Ed Smylie, a NASA engineer crucial to the Apollo 13 rescue, died at 95. He designed the makeshift carbon dioxide scrubber that saved the astronauts from asphyxiation after an oxygen tank exploded, famously using duct tape and other readily available materials based on instructions radioed from Mission Control. His quick thinking and ingenuity under immense pressure were essential to the mission's survival and became a legendary example of improvisation in the face of a life-or-death crisis.
Edward Smylie, a distinguished figure whose ingenious problem-solving under immense pressure played a pivotal role in the safe return of the imperiled Apollo 13 astronauts, has passed away at the venerable age of 95. His contribution to the dramatic rescue, a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability in the face of near-catastrophe, involved the design of a critical air filter adapter, fashioned, remarkably, with materials as commonplace as duct tape, cardboard, and plastic bags. This makeshift, yet life-saving, device, officially known as the "mailbox," enabled the astronauts to utilize the lunar module's square carbon dioxide scrubbers in the command module's round receptacles, a compatibility issue that threatened to fatally poison the crew with their own exhalations.
Mr. Smylie, an engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Manned Spacecraft Center, now known as the Johnson Space Center, in Houston, was presented with a seemingly insurmountable challenge when the Apollo 13 mission, intended to be the third manned lunar landing, experienced a crippling oxygen tank explosion on April 13, 1970. This catastrophic event, occurring more than 200,000 miles from Earth, not only jeopardized the moon landing but also placed the lives of astronauts James A. Lovell Jr., John L. Swigert Jr., and Fred W. Haise Jr. in grave danger. The explosion had severely damaged the command module's service module, the primary source of life support for the crew. Forced to utilize the lunar module, designed for only two astronauts for a short duration, as a lifeboat, the astronauts faced a critical shortage of oxygen and a buildup of toxic carbon dioxide.
Smylie, along with a dedicated team of engineers, worked tirelessly against the relentless tick of the clock to devise a solution to the mounting carbon dioxide crisis. Using only the limited materials available to the astronauts on board – including duct tape, plastic bags from the flight plan covers, cardboard from a checklist cover, and hoses from spacesuits – they meticulously crafted a functional adapter that effectively connected the incompatible square lithium hydroxide canisters to the round receptacles of the command module’s system. This ingenious contraption, dubbed the "mailbox" due to its resemblance to a wall-mounted mailbox, proved instrumental in preventing a fatal buildup of carbon dioxide within the confined lunar module, ultimately ensuring the survival of the Apollo 13 crew.
Smylie's quick thinking, resourcefulness, and dedication, demonstrated under extraordinary circumstances, became a symbol of the unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit that characterized the Apollo program. His contribution stands as a powerful reminder of the crucial role played by ground support personnel, alongside the astronauts themselves, in the success of manned space exploration. His legacy is not just the survival of the Apollo 13 crew, but a testament to the power of human ingenuity to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44005668
HN commenters express admiration for Ed Smylie's ingenuity and quick thinking in devising the carbon dioxide scrubber adapter that saved the Apollo 13 astronauts. Several highlight the contrast between this crucial, life-saving hack and the advanced technology surrounding the mission, emphasizing the importance of practical skills and improvisation. Some commenters share anecdotes about meeting Smylie or hearing him speak, describing him as humble and down-to-earth. Others discuss the broader significance of the Apollo 13 mission and the collaborative effort that brought the crew home safely. A few users also correct minor details in the original article or provide additional context about the mission and the lunar module's life support systems.
The Hacker News post about Ed Smylie, who helped save the Apollo 13 crew, generated several comments reflecting on his ingenuity and the significance of his contribution. Many commenters expressed admiration for Smylie's quick thinking and problem-solving skills under immense pressure. The "mailbox" solution he devised, using duct tape and other readily available materials to create a makeshift carbon dioxide scrubber, was highlighted as a testament to his practical engineering prowess.
Several commenters emphasized the importance of this seemingly simple fix, pointing out that it was crucial for the survival of the Apollo 13 astronauts. They praised Smylie and his team's ability to improvise a solution using limited resources and within a tight timeframe. Some comments also touched upon the broader significance of the Apollo 13 mission and the collective effort required to overcome the life-threatening challenges it presented.
A few comments provided additional context or anecdotes related to the Apollo 13 mission and the ingenuity of the engineers involved. One commenter mentioned the contrast between the sophisticated technology of the spacecraft and the relatively low-tech solution that ultimately saved the crew, highlighting the importance of practical skills and adaptability even in the age of advanced technology. Another commenter discussed the human element of the Apollo 13 story, emphasizing the courage and resourcefulness of everyone involved.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a deep appreciation for Ed Smylie's contribution to the Apollo 13 rescue and a broader admiration for the ingenuity and problem-solving skills displayed by the engineers and astronauts involved in the mission.