Mini Alternate History #1: An Early Moon
March 13th, 1966, 1359 UTC
Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, LC-40
James "Jim" Lovell awaits in the Adventure 9 capsule for his launch aboard MT-10, the first human launch to the Moon. The rocket used is a modified Titan IIIC, ready to carry it's payload to the Moon and back.
T-minus, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.
Booster ignition and liftoff!
We have a liftoff of Adventure 9!
Initiating roll program.
Roll program complete.
"Godspeed, Lovell."
"Vehicle is at Max-Q."
"Main engine startup."
"Booster separation confirmed."
"Stage 2 separation and startup confirmed."
"Adventure 9 has reached orbit."
TLI burn
"Houston, the Earth looks beautiful from this altitude."
Lovell EVAs to the attached lab, a bit more space than the cramped Mercury capsule, which will be appreciated on his 2 week trip.
"It's not like anything I've seen before Houston, the beauty of it is indescribable." Lovell says while on EVA at his closest approach to the moon, at 6835 kilometers.
Adventure 9 leaves the Moon's sphere of influence.
"The Earth is getting pretty big in the window, Houston."
Service Module separation.
After 4 passes through the atmosphere, Adventure 9 enters the Earth's atmosphere for the last time.
Drogue chute deployment confirmed.
Drogue fully deployed.
Drogue detachment and main chute deployment confirmed.
Main chute fully deployed.
Splashdown! After 14 days, 4 hours, and 11 minutes, Adventure 9 returns to the Earth, with Lovell safely inside.
"Welcome back to Earth, Lovell."
Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
And that concludes MAH #1! If you have any ideas for future Mini Alternate Histories, don't be afraid to let me know! Catch you in the next timeline,
-dolphinman42