Minute 039: Our Glitch for This Mission

Despite the early center engine cutoff on the S-II stage, Apollo 13 continues into orbit. “Looks like we just had our glitch for this mission,” says Lovell. Back on Earth, Ken Mattingly looks at the empty launch pad, then slowly turns to get back in his Corvette. “Thirteen, stand by for staging,” says CAPCOM. “Roger that,” replies Lovell. “S-II shutdown,” says CAPCOM. Over the Atlantic, the S-II is jettisoned as the S-IV-B fires up. “Thrust looks good, Flight,” says Booster, followed by a Quindar tone. “Flight, S-IV-B cutoff in ten seconds,” continues Booster. “Thirteen, this is Houston,” says CAPCOM, “Predicted cutoff is Twelve plus Three-Four, Over?” “Coming up on twelve minutes thirty four,” says Lovell. “And…”  the MET display shows 12:34. “SECO!” says Fred Haise. “Shutdown!” says Lovell. “And that, gentlemen, is how we do that.” The S-IV-B shuts down. Apollo 13 is in Earth orbit. Lovell unlocks his helmet fastener, then removes his helmet. It floats free in zero gravity. Soon, the cabin is filled with floating helmets and gloves. IN THIS MINUTE: Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon Fred Haise: Bill Paxton Gene Kranz: Ed Harris CAPCOM: Brett Cullen MSC Controller, Tom: Rory Aylward FIDO White Team Jerry Bostick: Ray McKinnon GUIDO White Team: Andy Milder RETRO White Team: Googy Gress EECOM White Team: Clint Howard Flight Surgeon: Christian Clemonson TELMU White Team: Jim Meskimen INCO White Team: John Short FAO White Team: Todd Louiso GNC White Team: Gabriel Jarret