How Ed Smylie and Duct Tape Helped Save Apollo 13
When the Apollo 13 mission launched on April 11, 1970, no one imagined it would become one of NASA’s most dramatic and heroic rescues. But just two days into the mission, an oxygen tank exploded aboard the spacecraft, crippling the command module and forcing three astronauts—Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise—into a life-or-death struggle for survival. In the chaos that followed, a quiet genius behind the scenes played a pivotal role in their return: Ed Smylie.
Who Was Ed Smylie?
Ed Smylie was an engineer at NASA, serving as the Director of Life Systems at the Johnson Space Center during Apollo 13. His job? Designing the life-support systems that kept astronauts alive in space—including air filtration, temperature control, and breathable atmosphere. But on April 13, 1970, that job suddenly included figuring out how to save three lives using only what was already on board a crippled spacecraft.
The CO₂ Crisis
After the explosion, the crew had to move into the Lunar Module (LM) "Aquarius," which was only designed to support two astronauts for two days—not three astronauts for four. One of the immediate problems was carbon dioxide buildup. The LM used different, square lithium hydroxide canisters to scrub CO₂ from the air, while the command module had round ones. Unfortunately, they weren’t compatible.
As CO₂ levels climbed to dangerous levels, ground control had to improvise—and fast.
Enter Duct Tape
Ed Smylie and his team were tasked with designing an adapter that would allow the square filters to work with the round holes in the LM’s system. Their materials? Only what the astronauts had on board: plastic bags, cardboard, a space suit hose, and—most famously—duct tape.
Smylie and his team worked under intense pressure, rapidly prototyping a solution and testing it on Earth. They then relayed instructions to the crew on how to assemble what became known as the “mailbox.” The astronauts followed the step-by-step directions, built the device, and successfully lowered CO₂ levels.
It was a triumph of ingenuity, teamwork, and calm under pressure.
Why It Matters
The Apollo 13 mission is often summed up with the phrase, “Failure is not an option.” But that sentiment was more than just a tagline—it was the mindset that defined Ed Smylie’s career. His ability to think creatively under extreme conditions, and his understanding of practical engineering, directly contributed to the survival of the crew.
Duct tape may have become the poster child of this story, but it was Smylie's resourcefulness, quick thinking, and ability to work the problem that made the difference.
Legacy
Today, Ed Smylie is remembered as one of NASA’s unsung heroes. His work on Apollo 13 has become a case study in innovation under constraint, inspiring engineers and problem-solvers around the world.
And thanks to him, duct tape’s reputation as a miracle tool has never been stronger.
Closing Thought
The Apollo 13 rescue reminds us that true brilliance often happens behind the scenes—where calm minds, creative thinking, and everyday materials can save lives. In a world where high-tech solutions often steal the spotlight, Ed Smylie showed us that sometimes, the best tool for the job is duct tape—and the right person holding it.
