[Essay Today] Apollo 13

On May 25, 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy submitted a "Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs and Current Conditions" and delivered a speech before both houses of Congress.

"If the plan to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth succeeds, I am confident that no other space program will leave a stronger impression on humanity. This will also mark a significant turning point in long-term space exploration plans, for which we will endure all difficulties and bear enormous costs."

On that day, Kennedy declared his determination to win the space race against the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union shocked the United States by launching the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into Earth's orbit on October 4, 1957. Not only was it confirmed that the U.S. was behind the Soviets in the space race, but the pride of being the "scientific superpower" was also dented.

The United States quickly countered. On July 29, 1958, it established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It increased research and development investments not only in space-related technologies but also across the entire field of science and technology. Curriculums in universities as well as middle and high schools were reformed to strengthen math and science education. On this foundation, the "Apollo Program" was launched to surpass Soviet space technology.

On September 12, 1962, Kennedy gave a famous speech at Rice University in Houston, Texas. "We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon and do other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. This goal will organize and measure the best of our energies and skills."

On July 21, 1969, Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped down from the lunar module Eagle, which had landed in the Sea of Tranquility. It was the first time humanity set foot on the moon. Armstrong said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Apollo became a symbol of American science and technology.

After Apollo 11, the United States landed five more missions (12, 14, 15, 16, 17) on the moon. A total of twelve astronauts walked on the lunar surface. After Apollo 17 left the moon on December 14, 1972, the U.S. never sent humans back to the moon. The last person to walk on the moon was Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan, who passed away at the age of 82 on January 16, 2017.

The Apollo Program also involved sacrifices. On January 27, 1967, a fire during a launch rehearsal for Apollo 1 killed three astronauts. On April 13, 1970, an oxygen tank exploded aboard Apollo 13 while en route to the moon. Rescue was impossible. The astronauts successfully used the lunar module’s propulsion to alter their orbit after circling the moon and safely returned to Earth on April 17.

The Apollo Program changed humanity’s perspective on the moon and space. It was no longer a realm of fantasy and romance. Humans began to view space through the lens of science as a domain to explore and develop. During the Apollo Program, various fundamental technologies necessary for new materials and electronic communications were developed, transforming human life. Products like water purifiers and microwave ovens are also byproducts of space development.

Heo Jin-seok, Poet and Professor at Korea National Sport University

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