13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle

13 Minutes to the Moon: 6. Saving 1968

Jun 16, 2019

Poppy Northcutt

Michael Collins

Katherine Johnson

Explore the turbulent year of 1968 and how NASA took a monumental risk with Apollo 8, venturing further from Earth than ever before. Dive into the Apollo 8 mission, the astronauts' experience orbiting the moon, and witnessing the far side of the moon. Reflect on Earth's smallness and the iconic 'Earthrise' photo, as well as the impact of Apollo 8 on humanity's perspective of the universe.

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ANECDOTE

Young Controllers Embrace Risk

NASA's young flight controllers, like 29-year-old Jerry Bostick, embraced the risky plan to send Apollo 8 around the Moon.
The secret mission required quick analysis and deciding if it could actually be done by Monday morning.

ANECDOTE

Bill Anders Feared Not Returning

Bill Anders privately believed there was a high chance Apollo 8 wouldn't return safely.
He told his wife they faced a one-in-three chance of not coming back alive but focused on the mission.

ANECDOTE

Casual Call for Historic Moment

Mike Collins wished Apollo 8's critical escape velocity moment had a grander celebration.
Instead, he casually said, "Apollo 8, you go for T-L-I," reflecting how historic moments often go understated.

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