13 Minutes to the Moon

S2 Bonus 01: Jim Lovell

11 snips
Apr 14, 2020
Jim Lovell recounts the intense moments of the Apollo 13 mission, from the explosion to the splashdown. The crew faces challenges in space, improvising solutions and overcoming obstacles. They show compassion and refuse stimulants, preparing for reentry and bidding farewell to the lunar module. The capsule experiences navigation issues but successfully lands in the Pacific Ocean, bringing relief to the astronauts.
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ANECDOTE

The Explosion

  • Jim Lovell recounts the moment of the Apollo 13 explosion, initially mistaking it for a prank by Fred Haise.
  • Lovell's realization of the gravity of the situation came when he saw a gaseous substance escaping the spacecraft.
INSIGHT

Ground Control's Disbelief

  • Multiple failures rarely occur in quick succession, making the initial disbelief of ground control understandable.
  • Lovell's observation of escaping gas confirmed the severity of the situation.
ANECDOTE

A Gap in Realization

  • The crew knew immediately that they were in serious trouble, while ground control took longer to fully grasp the situation.
  • Lovell reflects on the understated initial communication with Houston.
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