Apollo 13 was dubbed NASA’s ‘successful failure’ in that while the crew failed to make it to the lunar surface – the folks at NASA succeeded in bringing home the crew safe and sound. The amazing events that comprised the mission were too tantalizing for Hollywood to pass up on and it was eventually relayed into a major motion picture with Ron Howard directing and starring Tom Hanks.

The trouble started with the request for a cryo-tank stir. Faulty wiring caused an explosion and the crew’s lives were placed in jeopardy as a result. NASA however as we all now know did not consider failure – an ‘option.’ So they pulled themselves up by their boot straps and got the crew back home – safe, tired and sound.

The event held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was held outdoors in the perfect Florida weather. With former shuttle astronaut and current Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana introduced the surviving crew members, Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise.

The crew regaled those present with stories and jokes from the Apollo 13 mission. The Apollo 13 event was part of a busy week at KSC with the space shuttle Discovery launching on Monday, the Apollo 13 40th anniversary celebration held on April 9-10 and Yuri’s Night, a celebration of the space age held at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, (just down the road from KSC) the night of April 10.