What was the name of the Apollo 13 service module oxygen tank that exploded?
Answer
Oxygen tank 2
Answer
Oxygen tank 2
The Apollo 13 service module oxygen tank that exploded was oxygen tank 2.
On April 13, 1970, oxygen tank 2 in Apollo 13’s service module failed during the crew’s journey toward the Moon. The resulting explosion damaged the service module and caused a major loss of oxygen and electrical power. Commander Jim Lovell, command module pilot Jack Swigert, and lunar module pilot Fred Haise were forced to use the lunar module Aquarius as a lifeboat.
The tank had been damaged during an earlier ground operation, and a mismatch involving its electrical heating system contributed to the later failure. The explosion itself was not caused by a meteorite or a collision with the Moon.
Mission controllers developed procedures to conserve power, remove carbon dioxide, and guide the spacecraft around the Moon for a safe return. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026