Minute 062: A Double Check of the Arithmetic

Command Module is running low on power. “– about eight minutes remaining,” says CAPCOM. “Okay,” says Swigert. “Fuel cell pumps off, Oh Two fans, Tank Two off.” “Okay, uh, Houston, check me,” says Lovell, “I’ve completed these gimbal conversions, but, uh, I need a double-check of the arithmetic.” “Uh, yeah,” says CAPCOM, “You can go, Jim.” “Okay,” says Lovell, “The Roll cowl angle is minus two. Lunar Module roll is three five five point five seven…” Four flight controllers simultaneously copy his numbers. “Pitch, one six seven eight, correction, pitch one six seven point seven eight,” continues Lovell, “Yaw is three five one point eight seven.” “Standby,” says CAPCOM, “We’re checking it.” The controllers examine the numbers. “We’ve got negative visibility in our star field, but if this paperwork isn’t right, who knows where – – where we’ll end up out here?” says Lovell. Controllers are using slide rules to confirm the math. Haise does his own calculations. “Looks good, Flight!” says a controller. “It’s alright,” says a second controller. “Good here, ” says a third controller. “He’s good, Andy!” says a fourth controller. “Okay, we’re go on those numbers,” says Glynn Lunney. “You’re go, Jim!” says CAPCOM. “Log ’em in, Fredo,” says Lovell, tossing the pad to Haise. “Jack, turn off the IMU, switch to SCS,” says CAPCOM. “Standby thrust – over.” Dick Cavett is in the middle of his opening monologue. IN THIS MINUTE: Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon Fred Haise: Bill Paxton Gene Kranz: Ed Harris EECOM White Team: Clint Howard TELMU White Team: Jim Meskimen CAPCOM: Brett Cullen Deke Slayton: Chris Ellis NASA Director: Joe Spano Flight Surgeon: Christian Clemenson Glynn Lunney: Marc McClure Dick Cavett: Himself