Entry Monitoring System

EMS Control Panel

The Entry Monitoring System (EMS) provides a visual monitor of automatic Primary Guidance and Control System (PGNCS) entries and delta velocity manoevers. The EMS also provides sufficient display data to permit manual entries in the event of PGNCS malfunctions together with a command sent to the SCS for SPS engine cutoff. The delta velocity display can also be used as the cue to initiate manual thrust-off commands if the automatic-off commands malfunction. During rendezvous the EMS provides a display of VHF ranging information.

Self-test provisions are provided by a function switch for three operational modes (entry, ΔV and VHF ranging) to provide maximum system confidence prior to actual use.

When the EMS FUNCTION switch is switched to OFF position, the EMS is turned off except the SPS THRUST light and the roll stability indicator, in any other position it's turned onI. When turned on and the EMS MODE switch is switched to STBY (standby mode), it's powered and the set functions are working, but system operation is inhibited, that means the EMS doesn't recieve data from the accelerometer for example.

Entry Functions

... are coming soon. Meanwhile all entry functions are considered as standby.

ΔV Functions

In addition to the entry functions, the EMS provides outputs related to the delta velocity (ΔV) manoevers during SPS or RCS thrusting along the CSM X-axis (foreward/backward). Both the SPS THRUST light and the ΔV numeric counter display information during a ΔV. In addition, an automatic thrust-off command signal is supplied to the SCS when the ΔV counter reaches zero.

SPS THRUST indicator

The SPS THRUST indicator will be illuminated any time one of the bipropellant engine injector valves systems A or B are open (powered) regardless which thrust mode is used, see the Service Propulsion System for more details. This also works when the EMS is turned off or in standbyII.

VHF RNG mode

... is coming soon, meanwhile it's considered as standby.

<biblio force=false>

#I The EMS receives power from the EMS MNA/B circuit breakers on panel 8. 
#II SPS THRUST indicator receives power from the EMS MNA/B circuit breakers on panel 8 directly. 
#References

</biblio>

External Links

• Apollo experience report: Mission planning for Apollo entry
• Apollo experience report: Guidance and Control Systems: Command and Service Module Entry Monitor Subsystem

This article is a stub. You can help Project Apollo - NASSP by expanding it.