Explore the scandals and secrets of the 1970s in this episode. From the Apollo 13 mission's explosion to the protests and tensions at Kent State University, this podcast delves into the impactful events and challenges of the decade. Discover the personal story of a hitchhiker and the aftermath of legal actions against the Kent State students involved in the shootings. Learn about the survival challenges faced by the Apollo 13 crew and how NASA devised procedures to ensure their safe return.
The Apollo 13 crew relied on their Omega Speedmaster watches for timing crucial maneuvers during the mission despite facing severe damage to their spacecraft.
The Kent State University shootings in May 1970 sparked nationwide outrage and protests, highlighting the divide between the government and the youth during the Vietnam War.
Deep dives
Apollo 13 Mission: A Dramatic and Miraculous Rescue
The podcast talks about the Apollo 13 mission, which aimed to be the third lunar mission. However, just minutes after the launch, an explosion occurred, causing severe damage to the spacecraft. The crew, faced with limited resources and a damaged spacecraft, had to rely on their Omega Speedmaster watches to time crucial engine burn maneuvers. Despite the challenges, the crew, along with the help of NASA engineers, successfully maneuvered the spacecraft and made it back to Earth safely.
Kent State Protests: Tragedy and Unrest
In May 1970, protests erupted at Kent State University to denounce the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration. Tensions escalated, leading to the deployment of the Ohio National Guard. On May 4th, the Guard opened fire on a crowd of students, killing four students and injuring nine others. The incident sparked outrage and protests across the country, amplifying anti-war sentiments and highlighting the divide between the government and the youth.
The Challenges of Apollo 13 Survival
After the explosion, the Apollo 13 crew faced numerous challenges aboard the damaged spacecraft. With limited resources and potential heat shield damage, the crew had to ration food, water, and power to survive. The crew's wrists watches, specifically the Omega Speedmaster, played a crucial role in timing precise maneuvers to safely reenter the Earth's atmosphere. Despite weight loss and dehydration, the crew managed to navigate back home with the help of NASA's Houston Mission Control and the careful execution of their survival plan.
Events and Milestones of 1970
The podcast briefly mentions several other significant events from 1970. These include the American Indian Movement's protest at an abandoned naval air station, the signing of the Organized Crime Control Act (including the Rico statute), and Elvis Presley's visit to the White House. These events reflect the social and political backdrop of the 1970s, highlighting various challenges and cultural shifts during that time.
Welcome to our new series, Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew. Over the next few weeks we’ll take a journey through the Decade of Defiance, with all its scandals and secrets.
As the decade devolved into war at home and abroad, Apollo 13 flew high above earth with the hope of landing safely on the surface of the moon. But then: disaster struck, and time was on no one’s side. Meanwhile, thousands of miles below the Apollo 13 spacecraft, a nationwide uprising among college students ended in disaster at Kent State and Jackson State Universities. With special guest Apollo 13 astronaut, Fred Haise.
Writer, Host, and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon
Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder
Writers and Researchers: Amy Watkin, Mandy Reid, and Kari Anton
Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux
Thank you to the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.