1970 — When an oxygen line breaks, causing two fuel cells to fail, Apollo 13 cancels its planned lunar landing. The astronauts, Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and John Swigert, safely return to Earth using the life support system aboard the Lunar Module. Elsewhere that year:

• The U.S. Postal Service, an independent agency, replaces the Post Office Department.

• President Nixon names the first two female generals in U.S. history.

• Congress establishes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bringing 15 federal agencies that deal with pollution under a single management structure. It is established to enforce the Clean Air Act of 1970.

• “Doonesbury”, a satirical comic strip created by Garry Trudeau, debuts in 30 newspapers.

• The Beatles, one of the most influential and best-selling music group in history, disbands.