“Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
These were the words of Apollo 13 pilot John Swigert on April 13, 1970, over the radio after an oxygen tank exploded on the Apollo 13 spacecraft.
Now NASA flight controller Seymour ‘Sy’ Liebergot will share his experience as one of the ground crew on that fateful day when he comes to Pontefract.
The retired flight controller will give an after dinner speech at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, Pontefract, called Apollo 13: The Longest Hour.
He will also visit Carleton Community High School, Pontefract.
Organiser Ken Willoughby said: “I have met a total of 13 Apollo Astronauts who have been to the Moon and have been interested in Astronomy and Space for more than 50 years.
“I have brought six of these to Pontefract over the last seven years: Charlie Duke; Alan Bean; Buzz Aldrin; Fred Haise; Edgar Mitchell; and Dick Gordon.
“Most people have seen the film Apollo 13 and Fred Haise spoke of what the crew went through when he came over.
“Sy will talk about the ground crews story of the event and ideas they came up with to bring them back alive. This should be a really good talk.”
New Jersey-born Seymour was responsible for the electrical and environmental systems and a member of the team that helped to guide Apollo 13 safely back to Earth following the explosion.
The story was turned into an film in 1995 starring Tom Hanks.
Mr Willoughby added: “People come to Pontefract from all over Britain, Holland, Belgium and the Czech Republic to hear these people speak.”
The dinner and speech is on September 9 from 7.30pm to 1am with tickets £60.
Tickets for Carleton Community High School on September 10, from 5pm – 9pm, are £10 (adults) and £5 (under 16s).
Each person is entitled to one free autograph.
To buy tickets send a stamped address envelope to Ken Willoughby, 11 Hardistry Drive, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4BU.
Make cheques payable to “Apollo 13”.
These were the words of Apollo 13 pilot John Swigert on April 13, 1970, over the radio after an oxygen tank exploded on the Apollo 13 spacecraft.
Now NASA flight controller Seymour ‘Sy’ Liebergot will share his experience as one of the ground crew on that fateful day when he comes to Pontefract.
The retired flight controller will give an after dinner speech at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, Pontefract, called Apollo 13: The Longest Hour.
He will also visit Carleton Community High School, Pontefract.
Organiser Ken Willoughby said: “I have met a total of 13 Apollo Astronauts who have been to the Moon and have been interested in Astronomy and Space for more than 50 years.
“I have brought six of these to Pontefract over the last seven years: Charlie Duke; Alan Bean; Buzz Aldrin; Fred Haise; Edgar Mitchell; and Dick Gordon.
“Most people have seen the film Apollo 13 and Fred Haise spoke of what the crew went through when he came over.
New Jersey-born Seymour was responsible for the electrical and environmental systems and a member of the team that helped to guide Apollo 13 safely back to Earth following the explosion.
The story was turned into an film in 1995 starring Tom Hanks.
Mr Willoughby added: “People come to Pontefract from all over Britain, Holland, Belgium and the Czech Republic to hear these people speak.”
The dinner and speech is on September 9 from 7.30pm to 1am with tickets £60.
Tickets for Carleton Community High School on September 10, from 5pm – 9pm, are £10 (adults) and £5 (under 16s).
Each person is entitled to one free autograph.
To buy tickets send a stamped address envelope to Ken Willoughby, 11 Hardistry Drive, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4BU.
Make cheques payable to “Apollo 13”.
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