Apollo 13 Minute Podcast: Recent Episodes
Apollo 13 Minute
Jim Lovell is surrounded by the applauding Iwo Jima crew. TITLE: THE END MUSIC: “Apollo 13 End Credit, Featuring Annie Lennox” TITLES: CAST Jim Lovell – TOM HANKS Fred Haise – BILL PAXTON Jack Swigert – KEVIN BACON Ken Mattingly – GARY SINISE Gene Kranz – ED HARRIS Marilyn Lovell – KATHLEEN QUINLAN Barbara Lovell […]
GUEST: NASA ENGINEER STUART MCCLUNG Jim Lovell, narrating from the present day, talks about how Jack Swigert ran for Congress from the state of Colorado, “but he died of cancer before he was able to take office.” On board the Iwo Jima, the Apollo 13 crew walks among the applauding Navy crew. The Mission Control […]
Jim Lovell looks up from the life raft outside the returned Odyssey spacecraft. Later, on the deck of the Iwo Jima, Lovell, Haise, and Swigert exit the helicopter, wearing blue flight suits and sporting Iwo Jima caps. Marilyn and the Lovell family are elated seeing the crew on television. The crew of the Iwo Jima […]
A Navy frogman knocks on the hatch of Odyssey. Jim Lovell gives the frogman a thumbs-up sign, then unstraps Fred Haise from his couch. Haise shakes his hand. Swigert and Lovell then shake hands. “Houston. We’re at Stable One,” radios Lovell. “The ship is secure. This is Apollo 13, signing off.” In Mission Control, Gene […]
GUEST: NASA CHIEF HISTORIAN BILL BARRY Gene Kranz wipes his eyes and stands up in Mission Control. Over the Pacific, three parachutes lowering the Command Module are lit by the rising sun. Flight crews on the USS Iwo Jima applaud and wave as Odyssey floats toward the surface. Odyssey splashes down in brilliant sunshine. Navy […]
GUESTS: ROBIN PERTZ & JOHN OLDHAM, NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER Jay Lovell looks at the classroom clock. It’s 11:56 AM. “Odyssey, Houston,” says Mattingly, “Do you read?” Suddenly on the monitor, three large parachutes appear, with the Command Module swaying in the sky. “Hello, Houston,” says Lovell. “This is Odyssey. It’s good to see you […]
GUEST: ACTOR BRETT CULLEN Blanche Lovell watches the television coverage of her son, with Neil Armstrong. Mary Haise sits on a couch and watches the coverage with her son. “We’re about to learn whether or not that heatshield which was damaged, if you remember, by the explosion three days ago has withstood the inferno of […]
GUEST: DR. JOHN DULEMBA, MD, FACOG The Lovell family in Houston, and son Jay Lovell in Wisconsin, continue to follow the coverage of reentry on television. “This is the critical moment,” says Walter Cronkite on television. “Will the heat shield hold? Will the Command module survive the intense heat of re-entry? If it doesn’t, there […]
GUEST: FR. DAVID MOWRY The radio blackout continues through Odyssey’s reentry. The crew experiences rising G-forces, as Apollo 13 leaves a blazing trail across the pre-dawn sky. On patrol, two Navy helicopters fly low over the Pacific. In the Lovell household, Marilyn Lovell is seated behind her son, Jeffrey. Daughter Susan sits next to Marilyn, […]
GUEST: NASA’S “IRON FLIGHT” DIRECTOR PAUL DYE Swigert, Haise, and Lovell ponder many thoughts as Odyssey falls into the re-entry corridor over the South Pacific. The heat shield begins to ionize, then blaze as the CM decelerates. Ionized gasses illuminate outside the left window of the Command Module. Water rains from the control panel. “Flight, […]
RETRO has informed Gene Kranz that the Command Module’s re-entry path may be shallowing out, but there’s nothing that can be done to change the trajectory. “Then, they don’t need to know, do they?” asks Kranz, re-tying his tie. “Copy that,” replies RETRO. “RETRO says the typhoon is still a presence in the splash down […]
PAO Henry Hurt is telling a reporter everything that could go wrong with the landing. “Heatshield could be cracked,” says Henry, “and their parachutes might be three blocks of ice. Clearly we have got some obstacles to overcome.” “Yeah, Okay,” says the reporter, “But now I’m asking you: when will we know?” “Blackout lasts for […]
Aquarius drifts away from the Command Module. “She sure was a good ship,” says Haise, looking out the window. “Farewell, Aquarius. And we thank you,” says Mattingly. Aquarius tilts away from the CM windows. Back on Earth, a woman walks down the hallway of a suburban home, and knocks on a bedroom door. Mary Haise […]
Jack Swigert drifts to the center seat of the CM to look at the battery gauges. “Okay, pyro batts look good,” says Swigert. “I don’t think we have to tie the other batteries.” Jim Lovell floats to the left seat and looks at the pilot gauges. Swigert pauses, unable to return to the pilot-in-command seat. […]
Fred Haise returns to the Command Module. Swigert helps him into the rightmost seat. “Roger that,” says Lovell in the LM. “Here, let me give you a hand there, Freddo,” says Swigert, strapping Haise in. Jim Lovell wipes the frost off the left LM window. He looks out at a pre-dawn Earth, looming closer. Back […]
GUEST: AEROSPACE CAMERMAN ADAM WHITE “Freddo? You okay?” asks Jim Lovell, as they prepare to exit the Lunar Module for the last time. “I’m, uh, I’m freezing,” replies Haise. “Can you hold out just a little longer?” says Lovell. “As long as I have to,” says Haise. “Aw, come on,” says Lovell, hugging Haise. “Damn,” […]
Neil Armstrong asks Blanch Lovell if Jim ever made Eagle Scout. “Yes, he did,” says Blanch. “He did?” says Neil. In the Lovell living room, Marilyn sits with family and friends and her pastor. “If the heatshield is even slightly cracked,” says a news anchor on TV, “the extreme cold could split it wide open. […]
The detached Service Module rolls away from the Command Module. Jack Swigert floats through the docking tunnel, carrying a camera. “Okay, Houston, our Service Module is free,” says Lovell. “We’re gonna take a look at what we have here.” “Copy that, says Mattingly. “There it is. I see it,” says Haise, looking out the LM […]
The crew continues to coordinate the power-up sequence with Mission Control. “Let’s go!” says Flight Director Glynn Lunney. “Take a look at your amps,” says CAPCOM Ken Mattingly. “How’re we doing?” “You got her back up, Ken,” replies Swigert. “Boy, I wish you were here to see it.” Mattingly smiles. “I bet you do,” says […]
GUEST: PATRICK MULLANE Jay Lovell watches ABC News Science Reporter Jules Bergman as he sits in a classroom at St. John’s Military Academy in Wisconsin. “…surviving by using the LM’s systems, there can be no easy maneuver,” says Bergman. “And their LM lifeboat is doing things and working longer then it was ever intended to. […]
“Now, Jack,” says Mattingly. “Yeah, go ahead, Ken,” says Swigert. “Okay, now,” says Mattingly. “Panel Five. Circuit breakers ‘caution and warning’, main B closed.” “Main B closed,” repeats Swigert. “Master alarm off.” “Okay, Jack,” says Mattingly. “On panel Seven, B mag (magazine) number Two, power to warm up.” “B mag number two,” says Swigert. “Power […]
Jack Swigert is reluctant to touch the wet control panel. “What’s the word on these things shorting out?” asks Swigert Mattingly looks at John Aaron. Aaron shrugs. “We’ll just take that one at a time, Jack,” says Mattingly. “It’s like trying to drive a toaster through a car wash,” says Swigert, pressing the switch. The […]
Marilyn Lovell introduces her mother-in-law to two men. “Blanch,” says Marilyn, “These nice young men are gonna watch the television with you. This is Neil Armstrong and this is Buzz Aldrin.” “Nice to meet you,” says Neil Armstrong. “Hi,” says Buzz Aldrin. “Are you boys in the space program, too?” asks Blanch. Back in Mission […]
Ken Mattingly, John Young, and John Aaron are walking into the entrance of Mission Control. “My notes are clear on that last sequence, right?” asks Mattingly. “Yeah!” replies Aaron. “You’re from Building Five, right?” asks the guard. “Excuse me, Gentlemen!” shouts John Young, and they walk through a crowd of people. The team enters the […]
In the CM simulator, Ken Mattingly begins a power-up with the new configuration. He turns on the floodlights. “Okay, says Mattingly. “I’m bringing up the guidance. Here we go.” The power needle creeps up from ten amps. “CMC (Command Module Computer) attitude IMU”, says Mattingly, throwing a switch. “CMC source, CMC mode auto.” The power […]
The CM simulator guys are discussing the LM power umbilical. “Right,” says John Young. “It’s back-up for the LM power supply.” “I’m listening,” says John Aaron. “So,” says Ken Mattingly, “Reverse it. Reverse the flow and see if we can draw these four amps from the LM batteries before we cut it loose. Why can’t […]
“Jim, this is Deke,” says Slayton. “It’s Deke,” says Haise to Swigert, who doesn’t have a headset to hear the transmission. “They don’t know how to do it,” says Swigert. “Maybe, Jack’s right,” says Haise to Lovell. “Hello there, Deke, what’s the story?” asks Lovell. “Jim, we’re gonna get that power procedure to you, we’re […]
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 […]
Jim Lovell, in a pre-recorded interview, remembers a time when he lost his way over the Sea of Japan at night, in a malfunctioning aircraft. Marilyn Lovell watches the interview in the Lovell living room on TV. ABC Science Reporter Jules Bergman is conducting the interview. “I can’t even tell now what my altitude is,” […]
Still missing power for the re-entry sequence in the simulator control room, John Aaron turns to backup commander John Young. “I don’t know where in the hell we’re going to find it,” says Aaron. Meanwhile, on a televsion in the Lovell home, ABC Science Reporter Jules Bergman is talking about a previous interview with Jim […]
Gene Kranz is happy the engineers have given the astronauts enough power to survive till re-entry. “Well done,” says Kranz. “Now we gotta get them in. Tell me about the power procedures.” In the Command Module simulator, Ken Mattingly works with John Aaron, who is sitting in the simulator control room, to figure out the […]
Jim Lovell is piloting the LM’s mid-course correction. “That’s me around,” says Lovell. “A little more,” says Haise. “Come on, baby.” “Come on. That’s it,” says Lovell. “Hold it. Damn it!” Swigert is counting the final ten seconds of the burn. “5, 6, 7…” “Back, back!” says Lovell. “That’s it. Hold it. Steady.” “8…” says […]
Swigert continues the countdown. “7, 6, 5, 4…” Lovell sticks his slippers onto the Velcro-lined floor pad. Haise knocks the -X RCS motors “Ullage is go,” says Haise. “…3, 2, 1,” finishes Swigert. “Ignition,” says Lovell, and the LM descent engine fires up. “She’s burning!” says Haise. “Oh yeah,” agrees Lovell. “Master arm off,” reports […]
In the Lunar Module, the astronauts prepare for the course correction. “Okay, this gonna take all three of us,” says Lovell. “Freddo, you handle the pitch. But on the translation controllers all backwards so if the… the Earth starts drifting down you need to thrust ‘aft’ not ‘forward’. I’ll do the same on mine with […]
A news anchor is explaining the mid-course correction on the air. “In order to enter the atmosphere safely,” says the news anchor, “the crew must aim for a corridor just two and a half degrees wide. If they’re too steep, they will incinerate in the steadily thickening air, if they’re too shallow, they’ll ricochet off […]
“Now, come on,” says Gene. “We gotta be able to give these guys something up there.” “Without power, we can’t give them a read,” replies GUIDO. “I’m not talking about power,” says Kranz, “I’m talking about reference.” “No, no. There’s no references, ” says GNC. “We have a bunch of debris up there.” “Houston, what’s […]
FIDO explains, “We need another burn to get them back in the entry corridor.” “Definitely another burn,” agrees GNC. “Another burn,” says Kranz. “Fire the engines and get them on course,” says FIDO. “Copy that,” says Gene Kranz. Onboard Aquarius, Jim Lovell examines a frozen hot dog. Swigert coughs. Lovell taps the hot dog against […]
GUEST: SPACE HIPSTER EMILY CARNEY “Okay, Jim. Copy that,” replies the CAPCOM, after Lovell informs Mission Control that he’s no longer wearing his sensors. Swigert and Haise follow suit, disconnecting their sensors. In Mission Control, the Flight Surgeon’s screen shows three flat lines. “Flight,” says the Flight Surgeon, “Now I’m losing all three of them!” […]
CAPCOM tells Swigert that President Nixon has granted an income tax extension for him, since Jack is most decidedly “out of the country.” “Roger that, Houston. That’s wonderful news,” replies Swigert. In Mission Control, the Flight Surgeon has advice for Gene Kranz. “Tell them they have to sleep,” says the Flight Surgeon. “Haise is running […]
Blanch Lovell is talking to her granddaughter, Susan. “Well, don’t you worry, honey,” says Blanche. “If they could get a washing machine to fly, my Jimmy could land it.” Onboard Aquarius, the cassette player is losing power. “BLUE MOON,” performed by The Mavericks plays slowly as the player bounces around the Lunar Module. Moisture covers […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jim Lovell and Fred Haise are discussing Mary Haise’s pregnancy while floating in the Lunar Module. “Wonder if it’s a boy or a girl?” says Haise. “You’re gonna find out soon enough,” says Lovell. “Sure,” says Haise, looking out the window at the Moon. “I never dreamed I’d get to do something like this – […]
Jim Lovell floats down the docking port from the Command Module. “Hey Freddo,” says Lovell, pointing back through the docking port. “It’s too cold back there.” Haise turns off the cassette player that was playing a slowed-down version of Hank Williams, Jr’s “Honky – Tonkin'” “Yeah,” agrees Haise. Freddo looks at a card that was […]
Marilyn Lovell is discussing the media request for putting a transmitter on the Lovell front lawn. “Look,” says Henry, the Public Affairs Officer for NASA, “I , um, I realize how hard this is, Marilyn, but the whole world is caught up in it – it’s the biggest story since – ” “No, Henry!” replies […]
The engineers look at the equipment on the table. “Okay, let’s get it organized,” says an engineer. “Let’s build a filter,” says another engineer. “Better get some coffee going, too,” says another engineer. Back at the Lovell household, Marilyn Lovell is watching television. ABC Science reporter Jules Bergman is narrating stock footage of Lovell and […]
In the Mission Control Center, two controllers and the Flight Surgeon approach Gene Kranz’s station. “Gene,” says one of the controllers, “we’ve got another situation brewing with the carbon dioxide.” “We’ve got a CO2 problem on the Lunar Module,” says the second controller. “Five filters on the LM -” “Which were meant for two guys […]
In the Lunar Module, Lovell and Haise are listening to Mission Control. Swigert floats in the Command Module tunnel, eating dinner out of a plastic bag. “Forward Omni when Earth’s in the window, and we’re switching to Aft Omni when we see the Moon,” says Haise. “We copy that, Thirteen,” says Capcom. “Aquarius, we don’t […]
“How many amps do we have to play with?” asks an engineer. “Barely enough to run this coffee pot for nine hours, ” replies John Aaron. “Go,” says Aaron to his microphone. “Yeah, Ken Mattingly just got here,” says the voice on the other end of the headset. “Copy,” says Aaron, turning to the engineer. […]
Gene Kranz wants the ship back “with time to spare.” “We’ve never lost an American in space,” says Kranz, “We’re sure not gonna lose one on my watch! Failure is not an option!” In Mattingly’s apartment, his phone is off the hook. John Young has the apartment manager open the door to Apartment Five. “Ken? […]
John Aaron is explaining all the systems that need to be turned off. “– heater, instrument displays, the guidance computer, the whole smack,” says Aaron. “Whoa, guidance computer?” asks EECOM Gold. “What if they need to do another burn, Gene? They won’t even know which way they’re pointed!” “The more time we talk down here, […]
Swigert and Haise look at Lovell. “Let’s go home,” says Lovell. “Aquarius we’ve got some PC+2 burn data for you fellas…” says Capcom. Back in the conference room, Gene Kranz is writing numbers on a blackboard. “So you guys are telling me you can only give our guys forty-five hours? That brings them to about there,” says […]
The Earth fills the screen. “Thirteen, this is Houston,” says Capcom. “We’re reading your telemetry. Good to see you again!” Lovell looks out the left LM window, while Swigert and Haise look out the right window. “Good to see you, too, Houston,” replies Haise. In the Lovell bedroom, Marilyn listens to the NASA squawkbox. “We’re […]
As James Horner’s theme plays, Lovell looks out at the Moon through the LM window. Lovell imagines what it would have been like to have a successful landing. He pictures taking the last few steps down the ladder, and standing in the bowl of the LM footpad. Placing his left foot on the powdery surface, […]
In the LM, Fred Haise holds a camera that he would have used on the lunar surface. Lovell switches on a ceiling light in the LM. Back in Houston, Marilyn quietly cries in a chair, listening to static on the NASA squawk box. The scene fades to black. Along the limb of the Moon’s far […]
Swigert and Haise look at Lovell, realizing he’s already seen the Moon. James Horner’s theme plays on a trumpet. The distant Earth hangs in space. Apollo 13, surrounded by torn Kapton foil and debris, glides above the lunar surface. “Aquarius, this is Houston,” says Capcom. “Expect loss of signal in approximately ten seconds.” “So long, […]
“We have to burn the engine at PC + 2,” says the FAO. Gene Kranz sits at his console and rubs his eyes. Slayton turns to the NASA director and whispers, “Look, tell him three-to-one.” In the depths of space, a Quindar tone sounds. Aquarius and Odyssey are silhouetted in the sunlight. “Expect loss of […]
One of the flight controllers speaks up. “I was wondering what the Grumman guys think about this.” The Grumman rep shrugs. “We can’t make any guarantees,” he says. “We designed the LM to land on the Moon, not fire the engine out there for course corrections.” “Well,” replies Kranz, “Unfortunately we’re not landing on the […]
FIDO White Team Jerry Bostick is in favor of a free-return trajectory. “It’s the option with the fewest question marks for safety.” “I agree with you,” says Kranz, “Use the Moon’s gravity, slingshot them around.” “No,” says the Grumman representative, “The LM will not support three guys for that amount of time!” “It barely holds […]
Jack Swigert leaves the darkened Command Module through the tunnel to the LM. “Freddo,” says Jim Lovell, “We’re going to have to execute some sort of a burn here. It’s just a matter of when.” Lovell notices Swigert at the back of the LM. Swigert steadies himself with a hand on the docking port. “Did […]
Jim Lovell is telling Mission Control they’ve had to learn to “fly all over again, but we’re doing better now, over.” “Roger that, Aquarius,” says Capcom. “Have ’em close it out,” says Flight Director Glynn Lunney. “Jack,” says Capcom, “uh, we can close out your procedure now.” “Now,” replies Swigert,”do we know for sure that […]
In her living room, Marilyn watches ABC News on TV. Science Editor Jules Bergman describes “the terseness of Kraft, and the grim lines of Jim McDivitt. This has been a very close call, and we’re not out of the wood yet. Not by a long shot.” Marilyn gets up to check on her youngest son, […]
“What happened?” asks Glynn Lunney. The flight controllers in the “trench” hold their hands up in the air. Aquarius and Odyssey tumble in space. The RCS thrusters on Aquarius fire. “We’re all out of whack,” says Lovell. “We’re trying to pitch down but we’re yawing to the left. Why can’t I null this out?” Jim […]
ABC News Science Editor Jules Bergman is on the Lovell TV set, talking about the mishap, and explaining the LM’s use as a… “-life boat,” continues Bergman, “so they’ll have electrical power for their radios on the Command Module. Apollo 13 is also apparently losing breathing oxygen, and the astronauts may have to use the […]
Dick Cavett is delivering his evening monologue on TV. Ken Mattingly is reclining on a couch, watching sullenly and drinking a beer out of a can. “It’s a great day in New York,” says Cavett. “It’s girl-watchers’ weather. I like those ingenious girl watchers who put on Con Edison helmets and dig trenches in the […]
Command Module is running low on power. “– about eight minutes remaining,” says CAPCOM. “Okay,” says Swigert. “Fuel cell pumps off, Oh Two fans, Tank Two off.” “Okay, uh, Houston, check me,” says Lovell, “I’ve completed these gimbal conversions, but, uh, I need a double-check of the arithmetic.” “Uh, yeah,” says CAPCOM, “You can go, […]
Lovell and Haise are going through quick procedures to get the LM up and running, while the CSM fires its thrusters to try and steady the two spacecraft. “Uh, Houston, ” says Lovell, “Be aware that I’ve moved from the Command Module into the LM.” Meanwhile, Gene Kranz talks to fellow Flight Director Glynn Lunney. […]
“Guys, listen up, here’s the drill,” says Kranz to the other controllers, “We’re moving the astronauts over to the LM. We’ve gotta get some oxygen up there. TELMU, Control, I want an emergency power-up procedure, the essential hardware only! GNC, EECOM — we’re going to be shutting down the Command Module at the same time. […]
The three astronauts look at the pressure gauge, which continues to fall. “If this doesn’t work,” says Swigert, “we’re not gonna have enough power left to get home.” Staring at the meter, the gauge stands at 200 PSI, then begins to drop precipitously. EECOM watches his console as the pressure and quantity continues to drop. […]
In the Command Module, Jim Lovell tries to digest this order to shut down the fuel cells. “– the fuel cells? Did I hear you right?” asks Lovell. “Yeah, they heard me right,” says Kranz to CAPCOM. “Tell them we think that’s the only way they can stop the leak.” “Yeah, Jim,” says CAPCOM, “uh, […]
EECOM is trying to figure out how to resolve the issue of the oxygen tank leak. “We can save what’s left in the tanks and we can run on the good cell,” he explains to Gene Kranz. “You close them, you can’t open them again. You can’t land on the Moon with one healthy fuel […]
Lovell leans over in his couch, and looks at the dials. The Number One tank pressure is dropping. “Two hundred pounds and falling,” says Haise. “Oh-Two Tank Two, still zero,” says EECOM. “Tank One, Two Eighteen PSI and falling.” “Is that what you’re getting?” asks Haise. “Confirm!” “Uh, we’re seeing the same, Thirteen,” says CAPCOM. […]
“Roger, Odyssey – – we copy you’re venting,” says CAPCOM. All the flight controllers start talking over each other. It rapidly becomes a cacophony of voices. “Okay, listen up!” says Kranz. “Quiet down. Quiet down! Let’s stay cool, people. Procedures, I need another computer up in the RTCC. I want everybody to alert your support […]
“C – Charlie!” says Haise, reading off information to Houston. “-and B are barber-poled,” adds Swigert. “Houston,” says Lovell, “I’m switching over Quad C to Main A.” He throws a switch. “Roger that, Thirteen, “says CAPCOM. “Okay,” says Swigert, “Fuel Cell One, Fuel Cell Three, we got a Main Bus B undervolt, Cryo pressure Two […]
EECOM is looking at his monitor and can’t believe the readings. “– reading a quadruple failure? That can’t happen!” says EECOM. “It’s gotta be instrumentation.” “Let’s get that hatch buttoned,” says Lovell to Swigert as they diagnose the problem in the Command Module. “Maybe the LM got hit by a meteor.” “That tunnel’s really torquing […]
The MAIN BUS B UNDERVOLT warning light turns on, followed by the CMC (Command Module Computer) alarm light. “We have a Main Bus B undervolt,” says Lovell, throwing a switch on the battery selector indicators. “We’ve got a lot of thruster activity here, Houston.” “What’s the story with the computer now?” asks Swigert. “It just went […]
Jack Swigert is completing several housekeeping tasks on Odyssey. “And then,” says CAPCOM, “if you could give your oxygen tanks a stir…” “Roger that,” says Swigert. EECOM puffs his pipe and looks at his console. Swigert toggles the O2 switches 1 and 2 to ON. Deep inside the Service Module, a wire burns and splits. […]
GUEST: ACTOR BRETT CULLEN Jim Lovell is completing the narration of the Apollo XIII TV broadcast. “-Aquarius, and return to the Odyssey,” says Lovell, ” our next broadcast will be from Fra Mauro, on the surface of the Moon. So, this is the crew of the Apollo Thirteen, wishing everyone back on Earth a […]
GUEST: CLASSICS PROFESSOR CHARLES CHIASSON Jim Lovell continues his narration of the TV broadcast from Apollo XIII, as “Honkey Tonkin'” by Hank Williams plays in the background. “Well, folks, as you can probably tell, ” says Lovell, “the Aquarius isn’t much bigger than a couple of telephone booths. The skin of the LM in some […]
Fred Haise is demonstrating orange juice in zero gravity. “Lemon Tree,” sung by Trini López, begins to play. In Mission Control, Marilyn Lovell is talking to Henry Hurt. “Do they know they’re not on the air?” asks Marilyn. “We’ll tell them when they get back,” replies Henry. “Uh, well, if – if anyone from the- uh, […]
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum begins to play. Haise spins the cassette player in zero gravity. Fred Haise’s children, watching in the visitors’ gallery at Mission Control, laugh. Mary Haise smiles. Jim Lovell looks displeased. “That was supposed to be the Theme to 2001, in honor of our Command Module, Odyssey, but there […]
GUEST HOST: STAR WARS MINUTES’ PETE THE RETAILER Barbara Lovell is having an argument with her mother about… “the stupid Beatles breaking up!” says Susan Lovell. “They’re not stupid! You’re stupid!” shouts Barbara. “Barbara! Barbara!” says Marilyn, “I know you’re in mourning…” “I’m not going, Mom!” says Barbara. “Dad won’t even know if we’re there!” […]
It’s the change of shift at Mission Control. Everyone is being updated on mission status for each station. The scene fades. TITLE: DAY 3 APRIL 13 The CSM and Lunar Module are in rotisserie mode, rolling along the long axis of the two spacecraft. Lovell is using the urine collection system in the lower equipment […]
Jack Swigert, is just about to dock the Apollo CSM with the LM. Looking through the reticle, Swigert sees that he’s aligned with the target. The CSM probe pin is aimed directly at the LM’s drogue. Swigert makes a slight roll thrust. There’s a grinding noise. “Capture,” says Swigert. “That’s it!’ says Lovell. The A […]
Jack Swigert, Command Module Pilot, is about to retrieve the Lunar Module from the S-IV-B. “Thrusting forward,” says Swigert, nudging the RCS controller. “One hundred feet,” says Haise, watching out his window. “Watch the alignment now,” says Lovell. Swigert fires two bursts with the RCS jets, and glances at Lovell. “Hey, don’t worry, guys,” says […]
GUEST: SPACE SHUTTLE CDR CHARLIE PRECOURT The CSM and the S-IV-B hang in deep space. “We’re ready for CSM separation,” says Swigert. “Okay, SM RCS iso valves are all gray, ” says Lovell. “Okay, Swigert – – Command Module Pilot – – she’s all yours.” Swigert presses the JETTISON SLA button. The four SLA panels […]
FIDO is looking at the numbers for the Trans Lunar Injection. “It’s on the money!” says FIDO, “Looks good, Flight.” “Roger, FIDO,” says Gene Kranz. “Okay, guys – – we’re going to the Moon! “Flight, we have reacquisition of signal at Hawaii,” says a controller. On the big display screen at the MCC, a graphic […]
The cabin is filled with floating helmets and gloves in zero gravity, as the astronauts play with these drifting items in the Command Module. The smoky contrail of the launch hangs in the Florida sky. “Oh boy,” says Marilyn Lovell, “I hope I can sleep.” “Mom,” says Margaret Haise, “That was loud!” “Here, hold my […]
Despite the early center engine cutoff on the S-II stage, Apollo 13 continues into orbit. “Looks like we just had our glitch for this mission,” says Lovell. Back on Earth, Ken Mattingly looks at the empty launch pad, then slowly turns to get back in his Corvette. “Thirteen, stand by for staging,” says CAPCOM. “Roger […]
Riding into orbit, the instrument panel suddenly reports a problem with the S-II’s center engine. “Houston, this is Thirteen,” says Lovell, “We’ve got a center engine cut-off, go on the other four?” On the big video screen at Mission Control, the telemetry shows Engine Five to be offline. “Thirteen, we show the same, ” says […]
The Command Module’s DSKY reports the ship is Program 11, Verb 16, Noun 62, reporting lines +00062, +00152, and +00032. “Velocity, right on the line,” says Swigert, looking at the instrument panel’s eight-ball. “Roll complete!” says Lovell, “We are pitching!” “Thirteen,” says the CAPCOM, “Stand by for Mode One Bravo.” Flames expand at the base […]
The flames at the base of the LUT begin to flow back inside, toward the flame trench. The crew seats shudder as the rocket lifts off the pad. “The clock is running!” announces Lovell. The Mission Elapsed Time displays 00001, then 00002. Fuel lines separate between the LUT and the spacecraft. The massive hold-down […]
A rumbling noise startles Haise and Swigert. “Fuel pump,” explains Lovell. “This is it. A few bumps, and we’re hauling the mail.” The five F-1 engines of the Saturn V are shrouded in fog. In Houston, Mission controllers watch simultaneous television feeds on KTRK – ABC, KHOU – CBS, KPRC – NBC, and the NASA […]
Flight Director Gene Kranz is “going around the horn,” asking for a Go / No-Go from the individual controllers. “Recovery?” asks Kranz. “Go!” replies Recovery. “CAPCOM?” asks Kranz. “We’re Go, Flight,” replies the CAPCOM. Kranz presses a button on his console. “Launch Control, this is Houston. We are Go for launch.” TITLE: LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER, […]
Guenter Wendt shakes hands with Jim Lovell, as Guenter prepares to close out the White Room before launch. Back in Houston, Gene Kranz has donned his new vest for the flight. The other controllers applaud. “Hey, Gene!” says a controller, “I guess we can go now!” “Save it for splashdown, guys,” replies Kranz. Guenter closes […]
GUEST: ACTOR RORY AYLWARD The gantry elevator door opens, and the crew steps out, Lovell leading the way to the White Room and the Command Module. The morning sun sparkles on the Atlantic coastline, viewed from the top of Pad 39A. In Houston’s Mission Control Center, a video screen shows the image of the Saturn […]
Swigert has his helmet on and is suited up. “Do yo need more air?” asks the technician. Swigert shakes his head. At the VIP viewing area, several cameramen position a group of cameras mounted on a swivel platform. “Marilyn, hey!” says Mary Haise, as Marilyn Lovell maneuvers her way between children on the viewing platform. […]
Marilyn Lovell has just lost her wedding ring down a hotel shower drain. “Oh, God no!” she whispers, frantically tugging at the drain cover. She gives up, and leans back against the shower wall. “Oh, no,” she says. Meanwhile, Jim Lovell pushes his head through the opening at the top of his spacesuit, as the […]
The crew of Apollo 13 is suiting up for launch. “Ah! Guenter Wendt!” says Lovell to the Pad Leader. “I vunder vhere Guenter Wendt?” says Lovell. Gunter smiles. “Jim!” says Guenter. “You walk on the Moon, ya?” “Ya, ya – we walk and –” Jim winces as the technician applies alcohol to the heart sensor. […]
Jim Lovell looks across the road and is surprised when he sees a familiar face winding through the line of parked cars. It’s Marilyn. Jim smiles. “Well, hey,” he says, “that looks like Marilyn Lovell! But it can’t be – – she’s not coming to the launch!” “I heard it was gonna be a hell […]
Deke Slayton and Jim Lovell are talking about Jack Swigert’s poor performance in the Command Module simulator. “If I had a dollar for every time they killed me in this thing,” says Lovell, “I wouldn’t have to work for you, Deke.” Deke merely looks at Lovell. “Well,” says Lovell, “we have two days. We’ll be […]
Warnings start beeping in the Command Module SIM during a mock reentry. “We’re at twelve Gees,” says Swigert. “Twelve Gees,” repeats Lovell, “We’re burning up.” “Dammit,” says Deke, at the simulator console. “I gave ’em a false indicator light, right at entry interface,” says the Sim controller, “Even Mattingly didn’t get it the first time.” […]
GUEST: NASA FLIGHT DIRECTOR BILL REEVES Lovell remains in his chair, after having told Ken Mattingly he’s no longer on the Apollo 13 crew. The scene shifts to Jack Swigert, manning the left seat in a Command Module simulator during a reentry sequence. “Trajectory is holding steady,” says Swigert, “We’re right on the line.” […]
GUEST HOST: PODCASTER BRETT STILLO Mattingly is dealing with the loss of his seat on the mission. “Swigert,” says Mattingly, “he’ll do fine. He’s, uh, he’s strong.” Lovell and Haise continue to say nothing. “It’ll be a hell of a mission – – one for the books,” says Mattingly. Lovell looks at Mattingly, but says […]
GUEST: PODCASTER BRETT STILLO The woman steps into the bedroom, wearing a towel and drying her hair. Jack Swigert lets out a whoop in his bedroom. Back in the SIM room, Ken Mattingly is reacting to the news that he’s been bumped from the Apollo 13 crew. “Well,” he says, “I-uh, — damn. Medical guys! […]
The NASA Director is explaining the options for the Apollo 13 mission to Jim Lovell. “We can either scrub Mattingly, go with Swigert,” says the Director, “or we can bump all three of you to a later mission.” Lovell pauses. “I’ve trained for the Fra Mauro highlands,” says Lovell. “and this is — Flight Surgeon […]
The Saturn V continues down the crawlerway. “Fredo and I are going to be going over the lunar experiments tomorrow,” says Lovell to Walter, the technician, “and Ken’s going to be back in the simulator. We’re going to be going over the flight plan tonight, as well.” He shakes hands with a pad technician. Pointing […]
GUEST: ERIK LINDBERGH The crew of Apollo 13 is discussing superstitions about the number thirteen. Mattingly says he had a black cat “walk over a broken mirror under the Lunar Module ladder, and it didn’t seem to be a problem.” “And we also considered a real helpful letter we got from a fellow,” continued Haise, […]
Marilyn Lovell just informed Jim that she doesn’t want to go to the launch. Inside a helicopter hangar, Jim Lovell walks out to the T-38 flight line. He passes by several airmen. “Jim!” says one of the airmen. “Hey guys!” Lovell responds. “See you in a few weeks!” “Take care!” says the other airman. “Bring […]
GUEST: NANCY O’KANE Jim Lovell restarts his stalled car. “So, I was looking at the kids’ school schedule coming up,” says Marilyn. “Yeah?” says Jim. “It’s a very busy week,” she continues. “Yeah,” says Jim. “I’m thinking about,” continues Marilyn, “not going to the launch.” Jim looks at her. “Huh,” he says. “The kids need […]
Guest: EAA Intern Abby Riley In Jay Lovell’s bedroom, Jim Lovell is talking to his son about the Apollo One fire. “– and, uh, well a lot of things went wrong on that fire,” continues Jim Lovell. “Did they fix it?” asks Jay Lovell. “Oh yes,” replies Jim Lovell, “Absolutely. We fixed it. It’s not […]
Guest: Jennifer Levasseur, Curator, National Air & Space Museum, Washington, DC In Jeff Lovell’s bedroom, Jim Lovell is talking to his son about the Lunar Module. “– only holds two people. It’s just for landing on the Moon. And I take the controls, and I steer it around, and I fly it down, adjusting […]
GUEST: GRAPHIC NOVELIST BRIAN FIES Jim Lovell is hanging out the side of a decompressing Command Module. The frame of his seat breaks, and knocks Lovell away from the Apollo CSM and LM assembly in deep space. Lovell tumbles end over end. A giant, bloodshot eye fills the screen. Marilyn Lovell awakens in her bedroom […]
GUEST HOST: GRAPHIC NOVELIST BRIAN FIES Lovell, Mattingly, and Haise just finished a three hour simulation in the CM SIM. “Yeah, I know,” replies Ken, “but my rate of turn is still a little too slow there, I really think we should work it again.” Lovell looks at Mattingly. “Well, let’s get it right!” says […]
Lovell, Mattingly, and Haise are in the Command Module SIM, attempting to dock with the LM. “We’ll go ahead and recycle the valves,” says Mattingly. Lovell closes and reopens the valve switches for circuits B and D. “They’re all gray,” reports Lovell. Mattingly alters the pitch position dial. Outside, the video camera moves closer to […]
GUEST HOST: AMY YOUNG OF THE SPACE STATION MUSEUM NOVATO, CALIFORNIA Jim and Marilyn Lovell are discussing Jim’s assignment to the Apollo 13 mission. Marilyn shakes her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe it,” she says, “Naturally, it’s thirteen. Why, thirteen?” “It comes after twelve, Hon,” replies Jim. Marilyn smiles back at him. In the […]
Jim Lovell arrives at the top of the stairs in his home, in the middle of an argument between his daughter and Marilyn about appropriate Halloween costumes. “Hey everybody,” says Jim. His daughter Barbara closes her bedroom door. “Jim!” says Marilyn, surprised. “Marilyn, trick or treat!” replies Jim. “You know that Easter vacation trip […]
Jim Lovell is explaining to Congressional VIPs why further Apollo missions are necessary. Behind them, inside the VAB, the S-IV-B being lowered from the ceiling connects with the S-II stage. “Are there any other questions?” asks Lovell. A female visitor timidly raises her hand. “How – how do you go to the bathroom in […]
Guest Host: Jennifer Levasseur Curator, National Air & Space Museum Jim Lovell is narrating a tour of the Vehicle Assembly Building. He explains that astronauts are only the most visible members of a very large team. ” — right down to the guy sweeping the floor, are honored to be a part of it,” explains […]
Marilyn and Jim Lovell are in their backyard, in lounge chairs, after the Apollo XI Moonwalk party is over. Jim holds his thumb up, obscuring the distant Moon. “Where’s my mountain?” asks Marilyn. “Well, it -” begins Jim, “It’s right up by the — okay, you see where the shadow crosses — the white area […]
Marilyn and Jim Lovell are in their backyard, after the Apollo XI Moonwalk party is over. “When you were on far side on Eight, I didn’t sleep at all,” says Marilyn, leaning into her lawn chair, “I just vacuumed, over and over again.” “Christopher Columbus,” says Jim, looking at the Moon, “Charles Lindbergh… and Neil […]
Jim Lovell and the assembled guests witness Neil Armstrong’s descent to the lunar surface, on the family TV set. “on this July 20th, Nineteen Hundred and Sixty-Nine,” intones Walter Cronkite on TV. “It’s one small step for man,” says Armstrong, “One… giant leap for mankind.” “His quote was, That’s one small step for man, one […]
The house guests clap for Apollo Eleven’s backup crew. On the screen, the upside-down image of the LM’s ladder appears. “Ooh, there he is!” says Marilyn, carrying a tray of empty champagne flutes. “There he is, everybody! Quiet down – here he is!” Lovell pulls a cigar out of his mouth. “Hey, kids!” he calls […]
Ken Mattingly looks at photos of the Moon, hung in Jim Lovell’s study. “I wouldn’t mind being up there tonight,” he says to Ken Haise. “God, who wouldn’t?” replies Haise. TITLES: “LOREN DEAN, CLINT HOWARD” “Don’t worry, ” continues Haise, “Our day’s coming. They’re not gonna cut the program before Number Fourteen.” “You know, my […]
Jack Swigert is explaining to Tracy how docking works in space. “It’s called a probe,” says Swigert, waving the long neck of a beer bottle at a tall glass. “Is that true?” asks Tracy, smiling. TITLE: BILL PAXTON “Absolutely,” says Swigert, “and, Tracy, I’ll tell you: when you feel that thing slide in, and everything’s […]
Narrator continues: ” on which Man has ever embarked.” Gus Grissom reaches for the control panel of Apollo 1’s Command Module. A spark leaps out from the panel. Narrator: “After trailing the Russians for years with our manned space program, and after that sudden and horrible fire on the launch pad during that routine test […]
James Horner’s score begins. Fade in. The Universal logo animation, the word UNIVERSAL across a cloudless planet Earth, appears, and resolves into the title card “UNIVERSAL – AN MCA COMPANY.” The title fades to black. TITLE: “Imagine Entertainment Presents” TITLE: “A Brian Grazer Production” TITLE: “A Ron Howard Film” Over-exposed video appears, a step-framed image […]