., and the crew would refer to it as the dreaded s.a.s., really never compromised a mission to a point where we were unable to achieve our objectives. >> looking back now, was there anything else about apollo 9 that comes to mind before we leave it behind? >> again, it was this continuing flight test of the lunar module. it was the second test, and again, it gave me the conviction that we had a very stout product in the lunar module. i also had the opportunity to work with tom kelly and the engineers who designed this magnificent spacecraft. they're here in mission control during the course of a mission in what we call the spacecraft analysis area. and this is, i think, essential to develop the chemistry of the engineering operations relationship, such that we, when we need information on short order, they have the confidence in us to give it to us, and we have the confidence of what they give us is going to be the best data they can provide in those minutes and hours that we give them a chance to get that information for us. so it's a continuing process of building the team. that actu