Former Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell Dies at 97

James Lovell Jr., a celebrated American astronaut best known as the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, has passed away at the age of 97. NASA confirmed his death on Friday, noting that he died Thursday in a Chicago suburb. Lovell’s career embodied decades of exploration and resilience, inspiring countless individuals with his steadfastness and courage.

Lovell served as a Navy pilot prior to joining NASA’s astronaut corps. He journeyed twice to the Moon, though notably never set foot on its surface. His legacy rests significantly on his calm leadership during the Apollo 13 crisis in April 1970, an event that captivated the world and nearly resulted in tragedy. The mission, intended as humanity’s third lunar landing, was jeopardized when an oxygen tank exploded en route to the Moon, prompting astronaut Jack Swigert’s now-iconic communication with ground control: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” While the phrase is famously known from the 1995 film adaptation of the event, NASA clarified that Lovell himself later repeated a slightly different version.

Facing what appeared to be an insurmountable predicament approximately 200,000 miles from Earth, Lovell and his crewmates – Jack Swigert and Fred Haise – along with engineers on the ground, collaboratively devised a solution. The spacecraft was rerouted, utilizing the Lunar Module as a “lifeboat,” for a perilous return trajectory to Earth. The United States watched anxiously as the three astronauts battled to survive. Lovell’s composure and the innovative problem-solving of NASA personnel ultimately ensured their safe homecoming.

Actor Tom Hanks, who portrayed Lovell in “Apollo 13,” acknowledged Lovell’s extraordinary accomplishments in an Instagram post, describing him as a figure who “dared, dreamed, and led others to places we would not go on our own.”

Born March 25, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, Lovell gained prominence as one of the first three individuals to orbit the Moon during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. That same mission produced the famed “Earthrise” photograph, offering a poignant perspective of our planet against the lunar backdrop.

In a statement released through NASA, Lovell’s family expressed their profound pride in his remarkable life and career. They emphasized his significance as “Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family,” adding, “Most importantly, he was our Hero.” His unwavering optimism and sense of humor will be deeply missed. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service but did not participate in further space missions after Apollo 13.