a/a08 (CM-103)_v_bw_o_n (NAA photo no. 9FC-0021 (1) N, dated 1-24-67)

A fantastic view of Command Module 103 (CM-103) during assembly & testing at North American Aviation’s (NAA) Downey, CA facility. Possibly bldg. 290?
Excessive elaboration to confirm/prove my identification of it as CM-103 accompanies the below linked photos. In lieu, suffice it to say that the look/configuration of certain forward compartment components visible here, along with markings, which, like fingerprints, are unique to each CM, confirm it to be a Block II capsule, which eventually flew on Apollo 8.

The dangling hoses from the fixture partially encircling the Command Module are all pneumatic, and the exposed tanks/vessels visible within the exposed aft compartment, other than the one clearly labeled “WASTE WATER TANK”, are Reaction Control System related. So, this ‘station’ may be to pressure test those tanks/vessels. What I initially thought was the framework of the overhead structure are the myriad of feed lines to each hose position!

Additionally, per an ‘H-Missions’ Command/Service Module News Reference, at:
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/CSM16_Reaction_Control_Subsystem_pp1...
which may or may not be applicable (I choose to think it is):

“The [CM reaction control] system consists of two independent, redundant systems, each containing six engines, helium and propellant tanks, and a dump and purge system. The two systems can operate in tandem; however, one can provide all the impulse needed for the entry maneuvers and normally only one is used.”

Further, per figure/plate P-200 within the above document, the two nearly adjacent tanks closest to the camera are fuel tanks, System 1 on the left, System 2 on the right. The smaller single tank to the right is the System 2 Helium tank. The panel of plastic wrapped/capped? connections farther to the right may then be fuel line connections to the yet-to-be installed yaw jets below it. To the left of the waste water tank are, left-to-right, System 1 & System 2 oxidizer tanks. Finally, the four connected pneumatic lines are at, appropriately enough, the ‘fuel servicing panel’.

A rare, obscure & stunning photograph that somehow fortunately survived.

Compare/contrast. Awesome:

archive.org/details/S68-22202
Credit: the wonderful Internet Archive website

Taken on: September 16, 2022

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