How the Lunar Module Cut Itself in Half Before Liftoff

The Apollo Lunar Module did not leave the Moon as one spacecraft. Before liftoff, pyrotechnic circuit interrupters isolated the electrical systems, four explosive nut-and-bolt assemblies released the structure, and a guillotine severed the interstage umbilical. This video explains the precise sequence that allowed the ascent stage to leave the descent stage behind and return the astronauts to lunar orbit. #apollo #lunarmodule #nasa