Feb 18

Space Rocket History #433 – Skylab – Crashdown

Despite predictions, events seldom occur precisely as expected. The calculated breakup altitude of Skylab was based on its intended structural strength specifications. However, the actual vehicle was stronger than the specified strength requirements.

Mgrs. & Controllers Monitor Re-entry

Garriott with Oxygen Tank Debris. Credit David Hitt

Ground-track of Skylab final passes.



Apr 17

Space Rocket History #297 – Apollo 14 – Introduction

The Apollo 14 crew were constantly aware that if their mission failed—if they had to turn back—it was probably the end of the Apollo program.

Sep 26

Space Rocket History #271 – Apollo 13 – Free Return – Part 1

Kraft wanted to fire the descent engine now, get the ship back on its free-return slingshot course, and when it emerged from behind the moon and reached the PC+2 point, execute any maneuvers that might be required to refine the trajectory or increase its speed.

Apollo 13 explosion by Alan Bean

Jerry Bostick – FIDO

Chuck Deiterich – RETRO

Sep 05

Space Rocket History #269 – Apollo 13 – “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” – Part 4

EECOM, Sy Liebergot looked away from his monitor; the end, he knew, was at last here. Liebergot, through no fault of his own, was about to become the first flight controller in the history of the manned space program to lose the ship that had been placed in his charge.

Flight Director Glynn Lunney

Fuel Cells 1-3

Apollo Fuel Cell