Minute 089: Rip the Cover Off

Apollo 13 Minute Podcast

Swigert looks at Haise and Lovell, after hearing that the CO2 use was only calculated for two astronauts.

“Maybe I should just hold my breath,” says Swigert.

Back in Houston, the engineers have devised a carbon dioxide scrubber adapter. A television blares in the background.

” … the deadly CO2 gas is literally poisoning the astronauts with every breath…” says the news anchor.

“Heads up. Heads up!” yells a technician.

“Oh, Go, Go, Go!” says another engineer.

“Someone get that,” says another technician, pointing at a dropped hose.

“Heads up, people! Look out now,” says the first technician, making his way to the MCC.

At the CAPCOM station, Andy the CAPCOM looks at the assemblage on his console. “What’s this?” he asks.

“That’s what they gotta make,” explains the technician.

“Well I hope you got the procedures for me,” replies Andy.

“Right here,” says the technician, holding out a sheaf of papers.

“That’s it?” asks CAPCOM.

“All right, Aquarius, this is Houston. do you have the flight plan up there?” says CAPCOM into his headset.

“Affirmative, Andy. Jack’s got one right here,” replies Haise.

“Okay,” says Andy. “We have a… an unusual procedure for you here. We need you to rip the cover off.”

Haise looks at Swigert. “He wants you to rip the cover off the flight plan,” says Haise.

“With pleasure,” replies Swigert, ripping off the cover.

“All right,” says Andy. “Now the other materials you’re gonna need there are a lithium hydroxide canister… two lithium-”

IN THIS MINUTE:

Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell

Bill Paxton as Fred Haise

Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert

Brett Cullen as CAPCOM / Andy

Walter von Huene as Technician