Returning from the Moon back to the Earth

[Agent 008]

Could someone please explain to me in layman terms, how did 2 people deployed on the moon get back to Earth?

[george]

They used the force.

[RadioFree]

From what I understand they went back into the Lunar Module, then fired the ascent thrusters and docked with the orbiting Command Module. Then the Command Module used the gravity of the Moon to slingshot it back towards the Earth.

[Agent 008]

From what I understand they went back into the Lunar Module, then fired the ascent thrusters and docked with the orbiting Command Module. Then the Command Module used the gravity of the Moon to slingshot it back towards the Earth.

But they didn't have any launch pads on the moon. How did the fuel not explode? And how did they make it precise enough so that it docked with the orbiting module?

As far as I understand, they had to be really precise with the timing and the angles of the start so that they end up at the right place at the right time, right? Or how does that work?

[Mathematics]

But they didn't have any launch pads on the moon. How did the fuel not explode? And how did they make it precise enough so that it docked with the orbiting module?

As far as I understand, they had to be really precise with the timing and the angles of the start so that they end up at the right place at the right time, right? Or how does that work?

Why would the fuel explode? The bottom section of the lander stayed on the moon.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/LM_illustration_02.jpg/457px-LM_illustration_02.jpg

The Saturn Five had to carry enough fuel to put all stages into earth orbit. If you look at the diagram, and compare the size of the ascent stage of the lander to the Saturn Five rocket, and take into account the lower gravity and thinner atmosphere of the moon then I'm sure it will seem a lot more plausible.

I'm not too sure about how they docked back with the command module or about how accurate they needed to be. It's an interesting question.

[Mantikore]

well, the moon has less gravity, so the rocket thrusters need not be as powerful.

to my recollection, command module was orbiting the moon, then when they were ready, the lunar module guys shot up to the orbiting command module, then flew back to earth?

[ComradeAsh]

Why are you all acting like docking is a problem?

Sure its complicated, but its kinda part of the job description.

Haven't you guys played Wing Commander?