NASA has marked the 55th anniversary of Apollo 12 - world's second manned mission to the Moon. Astronauts Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr., Alan Bean and Richard Gordon Jr. blasted off to the Moon on November 14 on the Saturn V rocket, which ran into trouble in its first minute post lift off.

About 36 seconds into the launch, the rocket was struck by lightning, causing a power surge that led to the temporary loss of guidance and electrical systems in the spacecraft.

Just 16 seconds later, a second lightning strike hit, knocking out the crew's telemetry and navigation systems, plunging the control panel into darkness. Both strikes were caused by the rocket flying through a downpour.

The lightning strikes triggered a series of electrical issues, which could have jeopardised the mission entirely. The command module's fuel cells, which generated power for the spacecraft, were temporarily knocked offline, and the primary navigational systems failed. The crew lost their displays and critical systems, creating confusion and concern both in the cockpit and on the ground.

ALSO SEE: The Risky Business Of Apollo 11: Why The Astronauts Went Without Life Insurance

Thanks to flight controller John Aaron and his experience, the Apollo team was able to restore telemetry data to the control panel. Pilot Alan Bean quickly restored key systems just in time for Apollo 12 to continue on its trajectory. The mission proceeded successfully, and five days later, the crew was on the Moon.

Following this incident, NASA swore off from launching rockets in bad weather to ensure safety.

After the successful touchdown, Conrad and Bean spent seven hours exploring, collecting rock samples, and setting up instruments to study seismic activity, solar winds, and other phenomena.

ALSO SEE: Apollo 11 Moon Landing Videotapes Sell At Auction For Whopping $1.8 Million

(Image: NASA)