Pioneering Astronaut Jim Lovell Dies at 97 Amid ‘Apollo 13’ Anniversary Plans

James Lovell, a veteran astronaut who played a pivotal role in NASA’s storied Apollo program, has died six weeks before a special IMAX re-release commemorating the film adaptation of his harrowing mission. NASA confirmed Lovell’s passing Thursday, August 7th, at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois; he was 97 years old.

Lovell’s legacy is inextricably linked to the Apollo 13 mission of April 1970, a flight intended to land astronauts on the moon but that nearly ended in disaster when an oxygen tank explosion crippled the spacecraft two days into its journey. Along with crewmates Jack Swigert and Fred Haise – now 91 and the sole surviving member of the Apollo 13 team – Lovell navigated a perilous return to Earth, relying on ingenuity and backup systems aboard the lunar module for survival. Their safe splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970, marked a triumph over adversity and provided invaluable lessons for NASA.

The gripping narrative of their ordeal was brought to life in “Apollo 13,” the acclaimed 1995 film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks as Lovell. To celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary, Universal Pictures is planning a special IMAX release beginning September 19, 2025, honoring the original theatrical debut from June 30, 1995. The production team meticulously recreated the mission’s events, consulting with Lovell and NASA experts to ensure accuracy – even filming portions at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

“NASA extends its deepest condolences to the family of Captain Jim Lovell,” stated acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “His character and unwavering courage were instrumental in our nation’s lunar achievements and transformed a potential tragedy into an extraordinary learning experience.”

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928, Lovell’s distinguished career included Gemini XII and prior Apollo missions before assuming command of Apollo 13. He was selected as an astronaut in September 1962, embarking on a journey that would inspire generations. The film “Apollo 13,” featuring Hanks, the late Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Kathleen Quinlan, vividly portrayed not only the astronauts’ struggles but also the dedication of ground control engineers working tirelessly from Houston to bring them home.