What does set SCE to Aux?

What does set SCE to Aux?

And even today — among us geeks — the phrase “SCE to AUX” used to describe a situation where one narrowly averts a catastrophe by coming up with an ingenious plan. Lightning bolt during the launch of Apollo 12.

Who said SCE to Aux?

“Try SCE to Aux,” said Aaron. “SCE, SCE to Auxiliary,” replied CAPCOM Jerry Carr. Out of the 300 switches and circuit breakers in Apollo 12’s Command Module “Yankee Clipper,” Lunar Module Pilot, Alan Bean remembered where it was.

What caused the electrical system failure during Apollo 12?

The launch sparked two lightning strikes that disrupted critical rocket systems. Moments after liftoff, at 36.5 seconds and at 52 seconds, two bolts of lightning triggered by the launch struck the rocket. …

What does SCE stand for Apollo?

Signal Conditioning Equipment
Flight controller John Aaron solved the problem with one recommendation, “Flight, try SCE to AUX.” The Signal Conditioning Equipment (SCE) could resolve the instrumentation issues in auxiliary mode (AUX), preventing mission abort for Apollo 12.

What call did John Aaron make that saved the Apollo 12 mission?

steely-eyed missile man
Among his many contributions, Aaron devised the recovery for the power systems on Apollo 12 after the spacecraft was struck by lightning during launch, thus avoiding a mission abort. His quick thinking and extreme calm under pressure earned him the nickname “steely-eyed missile man.”

What is a steely eyed missile man?

A Steely-eyed Missile Man is an astronaut or engineer who quickly devises an ingenious solution to a tough problem while under extreme pressure. The name originates from the Apollo 12 mission and NASA engineer John Aaron.

What is the origin of the phrase steely-eyed missile man?

A Steely-eyed Missile Man is an astronaut or engineer who quickly devises an ingenious solution to a tough problem while under extreme pressure. The name originates from the Apollo 12 mission and NASA engineer John Aaron. Aaron surmised that this setting would also return the Apollo 12 telemetry to normal.

How did Aaron change the SCE to aux?

Aaron made a call, “Try SCE to aux,” which switched the SCE to a backup power supply. The switch was fairly obscure, and neither Flight Director Gerald Griffin, CAPCOM Gerald Carr, nor Mission Commander Pete Conrad immediately recognized it.

What does “SCE to aux” mean?

And even today — among us geeks — the phrase “SCE to AUX” used to describe a situation where one narrowly averts a catastrophe by coming up with an ingenious plan. Lightning bolt during the launch of Apollo 12. Credit: NASA

What happened to Apollo 12’s electric power?

This commemorative article will look into the surprising events of the launch of Apollo 12, when two lightning strikes on the spacecraft disabled their electric power and guidance systems.

How long did Apollo 12 take to launch?

Apollo 12 launched exactly on time at 11:23 am to the delight of the cheering, if damp crowd watching the spectacle. Apollo 12 roars off towards the cloudy sky. T + 36.5 seconds – first lightning strike