Apollo Program: The Complete Story

Summary by Krater

This historical documentary details the Apollo program, from the tragedy of Apollo 1 and mission design challenges to the triumphs of Apollo 8, 11, 12, and 14, and the near-disaster of Apollo 13.

From the video

Answers: What was the history and engineering behind the Apollo space program?

• Apollo program history
• Saturn V rocket engineering
• Lunar Module and Command Module design
• Apollo 1 fire and safety redesign
• Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission
• Apollo 11 first moon landing
• Apollo 12 pinpoint landing
• Apollo 13 oxygen tank explosion and survival

What it concludes

• Lunar Orbit Rendezvous (LOR) was chosen as the mission design despite its high risk because it allowed the spacecraft to be launched on one smaller rocket.
• The tragic fire of Apollo 1 on January 27, 1967, led NASA to completely redesign spacecraft wiring, materials, and hatch design for safety.
• Apollo 8 successfully tested lunar orbit in December 1968, proving deep-space capabilities and providing a psychological boost during a difficult year.
• Apollo 13 survived an oxygen tank explosion in 1970 and returned safely due to rigorous training, quick improvisation, and the use of the Lunar Module as a lifeboat.
• Apollo 17 concluded the Apollo program in December 1972 with the only night launch of a Saturn V and the first scientist-astronaut to walk on the moon.