Apollo 9 test. Astronauts take part in a simulated altitude test for the command module of the Apollo 9 spacecraft. Apollo 9 was the third successful Apollo manned launch. James McDivitt (left), David Scott (right) can be seen through the opened door of the module; the third Apollo 9 astronaut, Russell Schweickart, is not seen here. The astro- nauts are positioned on their backs to help them withstand the forces of acceleration when the spacecraft is launched. Apollo 9 was launched into Earth orbit on 3 March 1969 aboard a Saturn V rocket. The mission successfully practised all the manoeuvres that would be needed to complete a miss- ion to the Moon. Photographed on 6 November 1968.