Ed Smylie, NASA Engineer Who Aided Apollo 13 Rescue, Dies at 95

Edward 'Ed' Smylie, a NASA engineer whose quick thinking and problem-solving skills were instrumental in the safe return of the Apollo 13 astronauts, has died at 95. In April 1970, when an oxygen tank exploded on the Apollo 13 spacecraft during its mission to the moon, Smylie and a team of engineers at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in Houston sprang into action.

The explosion crippled the spacecraft, jeopardizing the lives of astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise. With limited power and a damaged life support system, the astronauts faced a dire situation.

Smylie's team was tasked with finding a way to adapt the lunar module, intended for a two-day stay on the moon, into a lifeboat capable of supporting the crew for several days. One of the most critical challenges was removing excess carbon dioxide from the lunar module's atmosphere. The lunar module's carbon dioxide filters were not compatible with the command module's system.

Using only the materials available to the astronauts including duct tape, cardboard, and plastic bags Smylie and his team devised a way to connect the command module's filters to the lunar module's system. This improvised solution, which became known as the 'mail box,' successfully scrubbed the carbon dioxide and allowed the astronauts to breathe safely.

Ed Smylie's ingenuity and dedication played a vital role in the Apollo 13 mission's successful conclusion. His contributions were recognized by President Richard Nixon, and he became a symbol of the resourcefulness and problem-solving spirit of NASA engineers. He is survived by his family and a legacy of innovation in the face of adversity.