APOLLO MISSION CONTROL PHOTO PLUS

AS-500F History Summary

The AS-500F Facilities Vehicle (Pathfinder)

The Saturn V Facilities Integration Vehicle, called 500F, was used to test the mating of the Saturn's stages in the VAB, the fit of the service platforms, the launcher-transporter operation, the propellant loading system, and the test connections to the mobile launcher and support equipment. Its three stages duplicated the flight configuration, ordnance, and umbilical connections of their live counterparts. Although inert, the retrograde rockets, ullage rockets, and shaped charges had the dimensions of the live ordnance to let the launch team practice ordnance installation. The first stage only had one real F-1 engine, and the inter-tank section between the first and second stages had a different paint scheme than flight vehicles. It was stacked on Mobile Launcher 1 in VAB Bay 1 with the Apollo spacecraft facilities verification vehicle boilerplate.

AS-500F was rolled out to Pad A on May 25, 1966. On June 8th, it was was rolled back to the VAB temporarily until Hurricane Alma passed. It was rolled back to Pad A two days later and remained there until it was rolled back to the VAB for De-stacking. The facility checkout culminated with a "wet test" to verify the storage and transfer of the propellants. The AS-500F was moved back to the VAB and de-stacked on October 21, 1966.

The first stage, S-1C-F, was returned to the Marshall Space Flight Centre and was eventually scrapped.

The AS-500-F second stage, S-IIC-F, was shipped back to the Marshall Space Flight Centre onboard the barge Poseidon and was reassigned as a dynamic test stage at MSFC in early 1967 as S-II-F/D. It is now displayed as part of the Saturn V at the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre. You will find a series of vintage photographs showing it being moved from the VAB to the barge Poseidon at the end of this gallery.

The third stage, S-IV-B-500F, was manufactured as a dummy third stage for the smaller Saturn IB and used to check Saturn IB launch complex facilities. It was then modified to meet the Saturn V third stage configuration. In 1970, it was modified into the Skylab Workshop Dynamic Test Stage and was shipped in December to the Johnson Space Centre for dynamic testing. In June 1971, it was shipped to Marshall for Skylab workshop static testing; and in June 1974 it was shipped to KSC. Its fate is not known.

SOLD

AS-500F Stacking In VAB

10 x 8 NASA Colour Glossy Photograph

NASA No. 66-H-521

4 May 1966

A fantastic top to bottom view of the Apollo Saturn V 500F facilities vehicle during stacking operations in Kennedy Space Centre's Vehicle Assembly Building.

This fine vintage NASA colour glossy photograph is in very good condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£21.95

AS-500F Exits Vehicle Assembly Building

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F, the first completed Saturn V stack, is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This is a splendid clear aerial view of the newly constructed VAB and surrounding area with the crawler inching its way out of the huge doors.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition, near mint and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£10.95

Mueller And von Braun And The AS-500F

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 67-H-1218

25 May 1966

Dr. George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator, Office of Manned Space Flight and Dr. Wernher von Braun, MSFC Director were on hand during the AS500F roll out.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£19.95

Looking Up At The AS-500F

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-66-32078

25 May 1966

A outstanding ground level view looking up at the AS500F atop its Mobile Launcher as it exits the VAB on it way to Pad A of LC-39.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£19.95

AS-500F Facilities Vehicle Roll Out

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-66-32078

25 May 1966

The AS-500F, the first completed Saturn V stack, is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£8.95

AS-500F Roll Out

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. 107-KSC-66PC-99

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

AS-500F Roll Out #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. MSFC 6-40842

Same image as above but what makes this vintage photograph interesting is it was printed at Marshall Space Flight Centre in Huntsville noted by the above NASA number and it has NASA's internal use stamp on the back along with the standard NASA purple text and round style logo.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£19.95

AS-500F Exits Vehicle Assembly Building #2

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F, the first completed Saturn V stack, is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition, near mint.

£8.95

AS-500F Roll Out From The VAB

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. 107-KSC-66PC-99

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

AS-500F Exits Vehicle Assembly Building #3

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-66-32065

25 May 1966

The AS-500F, the first completed Saturn V stack, is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£8.95

AS-500F & Launch Complex-39

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way as seen in the wonderful aerial view of LC-39 looking east towards the launch pads.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£12.95

AS-500F On Its Way To Pad A

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. S-66-32064

The AS-500F, the first completed Saturn V stack, is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£9.95

AS-500F On Its Way To Pad A

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. S-66-32064

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition, near mint.

£19.95

AS-500F Facilities Vehicle Roll Out

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

An Apollo/Saturn V facilities Test Vehicle and Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) atop a crawler-transporter move from the Vehicle Assembly Building on the way to Pad A. This test vehicle, designated the Apollo/Saturn 500-F, is being used to verify launch facilities, train launch crews, and develop test and checkout procedures.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£9.95

AS-500F Roll Out Aerial View

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

NASA No. 107-KSC-66PC-69

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£19.95

AS-500F Roll Out Aerial View #2

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£8.95

AS-500F Heading For Pad A of LC-39

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39 some 3.5 miles down the special built crawler-way.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£19.95

AS-500F On Its Way To Pad A

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS-500F is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A of Launch Complex 39.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£19.95

AS-500F Crawler Removed From Launcher

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

A ground level view of the AS500F on the Hard Stand of Pad 39A. The special built crawler has just been removed from underneath the mobile launcher. It will not be needed again until the 8th of June when the Facilities Vehicle will be rolled back to the VAB until Hurricane Alma is no longer a threat to the Cape area.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£21.95

Aerial View Of The AS-500F On Pad A

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

A wonderful overall aerial view of the newly constructed of Pad A complex of LC-39 and the AS500F atop its mobile launcher that is now standing alone on the Hard Stand.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£24.95

AS-500F First Night On Pad39A

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

A early evening shot of the AS500F standing proud as the spots lights have just been switched on during its first night on Pad 3 of Launch Complex 39.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£21.95

AS-500F First Night On Pad39A #2

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

25 May 1966

The AS500F is bathed in spot lights during its first night on Pad 3 of Launch Complex 39.

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£10.95

AS-500F And Titan 3-C Lift Off

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

16 June 1966

NASA No. PL 66C-73458/7379507

A wonderful photograph of the AS-500F Facilities Vehicle on Pad A of Launch Complex 39 as the Titan 3-C (Test #7379) lifts off from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£9.95

AS-500F On Pad 39A

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

October 1966

NASA No. S-67-17788

The AS-500F Pathfinder stands proud on Pad A of Launch Complex 39.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£19.95

AS-500F Its Moving Day

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

October 1966

The special built crawler is being placed under the mobile launcher for its return to the VAB for de-stacking. The First Saturn V successfully completed its facilities mission to

This very fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition and printed on the heavy 'A Kodak Paper'.

£9.95

AS-500F Moves Back Down The Incline

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

October 1966

The AS-500F has successfully completed it pathfinder mission and is on it way back to the VAB for de-stacking.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£19.95

AS500F On Its Way Back To The VAB

10 x 8 Colour Glossy NASA Photograph

October 1966

A very interesting photograph of the AS500F on its way back to the VAB after over 5 months of practical training on every aspect of stacking, moving and fuelling the mighty Saturn V rocket for a flight to them Moon.

The people lower left; A NASA official is holding a press conference as the crawler inches its way back to the VAB. Note how clear the lower part of the photo is but the upper seems a bit misty. This is not a fault of the photograph; just another statement on how tall the Saturn V is. Its head is in the clouds so to speak. This is a very common aspect of living near the warm Atlantic Ocean. Marine mists can be a every day occurrence.

The AS500F was de-stacked in the VAB on the 21 October 1966.

This fine vintage colour glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition and printed on 'A Kodak Paper'.

£8.95

AS-500F Rolls Back To The VAB

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 108-KSC-66P-0502

October 1966

A fine view from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building of the AS-500F on roll back to the VAB.

This fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in very good condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage Leaving The VAB

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21711

29 October 1966

After de-mating, the AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F and Interstage are seen leaving the VAB heading for the Turning Basin Dock to be loaded into the barge "Poseidon" for delivery back to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Ala. There the AS-500F second stage (S-IIC-F) will be reassigned as dynamic test article S-IIC-F/D.

Note the SA-500F's third stage can be seen in the High Bay Work-stand on the right.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage Leaving The VAB #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21712

29 October 1966

Note the SA-500F's third stage can be seen in the High Bay Work-stand on the right.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage Exits VAB

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21713

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F is seen exiting the VAB for the Turning Basin Dock and the waiting barge Poseidon.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage & Interstage

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21716

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F and Interstage are seen on their way to the Turning Basin Dock with the VAB in the background.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC Interstage & VAB

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21708

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC Interstage is seen passing the VAB on it way to the Turning Basin Dock and the waiting barge "Poseidon" for delivery back to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Ala.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage & Interstage #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21709

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F second stage and Interstage are seen leaving on their way to the Cape's Turning Basin Dock and the waiting barge "Poseidon" for delivery back to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Ala.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage & Poseidon

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

29 October 1966

NASA No. 107-KSC-66C-9137

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F and its Inter-stage have made it to the Cape's Turning Basin Dock and the waiting barge Poseidon seen in full view.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

Inside The Barge Poseidon

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21719

29 October 1966

A view of the far end inside the Barge Poseidon as workmen get the V-Frame ready that will help secure the S-IIC-F stage in place during its journey back to MSFC in Huntsville, Ala.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage & Poseidon #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66C-9136

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F second stage is seen being loaded into the barge Poseidon that is at the Turning Basin's Dock. The Inter-Stage will be loaded after the S-IIC-F stage is secured in place inside the barge.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage & Poseidon #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21725

29 October 1966

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-II-F Stage Inside Poseidon

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21728

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F is being secured onto the V-Frame inside the barge Poseidon.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-II-F Stage Inside Poseidon #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21731

29 October 1966

A workman gives a wave that all is 'AOK' that the S-IIC-F stage is secured to the V-Frame inside the barge Poseidon.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Stage Transporter lift

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21733

29 October 1966

A photo only a engineer could want. How much pressure did it take to lift the S-IIC-F transporter ?

As seen inside the barge Poseidon after the AS500F second stage was loaded.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F Broken S-IIC-F Transporter

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21737

29 October 1966

My guess here is the AS-500-F's second stage transporter's drive shaft is broken ?

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F Broken S-IIC-F Transporter #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21739

29 October 1966

The best aspect of this photo is the Bendix worker is using the AS-500F's first stage S-IC fin and fairing block to lift the transporters drive shaft.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Second Stage Venting

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21745

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F is loaded into the barge Poseidon and workman are connecting the pressure venting system to it.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£9.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Second Stage Venting #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21747

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F is loaded into the barge Poseidon and workman are connecting the pressure venting system to it.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Second Stage Venting #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21754

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's second stage S-IIC-F is loaded into the barge Poseidon and workman are connecting the pressure venting system to it.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£8.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Interstage Loading

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21732

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F Interstage is now ready to be loaded inside the barge Poseidon.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Interstage Loading #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21736

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F Interstage is loaded inside the barge Poseidon for shipping back to MSFC.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Interstage Loading #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21741

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F Interstage is loaded inside the barge Poseidon for shipping back to MSFC.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Interstage Loading #4

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21742

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F Interstage is loaded inside the barge Poseidon for shipping back to MSFC.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£8.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F Interstage Loading #5

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21748

29 October 1966

The AS-500F's S-IIC-F Interstage is loaded inside the barge Poseidon for shipping back to MSFC.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

AS-500F S-IIC-F/D & Interstage Loaded

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 107-KSC-66-21752

29 October 1966

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£2.95

Apollo Saturn V 500F On Pad At Night

10 x 8 NASA Colour Lithograph

NASA No. MSCL-10

25 May 1966

Apollo Saturn V 500F on Pad at night.

This very fine vintage NASA colour lithograph is in near mint condition.

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