apr 11, 1970 - Apollo 13 Launch
Description:
The Apollo 13 mission was NASA's third attempt at a lunar landing. The mission can be considered a failure. During takeoff, an oxygen tank exploded, causing the mission to be aborted. The return trip would still last hours, and the life support systems needed to be replaced. The systems operate by removing carbon dioxide from the command module with lithium hydroxide cannisters. The cannisters needed to be replaced, but could not fit into the command module. The crew then recieved directions from mission control to build a backup. The new cannister was made from duct tape, parts of a space suit, cardboard, and plastic bags. This lasted the astronauts the rest of the mission. NASA claims that this launch was a "successful failure" due to the experience gained from the errors of the rocket. This mission is where the famous line, "Houston... we have a problem," origionated. The landing module landed on April 17, 1970 in the Pacific Ocean.Added to timeline:
Date:
apr 11, 1970
Now
~ 55 years ago