Former NASA astronaut Thomas Ken Mattingly II, known for his contributions to the Apollo moon missions, has passed away at the age of 85 in Arlington, Virginia. Mattingly joined NASA in 1966, where he played a significant role in the development of spacesuits and backpacks for the Apollo missions.
In 1972, Mattingly embarked on his first spaceflight as the pilot of the Apollo 16 command module. While two crew members landed on the moon’s surface, Mattingly orbited the moon, conducting various tasks. On the return journey, he even performed a spacewalk to collect film cannisters containing photographs of the moon’s surface.
Throughout his career, Mattingly achieved numerous milestones. He commanded two space shuttle missions and retired as a rear admiral from both NASA and the Navy. However, one of his most notable experiences came during the infamous Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
Originally scheduled to pilot the Apollo 13 command module, Mattingly was replaced after being exposed to German measles. Little did he know that this illness would save his life. During the mission, an oxygen tank explosion jeopardized the lunar landing and placed the crew’s lives in danger. Mattingly played a crucial role in analyzing the situation and providing support for bringing the injured spacecraft and crew safely back to Earth.
His contributions and decision-making abilities were instrumental in the successful return of the Apollo 13 crew. Mattingly’s dedication and focus on mission success were reflected upon in an interview with NASA.
The dramatic story of Apollo 13, including Mattingly’s involvement, has been immortalized in the book “Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13” and the film “Apollo 13.” In the movie, Mattingly was portrayed by actor Gary Sinise, highlighting his pivotal role in the mission.
The passing of Thomas Mattingly marks the end of an era for NASA and the space community. His dedication, expertise, and contributions to space exploration will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
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