Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, 97, passes away
Jim Lovell — A Legacy of Courage and Innovation
Commander, Challenger, Hero
The former Navy aviator and veteran of two lunar voyages, Jim Lovell passed away at 97 after a life that inspired generations. NASA announced the loss on Friday, noting his enduring resilience.
Apollo 13: A Mission at the Edge
- April 11 1970 – the launch of Apollo 13, the space program’s third attempt at a lunar landing.
- Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise were expected to set foot on the Moon.
- An oxygen tank explosion shattered the plan, prompting Swigert’s iconic line: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
- Lovell repeated the phrase, a variation from the movie script.
- Near 200 000 miles from Earth, the crew sheltered inside the Lunar Module, looped around the Moon, and rapidly returned home.
- NASA’s ground team, backed by Lovell’s calm leadership, engineered a safe rescue.
Recognition and Aftermath
In honor of the mission’s success, Lovell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Despite the achievement, he never flew again.
Early Years: From the Navy to the Moon
- Born March 25 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio.
- After a Navy flying career, he joined NASA.
- He was one of three astronauts aboard Apollo 8 in 1968, the first to orbit the Moon.
- During that flight, the crew captured the iconic “Earthrise” image, showing Earth’s blue planet glimmering beyond the Moon.
Family Tribute
The Lovell family described him as their “Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family.” They emphasized his unshakeable optimism, humor, and the belief that the impossible is achievable.
Memorial Quote
“Jim Lovell, who for a long time had gone farther into space and for longer than any other person on our planet, was that kind of guy.” – Tom Hanks on Instagram
Final Thought
“There are people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to the places we would not go on our own.” – Tom Hanks on Instagram
