The first stage of the Saturn V, that will carry the Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon, under construction at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.
"The major components of S-IC-6 – its base, its kerosene and liquid oxygen tanks, and its forward and center sections – were completed in September, 1966, or 10 months after the start of assembly.
Vertical assembly of the 12-story high booster started Sept. 30, 1966. This is the process in which the major parts are stacked one atop the other. It was completed Jan. 4, 1967.
The vehicle then was lifted from its assembly tower in the vertical assembly building to the adjoining factory building, where its engines, electronic equipment and other internal systems were installed. The stage was completed May 8, 1967, and it was rolled out June 1, 1967.
Then began computer simulations of flight and other post-manufacturing tests handled in the stage checkout building at Michoud. These tests were completed July 26, 1967.
The rocket was taken by barge on March 1, 1968, to the Mississippi Test Center in Hancock County. It was successfully test fired for 125.10 seconds on Aug. 13, 1968.
It was returned to Michoud by barge on Aug. 29, 1968, and underwent refurbishment and checking until Dec. 9, 1968. It was placed in storage before being loaded onto a barge which departed for Cape Kennedy last Feb. 16.”
Date: January 4, 1967
NASA MSFC photo no. 12871-11
