AS-201 (CM-009/EXPO '67 display veh)_v_c_o_AKP (NAA photo no. 7008-55-224A, 1-31-67)

CM-009, flown February 26, 1966 as part of AS-201 is seen here, January 31, 1967 at North American Aviation’s Downey facility, and based on the double-row window configuration, possibly in Building 290? Knowing neither squat nor diddly regarding timelines for Command Module post-flight inspections, who knows what prompted this photograph. Possibly as documentation in preparation for display at Expo '67, which commenced April 28, 1967. It does look like it’s about to be crated/or has just been uncrated.

According to NASA releases, the vehicle was subsequently used in two land impact tests conducted in 1968, on March 7 & October 26.
Uhm, NO, NO & NO.
If other NASA documentation is to believed (HAH, right?!), it was CM-011.

Additionally, note the hatch, just right of the capsule’s center. Specifically, its trapezoidal window opening. ‘Opening’, because to me, it looks like there’s no glass anymore…at all. Furthermore, the fact that it is clearly/only (in this photograph at least), only a trapezoidal opening is also noteworthy. Its outward appearance was/is the source of some confusion & confoundment…at least as far as subsequent identification of the vehicle is concerned:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/000063.html
Credit: collectSPACE website

Space History: CM-009 was the first production Command Module to launch on a Saturn rocket, that also being the first flight of a Saturn IB.

But wait, the ‘best’ is yet to come:

As if all of the above wasn’t enough, there’s the dependable & perpetual NASA…’photo identification, cataloging, description, reproduction, articulation, ad infinitum’ debacle:

The capsule in the photograph I've posted is the one that was on display at Expo ‘67 - with all markings matching up - which is universally, as per the following - possible source document - identified as CM-011, flown on AS-202. WRONG.
Where would’ve the content & identification in the press release originated? Hmm…one guess:

www.worldsfairphotos.com/expo67/documents/press-releases/...
Credit: Bill Cotter, at his superb Expo '67 website. It MOST DEFINITELY merits one's attention!

A confirmed photograph of CM-011/AS-202 during recovery operations is at the following link. The capsule clearly bears a large, intense & conspicuous scorch mark, well-placed for comparative purposes, which then should be visible, or its remnant, in either my, or any/all of the above/linked below images. There are multiple other features, markings, damage, etc., exclusive to CM-011. Also at the link is the following, possibly its official NASA caption. It may even be correct:

"Apollo spacecraft 011 Command Module floats in the Pacific Ocean during recovery operations following the successful unmanned Apollo/Saturn Mission 202 test flight".

At:

www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/misc/apmisc-S66-4...
Credit: "The Project Apollo Image Gallery" website

Contrast to CM-009 recovery photos at the following, which, I think to be correct, and which support all above:

www.alternatewars.com/SpaceRace/SP-4205/Chapter_08.htm

Also, great information & discussion & further visual proof/evidence of Expo '67 vehicle confirmation, despite erroneous identification in the discussion:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001008.html
Credit: collectSPACE website

AN INEXPLICABLY ENDURING & INEXCUSABLE BLUNDER, OF EPIC (IN MY WORLD) PROPORTIONS.
NOT THAT IT MATTERS...ANYMORE...BUT HOW DID IT PERSIST…FOR ALL THIS TIME? IN FACT, IT’S ACTUALLY EVEN BEEN "CONFIRMED" BY FOLKS I CONSIDERED KNOWLEDGEABLE, OR AT THE VERY LEAST, OBSERVANT.

WOW.

Almost, and other than the blatant error regarding the Expo, a good article:

roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/roundup/1754

HUH?!?!?! How the f**k did they arrive at the WRONG idenfication??? Again, wow...just WOW:

forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29899.0
Credit: "NASA SPACEFLIGHT" Forum website

And...I'M SURE...the ORIGINAL SIN/F**K UP of this spacecraft's 'unidentification' exacerbated, and to whatever degree, was the genesis for the following thread of discussion & CONFUSION - by intelligent & otherwise knowledgable folks!!!
The subsequent muddled & likely erroneous 'chain of custody' - IF SUCH EVEN EXISTED, for CM-009 - is obvious:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/000063.html
Credit: collectSPACE website

DUMBASS, DEFICIENT, DOLT N(Ass)A BUFFOONS.
JUST WOW...MIND-BLOWING.
THERE'S REALLY NO EXCUSE FOR THIS. NONE. PATHETIC ACTUALLY.
Whatever, right? It is what it is.

Taken on: May 16, 2022

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