Apollo 13 hero James Lovell dies at 97 after moon mission.
Apollo 13 Commander James Lovell Dies at 97
James Lovell, the renowned NASA astronaut and commander of Apollo 13, passed away at the age of 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois, on Thursday. NASA confirmed his death on Friday. Lovell, known for his leadership during the perilous Apollo 13 mission, where he famously said, “Houston, we’ve had a problem,” inspired millions with his courage and contribution to space exploration.
Lovell's legacy includes commanding the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, which turned into a challenging rescue operation after an oxygen tank explosion. Alongside his crew members, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, Lovell worked closely with NASA to ensure a safe return to Earth. This mission was later depicted in the 1995 film "Apollo 13," with Tom Hanks portraying Lovell.
After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1973, Lovell pursued a successful business career. He co-authored the book "Lost Moon," which detailed the Apollo 13 mission and inspired the movie adaptation. Lovell received accolades for his contributions to space exploration, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1970 and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1993.
Despite the disappointment of not walking on the moon, Lovell's leadership during the Apollo 13 crisis brought him enduring fame and respect. President Bill Clinton honored him with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1995, acknowledging Lovell's significant impact on space exploration and the nation.
Born in 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, Lovell's fascination with aviation and space led him to a distinguished career in the Navy and NASA. As part of NASA's second group of astronauts, Lovell participated in key space missions, including Gemini 7, Gemini 12, and Apollo 8, contributing to pivotal advancements in space exploration.
Tributes poured in following Lovell's passing, with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino calling him a hero and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recognizing Lovell as a true American hero. Lovell's dedication to space exploration and his exemplary life both professionally and personally leave a lasting legacy.