If you haven’t ever done it, read the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/frame.html). It explains, in detail, just how harrowing the Apollo 11 lunar landing truly was. There is a prt for Apollo 13. Not too much but an interesting read. Apollo 17 seemed to be one of the most problem free flights of the entire Apollo program. However, on Gemini 9A, Cernan had A LOT of trouble during his EVA. He was working way too hard, was sweating enough to block his view through his helmet, and nearly overheated in his suit. He had trouble getting back inside even though Tom Stafford was helping. That was his brush with disaster. That, and a helicopter crash several weeks prior to the launch of Apollo 17.
Perhaps the reason Armstrong Lovell, and Cernan are stuck where they are is because they are all highly critical of Ø’s plans for NASA. Add Harrison Schmitt, Cernan’s fellow moonwalker to that list and that’s a lot of high powered opposition to Ø. I haven’t heard anything from the remaining moonwalkers about Ø’s future plans for NASA.
This is retribution to their collective opposition, nothing more, nothing less. Of the three of them, I have always wanted to meet Jim Lovell. He seems to be one of the few astronauts, former or present, that you feel that you could really talk to and get straight answers.
Thanks. I will read the landing transcript. I think Buzz was freaking out a bit but Neil was in test pilot mode. They came so close to disaster. Cernans space walk was an almost disaster too. Apollo 17 was smooth as glass. Sadly the public had grown bored with this amazing accomplishment.
Always been a huge fan of Neil, Lovell and the late Alan Shepherd. The movie Apollo 13 with rat Tom Hanks never captured Lovell. Jim L is such a larger than life and charismatic guy.
I think Neil, Lovell, Cernan and Alan Shep were all Navy guys.