
Remembering Ed Smylie: The Ingenious Engineer Who Saved Apollo 13
2025-05-19
Author: Ken Lee
A Legacy of Innovation and Ingenuity
Some hacks are so monumental that they earn their creators a place in history—alongside obituary mentions in prestigious outlets like The New York Times and tributes in specialized forums such as Hackaday. Ed Smylie, a celebrated NASA engineer, has recently passed away at the remarkable age of 95 in Crossville, Tennessee.
The Daring Apollo 13 Rescue
In 1970, Ed Smylie was at the helm of a daring mission to save the Apollo 13 astronauts after a catastrophic explosion threatened their lives in space. His quick thinking led to one of the most iconic hacks in aerospace history. The command module was damaged, and astronauts faced a dire situation: they needed to escape using the lunar module, which was only meant for two crew members, despite having three aboard.
Turning Square Pegs into Round Holes
The main challenge? There was insufficient lithium hydroxide on the lunar module to purify the air for all three astronauts. While they could retrieve square canisters from the command module, these would not fit the round openings in the lunar module. This is where Smylie truly shone.
With limited resources aboard the spacecraft, Ed and his innovative team devised a makeshift adapter using whatever materials they had on hand. This incredible feat showcased not just technical expertise but also the spirit of resourcefulness and determination that defines the NASA legacy.
A Story Retold
The incredible tale of Ed Smylie’s ingenuity isn’t just a part of history; it's been immortalized in the 1995 film 'Apollo 13,' showcasing the creativity and bravery of the people behind NASA's most challenging missions.
Farewell to a Legend
Thank you, Ed Smylie, for your innovative spirit and for exemplifying one of the greatest hacks of all time. Your legacy will inspire generations to come. May you rest in peace, knowing you played a pivotal role in bringing heroes back home.