Buzz Aldrin Performed An Emergency Repair On The Moon That Saved The Whole Mission
When Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins signed up for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, they knew what they were getting into. Yet, in the few hours Neil and Buzz spent on the Moon, an unexpected issue surfaced that threatened the entire mission. And though the world eventually watched the astronauts return safely home, the most famous space mission would've been much different if not for Buzz Aldrin's quick thinking.
Waiting for Help
On July 24, 1969, just after noon, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins were floating on a raft in the Pacific Ocean, waiting patiently for helicopters from the USS Hornet to pluck them from the water.
Boarding the Naval Craft
Once brought aboard the naval craft, the three bold astronauts were hailed as heroes. Seamen rushed to greet them on the flight deck, but they were quickly hurried to the Mobile Quarantine Facility, where a special guest welcomed them home.
A Presidential Congrats
President Nixon congratulated Buzz, Neil, and Michael, highlighting their contributions to the U.S.A., Earth, and humanity. Yet, in the midst of the celebration, Buzz and the crew couldn't help but think about how the mission nearly ended in catastrophe.
Magnificent Desolation
Buzz Aldrin made the avoided disaster public in his his 2009 book Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon. Apparently, mankind's giant leap nearly faltered on the Moon.
