Ep 3. Apollo 13

In the third episode of season four of The Real Story, titled Apollo 13, viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most harrowing missions in NASA's history. The episode delves into the events that took place during the Apollo 13 spaceflight in April 1970, which was supposed to be the third manned mission to land on the moon.

The episode begins with an overview of the Apollo program, with experts discussing the goals of the missions and the challenges that astronauts faced during their journey to the moon. Viewers then see the crew of Apollo 13 – commander James Lovell, command module pilot Jack Swigert, and lunar module pilot Fred Haise – as they prepare for their flight. The episode provides insights into the emotional and psychological pressure that astronauts experienced during their training and on space missions.

The Real Story then explores the events that took place on April 13, 1970, when an explosion rocked the spacecraft, causing major damage to one of the tanks in the service module. The episode recreates the moments leading up to the explosion, using interviews with survivors and reenactments to paint a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued.

The episode then focuses on the efforts of the crew, mission control, and NASA engineers to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. Viewers are given an inside look at the brainstorming, cooperation, and creativity that went into coming up with a solution to the problem, including the heroic efforts of the crew and the engineers who devised a makeshift oxygen filter to keep the crew alive.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from key players involved in the mission, including astronauts, flight directors, NASA engineers, and medical personnel. Their interviews provide a unique perspective on the events that took place and offer insight into the emotional and psychological impact of the crisis.

The Real Story also explores the impact of the Apollo 13 crisis on NASA's space program and the country as a whole. Experts assess the challenges that the mission presented and how the agency used the lessons learned from Apollo 13 to improve safety protocols and technology.

Overall, the third episode of The Real Story season four, Apollo 13, offers a gripping account of one of the most dramatic moments in space exploration history. The episode presents a clear and concise look at the technical and emotional aspects of the mission, highlighting the bravery and ingenuity of the astronauts and engineers who worked tirelessly to bring the crew safely back to Earth.