Explanation:
After an oxygen tank exploded and
crippled their service module, the
Apollo
13 astronauts were forced to abandon plans to make the third manned
lunar
landing.
The extent of
the damage is revealed in
this grainy,
grim photo, taken as the service
module was drifting away, jettisoned only hours
prior to the command module's reentry and splashdown.
An entire panel on the side of the
service module
has been blown away and extensive internal damage is apparent.
Visible below the gutted compartment is a radio antenna and the large,
bell-shaped nozzle of the service module's rocket engine.
On April 17, 1970
the three astronauts returned safely
to Earth.
Diversion:
How well do you know your APODs?
