The Astronaut and the Project Engineer

Hector Holguin Jr. points to the Saturn V S-IVB test configuration. Astronaut Eugene Cernan is in the middle. Mr. Cernan was appointed by NASA to coordinate this 2-year Test Program. In addition, he was assigned to the Gemini IX and Apollo 10 flights, and command the last Apollo mission to the lunar surface (Apollo 17). Astronaut Eugene Cernan was only one of three astronauts to have experienced two lunar missions.

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.

The Douglas Space Center

"In 1961, I begin my employment at Douglas Space Center, Huntington Beach CA. I join the Saturn V Structural Design Group. The Space Center is responsible for testing and certifying the S-IVB stage of the Saturn V Program. The S-IVB is third stage of the Saturn V Apollo spacecraft flights to the Moon. In 1963, I am offered the opportunity to become a Project Engineer in the Saturn Space Vehicle Test Lab. This coveted job gives me the opportunity to work on the major test projects being conducted at the Space Center.", Hector Holguin, Jr.

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.

President Kennedy declares Mission to the Moon

When President John F, Kennedy declared: "We choose to go to the Moon in this Decade." in 1962, that began Hector Holguin Jr.'s Aerospace Years, 1961 - 1966. This figure displays third stage S-IVB of the Saturn V. Apollo Spacecraft Flights to the Moon. The figure on the left displays the location of the S-IV B at top of the mighty Saturn V.. The S-IVB engine ignites to achieve Orbit of Earth; and ignites again to achieve the translunar passages of Apollo Spacecraft to the Moon.

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.

The Orbit and Translunar Mission

Hector Holguin Jr. is the Project Engineer for the largest 2-year Test Program at Douglas Space Center: To certify the S-IVB, which is the third stage of Saturn V for the Apollo Spacecraft flights to the Moon. This figure is the configuration used for this comprehensive 2-year test program. The Apollo Spacecraft is at very top of this massive structure. Then, the large LH2 fuel tank assembly, followed by spherical LOX tankage system, The lower part is the J2 Engine with Thrust Structure to control all loading conditions for earth orbit; and then, the second ignition for translunar passages of the Apollo Spacecraft to the Moon.

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.

Leading the largest Test Program at the Space Center

"In 1963, the Space Center is shaken by the echoing sound of an explosion, as a major breakdown occurs during one of the preliminary tests at the Lab. Unknowingly, this failure will present me with a huge opportunity. Shortly afterwards, Director AP O'Neal calls me into his office. I walk in and receive a steely look ... and after a long calculating silence ... Director O'Neal asks, "Are you ready to manage the next scheduled test program?" After another lengthy silence, Director O'Neal says, “Are you ready to be the Project Engineer for the S-IVB Test Program? This major 2-year Test Program must certify the S-IVB for all flight conditions of the SaturnV Apollo Spacecraft." Ms. Destiny kicks my shins and I pounce to an instant answer: “Yes Sir, I am ready.", Hector Holguin, Jr.

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.

The Critical Ignition to the Moon

The figure above displays the ignition of S-IVB engine and separation from first stage of Saturn V to achieve Earth orbit; and then, a second ignition for the precise translunar voyage of the Apollo Spacecraft to the Moon,

Creator: Rosario Holguin

Area: Out of Area / Out of Area

Uploaded by: Hector Holguin Jr.