Posted on 08/08/2025 12:51:25 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
Lovell was part of a total of four space missions: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8 and Apollo 13.
NASA Astronaut Jim Lovell, who famously led the historic Apollo 13 moon mission, died on Thursday at the age of 97, his family announced Friday.
Lovell was part of a total of four space missions: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8 and Apollo 13. Lovell was most known for his calm leadership during Apollo 13's tragic flight, which experienced a major oxygen tank explosion far away from Earth.
The astronaut's family highlighted Lovell's "legendary leadership in pioneering human space flight," and observed that the man led an "amazing life." It is not clear how Lovell died, but he passed in Lake Forest, Illinois, per NBC News.
“To all of us, he was Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family. Most importantly, he was our Hero,” the family said in its statement. “We will miss his unshakeable optimism, his sense of humor, and the way he made each of us feel we could do the impossible. He was truly one of a kind.”
Transportation Secretary and acting NASA Administration Sean Duffy praised Lovell's legacy and observed that astronaut went on to inspire millions of people.
"NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades," Duffy said. "Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements."
(Excerpt) Read more at justthenews.com ...
That was a good long run. What an exciting life to have lived.
Keep the “fake moon landing” freaks off this thread. Lovell doesn’t deserve their BS.
I was literally getting ready to post about the same thing.
I worked at JSC back in the day and knew Jim well, went to many a gathering at his house. RIP Jim
In terms of revealing new things Apollo 8 was in many ways as dramatic as Apollo 11. The first full clear photos of our planet changed the way we saw things.
He was practically my neighbor at one point. Great guy.
Apollo 13, the Right Stuff and October Sky movies were all it took to guide my son to a career as an astronautical engineer.
I remember the near disaster that occurred on Apollo 13, when I was a young skull full of mush. I was impressed with how Capt Lovell kept his cool and avoided a tragedy. RIP, Capt.
RIP, National Hero.
I third that.
RIP
One wonderful day I had a very long chat with Frank Borman. He told me that the only terrible thing about going to the moon is that there is nothing ever again that exciting. He reminded me that astronauts are strictly adrenaline junkies.
He also said that the Saturn V boost phase was pretty terrifying.
He is finally walking on the moon now. Missed his only shot n Appollo 13.
Yes one is lucky to live so long good genes and good luck rare things indeed.
Rest In Peace, Jim Lovell.
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