Apollo Launch Abort System Test

Unmanned Apollo 'boilerplate' Command Module #22 was launched aboard a Little Joe II booster to test of the dynamics of an in-flight abort. Although the booster unintentionally went out of control and disintegrated - in a spectacular scene eerily reminescent of the Challenger disaster - the Launch Escape System functioned well, and the CM was recovered undamaged. Alternate view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qijRYYBDvpI Onboard view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlkiMwJGzR8