Close Calls of Apollo Missions: Near Disasters Uncovered

It can be equally enthralling and terrifying to venture into the formidable immensity of space. The Apollo missions, launched by NASA to land humans on the moon, have made history not just for their singular accomplishments but also for the numerous close calls and near-disasters that occurred along the journey.

These high-stakes encounters serve as profound narratives of human strength, ingenuity, and resilience. In this discourse, we will delve deep into the critical incidents of Apollo missions, underscoring the precarity of space exploration.

The Apollo 1 Tragedy

The Apollo 1 Tragedy

On January 27, 1967, Astronauts Virgil ‘Gus’ Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee were aboard Apollo 1 for a simulated launch that turned tragic. A fire ignited in the command module during the simulation, and due to design flaws and manufacturing concerns, the blaze escalated quickly, leaving no chance for the astronauts to escape.

The Struggle to Abort Launch Simulation

During the “plugs-out” test, which was a dress rehearsal for the actual launch, a fire started and spread quickly due to the pure oxygen environment within the module. Sealed inside the spacecraft, the astronauts struggled to open the inward opening hatch, a design that was made to ensure it won’t accidentally open during flight.

This crucial flaw turned fatal as the fire spread and pressure built up inside, making it impossible to open the hatch. By the time the ground crew could open the hatch, it was too late; all three astronauts had perished.

Investigations and Findings

In the subsequent investigations, it was revealed that the ignition source of the fire was never definitively identified. However, the extremely high oxygen level in the module and the abundance of combustible materials made for an intensely hazardous environment. In essence, the oxygen-rich atmosphere turned the entire module into a potential fire trap. Electrical issues were also suspected, as these could have sparked the fire.

Design and manufacturing issues were also highlighted during the investigation. Investigators found that the hatch, which opened inwards, was almost impossible to open under pressure. In an emergency situation like a fire, quick escape was essential, but the inward-opening latch greatly reduced the likelihood of a successful egress.

Moreover, a flammable nylon material was used in the spacecraft’s construction. Not only was the material combustible, but it also produced toxic gases when burned, adding to the fatal conditions inside the module.

Repercussions and Changes

The Apollo 1 tragedy led to major design and policy changes in subsequent missions. NASA took a hard look at the Apollo program and began a thorough review of its processes. The module’s pure oxygen atmosphere was reconsidered, and a less combustible mix of gasses was used for launches instead. The design of the hatch was also modified to an outward-opening model, allowing a quick escape in emergency situations.

Moreover, changes were made to reduce the amount of combustible materials in the spacecraft’s construction, and NASA instituted more rigorous safety, design, and testing protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The profound impact and tragic loss of three astronauts in the Apollo 1 event induced significant design and safety advancements in NASA’s moon missions. This disaster was indeed devastating for the nation, but the lessons learned from it played a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration with enhanced procedures and protocols for all human spaceflight endeavours thereafter.

Critical Moments of Apollo 13

Close Shave with Apollo 13

In 1970, NASA embarked on the Apollo 13 mission with a trio of astronauts: Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert, and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise. This mission initially aimed to further the exploration of the Moon, however, an unforeseen catastrophic failure led to a dramatic change in course.

The Lifethreatening Malfunction

The Apollo 13 mission neared disaster approximately 56 hours into the mission. This was when an oxygen tank in the service module exploded. A normal procedure to stir the tanks, which was intended to ensure accurate readings, was followed. But in the instance of Apollo 13, something anomalous occurred.

Ground control observed an unexpected voltage surge, and moments later, the astronauts reported a loud bang. Power in the spacecraft dropped sharply, and mission control noticed an unexpected leak in the spacecraft’s life-supporting oxygen.

This malfunction posed a severe threat to the safety and survival of the astronauts. Life-supporting systems were interrupted, normal cabin conditions could no longer be maintained, and severe limitations were placed upon the available power. Most critical was the loss of onboard capability to scrub carbon dioxide from the air. Without a solution, toxic levels of this gas would accumulate, threatening the crew with hypoxia.

“Houston, We’ve Had a Problem”

Famously, the astronauts relayed their situation to mission control in Houston with the phrase, “Houston, we’ve had a problem”. Initial attempts to analyze the issue had those involved mistakenly believe a meteoroid had struck the spacecraft. However, it soon became clear that a technical failure was responsible for the critical situation.

The Rescue Mission

What followed was a rescue mission that involved both engineering brilliance and human determination. NASA was tasked with figuring out an emergency re-entry procedure for the crippled spacecraft and devising solutions for multiple life-threatening problems, all in real-time with the lives of their astronauts hanging in the balance.

The ground team at mission control formulated a plan for the crew to abandon the command module (destined originally to return them to Earth) and take refuge in the lunar module. This lifeboat-like solution was put into rapid effect.

Resolving the carbon dioxide build-up problem in an unventilated spacecraft involved a birth of an ingenious solution – fitting round carbon dioxide scrubbers into receptacles meant for square ones, using nothing but materials on hand – a scenario that has since become a textbook case for problem-solving and innovation.

Safe Return to Earth

The trajectory of Apollo 13 was adjusted to conduct what is referred to as a circumlunar trajectory—if not performed, the astronauts had a colossal chance of being stranded in space. The engine of the lunar module was fired to send the spacecraft around the Moon and back towards Earth.

Re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere presented the next significant challenge. A minimal error in navigation during re-entry could have resulted in the spacecraft bouncing off the Earth’s atmosphere and into space. Nevertheless, the skilled and calm crew successfully executed the procedure, and Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17.

Ending Thoughts

Apollo 13, referred to as a “successful failure,” stands as a symbol of the determination and creativity of mission control and the astronauts. Even in the face of a life-threatening crisis, the crew, with the assistance of numerous ground-based engineers and specialists, managed to turn an imminent catastrophe into a worldwide acclaimed rescue operation.

Hazardous Re-entry of Apollo 12

Apollo 12: Potential Calamity During Re-entry

There is always a certain degree of danger in every space flight. However, Apollo 12, despite being a historical milestone, was not exempt from potential disaster, particularly during its descent back to Earth. The re-entry tales of Apollo 12 serve as an example of the inherent dangers of space exploration, even in missions that seem to have gone according to plan.

The Successful Launch and Moon Landing

Apollo 12 got off to a riveting start. Despite the launch being struck by lightning twice in the first minute, the Saturn V rocket soared high into the sky. The crew then successfully landed on the moon, famously dubbed as the ‘Ocean of Storms.’ Here, astronauts Alan Bean and Pete Conrad spent over seven hours outside the lunar module, collecting lunar samples.

The Hazardous Re-Entry

The real-life-and-death drama unfolded when Apollo 12 started its descent back into the Earth’s atmosphere. As the spacecraft hurtled towards Earth at hypersonic speed, it needed to maintain an extremely precise angle of re-entry, between 5.3 and 7.7 degrees. Deviate too much at either side, and the Apollo 12 could either bounce off the atmosphere and into the depth of space or come too steep and incinerate due to the heat generated from the friction with Earth’s atmosphere.

Adding to the danger was the challenge of the blackout period. During this phase, communication with the ground station was lost due to plasma blackout, filling the cockpit with silence for the longest four minutes of the astronaut’s lives. NASA ground control had no surefire way of knowing if Apollo 12 had survived re-entry until the blackout period was over.

Close Call

Minutes felt like lifetimes until, finally, ground control received a transmission from Apollo 12, signalling they had survived re-entry. When the recovery crew reached the landing site, they discovered the command module off-course by about 3 miles.

Subsequent analysis revealed that the off-course landing was probably due to higher than predicted atmospheric winds, a variable that had not been previously considered. Thankfully, this navigational hiccup was well within the massive safety margin that NASA had planned for such missions and could be easily compensated for in future missions.

Delving into the realm of space is no easy task – it is a journey fraught with perils that can make or break the most meticulously planned mission. Apollo 12’s precarious re-entry is a telling testament of this inherent risk associated with space travel.

Even with well-orchestrated planning and rigorous training, astronauts along with the ground crew are needed to grapple with unforeseen uncertainties and make impromptu, life-saving decisions. Exploring the cosmos isn’t just a voyage aiming for discovery, it’s about braving insurmountable odds to ensure survival.

The unknown Apollo missions close calls

Apollo 1: A Dark Prelude

The tragic tale of Apollo 1 is an enduring reminder of the potential dangers lurking around every corner of a space excursion. During a routine pre-launch trial run on January 27, 1967, an uncontrollable cabin fire devoured the Command Module, claiming the lives of all three crew members, Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee.

An in-depth post-incident probe highlighted a critical flaw in the module’s blueprint – the lethal union of pure oxygen under elevated pressure and an electrical spark resulted in the devastating blaze. This catastrophic event led to a series of substantial modifications in both design and protocol, thereby enhancing the safety quotient of future missions.

Apollo 7’s Mutiny

Of the lesser-known mishaps, Apollo 7 is notable for its crew’s defiance of Mission Control. Astronauts Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham all fell ill with head colds during their mission, leading to tensions with ground control over the administration of their duties.

Schirra was particularly irate following orders to put on his helmet during reentry despite concerns it would cause pain in his ears due to the cold. This incident demonstrated the need for effective communication and understanding between astronauts and ground control.

Apollo 9: Lunar Module Engine Failure

During the Apollo 9 mission, astronauts James McDivitt, David Scott, and Russell Schweickart faced a potential disaster when a critical engine in the Lunar Module “Spider,” failed to ignite.

The Lunar Module was supposed to simulate a lunar landing, and a failure of its engine could have forced an abort of the mission. Fortunately, the problem was traced to human error – a switch was in the wrong position – and was quickly resolved, allowing the mission to continue as planned.

Apollo 10: Near Crash into Lunar Surface

Apollo 10 is often less talked about because it was a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Apollo 11 landing. However, it had its share of close calls. The mission’s goal was to fly the Lunar Module, nicknamed Snoopy, to within 15 kilometres of the moon’s surface but not land.

While descending, an incorrect switch position led to the Lunar Module spinning uncontrollably when the descent and ascent stages separated. The crew narrowly avoided a catastrophic crash by regaining control just in time.

Apollo 12 Struck by Lightning

Just seconds after its launch, Apollo 12 was struck twice by lightning, knocking out all onboard electrical systems and telemetry data. Thankfully, one of the flight controllers, John Aaron, remembered an obscure command from training that restored the system’s function. Despite the frightening start, Apollo 12 went on to become the second successful manned mission to land on the moon.

Apollo 13: A Successful Failure

The story of Apollo 13 is well known but worth repeating as an iconic example of overcoming near disaster. An oxygen tank explosion crippled the spacecraft partway to the moon, forcing the crew to abandon their original mission plan and perform a risky manoeuvre to loop around the moon and return to Earth. The crew and mission control worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the astronauts, marking the mission as a ‘successful failure’.

These incidents serve to remind us of the inherent risks and unknowns of space exploration. The feats of the Apollo program were not without peril, and it’s a testament to the skill and dedication of both astronauts and ground crew that these close calls didn’t turn into greater disasters.

Exploring the annals of Apollo missions gives us a poignant reminder of the immense risks explorers have been willing to bear in our relentless pursuit of understanding the cosmos. From the tragedy of Apollo 1 to the triumphant ‘successful failure’ of Apollo 13, and the hazardous re-entry of Apollo 12 – each story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit that dared to venture where no one else had before.

Moreover, it highlights the numerous unknown close calls that didn’t make headlines, reminding us of the inherent unpredictability and extreme challenges that come with venturing beyond our home planet.