In Memory of Ed Smylie, Whose Famous Hack Saved the Apollo 13 Crew

The passing of renowned NASA engineer Ed Smylie on April 21st in Crossville, Tennessee, has left a void in the world of innovation and space exploration. As one of the most iconic figures in the history of hacking, Smylie's name will be remembered for generations to come, not only by fans of science fiction but also by those who appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness that defined his career.

Smylie's legacy is forever etched in the annals of space exploration, thanks to a ingenious hack he designed during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. When an explosion crippled the command module, Smylie and his team had to act fast to save the crew of three astronauts who were meant to return alone from the lunar excursion module. The catch? The lunar module's canisters for filtering the air were only compatible with two people, while the canisters available on the spacecraft were square, whereas the required ones were round.

Undaunted by this challenge, Smylie and his team set out to find a creative solution. With the resources available at their disposal – including plastic bags and duct tape – they designed an adapter that could fit the square canisters into the round holes. This makeshift gas conduit was the stuff of legend, and its impact on the success of the mission cannot be overstated.

The story of Smylie's hack has been retold countless times, even in the 1995 film Apollo 13. But what makes this story so remarkable is not just the ingenuity of Smylie's design, but also the sheer scale of his problem-solving skills under pressure. In a world where failure was an ever-present threat, Smylie and his team rose to the challenge with bravery, creativity, and a dash of duct tape.

Today, we remember Ed Smylie as a true pioneer in the world of hacking and innovation. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and tinkerers who aspire to make their mark on history. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we also pay tribute to his groundbreaking hack that saved countless lives and redefined what is possible with creativity and determination.

Rest in peace, Ed Smylie. Your legacy will live on forever.