The Saturn V Rocket: Counting the Rockets That Paved Lunar Landing

The Saturn V rocket, a marvel of engineering and an icon of the space race, played a pivotal role in the history of space exploration. This towering vehicle, standing at 363 feet (110.6 meters) tall, became synonymous with the Apollo program and the daring missions to the Moon. However, the question of exactly how many Saturn V rockets were built is not as straightforward as one might think.

The Number of Saturn V Rockets Built

The Saturn V rockets can be counted in various ways depending on the criteria used. If we only consider the rockets that actually launched, the answer is 13. These rockets carried the Apollo missions to the Moon, a space station, and a few uncrewed flights. However, if we include the rockets that were prepared for but never launched, as well as parts used for testing and display, the number rises to 16.

Three further rockets were intended for future Apollo missions (18, 19, and 20) but were canceled due to budget constraints and a lack of enthusiasm. These rockets had different fates: one launched the Skylab space station, another was modified and tested, and the third was donated to a museum.

Background and Testing Process

The normal testing process for the Saturn V rockets used earlier in the program involved a live first stage and inert upper stages for the first launch, a live first and second stage for the second launch, and all three stages live for the third. However, following the tragic Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967, which caused the deaths of Grissom, White, and Chaffee, a decision was made to conduct an 'all-up' test with all three stages live for the first launch. The subsequent launches followed a similar pattern.

In January 1967, NASA announced plans to build 4 new Saturn V rockets and 4 new Saturn 1B rockets each year, to continue the Apollo and Apollo Applications Programs. However, this ambitious plan came to a halt after the tragic Apollo 1 fire. The Congressional enquiry into the Apollo Program revealed mismanagement, poor contractor performance, and incompetence, leading to the cancellation of further missions and the decision to focus on completing the existing plans.

Results and Legacy

The 15 Saturn V rockets that were built enabled the Apollo program to continue through to its objective, with more lunar landings following. However, no further rockets were built after these, as Congress cut funding and the Apollo Applications Program was effectively halted. Skylab, the only part of the Apollo Applications Program that successfully launched, required a Saturn V rocket with two live stages, and thus Apollo 20 had to be canceled.

As a result, the rockets intended for Apollo 18 and 19 were also cancelled due to funding cuts, and their rockets are now displayed at Cape Canaveral and the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston.

The Saturn V rockets remain a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of space exploration. Their legacy continues to inspire and ignite the dreams of future generations of space explorers.