 FACT: SPOILER: The only way the shuttle could get to the moon in  time was using the experimental atomic rockets. Once there, ground  control finally figured out that they didnt have enough power to  save the moon unless they used the very same atomic rockets to boost  the power of the explosion. They dutifully ejected the rockets into  the crack on the moon. Without the rockets for the return trip, the  shuttle would take too long to return to earth. The crews supplies  of oxygen, food and water would most likely run out.