 parodied their official crew photograph by praying to a model of the Command Module, showing their concerns over its safety - Credit: NASA]()
The crew of Apollo 1 parodied their official crew photograph by praying to a model of the Command Module, showing their concerns over its safety - Credit: NASA -
![The instrument panel inside the Apollo 1 Command Module after the fire. Annunciator units can be seen located near the top of the panel - Credit: NASA]()
The instrument panel inside the Apollo 1 Command Module after the fire. Annunciator units can be seen located near the top of the panel - Credit: NASA -
![The interior of the Apollo 1 Command Module after the fire, showing the devastation and the tragic consequences for the crew - Credit: NASA]()
The interior of the Apollo 1 Command Module after the fire, showing the devastation and the tragic consequences for the crew - Credit: NASA
More information
Object number
2016-3
Location
Artefact Store
Has this object been into space?
No
Dimension - Dimension, Value, Measurement unit
Length: 13.0cm
Height: 9.0cm
Depth: 8.5cm
Material
Metal
Plastic
Associated event
Apollo 1
Object Production Date
1966 - 1967
Object Production Organisation
Grimes Manufacturing Company
Object Production Place
Ohio
United States
On Display Status
Not on display
Copyright and Photos
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
