EMERGENCY DETECTION EQUIPMENT

The Saturn V is equipped with a myriad of equip­ment designed to detect malfunctions. Some of this equipment checks engine thrust, and monitors guidance computer status, attitude rates, angle of attack, and abort request.

This emergency detection information is flashed to the IU where it is routed to the emergency detec­tion distributor (EDS) in the electrical system. The EDS distributor is an interconnector and switching point and has the logic circuits which determine the emergency. In case of a malfunction, the equipment will turn on a light in front of the astronauts. If the spacecraft abort selector switch is in the auto­matic abort position, the abort will take place without further crew participation: the action cannot be vetoed by the astronauts. However, if the selector switch is in the manual position, the crew, consulting with NASA flight controllers, decides when to abort a mission.

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I SATURN V NEWS REFERENCE