# Aquarius

> lunar module used during Apollo 13

**Wikidata**: [Q28101482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28101482)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aquarius

## Summary  
Aquarius was the Lunar Module designated LM‑7 that flew on NASA’s Apollo 13 mission. Built by Grumman and launched on 11 April 1970 aboard a Saturn V (SA‑508), Aquarius served as the crew’s “lifeboat” after the mission’s service‑module explosion, ultimately returning the astronauts safely to Earth.

## Key Facts  
- **Mission:** Part of Apollo 13, launched 11 April 1970 (19:13 UTC) from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.  
- **Call sign:** Aquarius (named after the zodiac sign).  
- **Manufacturer:** Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, United States.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Saturn V rocket, flight SA‑508.  
- **Mass:** 15 192 kg at launch (launch weight); 4 227 kg dry weight.  
- **Height:** 6.985 m.  
- **Serial number / designation:** LM‑7, also known as LM‑7 Aquarius.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1970‑029C.  
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  
- **Significant events:** Rocket launch from KSC LC‑39A (19:13 UTC, 11 Apr 1970) and jettison at Trans‑Earth injection (16:43 UTC, 17 Apr 1970).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of the Aquarius Lunar Module on Apollo 13?  
A: Aquarius was the mission’s Lunar Module, intended for lunar landing, but after an oxygen‑tank explosion it became the crew’s emergency shelter and life‑support system for the return trip to Earth.  

### Q: How large and heavy was Aquarius?  
A: Aquarius measured 6.985 metres in height, weighed 15 192 kg at launch, and had a dry mass of 4 227 kg.  

### Q: Which rocket launched Aquarius and when?  
A: Aquarius rode on the Saturn V launch vehicle SA‑508, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on 11 April 1970 at 19:13 UTC.  

### Q: Who built Aquarius and what was its call sign?  
A: Grumman built Aquarius, and its official call sign during the mission was “Aquarius.”  

### Q: Did Aquarius ever land on the Moon?  
A: No. Although designed as a lunar lander, Aquarius remained in lunar orbit and was used as a rescue vehicle after the Apollo 13 accident, never performing a lunar descent.  

## Why It Matters  
Aquarius exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of NASA’s engineering. Designed for a lunar landing, the LM‑7 module became the critical lifeboat that sustained three astronauts after a catastrophic failure in the service module. Its robust environmental control, power, and navigation systems allowed the crew to survive in deep space for days longer than any previous mission, demonstrating the value of redundant spacecraft architecture. The successful return of Apollo 13’s crew, facilitated by Aquarius, reinforced confidence in human spaceflight safety protocols and informed the design of subsequent spacecraft, including the emphasis on multi‑purpose modules that can serve both primary and contingency roles. Aquarius’ story remains a powerful reminder that thorough engineering and flexible mission planning can turn potential disaster into a triumph of human ingenuity.

## Notable For  
- Served as the emergency “lifeboat” that saved Apollo 13’s crew after a service‑module explosion.  
- First Lunar Module to be used in a mission that never attempted a lunar landing.  
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the LM’s independent power, life‑support, and navigation capabilities.  
- Part of the only Apollo mission that required a full‑mission abort and safe return without a lunar surface operation.  

## Body  

### Overview  
Aquarius (LM‑7) was the seventh Lunar Module built for the Apollo program. It was assigned to the Apollo 13 crew—James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert, and Fred W. Haise. The LM’s primary mission was to descend to the Moon’s surface, but the mission was aborted after an in‑flight explosion on 13 April 1970.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer:** Grumman (United States).  
- **Dimensions:** Height 6.985 m; overall mass 15 192 kg at launch, 4 227 kg dry.  
- **Structure:** Two stages—Descent Stage (propulsion, landing gear, life‑support) and Ascent Stage (return to orbit).  
- **Power:** Batteries and fuel cells capable of supporting the crew for extended periods.  
- **Call sign:** “Aquarius,” reflecting the zodiac sign and used in mission communications.  

### Mission Profile  
1. **Launch (11 Apr 1970, 19:13 UTC):** Lifted aboard Saturn V SA‑508 from KSC LC‑39A.  
2. **Trans‑Lunar Injection:** Inserted into a trajectory toward the Moon.  
3. **Service‑Module Failure (13 Apr 1970):** Oxygen tank explosion forced abort.  
4. **LM as Lifeboat:** Aquarius provided oxygen, water, power, and navigation while the crew looped around the Moon.  
5. **Jettison (17 Apr 1970, 16:43 UTC):** After re‑entry preparations, Aquarius’s ascent stage was discarded during Trans‑Earth injection.  

### Legacy  
Aquarius proved that the Lunar Module could operate independently of the Command/Service Module, a capability that became a cornerstone of NASA’s safety philosophy. Its performance under emergency conditions influenced later spacecraft designs, emphasizing modular redundancy and the ability to serve as a contingency habitat. The module’s story continues to inspire engineers and the public as a testament to problem‑solving under extreme pressure.

## References

1. [Source](https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4029/Apollo_18-17_Call_Signs.htm)
2. Apollo: The Definitive Sourcebook
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1970-029C)
5. Apollo by the Numbers: A Statistical Reference