The Apollo 13 mission, launched on April 11, 1970, was supposed to be the third manned mission to land on the moon. Unfortunately, an explosion occurred in one of the oxygen tanks in the service module, which put the lives of the three astronauts in danger. The crew managed to return safely to Earth after facing countless challenges during their journey. But where are they now?
Jim Lovell
Jim Lovell was the commander of the Apollo 13 mission. After retiring from NASA in 1973, Lovell became a successful businessman and author. He has also served as a television commentator for several space-related events, including the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Lovell is currently 93 years old and lives in Illinois with his wife, Marilyn.
Jack Swigert
Jack Swigert was the command module pilot of the Apollo 13 mission. After leaving NASA in 1977, Swigert was elected as a congressman from Colorado, but unfortunately, he passed away before taking office due to bone cancer in 1982 at the age of 51.
Fred Haise
Fred Haise was the lunar module pilot of the Apollo 13 mission. After retiring from NASA in 1979, Haise worked as a consultant for various aerospace companies. He also served as the technical advisor for the movie Apollo 13, which was released in 1995. Haise is currently 87 years old and lives in Mississippi with his wife, Mary.
Impact of the Apollo 13 Mission
The Apollo 13 mission may have been a "successful failure" in terms of achieving its original goal, but it had a significant impact on the world. It highlighted the bravery and ingenuity of the astronauts and the engineers who worked tirelessly to bring them back safely. It also led to improvements in NASA's safety procedures and a renewed focus on the importance of space exploration.
Conclusion
The Apollo 13 crew may have faced a harrowing experience during their mission, but they emerged as heroes who inspired a generation. Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert have all made significant contributions to society since their time at NASA. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of human knowledge.