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Mission Control: From Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond

Devon Mitchell

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Published in Failure Is Not An Option: Mission Control From Mercury To Apollo 13 And Beyond

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Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond

by Gene Kranz

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages

Mission Control is the nerve center of NASA's human spaceflight operations. It is responsible for monitoring and controlling all aspects of a space mission, from launch to landing. Mission Control has been in operation since the early days of the space race, and it has played a vital role in every major NASA mission, from Mercury to Apollo 13 and beyond.

The Early Days

The first Mission Control center was located at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was a small, cramped room with a handful of engineers and technicians. The center was responsible for monitoring the launch of the Mercury spacecraft, which carried the first Americans into space. In 1961, Mission Control moved to a new facility in Houston, Texas. The new facility was much larger and more sophisticated than the old one, and it was capable of supporting more complex missions.

The Apollo Era

The Apollo program was NASA's most ambitious and successful space program. The goal of the program was to land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth. Mission Control played a critical role in the success of the Apollo program. The center monitored every aspect of the mission, from launch to landing, and it provided the astronauts with the support they needed to complete their mission.

One of the most dramatic moments in the history of Mission Control occurred during the Apollo 13 mission. The mission was going smoothly until an explosion occurred in the spacecraft's oxygen tanks. The explosion crippled the spacecraft and forced the astronauts to abort their mission. Mission Control worked around the clock to develop a plan to rescue the astronauts. The plan was successful, and the astronauts were safely returned to Earth.

The Shuttle Era

The Space Shuttle was a reusable spacecraft that was used to launch satellites, conduct spacewalks, and build the International Space Station. Mission Control played a vital role in the operation of the Space Shuttle. The center monitored every aspect of the Shuttle's mission, from launch to landing, and it provided the astronauts with the support they needed to complete their mission.

The Future of Mission Control

Mission Control is still in operation today, and it continues to play a vital role in NASA's human spaceflight operations. The center is currently supporting the International Space Station, and it is also preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Mission Control is a national treasure, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the people who work there.

Mission Control is the heart of NASA's human spaceflight operations. The center has played a vital role in every major NASA mission, from Mercury to Apollo 13 and beyond. Mission Control is a national treasure, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the people who work there.

Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond

by Gene Kranz

4.8 out of 5