A conversation with Capt. James Lovell 50 years after Apollo 13 | USA TODAY

50 years ago a Saturn rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center. On April 13, an oxygen tank exploded and the Apollo 13 crew was soon in a fight for their lives. Mission commander James Lovell recalls that moment turned what had become a routine trip into a life or death mission.
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#apollo13 #nasa #jameslovell

[@unclerojelio6320]

The movie “Apollo 13” was made 25 years after the Apollo 13 mission. It’s been 25 years since the movie. Now do you feel old?

[@Farbar1955]

The movie was released 25 years later but your point is well made. I was 14 when it happened and in the 50 years since my viewpoint and feelings on the mission have matured significantly. I feel it ranks with Apollo 11 in so many ways as one of the greatest achievements by NASA.

[@darthmong7196]

Wow.... yes I feel ancient now.

[@djhutcherson6761]

Roger Banks great observation!

[@djhutcherson6761]

And yes it does make me feel old. I was 11 and I can remember going to the theater and watching the movie like it was yesterday, but it was 25 years ago...Time seems to go by a lot faster the older you get. 😕

[@jlshoem]

@@djhutcherson6761 Your not old, DJ. I was 20 when this happened. LOL

[@HeadsUpTV]

This man's brain holds memories that 99% of humans can only just imagine.

[@JAVIXcr]

its hard to forget something like Apollo13

[@joekamka8571]

Do you have a fever? Are you alright?

[@kaymuldoon3575]

The main thing is that he does not have dementia. My dad has it, and it’s just awful. Wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

[@Gabriel-br4qe]

@@joekamka8571 you're a doctor or something man lol

[@joekamka8571]

@@Gabriel-br4qe only a DOCTOR or SOMETHING can ask another person if they're sick. 😫 😆

[@robbhahn8897]

No matter how many times Capt Lovell tells the story of Apollo 13, he always seems to enjoy telling it and never seems to lose his enthusiasm and almost childlike wonder at the events of his life. May he go on telling the tale for many years to come.

[@bobbiema6671]

Yes. He's just always so proud. In a humble child-like way. Its so refreshing.

[@jix177]

Yes I almost know the story and background by heart, yet it's still fascinating to hear him tell it again!

[@philindeblanc]

You dont have much of a choice when you are dealing with science fiction.

[@kuntibolox]

@@philindeblanc I love you people and your denial, no matter how down I am whenever I see comments like yours it always, without fail, makes me smile! God bless you for your bone headed, utter pig headed stubborness to accept evidence and facts .God bless you in your blissful ignorance, life must be beautiful in your truth vacuum. :-)

[@philindeblanc]

@@kuntibolox ​ @Kajalou Sorry I hit such a nerve. There is a psychological term for this in the DSM-5 manual for your reaction, its partly associated to the Dunning Kruger syndrome, but more rooted reaction that stems from anger when someone has threatened a BELIEF. Things we know for facts, and someone contradicts it, the normal reaction is hardly EVER such anger and display of hate and displeasure. Your reaction is a classic case in this example. When we know something as fact from say experience, first hand knowledge, or even understand the subject as you know the components to it first hand, humans tend to want to help others also understand and learn. This is across the board. When you have it based on indoctrination, or belief, specially religion, as we have seen over and over in history, the person rages in attacking. So your reaction, helps a lot of psychologists see how you think you have a superior belief or on something, yet you have ZERO understanding of it. I am sorry if I threatened the validity of your religion. "Your love" of such is the sarcasm of coping mechanism. I wish you good health, and maybe some counseling can do some good.

[@bobbiema6671]

This man has always been one of my heroes and by far my favorite astronaut from any mission. For so many reasons. So very underrated. To be so very close to your incredible dream, and loose it, yet stay so humble and kind is a lesson I learned from him. I've used that lesson repeatedly my whole life. He did so much in space during Gemini7 and 12, and twice with Apollo. In fact, I believe Apollo 8 was the riskiest mission of all. He'd never say it, but there was only one other Apollo astronaut who was capable of bringing these guys home, that being Neil Armstrong. That's why Mr. Lovell was his backup. To think he could've manipulated his way into a mission back but loved his wife more than his dream, well there is another reason to add to the long list of why he is my hero. Godspeed Captain Jim Lovell.

[@SuperScottCrawford]

Exactly, exactly, exactly! Thank you! You took the thoughts right out of my brain. ALL the lunar astronauts are brave and heroic, but something about Lovell has always made him my favorite. Anyway, you nailed it. My dad was on the recovery ship for Apollo 8.

[@olentangy74]

Thank you for stating exactly what so many of us think. Jim Lovell is a national treasure.

[@beachcomber2008]

Exactly my thoughts about him.

[@simonparker57]

Lovell and John Young were the only two Gemini commanders who later flew under the command of someone else on Apollo. This suggests he was a team player above all. Remember Cernan and McDivitt both turned down flights as LMP because they wanted their own missions.

[@kopfauftischhau216]

Couldnt agree more, but i would like to add Young to the list of people who would have been cabable to fly 13

[@budsfan1970]

The more I listen to Captain Jim Lovell, the more I am impressed by him. What an absolutely AMAZING and humble human being he is! At 92 years old, he is sharp, very articulate, and full of life. I would love to sit down for a few beers with this incredible hero!

[@allgrainbrewer10]

Mickey Bodog IKR. Biden can’t even tie his shoes!

[@dermie52]

Until recently you could. His son's restaurant in Lake Forest featured a large "Steeds of Apollo" mural in the main bar and CAPT Lovell could be found there from time to time.

[@jomac2046]

@@allgrainbrewer10 At least Biden would know who Lovell is, Trump knowing would be a real toss up.

[@colinp2238]

They don't make them like that anymore, people these days are too complacent and rely too much on technology and not initiative.

[@allgrainbrewer10]

JoMac Wanna bet? Biden can’t tell his wife from her sister, and still thinks he’s running for the senate! 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnwatson3948]

What an incredible and luminous personality - you can see why he was a mission commander.

[@user-by7jv6qd7x]

right, it was a great mission. But they never left outer earth orbit -just for a fact

[@TomcatE303]

@@user-by7jv6qd7x Well, they circled the moon and came back.

[@georgspence4999]

Sharp as a tack even at his age. He's probably forgotten more knowledge than most people know. I was 11 at the time when this happened and I can still remember then tension while we were glued to the TV. I also remember the collective sigh of relief when they got back. God Speed Jim Lovell.

[@WestCoastMole]

Yep only a scant few of the original Apollo Astronauts made it to see the 50th Anniversary of their flights.

[@nancyhobson9710]

Yes, a palpable sense of holding your breath. Dad was watching and he said an audible prayer right then

[@williamrowlett740]

Wow! You hit it . Lovell still looks great. What an amazing story.

[@dukecraig2402]

I was 5 at the time and I can remember everyone holding their breath until they were back. My family was particularly glued to the TV during all of the Apollo missions, my uncle worked for Boeing at the Cape, he was there through Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, the Shuttle missions and into the ISS. We just lost him 3 years ago and family of mine in Florida sent me his jewelry box that contains cuff links and tie clasps from Apollo, Shuttle and various satellite missions he was involved in including Magellan. He was 100% rock star to me when I was a kid throughout the 70's and I guess pretty much all my life, I'll keep that jewelry box until the day I die, you'll never see anything from it on Ebay, no matter how bad the economy gets crashed over this coronavirus BS.

[@jessemedina4482]

Brought the whole world together like nothing else before or since. Russia even offered to help in any way possible.. Something about people getting trapped in a hopeless situation that erases all of our differences.

[@stenic2]

It's good to see Captain Lovell still very sharp at 92! , he is my favourite astronaut

[@ari4681]

He has to see his maker and explain his lies to him.

[@bobbiema6671]

You'd think he was 62 the way he remembers every detail. I'll take some of that Space Air, then, please!

[@JRobbySh]

I have a hard time with my income tax.

[@jamespowell6744]

Jim Lovell is my favorite Astronaut. Every time I’ve heard one of his interviews, I become glued to my tv or computer. Everything about him is awesome. Thank you for your incredible service Mr. Lovell

[@timmass4635]

He’s all class! What an honorable man!

[@bobbiema6671]

I do the exact same thing. I freeze and it seems like my ears grow like Pinnochios nose so I hear every word. It was this way since Apollo 8 for me. He's just the ideal package for an Apollo astronaut: nerves of steel, in -the - moment mind, curious spirit, humble and kind heart, and a spiritual soul. We can't do much better can we. You know, nothing ever has matched the excitement of those Apollo days. Nothing, it just was the best of who we can be on display for a bit over a decade. Even with the deaths of Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee it showed we BELIEVED in something enough to keep trying and correct the mistakes even though it hurt so bad (still does actually, as do the others).

[@alteredbeast7145]

@@bobbiema6671 well said!

[@siwalder1618]

Mine too, Apollo 8.....

[@philindeblanc]

You had me at "favorite astronaut" to confirm you are an idiot.

[@monteguetwist1190]

Jim Lovell was my hero as a kid and at 60. he still is!

[@MarvelousLXVII]

montegue twist he’s over 90 lol.

[@MarvelousLXVII]

Never mind you must be 60 whoops. Almost there myself.

[@bobbiema6671]

@@MarvelousLXVII CO2 poisoning? (a lousy Apollo 13 joke, sorry....) 😲😲😲😲😂

[@_a.z]

Ditto!

[@malcolmcanning548]

I'm 66 now ,this Walt Disney studios

[@MattAShine]

There are some people in this world that when you see them in an interview you just get the sensation that they’re a good person. This man is one of them. He looks like the kind of guy you could just sit down with and talk to for hours.

[@thermalflame8829]

Scott Manley made a video on the oxygen tanks for anyone wondering.

[@beachcomber2008]

And it's good.

[@bobbiema6671]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[@alteredbeast7145]

Hes annoying and I blew him up on EVE

[@beachcomber2008]

@@alteredbeast7145 Must we wait until alterations are complete?

[@agschwend]

I saw it, wonderful video!

[@markkoerner6308]

I had the privilege of meeting Commander Lovell at his son's restaurant in Lake Forest, IL, a number of years ago. He was and always will be a personal hero of mine, and it was wonderful listening to him recall the historic events, more than 50 years ago. He is truly an American hero and one of our nation's great leaders and thinkers. I loved his story about his wife giving him a thumbs down from the back of the room when a reporter asked him if he wanted another mission. Says a lot about him as a husband and father. A few years after I met him, I was sitting in Reagan National Airport waiting for a flight home to Chicago. Because of bad weather, every flight was delayed. At one point, I noticed an older gentleman and what looked like his daughter running towards the gate with their carry on luggage in tow - both were in a big hurry. As they got to the gate agent, their shoulders slumped as they were given the news their flight was in a lengthy delay. I looked up, and it was Jim Lovell. The irony of the circumstances gave me a chuckle. Here was one of the most famous and talented pilots in our nation's history, who flew rocket ships to the moon, being told to sit down with the rest of us schmucks, and wait it out.

[@javierlopezgarcia5384]

The first time I heard about Apollo and saw the movie was when I decided to study science and Engineering. Thank you Mr Lovell and all the crew at NASA for letting us dream again with rising up to the moon and beyond.

[@bobbiema6671]

How cool!! Good for you.

[@onlyweknow2]

that's what going to the moon was for...guys like you!

[@97marqedman]

Capt. Lovell is absolutely an amazing person and one of my favorite people. His career is unmatched, in my eyes, and to top it all off he is just the nicest guy ever. It always seems like he’s smiling and happy in every picture - and I’ve seen so many documentaries where other astronauts have said that Jim was always the jovial, joking, happy-go-lucky one on the crew. His stories about meeting Tom Hanks before the filming of Apollo 13 are just hilarious.

[@aarusty51]

When those people wrote all that fake news saying none of this was real it made my blood boil. The Apollo program was one of the greatest things in history .

[@chubbyroyston3880]

Why does your blood boil I believe it was a faked thats my belief you believe it happened I don't have any animosity towards you

[@bobbiema6671]

Let them not believe. I feel sad that they'll never feel any tiny bit of what we do. Don't let them take one nanosecond of joy from you. Let Buzz Aldrin continue to take care of them . 💪

[@theinfiniteblackvoid234]

@@bobbiema6671 ----The people who should "take care of them" is every single NASA Fan and Space Flight enthusiast in the Western World. That is who should "take care" of them", not leave it all up to one man (Buzz) who is elderly. Considering your excellent tribute to Mr. Lovell at the top of this page, that is a very weak and meek comment you made here, and the space program was not made into reality by weak and meek people, starting with President John F. Kennedy, who as a US Navy Captain saved his whole crew in 1943 when their PT Boat was cut in two by a Japanese warship in the middle of the night in the South Pacific.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

chubby royston Do you not know any of the 1000’s of people that have worked in aerospace industry? I just don’t understand... do you people live in caves??

[@bobbiema6671]

@@theinfiniteblackvoid234 but that's what we are doing here, each one of us , honoring all the astronauts and JFK and mission control - EVERYONE. My comment wasn't putting it on Buzz Aldrin. Just that it seems to me he pretty much made them look the aggressors and foolish, way better than any of us could, we won't change them and they love to stir us up. I mean, look how you turned on ME. You can take my comment as weak, but an aggressive reply doesn't prove you are strong. Pilots and astronauts don't take their helmets and break their crafts windows when they get mad just to proove they are tough. Buzz Aldrin, even at his age, did protect himself, space exploration, and the integrity of the missions when he had enough. Why you are taking your frustration out on me I don't know. Might doesn't make right. But go on if it makes you feel better. Your post to me just made me very sad and congratulations, because this troll can now say "Mission Accomplished". What you did to me is just as bad as what they do to Mr. Aldrin, NASA, and here to us on YT. Why are you becoming them? That was my original point, to just let them be the trolls, and also I was trying to add a little humor to an alternative worldview. Instead here I am doing this with you. What I said about a troll to someone upset about it, trying to help a bit, has nothing to do with what I said about Captain Lovell. It was illogical to link the two and attempting to make me look hypocritical was rather mean. It says more about you than me. I hope you were just having a bad moment with that post , we all have them.

[@robwebber1217]

A true hero, didn't blame anyone and no regrets, a genuine guy who deserves his place in history. I salute you sir!

[@philindeblanc]

MORON

[@cormacbcb]

@@philindeblanc why is he a moron

[@joekamka8571]

"they did not check wether that would function or not" - Lovell From this video, are you watching the same video?

[@62beachbum]

Jim Lovell is an American hero. This was one of NASA's finest hours.

[@GayorgVonTrapp]

Utterly riveting. An outstanding mind and persona. Couldn’t put my phone down listening to this.

[@tessplays6066]

I’m nine years old and I have been inspired by Jim Lovell and his adventures in to space and amazed how brave he is and a phenomenal person he is he is my hero!

[@wino4340]

Capt. Lovell is a true role model, not some some of these sports figures that are often referred to as such.

[@bobbiema6671]

You know how to pick a hero! He's mine too since forever. You follow his lessons and you will do almost anything and you will be happy with your life. Good for you. Keep believing. 🌚🌎🌕

[@mdmjeremiah]

You are very articulate for a nine year old.

[@ChrisBoar]

One of the highlights of my life was meeting and having dinner with Jim Lovell at Spacefest 2016. Surreal.

[@bobbiema6671]

How wonderful. ☺ Congratulations on that Experience. I bet you remember every detail.

[@jeffsullivan2044]

Okay, you got me.....I'm envious! Lol

[@alexhatfield2987]

Jim Lovell was my favourite astronaut as a kid. Warm, personable, and a twinkle in his eye. I was spellbound as I sat in front of the TV in Richmond, London at Xmas '68, as Apollo 8 circled the moon and I listened to his voice. In 1970 I remember the newspaper headlines and my aunts tearful reaction as the drama of Apollo 13 unfolded. All these years later, Jim Lovell still comes across as the same good-natured guy. What a life!

[@simonparker57]

Brilliant to see Lovell looking so good. He's told that story so many times, yet still he recounts it with patience, humour and humility, and still finds something new to tell us every time. Magnificent.

[@IntelligentChimp]

That’s a hell of a memory for a guy in his 90’s! I always feel so sorry for Jim and Fred not getting to walk on the moon.

[@davidladd8821]

I had the ultimate privilege of meeting James Lovell and I can say he is everything all of the comments here suggest. He owned a restaurant in Lake Forest, IL and on the night my wife and I dined there 20 years ago he was there greeting guests. I've always been a NASA history buff and was admiring the small collection of Apollo 8 and 13 memorabilia on display. He approached me and honestly made me feel as though I was the only person in the world that mattered. So kind and caring with an authentic charisma. He acted like an everyman, just a genuine regular guy.

[@Paisly17]

I was 10 at the time and I remember this all happening through my dads interest, we watched it both together. He sat me down and explained what was happening to these men in real time. I’m now 60 and my father has sadly passed away but this brings back special memories of my dad.

[@peanutsmcgonnagle2458]

James Lovell: A beautiful, very personable, appreciative and humble man. I really enjoyed that interview.

[@Kevin-hb5rk]

His mind is still so sharp even at his age of 90, amazing man

[@tddsctt]

Calmly said "Houston we have a problem" and started to work towards a solution. He didn't rush out to Costco to hoard toilet paper. 😀 so what we need for our time.

[@bobbiema6671]

So funny, but so true.😂😒

[@orangebetsy]

hahaha...he might've been heard to say "Houston, we got a problem" from the bathroom though

[@jasonmitchell9622]

Well said🙏👍👊

[@klausuhlig7141]

I was around 20yrs, and well said about the toilet paper, many times I thought about people like astronauts like Appolo 13 sitting in there own shit and piss, I also like his saying we'r going to mars because its there, I sure the hell wouldnt volunteer,

[@Xavier-000]

@@klausuhlig7141 I would in a heart beat

[@zacgrasl4229]

When Jim dies, SpaceX should take his ashes to the moon so he could finally be on the moon

[@tomekl119]

Leave this bunch of cons out of that wonderful man's story. They wont be flying anywhere, barely making it to LEO with these puny-ass rockets.

[@softdrink-0]

Why space x?

[@zacgrasl4229]

@@softdrink-0 cuz NASA won’t send rockets anymore

[@Brammy007a]

Not a bad idea at all.

[@juicyjessica2298]

@@Brammy007a agreed

[@jshepard152]

Jim Lovell is one of only three men to have flown to the Moon twice. John Young, and Gene Cernan are the other two. Lovell is also one of the first three to have gone to the moon, on Apollo 8.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

And THE only astronaut who survived 14 days on orbit with Frank Borman!

[@ari4681]

Jim Lovell was a paid clown. If man landed on the moon in 1969 the moon would full of hotels and casinos by 2020.

[@jeffreyhill8040]

@@ari4681 Somebody with skills needs to shut this Ari Ramo down permanently. No more flat earth bullshit. We now have he chance to get back to serious people and serious ideas and problem solving.

[@nebtheweb8885]

@@ari4681 I really hope your comment was a sarcastic joke intended to portray the opinion of an idiot instead of an opinion of an actual idiot.

[@bobbiema6671]

It always amazed me that Gene Cernan got SOOOO close to the Moon's surface piloting the LM. But couldn't land, boy I just think it took so much discipline to not accidentally crash it while looking more out the window at the moon than at your instruments. At that point, he had no idea he'd be back.

[@wilhelmbauer8844]

I'm 68 of age , but i love to listen to the astronauts telling their stories so often i can.

[@robertmoir-vj1kq]

thank you for posting this you are a real survivor Jim Lovell I too prayed for you and your companions on Apollo 13

[@michaelhayden725]

The launch was 5 days before my 21st birthday. I have some real memories of these days. But such professional men (both in the capsule and on the ground). Having listened to Lovell I have to say, what an incredible man - at the time of Apollo 13 he was the most experienced US astronaught - it was his 4th flight and he had been to the moon previously. Thanks Jim.

[@gljamil]

A true HERO! Not only for the past, from an ond story, but for our future!

[@parkburrets4054]

Jim Lovell was so kind as to speak at a celebration for all of the boys in the Houston area that earned their Eagle Scout rank in ~1976.

[@bobbiema6671]

I'm not surprised. I bet those kids never forgot that.

[@noelroberts8199]

Apollo 13's flight was the most courageous space mission in history, the brainpower at mission control with all the modifications and information needed to get those 3 astronauts back to earth safely was truly amazing. Jim Lovell might not have made it to the moon but he is still a hero and so is his crew...........

[@thomasfx3190]

Jim Lovell has always been my favorite Astronaut. He was heroic in his ability to bring Apollo XIII and his crew home safely.

[@timmass4635]

Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra, all the Navy guys actually...

[@ari4681]

He was at home drinking a beer and watching the drama on tv.

[@kenbrownfield6584]

Don't forget the NASA ground crew that solved numerous problems to bring them back.

[@nebtheweb8885]

@@ari4681 Sounds more like something you would do. He will outlive you and your conspiratard ass.

[@mattmorales1636]

Why anyone would vote down this video is beyond me. This flight shows what true leadership looks like both on the ground and in flight. God bless you Capt Lovell and your crew and the crew in mission control.

[@HobbiesRfun]

The 17 thumbs down are from flat earth retards, who think anything having to do with astronomy, and science is fake, and evil. Give it time, and they'll be trolling the comment section of this video, claiming everything that's a proven fact is a lie from NASA, and their goofy BS flat Earth theories are truth.

[@christianege4989]

@@HobbiesRfun And/or from the not-so-big idiots who believe the moon flights were a hoax made in Hollywood.

[@bobbiema6671]

@@christianege4989 I feel a tomato fight coming on... 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅 😂

[@klausuhlig7141]

@@HobbiesRfun the scary thing is there is so many,

[@bobbiema6671]

@@klausuhlig7141 I think it seems there are more than there are because they are so vocal and tenacious. There are way more of us , but most just take it for granted I think. Or are kinda apathetic. Gene Cernan even said "Truth needs no defense. Nobody can ever take away those footsteps I made on the moon away from me." For me, nobody can take away my memories and reality and feelings about these missions and people either. I'm perplexed by them too but lots of things perplex me.

[@rustyshackleford8923]

Every time I watch whatever documentary about Apollo 13, I am always brought to tears when I hear how the crew kept their wherewithal together, especially when it's James Lovell. They inspire me to be a better man, regardless of what I'm dealing with personally. Godspeed to the crew of Apollo 13.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

It’s incredible he is even here to tell the story. The amount of team work involved in getting these men back to earth can not be fathomed.

[@tasercs]

If I could choose to meet and shake the hand of anyone on Earth - it would be Jim. He is just the warmest and most inspiring person you could ever imagine. Everything you watch about him leaves you in awe and smiling.

[@robertolson483]

In a time like this.... you don't think of the odds... you only think of how to improve the odds. Jim Lovell 4/13/2020

[@bobbiema6671]

Isn't that the best quote??? I'm telling you.......😊

[@carabela125]

Words to live by.

[@donmoore7785]

Very interesting to hear Lovell's take on the Armstrong-Aldrin issue, as well as this mission. I never had heard the details of the failure modes. A very well spoken man and a gentleman. Who the heck would down vote this, a flat earther?

[@beachcomber2008]

Probably.

[@ari4681]

Jim Lowell is better to bring alot of ice whith him when he goes to hell for telling all this bullshit. ( lies )

[@bobbiema6671]

Buzz Aldrin? 😵😨😱😰 (Just kidding). 😳 (( not really)) 😈

[@nebtheweb8885]

@@ari4681 I really hope your comment was a sarcastic joke intended to portray the opinion of an idiot instead of an opinion of an actual idiot. Got any evidence that he is lying? I'll wait......CRICKETS... CRICKETs... CRICKEts... CRICKets... CRICkets... CRIckets... CRickets... Crickets... crickets...

[@bobbiema6671]

@Tony Wilson i was making a joke that perhaps the "down vote" on the video was Mr. Aldrin because he was hypothetically 'mad' at Jim Lovell for his comments. Which is silly because the two did a Gemini mission together. Nothing more than that, and even Buzz Aldrin knows he reacts strongly to things, that's why he was a counter balance to Neil Armstrong. Why you took the leap that you did I don't know. I hope I explained it. Just a dumb joke is all. 😉

[@guxyguy7909]

The whole apollo programme was astounding one of mankind's finest moment this man is a hero for the whole of mankind love ya Jim from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@peanutbutterisfu]

It’s amazing they survived. It’s great that Mr. Lovell is still alive and seems to be doing pretty good. Not many people in their 90’s can even speak as well as he did in this video let alone remember everything. Man it would be awesome to be able to sit down with him for an afternoon and talk about some of the things he’s done I would absolutely LOVE that!

[@SimpsonIII]

I’m 30 years old I’m listening to this for the first time ever I had no idea.

[@davidhancock6109]

What a brave,talented, humble man. Good on you Jim.

[@VanishingImage]

I cant imagine what he felt when he realized he was never going to touch what his ultimate goal was.....man is an awesome person and his knowledge is overwhelming. We had some of the sharpest minds on this mission that saved 3 lives.

[@timjohnson5519]

Truly inspirational. Jim Lovell is such a great, humble American with the can-do attitude that we need much more of today. Glad he is still with us at 92 years old offering his unique perspective on this historical event.

[@freshp7640]

An amazing inverview with a great man. His book "Lost Moon" or "Apollo 13" (as the newer releases er called) really makes me undestand the hardships not only of the Apollo 13 crew, but also their families, friends an colleagues. Truely an amazing story of survival.

[@Nghilifa]

apolloinrealtime.org/ You can listen to the ENTIRE mission on this site (Apollo 11 & 17 are also included) , it's truly amazing. You can even listen to a phone-call that Jim Lovell's wife, Marilyn Lovell made to Ken Mattingly (who was replaced with Jack Swigert, because the crew had been exposed to the german measles by fellow astronaut Charlie Duke, and Mattingly was the only one who had no immunity to it, because he didn't have it as a child) and she mentions that her children don't know anything yet, because the explosion happened the night before, after they'd gone to bed, so she figured she'd call Ken, since he probably was in a good position to tell her what was going on (She knew the explosion had happened because she could listen to the air-to-ground transmission through a squawk box installed in her house) .. Truly amazing stuff!

[@davidleonard8369]

I'm reading lost moon right now. Signed by captain Lovell.

[@F-Man]

This man is 92 years old - and holy hell is he still absolutely sharp as anything. I don’t doubt for one second that he could still command a space mission, even today.

[@craigjensen789]

This is a true hero. He and his crew faced insurmountable odds of survival and recovery from 200,000 miles from earth yet they used calm reasoning and intellect to work the problem and return. And those at Mission Control don't get enough praise for their abilities to also work the issues and bring Apollo 13 crew back safely. For Lovell to see success in the face of failure attests to his fortitude and leadership. Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies, and although Ron Howard took liberties in filming it, he got the events as accurate as any movie based on true life events. Godspeed to those pioneers and adventurers in mans early quest to explore space.

[@aaura8805]

I remember this very well. My elementary school brought us all into the auditorium where there must of been 10 tv's set up. We watch the splashdown of Apollo 13. So cool.

[@aaura8805]

Here is the splashdown recovery kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYmbXomjrthgfM0

[@LEDewey_MD]

My elementary school did this too!!

[@byrnc927]

I was 13 and in a Catholic School during the Apollo 13 mission. I was a huge space geek as a child. As an example, my parents took me to Florida from Chicago and we celebrated my 10th birthday at Cape Kennedy. I remember being so excited and also sad as Apollo 1 was still on the pad at the time. We prayed every morning for the Apollo 13 Astronauts. I always believed our prayers helped stimulate the creative genius that brought these astronauts home.

[@jbrhel]

I was eleven and we had one TV.

[@gregkinney2565]

I was very young when I first started masturbating. I think it drained me of any energy to pursue a career as an astronaut.

[@katebc9148]

Fascinating…it’s a collaborative human miracle that they returned safely to earth. Lovell was a consummate professional, and humble. Armstrong was that type of professional too.

[@scottcampbell5478]

I wouldn't be here to talk about it ! what a GREAT man he was !! cheers

[@raymondeaton5692]

My all-time favorite astronaut. I was a kid when he flew to the moon on Apollo 8 and I remember the drama of Apollo 13 and the relief when they made it home. I sure would love to meet him.

[@kellyl7688]

Jim Lovell is my hero ❤️

[@agentpr24]

He is one of the few people I would like to have coffee with and learn more about him. He is a man without scandal, humble, humane and generous. He is an example of what a Man and Pioneer should be. It's a shame because I have no chance of meeting him before he's dead.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Jim is my favourite Astronaut. I was there to watch 13 launch, with my Mum, Sister and Dad. Our little Cessna let uis down on the way home, so we got to stay in Florida for an extra day, which was my Sisters birthday. The day after the Cessna was supposedly fixed, but the repair guy messed up and we could have crashed as they wrapped the radio lines around the control cables!! What a bunch of memories!! Sadly just my lovely Mum and I are still on this earth, but we have those memories of such a major event that we got to witness and suffer our own near miss adventure.

[@bobbiema6671]

That was a nice story. I'm sorry you lost your dad and sister though. I can tell you miss them. I never got to see a launch in person so lucky you.

[@LEDewey_MD]

I have seen and read countless portrayals of Apollo 13,... and it never gets old. Even now, to hear in Jim Lovell's own words the events of that fateful mission, is deeply moving. 🚀💞

[@bipolarbear9917]

I still have a vivid memory of being huddled around an old Roberts radio listening to the re-entry. The World literally stood still. The feeling of nail-biting tension. It was silence, you could hear a pin drop, and when the predicted 4min 30sec LOS blackout came and went and there was still silence, we all had this sinking feeling they may not have made it through the re-entry stage. For 90secs we held our breath, looking at one another with a pit in our stomachs until we heard 'Odyssey Houston standing-by over' and the call back, then another agonizing 4mins until the main chutes were sighted. Then we knew they were going to splash-down safely. Utter relief. They were home. Gene Kranz recalling that moment said he slumped back in his seat and wept.

[@jeffsullivan2044]

I think that Ed Harris captured that beautifully in the movie.

[@rebalynn3117]

I never got tired of listening to this amazing man talk about his experiences in space! :)

[@bb22602]

The motto came true - "From the moon, knowledge." NASA and the crews and the contractors learned so much from this mission that probably protected many of the later crews. I also loved Captain Lovell's comment when he was asked what rank he would like to be in the movie. His response - "A captain I retired, a captain I will be." And then he opens a restaurant. I know the Navy is famous for loving good food (my dad was WWII Navy and loved to cook), and he was true to himself.

[@lindseysummers5351]

Jim Lovell just seems like such a neat guy. For all the egos and testosterone junkies you heard about in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo to programs, Jim seems very grounded, down to Earth, and humble. He's not a larger than life personality. He looks like he could be my Granddad. I would love to be able to sit around the table and have a real conversation with a legend like him.

[@TheDoppelgangster]

I was eight years old and like most of the kids I knew we all wanted to be astronauts when we grew up. I remember thinking 'of course they'll get back' - there was no question, no concern. An eight year old never doubts their heroes. NASA could do anything. Jim Lovell is a legend - along with the rest of them. We don't build em like him anymore.

[@monstertech8497]

Unbelievable! 92 years old and absolutely clear mind. True legend from generation of the legends😉

[@bobcohoon9615]

An amazing person .It took a lot of special qualities to get through a situation like that and he, and his crew , had them

[@rudolfabelin383]

I was 11 years old. I can still recall this as a video of my own. I am also a Mechanical Engineer as he is. I think the Apollo program is part of me becoming an ME.

[@bobbiema6671]

I have no doubt..... cool role models!

[@foobarmaximus3506]

What a treasure. Jim Lovell is a true national treasure.

[@Jkrash55555]

I can’t imagine the chill those 5 words sent down the spine of every engineer in that command center. They send one down mine every time I hear it.

[@James-kk8dw]

A true professional and great pilot !

[@CarlosMDominguez]

Captain Jim Lovell, one of my heroes, so easy going, so articulate so down to earth, (no pun intended), along with Gene Shoemaker, and others. Will always admire.

[@bradfigiel2203]

60 minutes did a story on a company with the ability to video people and be able to interact with them virtually after they are gone. I hope they can do this with Captain Lovell. At 92 his crisp mind, humor and communication ability needs to be captured before it is too late. Maybe the Gen y's and beyond can understand what ambition is really like.

[@bobbiema6671]

I saw that too. Good idea. It would take a lot of time though but it would sure be neat to pick his brain about his life, has he done it almost all!!!

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

Absolutely amazing man…Capt. Lovell is someone I’ve always wanted to meet for his humility, intelligence, boundless enthusiasm and above all, his positive outlook. Unfortunately, I don’t feel I’m worthy to stand in the same space and breathe the same air as him!

[@DM-re5ld]

I was just a kid in grade school. We always had watched the Apollo launches and I remember being so disappointed because we weren't watching the launch. That changed suddenly. I remember seeing the updates and I remember the whole school crowded around the school television (on a big stand) as the seconds ticked by at landing time. As the clock moved past three minutes, it got so quiet and it seemed so long. When the parachutes appeared in the sky, I felt like I saw a miracle. I remember the joy. Captain Jim Lovell was the second hero of my life (the first being my father). Such a humble man, even now.

[@harlont]

So many great men and women from that era. Capt Lovell and Gene Kranz (who he mentions a few times) are two of the greatest!

[@michaelsamuelson1469]

One of my treasured books is a signed copy of Lost Moon. He was an honored guest speaker in an event that followed by his book signing. In a brief talk when he learned I was a pilot he signed my copy “From one pilot to another...Jim lovell” He is a far superior pilot and astronaut even compared to his own circle of NASA people, and I was and am very honored to be acknowledged by signature.

[@bobbiema6671]

Such a very fantastic and wonderful story!! I bet its the most guarded book you own. Sooooo cool. 📘🆒👮

[@jodeneantonson985]

I was born in 1955, so I grew up with NASA and the 1st Space Walk and landing on the moon. When this accident happened, we were all glued to the tv watching. It looked bad and continued to get worse. We were amazed and overjoyed when the men of this mission returned to us, alive!

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

One of the few times this word actually pertains. Legend.

[@dwjr5129]

And hero.

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

@@dwjr5129 Amen. And being a hero is somewhat mandatory to become a *true*, Legend.

[@darrensmith6999]

My favorite astronaut. Steely eyed missile man for sure.

[@cswoody879]

Thank you Jim Lovell, one of the most amazing men, Apollo 8 the first three people to leave earth and go to another body in space a huge moment in human history to be one of those first three to leave the cradle, see the first earth rise, one of only three men to fly to the moon twice. Seven days in a tiny Gemini capsule too, what an amazing career and life.

[@bobbiema6671]

Apollo 8 took the most courage of all. All those firsts, as you said. 😉

[@michaelmcauley6572]

Only imagine the courage of another greatest generation thank you!!!!

[@donb1183]

What a great man. 92 and as articulate as ever. Seems like a genuinely nice person who would be a joy to share dinner with. We need to appreciate these guys as we won't have them around for long. All the Mercury 7 are gone and of the Gemini 9 we only have Lovell, McDivitt, Borman and Stafford left.

[@ianthebadguy]

The captain in command of the flight explains the accident report, from memory. As he's surely done dozens of times before. I can only hope to, one day, live up to James Lovell's standard.

[@fouloleron2002]

What a lovely man.

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

Happy 94th Birthday 🎉 🎂 Commander James Lovell Godspeed to you sir

[@smeatona]

An amazing man, and magnanimous in his appreciation of the contributions of others. Thank you USA TODAY for sharing.

[@erictaylor5462]

21:00 Any pilot can get a normal, perfectly functioning aircraft from point A to point B. Only when something goes wrong does the good pilot have a chance to shine. Sully would still just be another airline pilot if it hadn't been for those birds. He would still be just as skilled, but no one would know how good he really was.

[@beameup64]

Lovell has always been a real hero to me.

[@philindeblanc]

Because you have nbo clue what it means to be part of NAWSA inner circle...MORON

[@paulgibbons8222]

Captain You are the only person to go to the moon twice, to me that is incredible. I was in 5th grade watching the reentry on television. It is something I will never forget.

[@steverodgers8425]

Gene Cernan went twice.

[@steverodgers8425]

Gene Cernan went twice.

[@paulgibbons8222]

Forgot about Gene you are correct

[@skysurfer5cva]

Don't forget John Young (Apollos 10 & 16).

[@gmaneis]

I watched the Apollo 8 launch from the beach, and heard this wonderful man speak at Indiana State University many years ago. He was a great speaker and astronaut. So glad he's lived such a long and rewarding life. He has been a true American treasure.

[@blueskies8834]

As an Astronaut he did everything that was asked of him. 2 weeks with Frank Borman. A mission with Buzz. Then another mission with Borman. Alan Shepard wasn’t ready for 13 and Lovell steps up and fills the void.

[@lektwik]

I freeking love this! 💜

[@eojeda1375]

WOW to hear it from the person who lived it !!! this is LIVE history !!! very honored to hear it !!!

[@josephstevens9888]

Captain Jim Lovell - truly an American treasure! A brave veteran of four space missions and thousands of hours of flight time in high-performance aircraft.... a humble man and team player who puts the mission and others before his own self-interests..... an articulate and intelligent man who represents the best what this nation has to offer. More than that, Jim Lovell is a true gentleman who holds his wife Marilyn and his NASA colleagues in high regard. I admire people like that. It is people like Jim Lovell who truly make America great!

[@Mr1234karlos]

It's simple.... "LEGEND" :-)

[@mskiUSMC]

Mr. Lovell, the day you pass away will be a truly sad day, like the day Steven Hawking died. Thank you for all that you have done for humanity. When you left Earth, it wasn't just you and your crew up there, it was all of humanity. A special thanks to all scientists and engineers working hard to push humanity into the future.

[@sharonharrison3611]

Very brave, integral man. Ive always admired him. God bless him and all the brave crew of Apollo 13.

[@user-kn6sz8ji1j]

Jim Lovell....what a class act. Along with Jack Swigert and Fred Haise...what a crew. They exemplified the great things about America, before the apologetic Woke movement. Smart, courageous, and never giving up.