SPACECRAFT ACCIDENTS: EXAMINING THE PAST, IMPROVING

THE FUTURE

Apollo 13

Bryan Palaszewski working with the

Digital Learning NetworkNASA 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.