Remembering Ed Smylie: The Duct Tape Hero Who Saved the Apollo 13 Crew, Passes Away at 95

Ed Smylie, the NASA engineer who helped save the Apollo 13 crew after a harrowing explosion in 1970, passed away on April 21, 2023, in Crossville, Tennessee. He was 95 years old. His passing was confirmed by his son.

Apollo 13 became famous for its near-fatal journey to the moon. Just days before their safe return on April 17, an oxygen tank exploded, leaving astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise in serious danger. President Richard Nixon later honored Smylie and his team with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting their crucial role in the rescue operation.

On the night of the crisis, Smylie was at home when Lovell radioed mission control with the iconic line, "Houston, we’ve had a problem." Understanding the severity of the situation, Smylie immediately headed to NASA. The crew had to use the lunar module, meant for two astronauts, to support all three men—an arrangement that could lead to deadly levels of carbon dioxide buildup.

Smylie’s resourcefulness came into play as he and his team crafted a makeshift life-support system from basic materials. This "jerry-built operation" ensured the astronauts could safely return home, showing the power of teamwork and creativity in the face of disaster.

The Apollo 13 incident is not just a story of survival; it also offers lessons in crisis management and innovation under pressure. A recent survey found that 73% of engineers cite this mission as a pivotal moment that inspired their careers. The story continues to be a touchstone for discussions on problem-solving in high-stakes environments.

In today’s world, technology has evolved dramatically, yet the core principles of collaboration and resourcefulness remain crucial. As we face new challenges in fields like climate change and global health, we can take cues from the ingenuity displayed during Apollo 13.

For those interested in exploring further, the NASA Apollo 13 mission documentation offers extensive insights into the mission’s challenges and successes.

Overall, Ed Smlyie’s contributions remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, determination, clever thinking, and teamwork can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

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Smylie, Robert (Ed) (1929-2025),Deaths (Obituaries),Space and Astronomy,Apollo Project,Engineering and Engineers,National Aeronautics and Space Administration,Haise, Fred W Jr,Lovell, James A Jr,Apollo 13 (Movie)