Apollo 13 Minute Podcast

Marilyn, Susan, and Barbara Lovell are visiting Jim Lovell’s mother, Blanch, at the nursing home. “I was gonna see Jimmy,” says Blanch, pointing at the TV. “I know,” says Marilyn. “I know. We came to tell you something. There’s been an accident. Jimmy’s okay. He’s all right – – but he’s not gonna get to walk on the moon.” “Well, they said he was,” replies Blanch. “I know. I know,” repeats Marilyn. “Uhm – that was before. Now there’s been an explosion. And – –  they’re all okay, they’re all right. But now they’re just going to — try to figure out a way to get them home. And – – and it’s a little bit dangerous.” Susan, the youngest daughter, begins sobbing. “Oh, sweetie,” says Marilyn, hugging Susan. “Are you scared?” Blanch asks Susan. IN THIS MINUTE: Jean Speegle Howard as Blanch Lovell Thom Barry as Orderly Kathleen Quinlan as Marilyn Lovell Mary Kate Schelhardt as Barbara Lovell Emily Ann Lloyd as Susan Lovell

Everyone in Mission Control is relieved that the CO2 scrubber improvisation is working. Back in the Command Module simulator, Ken Mattingly is piecing together a reentry sequence power-up. “Okay, spacecraft control to computer,” says Mattingly. A Master Alarm lights up as the ammeter in the control room buzzes the overload indication. “Damn,” says John Aaron. “Damn,” repeats Mattingly. “We overloaded. We used way too much power and there must be a sneak circuit some place between steps 7 and 10.” “All right,” says John Young. “Which one has the leak?” “No, not yet, John,” replies Mattingly. “It… The sequence was wrong. We just have to go back and try ’em one at a time.” “You need a break, Ken?” asks Young. “If they don’t get one, I don’t get one,” says Mattingly. At a nursing home, Blanch Lovell, mother of Jim Lovell, is directing an orderly as he turns television channels on a TV set. “Well, if it won’t work, get me another one,” says Blanch. “My son’s supposed to be on.” ” I know, Mrs. Lovell,” says the orderly. “Hi, Blanch,” says Marilyn Lovell, entering the room with her children. “They can’t fix a damn thing in this place,” says Blanch. “Blanch. It’s Marilyn,” says Marilyn. “Hi, Grandma!” says Barbara Lovell. IN THIS MINUTE: Gary Sinise as Ken Mattingly Loren Dean as John Aaron Ben Marley as John Young Jean Speegle Howard as Blanch Lovell Thom Barry as Orderly Kathleen Quinlan as Marilyn Lovell Mary Kate Schelhardt as Barbara Lovell

The makeshift CO2 scrubber has been attached to the LM. Lovell looks at Swigert and Haise. “Just breathe normal, fellas,” he says to them. “Aquarius, please advise on CO2 status,” says CAPCOM. ” Yeah, Houston,” says Lovell. “We’re taking a look at those numbers right now. We’re still holding close to 15, Houston. “Roger that. Standing by,” replies CAPCOM They wait. Suddenly, the CO2 warning light blinks out. The CO2 gauge needle moves away from 15. “Houston,” says Lovell, “The CO2 level has dropped to 9… and it is still falling.” There are several cheers in Mission Control. “Great job, you guys,” says Gene Kranz. “It is good to hear, Aquarius,” says CAPCOM. He turns to the technician in charge of building the CO2 scrubber and shakes his hand, saying, “And you, sir, are a steely-eyed missile man!” IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy Ed Harris as Gene Kranz Walter von Huene as Technician Christian Clemenson as Flight Surgeon

Swigert watches Haise and Lovell assembling the CO2 scrubber. Meanwhile, in the Haise household, Mary Haise sits with several children and family and friends. ABC’s Jules Bergman is reporting on television. “As most of you are aware,” says Bergman, “there is no rescue possible in space flight, any rescue system the space agency has long since calculated,  any since… any rescue system the space agency calculated-” Mary crosses the room and turns off the television. She grabs the side of a china cabinet. Back in Aquarius, Lovell removes a sock. “One sock,” he says. “Work it in.” On the radio, CAPCOM continues reading instructions. “Once you have the sock in place, ” says CAPCOM, “We’re gonna want you to bungee the entire filter assembly to the bulkhead, right above the LM canister.” Swigert looks at the CO2 gauge. “We’re getting close to 15,” he says. At a press conference, a female reporter stands up. “So how does this flight compare to other emergency situations you faced?” asks the reporter. Well, I have to say that this is the most serious situation we’ve ever encountered in manned space flight,” replies the NASA director. Back in Aquarius, Haise talks to Mission Control. “Houston, filters in place,” reports Haise. “Roger, Thirteen,” replies CAPCOM. “Cabin gas return to egress, suit circuit relief to close,” says Haise. “CO2 canister select to secondary. All right, here it goes.” “I can hear air moving,” says Swigert. IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy Joe Spano as NASA Director Julie Rowen as Reporter Jules Bergman  as Himself Tracy Reiner as Mary Haise

A news anchor explains that the CO2 scrubbers “are quickly becoming saturated.” On board Aquarius, Jim Lovell coughs as he helps assemble the makeshift scrubber. Fred looks at a rip in one of the bags. “Sh-t, I tore it,” says Haise. “Sh-t,” echoes Swigert. “Houston, what do we do if we rip the bag?” asks Haise. “Can we tape it?” At Mission Control, CAPCOM turns to the technician. “They just tore the bag,” says CAPCOM. “Oh, no,” says the technician. “All right, stand by,” says CAPCOM. He turns to the technician. “What should I tell them to do?” “They should have one more bag,” replies the technician. On CBS, Walter Cronkite is talking to astronaut Wally Schirra.  “Well,” says Cronkite, “they still got a long way to come, and they are now working on their back-up facilities, their emergency facilities and the problem is if anything more goes wrong, they’re in real trouble.” In deep space, the crew works on the carbon dioxide contraption. A roll of duct tape floats insie the Lunar Module as the camera pulls back out the window. CO2 partial pressure continues to rise, creeping closer to the fatal 15 ppm on the gauge. The crew is experiencing tunnel vision and blurriness. IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy Walter von Huene as Technician Walter Cronkite as Himself Wally Schirra as Himself    

Andy, the CAPCOM, continues explaining the construction of the carbon dioxide scrubber to the crew. “Canisters, I’m sorry,” says Andy. “A roll of gray tape.” “Duct tape,” corrects the technician. “The duct tape,” repeats Andy. “You need an LCG (Liquid-Cooled Garment) bag, two LCG bags, red suit hoses and you’ve got the flight plan cover.” Lovell scrambles inside the Command Module to find the salvaged equipment. Back in Houston, Henry the Public Affairs Officer fields questions at a press conference. “What about their level of carbon dioxide?” asks a female reporter “It’s, uh, climbing,” replies Henry. “You’re saying that they’re almost out of breathable air?” asks another reporter. “No, wait a second. Wait a second,” says the NASA Director.  “That’s- that’s not what he said. He said we’re working on it.” Back on the ship, the three astronauts listen to the instructions radioed up by CAPCOM. “You wanna cut the duct tape three feet long,” says CAPCOM. “Tell him to use his arm,” says the technician. “Just use your arm. It’s a good arms length,” explains CAPCOM. “Okay. Houston, I see what you’re getting at, hold on,” says Haise. “Okay, Jack. Tear that piece of tape down the middle lengthwise.” “Alright?” asks CAPCOM. “Hold on, Houston,” replies Haise. A news anchor continues to explain the situation on TV. “Well, the astronauts appear to have enough oxygen to keep them alive,” says the newsman. “One thing they have too much of is carbon dioxide. With each breath that three men exhale more of the poisonous gas into the lunar module cockpit and the scrubbers intended-” IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy Walter von Huene as Technician Xander Berkeley as PAO Henry Julie Rowen as Reporter Herbert Jefferson, Jr. as Another Reporter Joe Spano as NASA Director  

Swigert looks at Haise and Lovell, after hearing that the CO2 use was only calculated for two astronauts. “Maybe I should just hold my breath,” says Swigert. Back in Houston, the engineers have devised a carbon dioxide scrubber adapter. A television blares in the background. ” … the deadly CO2 gas is literally poisoning the astronauts with every breath…” says the news anchor. “Heads up. Heads up!” yells a technician. “Oh, Go, Go, Go!” says another engineer. “Someone get that,” says another technician, pointing at a dropped hose. “Heads up, people! Look out now,” says the first technician, making his way to the MCC. At the CAPCOM station, Andy the CAPCOM looks at the assemblage on his console. “What’s this?” he asks. “That’s what they gotta make,” explains the technician. “Well I hope you got the procedures for me,” replies Andy. “Right here,” says the technician, holding out a sheaf of papers. “That’s it?” asks CAPCOM. “All right, Aquarius, this is Houston. do you have the flight plan up there?” says CAPCOM into his headset. “Affirmative, Andy. Jack’s got one right here,” replies Haise. “Okay,” says Andy. “We have a… an unusual procedure for you here. We need you to rip the cover off.” Haise looks at Swigert. “He wants you to rip the cover off the flight plan,” says Haise. “With pleasure,” replies Swigert, ripping off the cover. “All right,” says Andy. “Now the other materials you’re gonna need there are a lithium hydroxide canister… two lithium-” IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy Walter von Huene as Technician  

Swigert, Lovell, and Haise are having a loud discussion. “I just asked you what the gauge was reading!” says Haise “All right,” begins Lovell. “And you don’t know!” yells Haise. “All right,” says Lovell, “we’re not doing this, gentlemen! We’re not gonna do this. We’re not gonna go bouncing off the walls for ten minutes, ’cause we’re just gonna end up right back here with the same problem: trying to figure out how to stay alive!” CAPCOM GOLD breaks in: “Aquarius, this is Houston.” “Are we on VOX?” shouts Lovell. “No, we’re not on VOX!” replies Haise, loudly. “Yeah, Houston, this is Aquarius. Go ahead, “says Lovell, quietly into the microphone. “Ah, yeah, Jim,” says CAPCOM – GOLD. “Could you check your CO2 gauge for us?” “Yeah, Houston,” replies Lovell, “We were just looking at that. Our CO2 measurement has jumped four notches in the last hour.” “That can’t be right,” says Haise. “I went over those numbers three times.” “Jim, that sounds about right,” replies CAPCOM-GOLD. “We were expecting that.” “Well, that’s very comforting to know, Houston,” says Lovell, “What do we do about it?” “Jim, we’re working on a procedure down here for you,” replies CAPCOM-GOLD. “Do you copy?” “Oh, Christ,” says Haise, looking at his worksheet. “All right, Houston,” says Lovell. “We’re standing by for those procedures.” “Christ, I know why my numbers are wrong,” says Haise. “I only figured it for two people.” IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert Brett Cullen as CAPCOM-GOLD

Lovell, Haise, and Swigert are in the Lunar Module. Swigert is expressing his concerns. “You think they would tell us?” asks Swigert. “There’s no reason for them to tell us!” “What you mean they’re not gonna tell us?” replies Haise. “That’s bullsh–!” “All right!” says Lovell. “There are thousand things that have to happen in order we are on number eight, you’re talking about number six hundred ninety-two.” “And in the meantime, “replies Swigert, “I’m trying to tell you we’re coming in too fast. I think they know it, and I think that’s why we don’t have a goddamn re-entry plan!” “That’s duly noted,” says Lovell. “Thank you, Jack.” Swigert bangs his head on the tunnel access. “Ow!” yells Swigert. “Goddamn this piece of sh–!” “Hey!” responds Haise. “This piece of sh–‘s gonna get you home!” “All right,” says Lovell. “That’s because it’s the only thing we’ve got left, Jack!” shouts Haise. “What’re you saying, Fred?” asks Swigert. “Well, I think you know what I’m saying,” replies Haise. “Now wait a minute,” says Swigert, “All I did was stir those tanks.” “What was that gauge reading before you hit the switch?” says Haise. “Hey,” says Swigert, “don’t tell me how to fly the damn CM! All right?” “You don’t even know, do you?” asks Haise. “They brought me in here to do a job,” replies Swigert, “they asked me to stir the damn tanks and I stirred the tanks!” “Jack,” says Lovell, “stop kicking yourself in the ass.” “This is not my fault!” says Swigert. “No one is saying it is,” replies Lovell. “If I’m in the left-hand seat when the call comes up, I stir the tanks.” “Yeah, Well tell him that,” says Swigert. “I just asked you,” says Haise. IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert

Haise and Lovell are laughing about Haise’s symptoms. “That’s another first for America’s space program,” says Lovell. “Listen,” says Haise, “um, I’ve been going over some stuff, and I’m a little worried about this cold affecting our battery efficiency. See. we quit heating the glycol to save water and power, so that’s not helping us any.” Meanwhile, Swigert heads down the docking tunnel from the Command Module. “So, it could cost us amp hours on the back end?” asks Lovell. “It’s a possibility,” replies Haise. Swigert floats into the Lunar Module, interrupting the conversation. “I’ve been going over the numbers again,” says Swigert. “Have they called up with a reentry plan yet? Because we’re coming in too shallow.” “We’re working on something, Jack,” says Lovell. “Just hold on.” “All right, all right,” says Swigert. Haise continues to discuss the battery temperature issue. “I can’t remember the ratio to temperature,” says Haise. “We’ve got no references on board.” “Well,” says Lovell, “let’s see if Houston can pull up the milspecs on it and we’ll-” “Listen. Listen. Listen!” says Swigert. “They gave us too much Delta-V. They had us burn too long. At this rate we’re gonna skip right out of the atmosphere, and we’re never gonna get back!” Haise and Lovell look at Swigert. “What’re you talking about?” asks Haise. “How did you figure that?” “I can add!” replies Swigert. “Jack,” says Lovell, “they’ve got half of the Ph.D’s on the planet working on this stuff.” “Houston says we’re right on the money,” adds Haise. “What if they had made a mistake, all right,” replies Swigert, “and there was no way to reverse it?” IN THIS MINUTE: Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell Bill Paxton as Fred Haise Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert