Apollo 13 splashdown. Command Module of the Apollo 13 mission during its splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. Apollo 13 was a lunar landing mission, but an explosion on board forced an early return to Earth. It was launched on 11th April 1970, but two days later an oxygen tank exploded. This crippled the Command Module, forcing the astronauts to live in the Lunar Module for the remainder of their flight. After passing round the Moon, Apollo 13 returned to Earth. The crew transferred to the Command Module for Earth re- entry, splashing down on 17th April 1970. The astronauts were James A. Lovell Junior, John L. Swigert Junior and Fred W. Haise Junior.