Apollo 8 vs Apollo 11: Which Mission Carried the Greater Risk?

When discussing the risks associated with the Apollo missions, it is often believed that Apollo 11 posed the greater risk, but the truth is that each mission carried unique and significant risks.

I would argue that Apollo 8 was riskier. If the catastrophic event that occurred on Apollo 13 had happened on Apollo 11, while the crew and spacecraft might have been retrieved, the failure on Apollo 8 without the spare power supply in the Lunar Module (LEM) would have resulted in a loss of communication within a couple of hours, rendering the mission a failure.

Apollo 8: December 1968

Mission Overview: Apollo 8 was groundbreaking as it was the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon. The mission crew consisted of Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders.

Risks:
Unproven Technology: Apollo 8 was the first to use the Saturn V rocket and the command and service modules in a crewed mission. There was much uncertainty regarding the spacecraft’s performance in space. Navigation and Communication: The lunar orbit required precise navigation. Any errors could lead to a failure to return safely. Deep Space Environment: The mission ventured farther from Earth than any human had previously, exposing them to radiation and other deep space hazards.

Apollo 11: July 1969

Mission Overview: Apollo 11 marked the first mission to land humans on the Moon, with the crew including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

Risks:
Lunar Landing: The actual landing faced risks such as malfunctions or crashes of the Lunar Module, necessitating a manual landing due to unexpected obstacles. Surface Operations: Activities on the lunar surface, including the first steps and returning to the Lunar Module, involved risks of equipment failure and environmental hazards. Return to Earth: The return to Earth after the lunar landing involved significant risks, particularly the ascent back to the Command Module in lunar orbit, which could fail due to engine issues.

Conclusion

While both Apollo missions were incredibly risky, Apollo 8 was riskier due to untested technology and deep space navigation. It was the first to venture beyond low Earth orbit, whereas Apollo 11’s risks were uniquely centered around the lunar landing and surface operations. The stakes of Apollo 11 were arguably higher due to the unprecedented goal of landing humans on the Moon and the global attention it received. Each mission was crucial, laying the groundwork for future space exploration.