| Previous | Next |
View of damaged Apollo 13 Service Module from the Lunar/Command Modules
This view of the damaged Apollo 13 Service Module (SM) was photographed from the Command Module (CM) just after the CM/SM separation prior to Earth re-entry. As seen here, an entire panel on the SM was blown away by the apparent explosion of oxygen tank number two located in Sector 4 of the SM. Two of the three fuel cells are visible just forward (above) the heavily damaged area. Three fuel cells, two oxygen tanks, and two hydrogen tanks are located in Sector 4. The damaged area is located above the S-band high gain antenna. Nearest the camera is the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine and nozzle. The damage to the SM caused the Apollo 13 crewmen to use the Lunar Module (LM) as a "lifeboat". The LM was jettisoned just prior to Earth reentry by the Command Module.
Catalog Date: 17 April 1970
Film Type: 70mm
NASA image: AS13-58-8458