Editing Apollo (spacecraft) (section)

==Command and service module==
{{Main|Apollo command and service module}}
The major part of the Apollo spacecraft was a three-man vehicle designed for Earth orbital, translunar, and lunar orbital flight, and return to Earth. This consisted of a ''command module'' supported by a ''service module'', built by North American Aviation (later [[North American Rockwell]]).

===Command module (CM)===
[[Image:Command Module diagram.jpg|right|thumb|Apollo Command Module and its position on top of Saturn V]]
The command module was the control center for the Apollo spacecraft and living quarters for the three crewmen. It contained the pressurized main crew cabin, crew couches, control and instrument panel, [[Apollo PGNCS|Primary Guidance, Navigation and Control System]], communications systems, environmental control system, batteries, [[heat shield]], [[reaction control system]] to provide [[Spacecraft attitude control|attitude control]], forward docking hatch, side hatch, five windows, and a parachute recovery system. It was the only part of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle that returned to Earth intact.

===Service module (SM)===
[[Image:Service Module diagram.jpg|left|thumb|Apollo Service Module]]
The service module was unpressurized and contained a main [[AJ10|service propulsion engine]] and [[hypergolic propellant]] to enter and leave lunar orbit, a reaction control system to provide attitude control and [[translation (geometry)|translation]]al capability, [[fuel cell]]s with hydrogen and oxygen reactants, radiators to dump waste heat into space, and a [[high gain antenna]]. The oxygen was also used for breathing, and the fuel cells produced water for drinking and environmental control. On Apollo 15, 16 and 17 it also carried a scientific instrument package, with a mapping camera and a small sub-satellite to study the Moon.

A major portion of the service module was taken up by propellant and the main rocket engine. Capable of multiple restarts, this engine placed the Apollo spacecraft into and out of lunar orbit, and was used for mid-course corrections between the Earth and the Moon.

The service module remained attached to the command module throughout the mission. It was jettisoned just prior to reentry into the Earth's atmosphere.