Huston [Houston], we have had a problem

[arrakisworm]

Hi, people!
Would you be so kind to explain what is the difference between these two sentences:

"Huston, we have had a problem here",
"Huston, we have a problem".​

I do understand they have basically the same meaning, but is there some nuance?

 

[heypresto]

"Huston, we have had a problem here" means that the problem existed at some time in the past, but no longer exists.

"Huston, we have a problem" means that we are experiencing a problem here and now. Which of course they were.

 

[Sparky Malarky]

"Huston, we have had a problem here" means that the problem existed at some time in the past, but no longer exists.

I wonder where this sentence comes from? Was it what was actually said?

I agree with Haypresto, but I suspect that the astronauts might have said this, meaning "Houston, we have had something happen and it's a problem." The thing that happened was in the past, but the problem still exists. This is not quite flawless grammar, but I think the astronauts can be excused under the circumstances. If this was the original, it was surely changed for the movie to "Houston, we have a problem" which is more correct and also more dynamic.

 

[heypresto]

According to Wikipedia, (so it must be true ) the original message was in fact changed to 'Houston we have a problem'. 'Jack' Swigert actually said "Houston, we've had a problem."