recommended podcasts
Space Rocket History #281 – Apollo 13 – Homeward Bound
There was now cause for optimism in Mission Control. At the TELMU station, where the Lunar Module’s environmental signs were being continually monitored, the readings of the carbon dioxide concentrations aboard Aquarius were steadily dropping all day l...
In Honor of NASA Mars Probe “InSight”– An Encore Presentation of Space Rocket History #46 – Mariner 4
Mariner 4’s primary objective was to conduct closeup scientific observations of Mars and to transmit these observations to Earth. Additional goals included performing field and particle measurements in interplanetary space,
Space Rocket History #280 – Apollo 13 – Carbon Dioxide
In a healthy spacecraft, the CO2 meter should climb no higher than 2 or 3 millimeters of mercury. When it rose above 7, the crew was instructed to change their lithium hydroxide canisters. If it was allowed to rise above … Continue reading →
Space Rocket History #279 – Apollo 13 – Leaving the Moon – Part 2
In the satellite room of the carrier Iwo Jima, the communications man sat back and removed his headset. He knew, that Apollo 13 was in fact coming their way.
Space Rocket History #278 – Apollo 13 – Leaving the Moon
Lovell’s disappointment with Kranz’s decision to not run another star check was quickly becoming academic since the time to conduct it was running out anyway.
Space Rocket History #277 – Apollo 13 – Approaching the Moon
“They’re all coming out,” Swigert said, straining for a glimpse through Lovell’s window. “You said it,” Lovell said. “There’s Nunki, there’s Antares. We may have enough here for that confidence check.”
Space Rocket History #276 – Apollo 13 – Minimizing Power – Part 3
According to the profiles Bill Peters and his electrical specialists calculated, it was possible to power the LEM with just 12 amps. Under normal conditions it needed about 55 amps of current to run.
Space Rocket History #275 – Apollo 13 – Minimizing Power – Part 2
The first burn, Griffin explained, would be a long one. Pushing the descent throttle all the way to the full position, Lovell would leave it there for more than six minutes before shutting the engine down. This maneuver, which for … Continue reading →
Space Rocket History #274 – Apollo 13 – Minimizing Power – Part 1
Electricity was in short supply. A fully functioning, up-and running LEM required about 55 amps of current to operate.
Space Rocket History #273 – Apollo 13 – Free Return – Part 3
Lovell toggled the “master arm” switch to On and glanced around to see if everything else was in order. Guidance control was set to “Primary Guidance”; thrust control was on “Auto”; engine gimbals were enabled; the propellant quantity, temperature,