What was the primary goal of Apollo 13?
The primary goal of Apollo 13 was to explore the Fra Mauro formation. Mission planners intended to conduct precision geology and date material spattered by an ancient impact that filled the Imbrium basin.
Questions about Apollo 13
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who replaced Ken Mattingly on Apollo 13 before launch?
Jack Swigert replaced Ken Mattingly just two days before launch after Mattingly contracted rubella from his son's friend. Swigert was originally the command module pilot for the backup crew but became essential due to the illness of the prime crew member.
When did the explosion occur during the Apollo 13 mission?
The accident happened at 55:54:53 on April 14 which was ten o'clock PM EST on April 13. A stirring fan inside Oxygen Tank Number Two malfunctioned leading to a loud bang and subsequent venting of oxygen into space.
What caused the failure in Oxygen Tank Number Two according to the final report?
The final report submitted on June 15 identified damaged Teflon insulation on wires inside Oxygen Tank Number Two as the root cause. A short circuit ignited this insulation causing a fire that increased pressure until the tank dome failed.
How many people watched the splashdown of Apollo 13 live on television?
An estimated forty million Americans watched the splashdown live on all three networks with another thirty million viewing portions of the broadcast. Worldwide interest reawakened by the incident included millions watching television coverage globally.