The Uncertain Success of the Apollo 11 LandingConstant Wonder • Season 2022, Episode 1095, Segment 2
Jul 20, 2021 • 21m
It all went like clockwork, or so it seems in the history books. Nearly airbrushed from most people’s historical memory are the sacrifices, the near misses, the pressure from Russian rivals, and the crazy, adrenaline-filled final moments racing an emptying fuel tank to find a safe landing spot. Meanwhile, NASA’s organization and systems were rebuilt on the run, and some engineers snapped under the relentless pressure to perform.
Guest: James Donovan, author, "Shoot for the Moon: The Space Race and the Extraordinary Voyage of Apollo 11"