Text Structure: Problem and Solution -Disaster In Space

Bad wiring in an oxygen tank

triggered an explosion that badly

damaged the spacecraft. Much of

Odyssey’s power and oxygen supply

were lost. Hint: Where did the astronauts go?

• The astronauts turned off all but the most critical systems to save power on the LEM.

• The astronauts moved from the damaged spacecraft into the LEM, which had its own supply of power, water, and oxygen.

• Although the astronauts and the engineers were anxious, they stayed calm until they were able to communicate again.

The LEM didn’t have enough power

to make the four-day journey back

to Earth.

• The astronauts moved from the damaged spacecraft into the LEM.

• Just before plunging to Earth, the astronauts moved back into the Odyssey

• The astronauts turned off all but the most critical systems to save power on the LEM.

The LEM didn’t have a protective

heat shield to keep it from burning

up when it re-entered Earth’s

atmosphere.

• Just before plunging to Earth, the astronauts moved back into the Odyssey, which had a protective heat shield.

• The astronauts moved from the damaged spacecraft into the LEM

• The astronauts turned off all but the most critical systems to save power

There was a communication

blackout during the most dangerous

part of the astronauts’ journey

home.

• Although the astronauts and the engineers were anxious, they stayed calm until they were able to communicate again.

• The astronauts turned off all but the most critical systems to save power on the LEM

• the astronauts moved back into the Odyssey