Minute 110: Four Amps

Apollo 13 Minute Podcast

The CM simulator guys are discussing the LM power umbilical.

“Right,” says John Young. “It’s back-up for the LM power supply.”

“I’m listening,” says John Aaron.

“So,” says Ken Mattingly, “Reverse it. Reverse the flow and see if we can draw these four amps from the LM batteries before we cut it loose. Why can’t we do that?”

Aaron and Young look at each other.

“We don’t have the procedure for that, do we?” asks Aaron.

“You’re gonna lose a lot in the transfer, Ken,” says Young.

“Yeah, yeah,” agrees Mattingly. “But all we’re talking about here is four amps.”

In Mission Control, Gene Kranz is getting fed up with delays.

“I want whatever you guys got on these power procedures,” says Kranz.

“Gene,” says Slayton, “They’re already-”

“I don’t want the whole damn bible,” interrupt Kranz. “Just gimme a couple chapters. We gotta get something up to these guys.”

“They’re working on it now,” says Deke.

“I’ll call over at the simulator and get an estimate,” begins the FAO controller.

“Goddamnit!” shouts Kranz. “I don’t want another estimate! I want the procedures! Now!”

Back in the CM simulator, Mattingly is trying out the new configuration.

“IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is up. How am I reading?” asks Mattingly.

“Fine so far,” replies Aaron.

“Say again,” asks Mattingly.

“You’re under the limit,” says Aaron. “Keep going.”

” Okay,” says Mattingly. “Floodlights to fixed.”

IN THIS MINUTE:

Bill Paxton as Fred Haise

Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert

Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell

Brett Cullen as CAPCOM

Chris Ellis as Deke Slayton

Loren Dean as John Aaron

Ben Marley as John Young

Todd Louiso as FAO – White Team