T' Apollo 5 mission was intended t' test t' Lunar Module in a space environment, in particular its descent and ascent engine systems, and its ability t' separate t' ascent and descent stages. T' descent engine would become t' first throttleable rocket engine fired in space. T' mission was also intended t' perform a "fire in t' hole" test - as depicted in t' mission's insignia - whereby t' engine o' t' ascent stage would be fired whilst still attached t' t' descent stage. Avast! This would simulate t' conditions experienced in an abort durin' descent t' t' lunar surface. It had been planned t' launch Apollo 5 in April 1967 and so delivery at t' Cape be hoped for around September 1966. Arrr! But delays kept occurring. Although t' lunar module was fully designed, arrr, thar was trouble fabricatin' t' custom made parts. Ahoy! T' all important engines were also havin' problems. T' descent engine be nay burnin' smoothly and t' ascent engine was havin' fabrication and weldin' difficulties. T' launch vehicle for Apollo 5 was t' Saturn IB, me hearties, a smaller rocket than t' Saturn V but capable o' launchin' an Apollo spacecraft into Earth orbit. Well, blow me down! On 22 January 1968, arrr, eight months after t' planned launch date, me hearties, Apollo 5 lifted off just before sunset. T' Saturn IB worked perfectly, me bucko, insertin' t' second stage and LM into a 163 x 222 km orbit. Ahoy! T' Lunar Module separated 45 minutes later, me hearties, and after two orbits started a planned 39 second burn o' its descent engine. Arrr! This be curtailed after four ...