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SPACECRAFT ACCIDENTS: EXAMINING THE PAST, IMPROVING THE FUTURE Apollo 13. Bryan Palaszewski working with the Digital Learning Network NASA Glenn Research Center. Apollo 13 (1/2). Launched: April 11, 1970 Mission: Explore the lunar surface with 2 persons, Fra Mauro Region, the Moon
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SPACECRAFT ACCIDENTS: EXAMINING THE PAST, IMPROVING THE FUTUREApollo 13 Bryan Palaszewski working with the Digital Learning Network NASA Glenn Research Center
Apollo 13 (1/2) • Launched: April 11, 1970 • Mission: Explore the lunar surface with 2 persons, Fra Mauro Region, the Moon • On April 13 the oxygen tank ruptured, causing loss of power and oxygen for the crew.
Apollo 13 (2/2) • Crew transferred to Lunar Module and used its power and oxygen for life support. • Original mission was aborted. • Landed safely on Earth: April 17, 1970
Apollo 13 Results (1/2) • After the flight, an investigation committee was formed to assess the cause(s). • The oxygen (O2) tank rupture was causing by damaged wiring in the tank. • The damage was caused when improper procedures were used for emptying the tank during ground testing.
Apollo 13 Results (2/2) • Failure was re-created in ground testing. • The O2 tank failure damaged the fuel cells that generate power for the astronauts. • In future vehicles, an additional O2 tank was added for safety.