Did you know that one of NASA’s Apollo missions nearly turned into a mutiny? Let’s dive into the story of Apollo 7, a mission that was full of tension and drama.
Apollo 7 was NASA’s first mission with astronauts on board after a tragic accident during Apollo 1, where three astronauts lost their lives in a fire. This made everyone at NASA very cautious and nervous. Despite this, NASA decided to launch Apollo 7 in bad weather, which went against their own safety rules. This decision upset the mission’s commander, Wally Schirra, especially because he was dealing with a head cold.
Having a cold in space is much more uncomfortable than on Earth. In space, there’s microgravity, which means there’s no gravity to help fluids drain from your head. This can make a simple cold feel much worse, making astronauts feel even more miserable.
On top of dealing with a cold, the crew was also sleep-deprived, stuck in a small spacecraft, and working very hard. All these factors added to their frustration. At one point, the crew refused to test the onboard TV cameras when Mission Control asked them to. Later, during their return to Earth, they also refused to wear their helmets as instructed. This was a big deal because astronauts usually follow orders very strictly.
This refusal to follow orders was like a mini mutiny in space. Some people think the crew wanted to remind NASA that they were human beings, not just robots who follow commands. Whatever their reasons, the result was that none of the crew members ever went to space again.
If you’re interested in more stories about the challenges of exploring Earth and space, you might want to check out “Space: The Longest Goodbye.” It’s full of fascinating tales about the adventures and difficulties faced by astronauts.
Imagine you’re one of the astronauts on Apollo 7. Create a short skit with your classmates that shows the challenges faced during the mission, such as dealing with a cold in space and the decision to refuse orders. This will help you understand the human side of space missions.
Based on what you learned about the Apollo 7 mission, work in groups to design a safety protocol for future space missions. Consider what could be done differently to avoid the issues faced by the Apollo 7 crew. Present your protocol to the class.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of an Apollo 7 astronaut. Describe your feelings and experiences during the mission, including the challenges of having a cold in space and the decision to defy orders. Share your diary with the class to explore different perspectives.
Research the health challenges astronauts face in space, such as microgravity effects on the body. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting how these challenges were evident in the Apollo 7 mission.
Participate in a class debate about whether astronauts should always follow orders or if there are times when human needs should take precedence. Use the Apollo 7 mission as a case study to support your arguments.
Did you know that one of the Apollo missions almost ended in mutiny? Apollo 7 was NASA’s first crewed mission after three astronauts tragically died in a fire during Apollo 1. Tensions were high, especially when NASA overruled its own safety rules and launched in poor weather. This frustrated Commander Wally Schirra, who had just come down with a head cold. A cold in space is much worse than on Earth because fluids don’t drain in microgravity. To make matters worse, the crew was sleep-deprived, trapped in close quarters, and overworked.
Initially, the crew refused to test the onboard TV cameras when ordered by Mission Control. Later, during re-entry, they also refused to wear their helmets as instructed. This was unprecedented—a mini mutiny in space. Many believe the crew wanted to show NASA that they were human beings, not just astronauts following orders. Regardless of the reasons, none of them went to space again.
For more stories about the challenges of Earth and space exploration, check out “Space: The Longest Goodbye.” Link in the description.
Apollo – A series of space missions conducted by NASA with the goal of landing humans on the Moon and bringing them safely back to Earth. – The Apollo 11 mission was the first to successfully land humans on the Moon in 1969.
NASA – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. – NASA was established in 1958 and has since led many important space exploration missions.
Mission – A specific task or operation assigned to a person or group, often involving travel or exploration, especially in space. – The mission of the Mars Rover is to explore the surface of Mars and collect data for scientists on Earth.
Astronauts – Trained individuals who travel and work in space. – The astronauts aboard the International Space Station conduct experiments that help us understand more about living in space.
Cold – A condition of low temperature, especially in space where there is no atmosphere to retain heat. – Space is extremely cold, which is why spacecraft must be equipped with special insulation to protect astronauts.
Space – The vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere, where stars, planets, and other celestial bodies are found. – Space exploration has helped us learn more about our solar system and the universe beyond.
Frustration – A feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance, often due to obstacles or challenges, such as those faced during complex scientific experiments. – The scientists felt frustration when their experiment failed to produce the expected results, but they persevered and eventually succeeded.
Mutiny – A rebellion against authority, especially by sailors or astronauts against their commanding officers. – During the Age of Exploration, mutiny was a serious concern for captains leading long sea voyages.
Control – The power to influence or direct behavior or the course of events, crucial in managing spacecraft and scientific experiments. – Mission control is responsible for monitoring and guiding spacecraft during their missions.
Gravity – The force that attracts objects toward one another, especially the pull of the Earth that keeps us grounded. – Gravity is weaker on the Moon, which is why astronauts appear to bounce when they walk on its surface.
