Historical Photo Of The Month - December 2004

Astronaut Hearing Test
Photograph Number 374-1145Ac

Since the 1960s, JPL has been known for its lead role in the robotic exploration of space. But the Laboratory has provided support to the human exploration program as well. For example, in December 1964, assistance was provided to the Apollo Program. The JPL Environmental and Dynamic Testing Laboratory in building 144 was the site for a series of hearing tests, which were done to verify that astronauts could hear an audio warning tone above the noise generated by the huge Saturn C5 launch vehicle. The photo above shows a test subject sitting in the acoustic reverberation chamber of the Testing Lab, where the tests were conducted.

JPL also assisted the Apollo Program by sending Surveyor spacecraft to the Moon from 1966-1968. The spacecraft returned photos and proved that astronauts could safely land and walk on the lunar surface. The August 1996 Historical Photo shows visiting astronauts reviewing the information at JPL.

For more information about the Astronaut hearing tests, read an article from the January 1965 issue of Lab-Oratory. For more information about the history of JPL, contact the JPL Archives.

Past Photos of the Month
Thumbnail pages 1996-2002 | 2003+

Past Photos of the Month Subject Index