Question

What was the only option for getting the Apollo 13 astronauts back to Earth alive?

Answer 1

They got back in the Lunar Explorer Module

Answer 2

Answer:

Using the Lunar Module to travel back to Earth

Explanation:

During the Apollo 13 Mission (Launched on April 11, 1970), two days in the mission on the way to the Moon, an explosion occurred in the oxygen cylinder of the Service Module due to which Lunar landing was aborted and a quick plan was devised to bring back the Astronauts alive on Earth.

The oxygen tank of service module was used to generate electrical power and provide breathable air in the command module. The command module became uninhabitable because of quick loss of oxygen in the service module. Due to this the only option was to use the Lunar Module to get back on Earth.

Lunar module was designed to support 2 Astronauts for 2 days on Moon. A lot of procedures were drafted by Mission Control, Houston so that it could support 3 astronauts for 4 days. Although the crew faced a lot of challenges and hardships during the return journey, they came back on Earth safely after going around Moon and making a record of farthest space travel by any human being. The capsule carrying the crew , splashed in South Pacific ocean on April 17, 1970.