Astronaut Jim Lovell has died at the age of 97, SkyNews reported. Lovell was commander of the Apollo 13 space mission and a veteran of the Gemini VII, Gemini XII, and Apollo 8 expeditions, NOVA reported.
In their official profile on Platform X, NASA wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of “Apollo 13” and four-time space mission veteran”.
“Lovell's story was an inspiration to millions of people around the world. world. His courage under pressure helped pave the way to the moon and beyond - a journey that continues today.
During his Apollo 13 mission, Lovell successfully returned to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion, turning a failed mission into a triumph.
He was also set to be the fifth person to set foot on the moon. But his flight was jeopardized by a sudden explosion that occurred 200,000 miles from Earth.
NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said the astronaut's life and work "have inspired millions of people over the decades."
"He was a true pioneer. From Gemini to Apollo, Jim helped "Our nation is forging a historic path in space that leads us forward to the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond," Duffy said.