What were the key findings of the Apollo 13 mission?

The key findings of the Apollo 13 mission were as follows:

1. Oxygen Tank Explosion: The mission faced a critical setback when an oxygen tank in the service module exploded, causing a loss of electrical power and the failure of the command module's life support system. This incident led to the famous phrase "Houston, we have a problem."

2. Successful Abort and Lunar Flyby: Despite the explosion, the crew, with the help of ground control, managed to safely abort the planned lunar landing and instead executed a flyby around the Moon. This allowed them to gather valuable data and capture photographs of the lunar surface.

3. Life Support Challenges: The crew faced numerous challenges in sustaining life onboard the spacecraft due to the limited resources available. They had to conserve power, water, and oxygen to ensure their survival until reentry.

4. Innovative Solutions: The mission showcased the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of both the astronauts and the ground control team. They devised creative solutions to overcome various obstacles, such as using the Lunar Module as a "lifeboat" to provide life support and propulsion for the return journey.

5. Safe Return: Despite the life-threatening situation, the crew successfully reentered the Earth's atmosphere and splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean. This demonstrated the effectiveness of teamwork, quick thinking, and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.

Overall, the Apollo 13 mission highlighted the resilience and determination of the astronauts and ground control, as well as the importance of contingency planning and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges during space exploration.