Editing Apollo 15 (section)

=== Launch vehicle ===
The [[Saturn V]] that launched Apollo 15 was designated SA-510, the tenth flight-ready model of the rocket. As the payload of the rocket was greater, changes were made to the rocket and to its launch trajectory. It was launched in a more southerly direction (80–100 degrees [[azimuth]]) than previous missions, and the Earth [[parking orbit]] was lowered to {{convert|166|km|nmi||abbr=off|sp=us}}. These two changes meant {{convert|1100|lb|kg}} more could be launched. The [[propellant]] reserves were reduced and the number of retrorockets on the [[S-IC]] first stage (used to separate the spent first stage from the [[S-II]] second stage) reduced from eight to four. The four outboard engines of the S-IC would be burned longer and the center engine would also burn longer. Changes were also made to the S-II to dampen [[pogo oscillation]]s.<ref name=presskit/>

Once all major systems were installed in the Saturn{{nbsp}}V, it was moved from the [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] to the launch site, [[Launch Complex 39]]A. During late June and early July 1971, the rocket and Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) were struck by [[lightning]] at least four times. There was no damage to the vehicle, and only minor damage to ground support equipment.{{sfn|Mission Report|p=162}}