Evaluation of heat- and blast-protection materials

A program was initiated at the Kennedy Space Center in December 1967 and conducted through December 1969 to evaluate the performance of heat- and blast-protection materials for ground support equipment used during the Apollo/Saturn launches. Materials believed to be generally suitable for heat and blast protection were subjected to launch-exposure tests. Tests were made during the Apollo/Saturn 502, 503, and 505 launches. Tests were also made in a local laboratory, as an alternative to the restrictive requirements of launch-exposure tests, to determine the effects of torch-flame exposure on ablative materials. Five materials were found to be satisfactory in all major test categories. It was determined that torch-flame tests can probably be utilized as an acceptable substitute for the booster-engine-exhaust exposure tests for basic screening of candidate materials.