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Step-by-step solution for: Apollo 13 Apollo 13 Video Guide
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Apollo 13 Apollo 13 Video Guide
Let’s go through each question one by one. These are based on the movie *Apollo 13*, so we’ll use what happens in the film to answer them.
---
1. What were the astronauts and their families watching at the party?
They were watching a TV broadcast of another space mission — specifically, Apollo 9 or earlier missions — as part of celebrating past successes before Apollo 13 launched.
Actually, more accurately: They were watching a live TV broadcast from space — likely footage from an earlier Apollo mission — during a pre-launch party for Jim Lovell and his crew.
But in the movie, they’re actually watching a baseball game (the Houston Astros) on TV at the party before launch. Wait — let me double-check that.
In the actual movie scene: The astronauts and families are gathered at Jim Lovell’s house for a barbecue/party before launch. They’re watching a baseball game on TV — specifically, the Houston Astros playing. That’s when Jim gets the call saying he’s been bumped off the Apollo 13 mission… but then later put back on.
Wait — correction: In the movie, they’re watching a news report about the Apollo program, not baseball. Let me think again.
Actually, no — in the opening scenes, they’re at a party where people are watching TV coverage of the Apollo 12 moon landing or something similar? Hmm.
I need to be precise here.
Looking it up mentally: In the movie *Apollo 13* (1995), the opening scene shows Jim Lovell hosting a party at his home. Everyone is gathered around the TV watching live coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning safely after its moon landing. This sets up the excitement and tension around space travel.
So:
✔ Answer 1: They were watching live TV coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning from the Moon.
---
2. Who was the commander of the 1st manned spacecraft to land on the moon?
That was Neil Armstrong — commander of Apollo 11.
✔ Answer 2: Neil Armstrong
---
3. “From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon.” (Who said this)
This line is spoken by President Richard Nixon in real life, and also in the movie, during a speech after Apollo 11 landed.
✔ Answer 3: President Richard Nixon
---
4. Why were Jim Lovell and his crew bumped up to Apollo 13?
Originally, Jim Lovell was supposed to command Apollo 14. But the original Apollo 13 crew (led by Alan Shepard) had medical issues — specifically, Shepard had inner ear problems and needed surgery. So NASA swapped crews: Lovell’s team moved up to Apollo 13, and Shepard’s team took over Apollo 14.
✔ Answer 4: Because the original Apollo 13 commander (Alan Shepard) had health issues and couldn’t fly yet, so Lovell’s crew replaced them.
---
5. Why did the prime crew redo the simulator?
Because there was a last-minute change in the flight plan — they were going to visit a different area on the Moon than originally planned (Fra Mauro instead of Littrow). So they needed to practice the new landing site procedures.
Also, because they were replacing the original crew last minute, they hadn’t trained enough for Apollo 13 specifics.
✔ Answer 5: Because they were assigned to Apollo 13 last minute and needed to train for the new mission details, including the new landing site.
---
6. What happened during Lovell’s dream?
In the movie, Jim Lovell dreams he’s floating in space, weightless, looking down at Earth — symbolizing his desire to return to space and walk on the Moon. It’s a visual representation of his ambition and fear of missing out.
More precisely: He dreams he’s outside the spacecraft, drifting away, which reflects his anxiety about losing control or failing.
Actually, in the movie, he dreams he’s standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth — showing how much he wants to get there.
✔ Answer 6: He dreamed he was standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth — showing his deep wish to finally walk on the Moon.
---
7. How long does it take to get to the moon?
About 3 days — roughly 72 hours.
✔ Answer 7: About 3 days
---
8. What area of the moon was Apollo supposed to visit?
Originally, Apollo 13 was going to land near Fra Mauro highlands — a geologically interesting region with hills and craters.
✔ Answer 8: Fra Mauro highlands
---
9. What was Lovell’s son worried about?
His son was scared that his dad wouldn’t come back alive — especially since other astronauts had died in accidents (like the Apollo 1 fire).
In the movie, his son asks if he’s afraid of dying in space.
✔ Answer 9: He was worried his father might die in space like some astronauts before him.
---
10. Why was the Apollo 13 crew changed at the last moment?
As mentioned earlier — the original commander, Alan Shepard, had Ménière’s disease (inner ear problem) and wasn’t cleared to fly. So NASA switched crews.
✔ Answer 10: Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue and couldn’t fly, so Lovell’s crew took over.
---
11. Where do they launch from?
Kennedy Space Center in Florida — Launch Complex 39A.
✔ Answer 11: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
---
12. What was given to Gene Kranz [Flight] that was a tradition in Mission Control?
Gene Kranz receives a vest — a white waistcoat — made by his wife. It becomes his signature look. Other flight directors also have vests, often handmade by spouses.
It’s called the “flight director’s vest” — a tradition started by Chris Kraft.
✔ Answer 12: A white vest (waistcoat) made by his wife — a tradition among flight directors.
---
13. Where is Mission Control located?
Houston, Texas — at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center).
✔ Answer 13: Houston, Texas
---
14. What was the “glitch” that happened during the launch?
During launch, one of the engines shut down early — Engine #5 on the Saturn V rocket. But the computer compensated by burning longer, and they still reached orbit safely.
✔ Answer 14: One of the rocket engines shut down early during ascent, but the system adjusted and they still made it to orbit.
---
15. Why did the helmets float away from the crew?
After the explosion, the cabin lost pressure, and everything not tied down floated away due to zero gravity — including helmets.
Actually, in the movie, after the accident, they remove their helmets inside the command module because air is leaking and they need to conserve oxygen — but the helmets don’t really “float away” dramatically. Maybe you mean why things floated?
Wait — perhaps you’re thinking of when they’re in the lunar module and items float because of microgravity.
But specifically: After the explosion, the CM depressurizes slightly, and loose objects float. Helmets aren’t worn constantly; they take them off to save air.
Hmm — maybe misremembered.
Actually, in the movie, after the explosion, they’re floating in zero-G, and small items drift — but helmets stay nearby unless pushed.
Perhaps the question refers to why they didn’t wear helmets all the time? No.
Let me reframe: In space, without gravity, anything not secured floats. So if they took off helmets, they could drift.
But I think the intended answer is:
✔ Answer 15: Because they were in zero gravity (microgravity), so anything not tied down would float away.
---
16. What does the crew have to dock with when they get to space? Why?
They dock with the Lunar Module (LM), named Aquarius. They need to do this because after the explosion, the Command Module (Odyssey) loses power and oxygen — so they must move into the LM to survive while figuring out how to get home.
Wait — docking happens right after launch, before the explosion. Yes!
Right after reaching orbit, the Command/Service Module separates from the rocket stage, turns around, docks with the Lunar Module, pulls it out, and continues toward the Moon.
They do this because the LM is stored inside the rocket stack and needs to be extracted before heading to the Moon.
✔ Answer 16: They dock with the Lunar Module (Aquarius) to pull it out of the rocket stage so they can use it later for landing — and eventually, for survival after the explosion.
---
17. Why couldn’t Jim Lovell’s mother see her son in space?
She lived far away and didn’t have access to live TV feeds or special viewing events. Also, in those days, only select locations (like schools or public viewings) showed launches — and even then, you couldn’t “see” the astronaut personally in space.
In the movie, she watches on TV like everyone else — but maybe the question implies she couldn’t visit Mission Control or see him directly.
Actually, in the movie, Lovell’s mom is shown watching on TV — so technically she *could* see him via broadcast.
Wait — perhaps the question means: Why couldn’t she physically go see him? Because he’s in space — impossible!
Or maybe: She couldn’t attend the launch in person? Not sure.
Looking deeper: In the movie, Lovell tells his son that his grandmother (Lovell’s mom) won’t be able to watch the launch live because she doesn’t have cable or something? No.
Actually, I recall a scene where Lovell says his mother will watch on TV — so she *can* see it.
Maybe the question is poorly worded — or refers to after the explosion, when communications are limited?
No — best interpretation:
✔ Answer 17: Because she was at home and could only watch on television — she couldn’t be at Mission Control or in space to see him directly.
---
18. What event led to the explosion on the command module? (What was Jack Swigert doing when the explosion occurred?)
Jack Swigert was instructed to stir the oxygen tanks in the Service Module. Stirring meant turning on fans to mix the contents — but Tank 2 had damaged wiring from previous testing. When stirred, it sparked and exploded.
✔ Answer 18: Jack Swigert was stirring the oxygen tanks as requested by Mission Control — which caused a spark in damaged wiring, leading to the explosion.
---
19. “Houston, we have a problem” (Who said it)
Technically, Jack Swigert said first: “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Then Jim Lovell repeated: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
The famous quote is often misquoted as “we have a problem,” but in reality, it’s “we’ve had a problem.”
In the movie, Tom Hanks (as Lovell) says: “Houston, we have a problem.”
For school purposes, accept either — but historically, it was Swigert who spoke first.
✔ Answer 19: Jack Swigert said it first (“We’ve had a problem”), then Jim Lovell repeated it. In the movie, Jim Lovell says “Houston, we have a problem.”
---
20. What is venting from the space craft into space?
After the explosion, oxygen gas is leaking from the ruptured tank — you can see it spraying out into space. Also, fuel cells stop working, so no electricity or water production.
Specifically: Oxygen is venting — visible as a cloud escaping the spacecraft.
✔ Answer 20: Oxygen gas is venting from the damaged service module into space.
---
21. What do they have to do to save both power and O₂?
They must shut down the Command Module completely and move into the Lunar Module, which has its own life support and battery power. They turn off non-essential systems, reduce heating, and carefully manage resources to make it back to Earth.
They also improvise CO₂ scrubbers using available materials (“mailbox fix”).
✔ Answer 21: Shut down the Command Module, move into the Lunar Module, and conserve power and oxygen by turning off unnecessary systems and improvising fixes.
---
## Final Answer:
1. Live TV coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning from the Moon
2. Neil Armstrong
3. President Richard Nixon
4. Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue and couldn’t fly
5. Because they were assigned last minute and needed to train for the new landing site
6. He dreamed he was standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth
7. About 3 days
8. Fra Mauro highlands
9. He was worried his father might die in space
10. Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue
11. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
12. A white vest made by his wife — a tradition among flight directors
13. Houston, Texas
14. One rocket engine shut down early during launch
15. Because they were in zero gravity — anything not tied down floats
16. They dock with the Lunar Module to extract it for use later (and for survival after explosion)
17. She could only watch on TV — couldn’t be there in person
18. Jack Swigert was stirring the oxygen tanks, causing a spark in damaged wiring
19. Jack Swigert said it first; Jim Lovell repeated it (movie version: “Houston, we have a problem”)
20. Oxygen gas is venting from the damaged service module
21. Shut down Command Module, move to Lunar Module, conserve power/oxygen, improvise fixes
---
1. What were the astronauts and their families watching at the party?
They were watching a TV broadcast of another space mission — specifically, Apollo 9 or earlier missions — as part of celebrating past successes before Apollo 13 launched.
Actually, more accurately: They were watching a live TV broadcast from space — likely footage from an earlier Apollo mission — during a pre-launch party for Jim Lovell and his crew.
But in the movie, they’re actually watching a baseball game (the Houston Astros) on TV at the party before launch. Wait — let me double-check that.
In the actual movie scene: The astronauts and families are gathered at Jim Lovell’s house for a barbecue/party before launch. They’re watching a baseball game on TV — specifically, the Houston Astros playing. That’s when Jim gets the call saying he’s been bumped off the Apollo 13 mission… but then later put back on.
Wait — correction: In the movie, they’re watching a news report about the Apollo program, not baseball. Let me think again.
Actually, no — in the opening scenes, they’re at a party where people are watching TV coverage of the Apollo 12 moon landing or something similar? Hmm.
I need to be precise here.
Looking it up mentally: In the movie *Apollo 13* (1995), the opening scene shows Jim Lovell hosting a party at his home. Everyone is gathered around the TV watching live coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning safely after its moon landing. This sets up the excitement and tension around space travel.
So:
✔ Answer 1: They were watching live TV coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning from the Moon.
---
2. Who was the commander of the 1st manned spacecraft to land on the moon?
That was Neil Armstrong — commander of Apollo 11.
✔ Answer 2: Neil Armstrong
---
3. “From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon.” (Who said this)
This line is spoken by President Richard Nixon in real life, and also in the movie, during a speech after Apollo 11 landed.
✔ Answer 3: President Richard Nixon
---
4. Why were Jim Lovell and his crew bumped up to Apollo 13?
Originally, Jim Lovell was supposed to command Apollo 14. But the original Apollo 13 crew (led by Alan Shepard) had medical issues — specifically, Shepard had inner ear problems and needed surgery. So NASA swapped crews: Lovell’s team moved up to Apollo 13, and Shepard’s team took over Apollo 14.
✔ Answer 4: Because the original Apollo 13 commander (Alan Shepard) had health issues and couldn’t fly yet, so Lovell’s crew replaced them.
---
5. Why did the prime crew redo the simulator?
Because there was a last-minute change in the flight plan — they were going to visit a different area on the Moon than originally planned (Fra Mauro instead of Littrow). So they needed to practice the new landing site procedures.
Also, because they were replacing the original crew last minute, they hadn’t trained enough for Apollo 13 specifics.
✔ Answer 5: Because they were assigned to Apollo 13 last minute and needed to train for the new mission details, including the new landing site.
---
6. What happened during Lovell’s dream?
In the movie, Jim Lovell dreams he’s floating in space, weightless, looking down at Earth — symbolizing his desire to return to space and walk on the Moon. It’s a visual representation of his ambition and fear of missing out.
More precisely: He dreams he’s outside the spacecraft, drifting away, which reflects his anxiety about losing control or failing.
Actually, in the movie, he dreams he’s standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth — showing how much he wants to get there.
✔ Answer 6: He dreamed he was standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth — showing his deep wish to finally walk on the Moon.
---
7. How long does it take to get to the moon?
About 3 days — roughly 72 hours.
✔ Answer 7: About 3 days
---
8. What area of the moon was Apollo supposed to visit?
Originally, Apollo 13 was going to land near Fra Mauro highlands — a geologically interesting region with hills and craters.
✔ Answer 8: Fra Mauro highlands
---
9. What was Lovell’s son worried about?
His son was scared that his dad wouldn’t come back alive — especially since other astronauts had died in accidents (like the Apollo 1 fire).
In the movie, his son asks if he’s afraid of dying in space.
✔ Answer 9: He was worried his father might die in space like some astronauts before him.
---
10. Why was the Apollo 13 crew changed at the last moment?
As mentioned earlier — the original commander, Alan Shepard, had Ménière’s disease (inner ear problem) and wasn’t cleared to fly. So NASA switched crews.
✔ Answer 10: Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue and couldn’t fly, so Lovell’s crew took over.
---
11. Where do they launch from?
Kennedy Space Center in Florida — Launch Complex 39A.
✔ Answer 11: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
---
12. What was given to Gene Kranz [Flight] that was a tradition in Mission Control?
Gene Kranz receives a vest — a white waistcoat — made by his wife. It becomes his signature look. Other flight directors also have vests, often handmade by spouses.
It’s called the “flight director’s vest” — a tradition started by Chris Kraft.
✔ Answer 12: A white vest (waistcoat) made by his wife — a tradition among flight directors.
---
13. Where is Mission Control located?
Houston, Texas — at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center).
✔ Answer 13: Houston, Texas
---
14. What was the “glitch” that happened during the launch?
During launch, one of the engines shut down early — Engine #5 on the Saturn V rocket. But the computer compensated by burning longer, and they still reached orbit safely.
✔ Answer 14: One of the rocket engines shut down early during ascent, but the system adjusted and they still made it to orbit.
---
15. Why did the helmets float away from the crew?
After the explosion, the cabin lost pressure, and everything not tied down floated away due to zero gravity — including helmets.
Actually, in the movie, after the accident, they remove their helmets inside the command module because air is leaking and they need to conserve oxygen — but the helmets don’t really “float away” dramatically. Maybe you mean why things floated?
Wait — perhaps you’re thinking of when they’re in the lunar module and items float because of microgravity.
But specifically: After the explosion, the CM depressurizes slightly, and loose objects float. Helmets aren’t worn constantly; they take them off to save air.
Hmm — maybe misremembered.
Actually, in the movie, after the explosion, they’re floating in zero-G, and small items drift — but helmets stay nearby unless pushed.
Perhaps the question refers to why they didn’t wear helmets all the time? No.
Let me reframe: In space, without gravity, anything not secured floats. So if they took off helmets, they could drift.
But I think the intended answer is:
✔ Answer 15: Because they were in zero gravity (microgravity), so anything not tied down would float away.
---
16. What does the crew have to dock with when they get to space? Why?
They dock with the Lunar Module (LM), named Aquarius. They need to do this because after the explosion, the Command Module (Odyssey) loses power and oxygen — so they must move into the LM to survive while figuring out how to get home.
Wait — docking happens right after launch, before the explosion. Yes!
Right after reaching orbit, the Command/Service Module separates from the rocket stage, turns around, docks with the Lunar Module, pulls it out, and continues toward the Moon.
They do this because the LM is stored inside the rocket stack and needs to be extracted before heading to the Moon.
✔ Answer 16: They dock with the Lunar Module (Aquarius) to pull it out of the rocket stage so they can use it later for landing — and eventually, for survival after the explosion.
---
17. Why couldn’t Jim Lovell’s mother see her son in space?
She lived far away and didn’t have access to live TV feeds or special viewing events. Also, in those days, only select locations (like schools or public viewings) showed launches — and even then, you couldn’t “see” the astronaut personally in space.
In the movie, she watches on TV like everyone else — but maybe the question implies she couldn’t visit Mission Control or see him directly.
Actually, in the movie, Lovell’s mom is shown watching on TV — so technically she *could* see him via broadcast.
Wait — perhaps the question means: Why couldn’t she physically go see him? Because he’s in space — impossible!
Or maybe: She couldn’t attend the launch in person? Not sure.
Looking deeper: In the movie, Lovell tells his son that his grandmother (Lovell’s mom) won’t be able to watch the launch live because she doesn’t have cable or something? No.
Actually, I recall a scene where Lovell says his mother will watch on TV — so she *can* see it.
Maybe the question is poorly worded — or refers to after the explosion, when communications are limited?
No — best interpretation:
✔ Answer 17: Because she was at home and could only watch on television — she couldn’t be at Mission Control or in space to see him directly.
---
18. What event led to the explosion on the command module? (What was Jack Swigert doing when the explosion occurred?)
Jack Swigert was instructed to stir the oxygen tanks in the Service Module. Stirring meant turning on fans to mix the contents — but Tank 2 had damaged wiring from previous testing. When stirred, it sparked and exploded.
✔ Answer 18: Jack Swigert was stirring the oxygen tanks as requested by Mission Control — which caused a spark in damaged wiring, leading to the explosion.
---
19. “Houston, we have a problem” (Who said it)
Technically, Jack Swigert said first: “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Then Jim Lovell repeated: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
The famous quote is often misquoted as “we have a problem,” but in reality, it’s “we’ve had a problem.”
In the movie, Tom Hanks (as Lovell) says: “Houston, we have a problem.”
For school purposes, accept either — but historically, it was Swigert who spoke first.
✔ Answer 19: Jack Swigert said it first (“We’ve had a problem”), then Jim Lovell repeated it. In the movie, Jim Lovell says “Houston, we have a problem.”
---
20. What is venting from the space craft into space?
After the explosion, oxygen gas is leaking from the ruptured tank — you can see it spraying out into space. Also, fuel cells stop working, so no electricity or water production.
Specifically: Oxygen is venting — visible as a cloud escaping the spacecraft.
✔ Answer 20: Oxygen gas is venting from the damaged service module into space.
---
21. What do they have to do to save both power and O₂?
They must shut down the Command Module completely and move into the Lunar Module, which has its own life support and battery power. They turn off non-essential systems, reduce heating, and carefully manage resources to make it back to Earth.
They also improvise CO₂ scrubbers using available materials (“mailbox fix”).
✔ Answer 21: Shut down the Command Module, move into the Lunar Module, and conserve power and oxygen by turning off unnecessary systems and improvising fixes.
---
## Final Answer:
1. Live TV coverage of the Apollo 12 mission returning from the Moon
2. Neil Armstrong
3. President Richard Nixon
4. Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue and couldn’t fly
5. Because they were assigned last minute and needed to train for the new landing site
6. He dreamed he was standing on the Moon, looking back at Earth
7. About 3 days
8. Fra Mauro highlands
9. He was worried his father might die in space
10. Because the original commander (Alan Shepard) had a medical issue
11. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
12. A white vest made by his wife — a tradition among flight directors
13. Houston, Texas
14. One rocket engine shut down early during launch
15. Because they were in zero gravity — anything not tied down floats
16. They dock with the Lunar Module to extract it for use later (and for survival after explosion)
17. She could only watch on TV — couldn’t be there in person
18. Jack Swigert was stirring the oxygen tanks, causing a spark in damaged wiring
19. Jack Swigert said it first; Jim Lovell repeated it (movie version: “Houston, we have a problem”)
20. Oxygen gas is venting from the damaged service module
21. Shut down Command Module, move to Lunar Module, conserve power/oxygen, improvise fixes
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of apollo 13 worksheet answers.
