Minute 057: The Whole Smash

Apollo 13 Minute Podcast

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 cell!” says Kranz.

EECOM stands up from his console. “Gene,” he says, “the Odyssey is dying. From my chair here, this is the last option.”

Kranz looks at EECOM and considers the news. The other flight controllers look at Gene.

“Okay, Cy,” says Kranz. The other controllers await orders. Deke Slayton looks at Gene, as well as the NASA Director.

“CAPCOM,” says Kranz, “Let’s have them close the reactant valves.”

“Thirteen, this is Houston,” says CAPCOM. “We want you to close REACT valves on cells One and Three. Do you copy?”

In the Command Module, Jim Lovell tries to digest this order. “Are you saying you want the whole smash?” he asks. “Closing down the REACT valves for fuel cell shutdown? Shutting down – -”

IN THIS MINUTE:

Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks
Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon
Fred Haise: Bill Paxton
Gene Kranz: Ed Harris
EECOM White Team: Clint Howard
TELMU White Team: Jim Meskimen
CAPCOM: Brett Cullen
Deke Slayton: Chris Ellis
NASA Director: Joe Spano
Flight Surgeon: Christian Clemenson