Heroic astronaut, aged 87, saved Apollo 13’s return.
Heroic Astronaut Dead at 87 – Apollo 13 May Never Have Returned Without Him
Ken Mattingly, the legendary astronaut known for his crucial role in bringing the damaged Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth, has passed away at the age of 87, as announced by NASA.
“We lost one of our country’s heroes on Oct. 31,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a heartfelt statement.
Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, a key figure in the success of our Apollo Program, will be forever remembered for his remarkable contributions,” Nelson added.
While the details of Mattingly’s death were not disclosed by NASA, The New York Times reported that he passed away in Arlington, Virginia.
Mattingly, a former Navy pilot, joined NASA in 1966 and played a vital role in the development of spacesuits and backpacks for the Apollo moon missions.
Although his first spaceflight came in 1972 as the pilot of the Apollo 16 command module, where he orbited the moon while his crew members landed on its surface, Mattingly’s most significant mission was the one he never flew.
In 1970, Mattingly was originally scheduled to be part of the Apollo 13 crew as the command module pilot. However, he was replaced due to exposure to German measles, and John Swigert Jr. took his place.
Little did anyone know that this unforeseen change would prove to be a pivotal moment in history.
A few days into the mission, an oxygen tank explosion severely damaged the spacecraft, jeopardizing the lives of the crew members. With his extensive knowledge of the spacecraft, Mattingly worked tirelessly with engineers and experts to find solutions and guide the crew through the crisis.
Ultimately, the crew managed to survive by using the lunar lander as a makeshift lifeboat, and Apollo 13 safely returned to Earth after four harrowing days.
Mattingly’s real-time decisions and unwavering dedication played a crucial role in the successful rescue of the crew and the damaged spacecraft,” emphasized NASA’s Nelson.
Mattingly’s extraordinary story was immortalized in the book “Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13” and the film “Apollo 13,” where he was portrayed by Gary Sinise.
Throughout his career, Mattingly commanded two space shuttle missions and retired as a rear admiral from both NASA and the Navy.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mattingly once said, “One of the many lessons out of all this is starting on day one, assume you’re going to succeed and don’t do anything that gets in the way.”
Ken Mattingly’s legacy as a hero and his invaluable contributions to the Apollo Program will forever be etched in history.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Heroic Astronaut Dead at 87 – Apollo 13 May Never Have Returned Without Him appeared first on The Western Journal.
What happened to Apollo 13 crew?
The trio of astronauts eventually crowded into the lander, which was designed for only two, and used it as a lifeboat for four days as Apollo 13 swung around the moon and then landed safely on Earth.
Little did Mattingly know at the time, this unforeseen change would ultimately save his life and contribute to his legendary status in the world of space exploration.
On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 launched with Commander James Lovell Jr., Command Module Pilot John Swigert Jr., and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise Jr. on board. The mission was meant to be the third manned lunar landing, but fate intervened.
Two days into the mission, an oxygen tank in the service module exploded, causing a critical failure that jeopardized the lives of all the astronauts on board. As the command module pilot, it was Swigert who relayed the now-famous words, “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”
While Lovell and Haise strived to fix the damaged spacecraft and survive in the freezing lunar module, Mattingly played an integral role back on Earth. As the backup command module pilot, he worked tirelessly with the NASA team to troubleshoot and develop a plan to bring the astronauts home safely.
Mattingly’s expertise in spacecraft systems and his calm and analytical approach to problem-solving were instrumental in the success of the Apollo 13 mission. He played a crucial role in devising a plan to power up the command module after it had been shut down to conserve energy and prevent a complete loss of power.
Working round the clock, Mattingly and the NASA team simulated the power-up procedure, ensuring that every step was meticulously tested and validated. Their efforts paid off, as they successfully powered up the command module just in time for reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Mattingly’s dedication and technical expertise provided the necessary support and guidance that allowed Lovell, Swigert, and Haise to return safely to Earth. His remarkable contributions earned him the admiration and gratitude of both his fellow astronauts and the entire nation.
In recognition of his achievements, Mattingly received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal, and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Despite not being able to fly on the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, Mattingly’s unwavering dedication and remarkable problem-solving skills undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow astronauts. His legacy will forever be intertwined with one of the most dramatic and inspiring stories of human triumph against all odds.
In the words of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, “Ken Mattingly was a true hero whose contributions to the success of the Apollo Program are immeasurable. His bravery, intellect, and dedication to his work will continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.”
Ken Mattingly may be gone, but his legacy as a heroic astronaut will live on, reminding us all of the incredible power of human determination and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
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