On April 17, 1970, the damaged Apollo 13 spacecraft splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean. The safe return came four days after the oxygen tank explosion that crippled the mission. Astronauts and mission control had worked together to improvise new procedures and equipment. The crew used the lunar module as a lifeboat to conserve power and resources. Recovery forces picked up the astronauts and brought them to safety. The successful rescue effort became a celebrated example of perseverance and ingenuity.
