Apollo 13, 40 years ago

40 years ago, a fault in the electrical system of one of the Service Module’s oxygen tanks produced an explosion which caused a loss of electrical power and failure of both oxygen tanks. Apollo 13′s Command Module remained functional on its own batteries and oxygen tank, which were designed to support the vehicle only during the last hours of flight. The crew shut down the Command Module and used the Lunar Module as a “lifeboat” during the return trip to Earth. Despite great hardship caused by limited power, loss of cabin heat, shortage of potable water, and the critical need to jury-rig the carbon dioxide removal system, the crew returned safely to Earth on April 17, and the mission was termed a “successful failure”.
Tonight, in order to commemorate one of Mankind’s greatest adventures, NASA TV aired an excellent, half-hour long documentary. A must watch for any space enthusiasts.