Echoes Among the Stars: The Original Website
The First Era in Space, 1957-1975
Apollo 9
March 3 - March 13, 1969
Testing the Lunar Module
The Apollo 9 mission featured the first full test of the joined command and lunar modules. Here, the lunar module is still encased in its protective cocoon within the spent Saturn rocket. The mission was commanded by James McDivitt, who had last flown in space with Ed White aboard Gemini 4. NASA photo.
A Walk in Space
Joining James McDivitt aboard Apollo 9 were fellow Gemini veteran Dave Scott and Rusty Schweickart, who was flying in space for the first time. Here, during an EVA that lasted about thirty minutes, Schweickart tests the portable life-support system that later Apollo astronauts would wear during their EVAs on the lunar surface. NASA photo.
Apollo 9 Splashdown
With the successful workout of the lunar module, the clock was running toward the anticipated first lunar landing: Apollo 9 splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean, March 13, 1969. NASA photo.
