Apollo 9 Patch – Sew On, 4" For Sale

Space fans and collectors! Enjoy the beautifully embroidered Apollo 9 Patch. It is the perfect tribute to this crew and their mission!

• 4 inches
• Embroidered/Sew On
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business

1. Objective :
   • Apollo 9 was the first crewed flight that involved all the essential Apollo lunar hardware components.
   • It marked the maiden crewed flight of the lunar module (LM) .
2. Mission Highlights :
   • Spacecraft : The mission utilized the full Apollo spacecraft, which consisted of the command and service module (CSM) along with the Lunar Module (LM) .
   • Test in Earth Orbit : Apollo 9 operated in low Earth orbit , serving as a crucial testbed for lunar landing operations.
   • LM Qualification : The primary goal was to qualify the LM for lunar orbit operations . This involved demonstrating the LM's descent and ascent propulsion systems, independent crew control, and rendezvous and docking with the CSM.
   • Backup Mode : The crew also fired the LM descent engine as a backup mode (similar to what would be needed during the Apollo 13 mission).
   • Spacewalk (EVA) : During the ten-day mission, the astronauts performed a two-person spacewalk (EVA).
   • Docking Maneuvers : Apollo 9 achieved the second docking of two crewed spacecraft, following the Soviets' spacewalk crew transfer between Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5.
3. Crew Members :
   • Commander : James A. McDivitt
   • Command Module Pilot : David R. Scott
   • Lunar Module Pilot : Rusty Schweickart
4. Notable Achievements :
   • Systems and procedures critical for lunar landings were tested, including LM engines, backpack life support systems, and navigation.
   • The LM demonstrated its ability to dock with the CSM.
5. Landing :
   • Apollo 9 splashed down in the North Atlantic Ocean on March 13, 1969 .

Apollo 9 played a vital role in paving the way for subsequent lunar missions, including the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing