In April 1970, NASA launched Apollo 13, a manned spacecraft bound for the Moon. Just as the mission was approaching lunar orbit, an oxygen tank exploded, causing a major loss of power. The lunar landing had to be abandoned, and the three astronauts onboard were suddenly confronted with a life-threatening emergency.
At NASA’s Mission Control, an emergency meeting was immediately convened. Rather than risk turning the spacecraft around, the team determined that it would be safer to let it continue its trajectory around the Moon and then return to Earth. The challenge was that the remaining power supply was nowhere near sufficient for the trip home. Working tirelessly, engineers and flight directors guided the astronauts through each step—running the spacecraft on minimal power and resolving one critical issue after another. Through their calm coordination and teamwork, the astronauts ultimately returned safely to Earth.
Because space accidents so often end in tragedy, Apollo 13 became a rare story of success and survival. One of the key figures behind that success was Ken Mattingly. Originally slated to fly on Apollo 13—and having undergone thousands of hours of intensive training—he was removed from the crew just three days before launch due to possible exposure to illness. Although he remained on Earth, he played a crucial role in helping his stranded teammates survive and return home, fulfilling his mission in an unexpected way.
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