Minute 020: An Astronaut’s Last Mission

GUEST: ERIK LINDBERGH The crew of Apollo 13 is discussing superstitions about the number thirteen. Mattingly says he had a black cat “walk over a broken mirror under the Lunar Module ladder, and it didn’t seem to be a problem.” “And we also considered a real helpful letter we got from a fellow,” continued Haise, “who said we ought to take a pig up with us for good luck!” Fred laughs. “Does it bother you that the public regards this flight as routine?” asks another reporter. “There’s nothing routine about flying to the Moon,” replies Lovell, “I can vouch for that.  And, uh, I think that an astronaut’s last mission — his final flight — well, that’s always going to be very special.” Mattingly and Haise look at Lovell in stunned surprise at this news. “Why is this your last, Jim?” asks Phil the Reporter. “I’m in command of the best ship, with the best crew that anybody could ask for, and I’ll be walking in a place where there is four hundred degrees difference between sunlight and shadow – – I can’t imagine ever topping that,” explains Lovell. The scene shifts to the gigantic treads of a Mobile Transporter. TITLE: “APRIL 9, 1970, 2 DAYS PRIOR TO LAUNCH” A technician is talking to Lovell, as they walk next to the giant crawler. “So, we have that scheduled for oh-nine-hundred hours tomorrow,” says the technician. “That’s not gonna work, Walter…” says Lovell. “Why?” asks Walter. The Saturn V continues down the crawlerway. IN THIS MINUTE: Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks Marilyn Lovell : Kathleen Quinlan Ken Mattingly: Gary Sinese Fred Haise: Bill Paxton Reporter Phil: Thomas Crawford Technician Walter: Walter von Huene