Minute 108: Getting Awfully Big in the Window

In the LM, Jack Swigert asks Fred Haise how he’s doing.

“I’m okay,” replies Haise.

An sudden explosion rumbles near the LM.

“What the hell was that?” says Swigert.

“Let’s hope it was just the (helium) burst disk,” says Lovell. He presses the mic key. “Houston, can you confirm a burst helium disk?”

“We confirm that, Jim,” says CAPCOM.

“Houston, is that gonna affect our entry angle at all?” asks Lovell.

“Negative. Your entry angle is holding at 6.24, Aquarius,” replies CAPCOM.

“Houston, uh… we sure could use the re-entry procedure up here,” says Lovell. “When can we expect that?”

“Uh, that’s coming real soon, Aquarius,” says CAPCOM.

Deke Slayton stands over CAPCOM’s shoulder.

Jim Lovell is losing his patience. “Houston,” says Lovell, “We- we just can’t throw this together at the last minute. So, here’s what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna get the procedure up to us whatever it is. And we’re gonna go over it step by step so there’s no foul-ups. I don’t have to tell you we’re all little tired up here. The world’s getting awfully big in the window.”

IN THIS MINUTE:

Bill Paxton as Fred Haise

Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert

Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell

Brett Cullen as CAPCOM

Chris Ellis as Deke Slayton