What Would NASA Have Done if Apollo Astronauts Died on the Moon?

The question of what NASA would have done if one or both astronauts died on the moon during any of the Apollo missions is a thought-provoking one. Given the historical context and the ethical considerations of the time, it is crucial to examine the potential actions NASA might have taken, as well as the protocols that existed.

1. Historical Context and Protocols

During the Apollo missions, the primary objective was to achieve the triumph of landing man on the moon and return him safely. However, the possibility of disaster was not outside the realm of possibility. In the case of a fatal accident, NASA would likely have had to face several challenging decisions.

2. Potential Scenarios and Reactions

Considering the specific protocols and ethical considerations of the time, the most likely scenario would entail the landing or crash site being declared a national graveyard, with the bodies left untouched and in peace. This would serve multiple purposes, including respecting the astronauts' legacies and maintaining the integrity of the space program.

2.1 The Safire Memo

No single event would have been more pivotal in shaping the public and political response than the Safire Memo, a presidential speech draft written by Bill Safire, which was thankfully never delivered. This memo outlines a protocol to be followed in the event of a moon disaster, emphasizing the dignity and sacrifice of the astronauts:

To: H. R. Haldeman From: Bill Safire July 18, 1969. IN EVENT OF MOON DISASTER: Fate has ordained that the men who went to the moon to explore in peace will stay on the moon to rest in peace. These brave men, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know that there is no hope for their Recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind in their sacrifice.

The memo further explains that the site would be declared a national graveyard, and the astronauts would be left to rest in peace. This protocol was designed to preserve the astronauts' dignity and the nation's commitment to their sacrifice.

2.2 Protocol of Ship Graves at Sea

Given the historical context, the protocol would have likely been akin to that of ship graves at sea. The site would be declared an official grave site, and the bodies would be left to rest in peace. This approach was a common practice in naval history, where the remains of those lost at sea were respectfully left in their final resting place. It would be a symbol of respect and cultural sensitivity, maintaining the sanctity of the site while allowing future missions to proceed without undue disruption.

3. Unlikely but Contemplated Scenarios

While the most likely scenario would be to leave the astronauts' remains in their final resting place, there is a possibility that public or political pressure might have led to a recovery mission. However, given the limited scope of the missions and the restricted exploration range available, it is unlikely that such a pressure would have been successfully exerted. The astronauts' landing sites had to cover as many regions as possible, and the range of the rover in later missions was still limited. Therefore, a recovery mission would mean landing very close to the existing site, which would compromise the ability to explore other regions.

3.1 Public and Political Pressure

Despite the unlikely scenario, it is worth considering the potential public and political response. If public opinion or political pressure was strong enough, NASA might have contemplated a recovery mission. However, such a mission would have required significant resources and logistical planning, and the risk to future lunar exploration might have outweighed the political and emotional benefits. The focus would have remained on the safety and success of the mission, with any post-mission activities deemed secondary.

4. Conclusion

In summary, the most likely scenario for NASA in the event of a tragic lunar accident would be to declare the site a national graveyard and leave the astronauts' remains undisturbed. This approach aligns with historical precedents, maintains cultural sensitivity, and respects the astronauts' sacrifice. While public or political pressure might have theoretically called for a recovery mission, the practical constraints of the missions and the overarching goals of the space program would have likely discouraged such a move.

Further reading and exploration into the historical context and protocol of space missions can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations and decision-making processes involved in such scenarios.