Summary
Based on the real-life story of astronaut and mission commander Jim Lovell, this movie tells of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission of April 1970. The flight’s misfortunes begin six months before the launch date when the original crew must be replaced because of the commander’s illness. Even so, that bad break gives the talented backup team of Jim Lovell, Ken Mattingly and Fred Haise a shot at their dream of following in the steps of Neil Armstrong and walking on the moon.

Lovell is a dedicated husband and father of two. He’s sensitive, yet determined to lead men toward a noble goal.

Just two days before liftoff, Jack Swigert replaces Ken Mattingly because the flight surgeon fears Mattingly might come down with measles in space. The odds are slim, but it’s too high a risk for NASA. Mattingly battles bitterness as he watches the mission proceed without him. But to his credit, the grounded astronaut rises to the call when an all-hands rescue attempt requires his unique understanding of the vessel.

As Apollo 13 approaches the moon, an explosion in a liquid oxygen tank damages the command and service module, forcing the crew to abort any attempt at a lunar landing. This puts the astronauts’ lives in great danger and threatens their ability to return to earth.

The crew faces freezing temperatures and asphyxiation from a build-up of carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, the ground crew scrambles to solve technical problems and bring the flyers home safely. Family members watch and wait anxiously for news of their loved ones’ fates (Haise’s wife is eight months pregnant).

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives pass resolutions asking the American people to pray. The pope is shown leading 50,000 people in prayer at the Vatican, and Jews pray at Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall.

Through the teamwork of Lovell, Haise and Swigert, as well as the crackerjack ground crew led by flight director Gene Kranz and team player Mattingly, the men return safely to earth.