As an expert in space history and cinema, I can provide a detailed account of how the Apollo 13 movie ends. The film, directed by Ron Howard and released in 1995, dramatizes the real-life events of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission, which was intended to be the third manned mission to land on the moon. However, the mission was aborted after an explosion in the service module's oxygen tank, which occurred en route to the moon.

The film focuses on the human aspect of the mission, particularly the crew's struggle to survive and the efforts of the ground control team at NASA to bring them home safely. The climax of the movie revolves around the critical decision-making and the ingenuity required to overcome the life-threatening challenges they faced.

The ending of Apollo 13 is both tense and emotional. After the explosion, the crew, consisting of Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, along with mission control, work tirelessly to find a solution to return the astronauts safely to Earth. They face numerous obstacles, including limited power, dwindling supplies, and the need to navigate the spacecraft manually without the use of the damaged service module.

One of the most dramatic moments in the film is the decision to use the lunar module as a "lifeboat." The lunar module, designed to land on the moon, becomes the only viable option for the astronauts' survival as they jettison the damaged service module. The crew must then perform a series of complex maneuvers to align the lunar module correctly for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Another pivotal scene involves the re-entry itself. The spacecraft must hit a precise target in the Pacific Ocean to ensure a safe splashdown. The tension is palpable as the crew and mission control anxiously await the outcome. The film captures the relief and joy when the spacecraft successfully re-enters and splashes down, with the crew being rescued by the U.S. Navy.

The movie concludes with a poignant reflection on the mission. Despite not achieving its original goal of landing on the moon, Apollo 13 is hailed as a "successful failure" because of the lessons learned and the demonstration of human resilience and ingenuity. The film ends with a tribute to the real-life astronauts and the NASA team, emphasizing the bravery and dedication that characterized the Apollo program.

In summary, the Apollo 13 movie ends with a dramatic and emotional conclusion that highlights the extraordinary efforts of the astronauts and the ground control team. The mission's outcome, while not what was initially planned, is celebrated for the invaluable experience gained and the triumph of human spirit over adversity.

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Apollo 13 was to be the third lunar landing attempt, but the mission was aborted after rupture of service module oxygen tank. Still, it was classified as a "successful failure" because of the experience gained in rescuing the crew.Jul 8, 2009read more >>