Houston, We Have (Almost) a Problem

A Look at the Misquote That Became a Cultural Touchstone

The Real Words

When the Apollo 13 space mission encountered a life-threatening problem in 1970, astronaut Jim Lovell famously uttered the words, "Houston, we've had a problem." However, the actual transmission was slightly different. Lovell actually said, "Houston, we have a problem."

The Misquote's Origins

The misquote, "Houston, we have a problem," has been attributed to a number of factors. Some believe that it was due to a mishearing of the transmission by ground control. Others speculate that it was a deliberate alteration made by the media to create a more dramatic headline.

Cultural Impact

Despite its inaccuracy, the misquote, "Houston, we have a problem," has become a cultural touchstone. It is often used in popular culture to represent a situation that is serious but not necessarily catastrophic. The phrase has also been parodied and referenced in countless films, television shows, and songs.