James Lovell, Apollo 13 Commander, Dies at 97

Veteran astronaut James Lovell, renowned for commanding the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission and embodying unwavering resolve during a perilous spaceflight, has died in Illinois. He was 97 years old. His family announced his passing on Friday, August 8th.

Lovell’s distinguished career spanned numerous pivotal moments in American space exploration. Prior to leading the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, he participated in three earlier missions: Gemini 7 and Gemini 12, and the groundbreaking Apollo 8. His participation made him the first astronaut to venture into space on so many occasions. He passed away at his home in Lake Forest, a suburb of Chicago.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of our beloved father, USN Captain James A. ‘Jim’ Lovell,” a family statement read. “He was an exceptional Navy pilot and officer, astronaut, leader, and space explorer.” The statement emphasized both his professional accomplishments and the deep affection held for him within his family.

NASA expressed condolences, celebrating Lovell’s lasting impact. “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,” NASA stated. The agency highlighted how Lovell’s legacy extends to current programs like Artemis, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface.

During the Apollo 13 mission, disaster struck approximately 56 hours into the flight and some 200,000 miles from Earth when an oxygen tank exploded, crippling the spacecraft’s electrical systems and depleting vital resources. The crew, including Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred W. Haise, were forced to utilize the Lunar Module – designed for only two occupants – and confront dwindling power, water, and breathable air in frigid conditions. Instead of landing on the moon, they successfully navigated back to Earth, arriving on April 17th.

Actor Tom Hanks, who portrayed Lovell in the acclaimed 1995 film Apollo 13, paid tribute online, praising Lovell’s courage and pioneering spirit. While the film immortalized the phrase “Houston, we have a problem,” initially spoken by Jack Swigert, it was ultimately Lovell who delivered the succinct message to mission control.

Prior to Apollo 13, Lovell, alongside Frank Borman and William Anders, achieved another milestone on Apollo 8 in December 1968 – becoming the first crew to orbit the moon aboard a Saturn V rocket. On Christmas Eve of that year, their broadcast of verses from Genesis resonated globally, with Lovell’s reading concluding, “And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.” Borman finished with the iconic message: “Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you on Earth.” He also participated in a 14-day Gemini 7 mission.