Apollo 13: Failure Is Not an Option
| Category: | Defining Moments |
|---|---|
| Notes: | A malfunction in space turned a moon mission into a fight for survival-and a triumph of ingenuity and teamwork. |
Apollo 13: Failure Is Not an Option
In April 1970, Apollo 13 was headed for the moon when an oxygen tank exploded. The spacecraft was damaged, power was low, and three astronauts were in serious danger-hundreds of thousands of miles from home.
The mission to the moon was over. Now, the goal was survival.
NASA's engineers and astronauts had to work together-fast, creatively, and with no room for error. They built filters from duct tape and plastic bags. They used the lunar module as a lifeboat. And they brought the crew home safely.
"Failure is not an option," said Flight Director Gene Kranz. And it wasn't.
Scouts learn to Be Prepared-but we also learn to adapt, think, and support one another when things go wrong. Apollo 13 is proof of what that mindset can do.