A few questions about Apollo 13

[DelRioPilot]

I just had a few questions about Apollo 13.

First, could their lunar module still have theoretically landed on the Moon? I'm guessing no, because they'd have to use the command module engine to brake into Lunar orbit. However, what if the command module engine worked? I assume they still would not have been able to make it back to Earth due to a lack of oxygen?

Also, why did the astronauts have to physically stay in the cramped LM as a lifeboat? Couldn't they have simply activated its systems, opened the airlock between the two spacecraft, and still stay in the larger command module (or did they actually do this)?

 

[C3PO]

The main problem was losing almost all power to the command module, so they had to shut everything down including the life support. They used battery power for the reentry, because the hydrogen fuel cells were rendered useless by the failure.

 

[kamaz]

First, could their lunar module still have theoretically landed on the Moon? I'm guessing no, because they'd have to use the command module engine to brake into Lunar orbit.

Theoretically (i.e. as fast sa delta-v is concerned), you could use a descent engine for orbital insertion and ascent engine for landing. Not sure why would you want to do that, unless you want ot have a nice final resting place.

Also, why did the astronauts have to physically stay in the cramped LM as a lifeboat? Couldn't they have simply activated its systems, opened the airlock between the two spacecraft, and still stay in the larger command module (or did they actually do this)?

Theoretically yes, but it would have put extra stress on LM's life support system.

 

[richfororbit]

It is interesting look back at such a fragile era of those missions. That little craft for landing had such a light structure and the material. The craft was never suppose to be used the way it was, it was always a backup idea.

They were lucky no meteroites would of struck it.

 

[Andy44]

I just had a few questions about Apollo 13.

First, could their lunar module still have theoretically landed on the Moon? I'm guessing no, because they'd have to use the command module engine to brake into Lunar orbit. However, what if the command module engine worked? I assume they still would not have been able to make it back to Earth due to a lack of oxygen?

No, without the service engine to brake into lunar orbit they could not land. Even if the LM had enough delta-V to do it alone they cannot land without the descent stage.

If they had tried and succeeded to get the service engine to work, than they could've landed but the fuel cells in the SM were no longer working so that would've been a death sentence.

I think the consensus among most engineers is that the damage to the SM made it doubtful that the service engine would work reliably anyway. It was too risky to try, especially since the LM engine was undamaged and able to do the job.

Also, why did the astronauts have to physically stay in the cramped LM as a lifeboat? Couldn't they have simply activated its systems, opened the airlock between the two spacecraft, and still stay in the larger command module (or did they actually do this)?

I don't know if they kept the hatch closed the whole time. In the movie it looked like they left it open until the vehicles seperated. The main reason to stay in the LM is because the life support system was working in there to scrub CO2 and the air in the CM cabin was colder and uncomfortable as well.

 

[Sparky]

On the DVD Jim Lovell (The real one not Tom Hanks) has commentary throughout the movie, and he said that other than the first scene in the Lovell house and a few conversations that didn't happen between the crew on board Apollo 13 everything else was true the events.

 

[Ravenous]

Also, why did the astronauts have to physically stay in the cramped LM as a lifeboat? Couldn't they have simply activated its systems, opened the airlock between the two spacecraft, and still stay in the larger command module (or did they actually do this)?

I read Mr Lovell's book ages ago, and apparently they did use the CM for sleeping in. It was so cold this was difficult though! I can't remember how long they kept trying.

I think Lovell has also said somewhere that when Swigert first moved into the LM after the emergency, it was the first time he had ever been in one...