NASA flight controller Seymour will talk about the ground crews story

These were the words of Apollo 13 pilot John Swigert on April 13, 1970, over the radio after an oxygen tank exploded on the Apollo 13 spacecraft.

Now NASA flight controller Seymour ‘Sy’ Liebergot will share his experience as one of the ground crew on that fateful day when he comes to Pontefract.

The retired flight controller will give an after dinner speech at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, Pontefract, called Apollo 13: The Longest Hour.

Organiser Ken Willoughby said: “I have met a total of 13 Apollo Astronauts who have been to the Moon and have been interested in Astronomy and Space for more than 50 years.

“I have brought six of these to Pontefract over the last seven years: Charlie Duke; Alan Bean; Buzz Aldrin; Fred Haise; Edgar Mitchell; and Dick Gordon.

“Sy will talk about the ground crews story of the event and ideas they came up with to bring them back alive. This should be a really good talk.”

New Jersey-born Seymour was responsible for the electrical and environmental systems and a member of the team that helped to guide Apollo 13 safely back to Earth following the explosion.

Mr Willoughby added: “People come to Pontefract from all over Britain, Holland, Belgium and the Czech Republic to hear these people speak.”