Latest Problem for Apollo 13
The latest problem for the unlucky Apollo 13 and its astronauts came late tonight when carbon dioxide began building up in their spaceship. The Apollo 13 carries lithium hydroxide canisters to cleanse the air of carbon dioxide, but the canisters in the command ship are not operating at the moment.
Introduction of NASA's First Class of Astronauts
On April 9th, 1959, NASA introduces its first class of astronauts. All seven begin a crash course in space travel. They undergo various tests and training, including enduring a heat chamber, flying blindfolded, and becoming human test dummies for g-forces.
Testing Weightlessness and Zero Gravity
Doctors have no idea if humans can survive long in weightlessness. To test the possibilities and problems of zero gravity, the Air Force devises a way to simulate it using a C131 transport. The Mercury Seven astronauts are the guinea pigs for this experiment.
Tragic Fire in the Apollo One Capsule
A tragic fire breaks out in the Apollo One capsule during a test on a Friday in Cape Kennedy, Florida. The fire is caused by an electrical short, fed by pure oxygen and contained by the heavy hatch. The astronauts and ground control are unable to escape in time, resulting in the loss of three lives.
Rendezvous in Space: Gemini Six and Gemini Seven
The failed Agena rocket launch forces a new plan for Gemini Six and Gemini Seven. The two crews, each in their own ship, have a mission to find each other in space. Gemini Seven aims to break the endurance record in space, while Gemini Six will rendezvous with them. The joint mission proves that astronauts can survive a moon-length marathon and allows for important testing and observations in space.
Gemini's Maiden Voyage
The Gemini program introduces the first two-person crew, Gus Grissom and John Young. They embark on the maiden voyage of Project Gemini, using the innovative Pregnant Guppy aircraft to transport space hardware. This mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration.
Rocket Launch and Spacewalk: Extraordinary Episodes in NASA's History
The Gemini Three mission takes off smoothly, surprising the crew with its stability. Astronaut Gordon Cooper guides the spacecraft around the globe, but they land 52 miles off target. The Navy rescues them after 30 minutes of pitching in deep swells. The capsule passes the flight test and prepares for the next Gemini flight, which includes intentionally opening the hatch in space, a secret effort. The Gemini Eight mission focuses on learning to dock, successfully achieving the first docking in space. However, the spacecraft starts spinning uncontrollably, endangering the crew. Neil Armstrong uses the reentry thrusters to regain control, leading to an emergency landing. The next test involves an EVA or spacewalk, with Rusty Schweiker testing a new suit while Dave Scott observes. Despite a camera malfunction, Schweiker has a special moment in space. The Apollo 17 mission faces challenges with crew health, including Wally Schirra's severe head cold. Space food, initially freeze-dried and dehydrated, becomes more appetizing over time.
Gemini Three Mission
The launch is smoother than expected
Lands 52 miles off target
Rescued by the Navy after 30 minutes of pitching in deep swells
The capsule passes the flight test
Prepares for the next Gemini flight with the intention of opening the hatch in space
Gemini Eight Mission
Focuses on learning to dock
Achieves the first docking in space
Spacecraft starts spinning uncontrollably
Neil Armstrong uses the reentry thrusters to regain control
Emergency landing is required
Spacewalk (EVA)
Rusty Schweiker tests a new suit
Dave Scott observes
Camera malfunction during the spacewalk
Rusty Schweiker has a special moment in space
Apollo 17 Mission
Wally Schirra suffers from a severe head cold
Space food becomes more appetizing over time
